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Dawnforger: Part 1

铸碑者的黎明·上篇

29 chapters · 2461 lines · English and Chinese below. Japanese and Korean, voices and theatre mode are in the reader.

Cooperative Paradox 合作悖论

(A warm wind blows across the Doll Community's experimental fields. As planned, tomatoes and purple sweet potatoes have taken root in the carefully cultivated soil and are growing with vigor.)（温热的风划过精心改良过的土壤，和预想中的一样，番茄和紫薯正在人形社区的试验田中茁壮成长着。）

(I can't help but feel a little sentimental as I'm met with this sight as I step out from the empty warehouse. Despite the substandard fertilizer available to us with our limited supplies, the Dolls have made incredible agricultural progress off the back of their patience and rigor.)（从空旷的仓库中出来，再次见到这副光景，我不免有些感慨。虽然因为物资匮乏，肥料低于标准线，但人形们凭借耐心与严谨，在务农工作上达成了惊人的成果。）

UllridNot bad, right?怎么样，还不错吧？

CommanderSo you suggested collaboration between us because of—所以，这次你们打算和我合作，就是因为——

(Hurried sound of footsteps breaks up our conversation before I can finish my question. Littara runs towards us with considerable distress on her face.)（还没问出口，一阵脚步声便打断了我们的对话。是莉塔拉，她小跑着向我们奔来，脸上的神情带有些许慌张。）

UllridWhat is it, Littara?莉塔拉，怎么了？

(Littara begins writing at blinding speed before she even steadies herself.)（没等在我们跟前停稳，莉塔拉已经飞快地拿出了纸笔开始写字。）

Littara[Our joint bearing stocks have run dry along with other materials. The precision of everyone's movements has deteriorated due to a lack of maintenance and our harvest from the fields might be decreased as a result.] —Littara「关节轴承库存耗尽，其他的材料也库存告急了。因为缺少素体维护，现在大家的行动精度有所下降，试验田的收成可能会减少一些。」——莉塔拉

Ullrid...Yeah, I expected as much. Don't worry, that will be resolved soon.……嗯，我大概也想到了。别担心，很快就会解决的。

(The brief moments of enjoying the harvest's cheer and comfort are short lived as we get swept up by troubles again.)（刚刚还沉浸在丰收的喜悦中，没想到，短短的几分钟内，我们却要开始为这种事情而苦恼。）

(Littara greets me again in text form, despite having seen me just moments ago.)（似乎是看到了乌尔丽德身边的我，明明刚刚才见过，她还是用文字再次向我问了好。）

Littara[There's no need to worry, Commander. It's not a major problem. Please, do stay a while longer.] —Littara「别担心，指挥官。不是很严重的问题，请您待久一点吧。」——莉塔拉

(...?)（……？）

(Why is she saying this all of a sudden?)（为什么突然这样说？）

(I'm a little confused, but I figure that it mustn't be anything serious with the firm yet amicable expression on Littara's face. She still notices the sliver of confusion on my face though, and she becomes a little nervous as she scrambles to write something down.)（我有些疑惑，但是看着莉塔拉友善而又坚定的表情，我想这应该并不是什么坏事。但她仍旧捕捉到了我细微的疑惑。很快，她的表情变得有些害羞，慌忙又想要写些什么。）

UllridShe must be worried that you're leaving, with you coming to check on the logistics here so suddenly.你今天突然要检查资源情况，她很担心你要离开吧。

UllridAs you have seen, the supply availability here may be even worse than you imagined. You are bound to form reservations about our proposed collaboration.毕竟你都看到了，这里的物资很可能比你想的更加匮乏，难保你不会对合作的事情有所保留。

CommanderWhy would I...怎么会……

CommanderWell, I've only been staying here to solve these issues.不如说，我就是为了解决这一系列的事情，才一直待在这里的。

CommanderDon't we have a "broker dream" to realize, too? I've already gotten things underway, actually.再说了，我们不是还要实现“暗商梦想”吗？事实上，我可已经在行动了。

UllridLittara, how much longer can our emergency materials and parts last us?莉塔拉，应急材料和零件还能支撑多久？

Littara[I tallied them just a moment ago. If there are no unexpected losses, they should last us another week or so. I've already arranged their usage for everyone.] —Littara「刚清点过，如果没有意外损失，还能维持大概一周左右，我已经安排给大家使用了。」——莉塔拉

CommanderA week, is it? That should be enough.一周吗……差不多够了。

Littara[In that case, I'll take my leave now. I need to take stock of the viable supply channels we have.] —Littara「那么，为了清点可能的物资渠道，我就先走啦。」——莉塔拉

(Littara turns to smile and wave at us as she goes. Ullrid finally faces me once Littara has turned around for good.)（写完这句话，莉塔拉对我们鼓励似的笑了笑便走远了。直到莉塔拉不再回头招手，乌尔丽德才继续转向我开口。）

UllridYou mean to say...你的意思是……

CommanderI've been searching for buyers for the crops and a source of supplies for us.一边寻找作物的买家，一边寻找我们的物资供应商。

(The sound of an incoming call rings out in a timely manner. I take a look at my terminal to find that the caller is Poludnitsa. She must have a response for me regarding what we discussed previously.)（通讯提示音适时地响起，我看了一眼通讯界面，是佩妮泽，应该是之前谈过的事情有了消息。）

(I gesture with my terminal at Ullrid.)（我将通讯装置对着乌尔丽德晃了晃。）

CommanderLooks like things have gone well.嗯，看样子还挺顺利的。

UllridShall I step away?需要我回避一下吗？

CommanderNo need. You should listen in, too.不用，可以的话你也听一听。

(She nods, falling silent to indicate that I should take the call.)（她点了点头，然后沉默了下来，示意我可以接通通讯。）

PoludnitsaLong time no see, my old patron. I've got a little something for you.好久不见，老主顾，猜我给你带来了什么？

(Her energetic voice immediately comes through the terminal. She's as direct as always, as if any pleasantries would be disrespectful.)（通讯一接通，佩妮泽充满活力的声音便出现在了耳边，她还是这么直入主题，连客套都显得有些敷衍。）

CommanderSomething that inspires a bit more confidence than those cans you sold me last time, judging by your tone.……听你的语气，应该比上次卖给我的那批罐头靠谱。

CommanderLet's hear it. It would be great if you've found a bigger broker hub in a Yellow Zone, or a natural quarry of Collapse pieces for me.说来听听吧，你最好是帮我找到了黄区最大的暗商交易枢纽，或者天然坍塌晶条矿区。

PoludnitsaNothing as inconceivable as the products of your mind, but I guarantee you won't be disappointed. I still have a veritable "treasure" in the Yellow Zone for you.虽然没有你那些异想天开的东西，不过我保证，这也是黄区难得的“宝藏”，绝不会让你失望。

(The call continues to buzz with static as she sends over coordinates and files.)（通讯装置的声音持续响动着，一个坐标和相应的资料也被她传输了过来。）

PoludnitsaHave a look at what I've sent you.东西已经发过去了，注意查收哦。

CommanderLet me have a look... Is this a trade center in the Yellow Zone?我看看……这地方……是黄区的贸易城市吗？

PoludnitsaFormerly one of the Yellow Zones' many lesser settlements and one that nearly faded from existence. In just a few years, though, this place has quickly risen up, and its name, Mokosh, is spreading quickly among brokers.没错，原本是黄区众多小聚落中的一个，我记得曾经还险些消亡。不过，就在几年间，这个聚落迅速崛起了，名字在暗商之间也口口相传，叫做莫科什。

CommanderI don't believe in "quickly" rising up nowadays...我现在可不相信什么“迅速崛起”了……

PoludnitsaHehe... this is no spontaneously erected morning market. The trade volume there is among the highest of all Yellow Zone settlements, and many of its factories produce goods for the Green and even the White Zones. The place is no doubt on the rise.呵呵……这地方可不是随搭随建的流动市集。它的贸易额在黄区所有聚落中都是名列前茅的，其中不少工厂都在为绿区甚至白区供应商品，在黄区可是风光得很呢。

PoludnitsaUnfortunately, this place is not amongst mother earth's favored lands.不过很可惜，这地方却没能得到大地女神的庇佑。

PoludnitsaDue to the amount of daylight there, their establishment... the entire area, rather, has little luck with agriculture. I reckon you would be able to find a fair few buyers over there.因为光照的缘故，他们本地……或者说那一片地区的农业都不算太发达，你去那边看一看，估计能找到不少买家。

PoludnitsaIf you can establish a long-term cooperation, all of your problems won't be problems for much longer.如果能够建立长期合作的话，你担心的那些问题，都将不是问题。

CommanderWell, now that you lay it out, this does sound like it's worth a shot.好吧，那现在话又说回来了……这些东西听上去确实很值得一试。

PoludnitsaI knew you would have the guts for it.我就知道，你不是那么胆小的人。

PoludnitsaYou wouldn't have taken the top spot on the B.R.I.E.F. bounty rankings—不然也不会登顶今年B.R.I.E.F.赏金榜第一名——

(I interrupt Poludnitsa as she starts to poke fun at me.)（佩妮泽说着，有些调侃地笑了，我赶忙开口打断她。）

CommanderOk, enough of that. Any more and I'm going to suspect that you're calling me just to sell me out for my bounty.好了，别揶揄我了。否则我会怀疑你这次的情报是不是只是单纯地想把我卖了换赏金。

PoludnitsaHow could I? I'm just helping out an old client.怎么会呢？我只是顺手帮一帮老主顾的忙罢了。

PoludnitsaYou helped out my business even with a price on your head. I would have to be an idiot to throw such a client away.毕竟，你可是被通缉之后都不忘照顾我生意的大客户，这样优质的客户，我当然要好好把握住才行啊。

PoludnitsaIf there's money for you, there'll be money for me, no?只要你赚到钱，那我也有钱赚，对吧？

(Poludnitsa contacted me immediately after I became wanted and provided a variety of resources not easily accessible. She's one of the very few individuals deserving of my trust right now.)（在被通缉之后，佩妮泽第一时间便联络到了我，也为我提供了不少我现在不方便获取的资源。对于现在的我来说，佩妮泽是为数不多值得信任的人。）

CommanderYou don't need to say it. When have I ever done you wrong?这还用说，我什么时候亏待过你。

CommanderBy the way, you can relax. I know the position I'm in and I won't just go strolling in.另外，你可以放心了，我了解我目前的身份，这次不会就这样大摇大摆地过去。

PoludnitsaMhm, it's good that you know yourself.呵呵，很有自知之明呢。

PoludnitsaA most plentiful harvest to you in Mokosh, then.那就祝你在莫科什，收获“丰饶”的回报咯。

(With a simple farewell, Poludnitsa prepares to cut the call, but she suddenly appears to think of something.)（简单的告别后，佩妮泽准备切断通讯，这时，她像是突然想起了什么一样。）

PoludnitsaRight, is Mayling with you?对了，美玲没在你身边？

CommanderShe's on the Elmo; she's most likely doing her daily maintenance right now. You got something else to sell her?她在艾莫号上，应该是在进行日常维护保养。怎么，又想给她推销什么东西？

PoludnitsaOf sorts, yes. That'll be all from me.呵呵，算是吧。那么，就说到这了。

(Leaving me with that, she ends the call.)（说完，佩妮泽果断切断了通讯。）

CommanderWho knows whatever that was...神神秘秘的……

(I notice Ullrid's gaze still on me, and my mind returns to agricultural matters. I extend her an invitation.)（注意到乌尔丽德还在看着我，我的心思也回到了农作物的生意上，向她发起了邀请。）

CommanderHow about you come with me? If this deal goes through, the supply situation will probably be mostly taken care of. These crops you've put so much effort into can go somewhere, too.要不要和我一起去？如果能谈下这次合作的话，物资匮乏的问题恐怕能解决大半，你们精心培育了这么久的农作物，也能去往更远的地方。

UllridThat's a beautiful future you describe and certainly an important matter for this place, but I must ask why—您描述的前景十分诱人，对这里的发展也至关重要，可是，为什么要让我——

(The power plant blares with an alarm before Ullrid can finish. The alarm shrieks for the briefest moment before abruptly ceasing as if it had broken down.)（没等乌尔丽德回答我，热电厂内警报声便响了起来，不过，只有短暂的一瞬间，很快，像是设备故障一样，警报声便切断了。）

Ullrid...!——！

CommanderDon't tell me that's broken, too...该不会是连这东西都坏了吧……

UllridCommander, it's Suomi!指挥官，是索米——！

(Suomi runs at us while waving her arms, trying to say something. With the volume she can manage, though, I struggle to make out what she's saying.)（索米向着我们小跑着，挥舞着手臂，口中似乎还在说着些什么，只不过，因为声音太小，我始终都没能听清。）

(I only manage to hear her clearly when she gets closer.)（直到她冲到我面前时，我才终于听清她口中的话。）

SuomiC-Commander! Big Sis! Exit 2, to the north... ELIDs, a batch of... No, even more than that.指、指挥官！姐姐！北方向第二个出口……生骸，一批，不……好，好像更多。

UllridThe automatic defenses aren't functioning?自动防御失效了？

SuomiMost of the defense systems are overloaded due to the age of the repeater. We're... doing what we can for them.因为中继器老化严重，大部分防御系统都过载了，我们……正在紧急抢修。

SuomiCommander, we—指挥官，现在——

CommanderI understand the situation now. Prepare for combat, Suomi, Ullrid.情况我了解了，准备作战，索米，乌尔丽德。

Cooperative Paradox 合作悖论

SuomiPhew... that's taken care of.呼……这样就解决了。

CommanderThese internally competing demands certainly don't help the already dwindling supply stockpiles.不过这样发生在内部的冲突，让本就不富裕的物资储备雪上加霜啊。

UllridCommander, about what we discussed earlier... You're inviting me to come, too?指挥官，回到刚才的话题……您是在邀请我，一起去？

CommanderAs the overseer of the Doll Community, wouldn't you feel more secure if the proceedings were conducted in your presence?你作为人形社区的管理者，合作在你的参与下完成，你会更加放心吧？

CommanderI imagine that you're just as interested as I am about this place's "quick rise".而且……关于“迅速崛起”，我想你和我一样感兴趣。

SuomiOh... Are you going there with the Commander, Big Sis?诶……姐姐，您要和指挥官去哪里吗？

(Ullrid contemplates while staring at Suomi, speaking after a considerable pause.)（乌尔丽德看向索米，稍加思考后，她缓缓开口。）

UllridLet me bring Suomi along, then. If anything sudden happens, we'll be able to protect you, too.那让我带上索米一起去吧，万一有什么突发事件，像刚才那样，我们两个也能够保护你。

UllridWe'll also be able to bring along more crop samples with another person coming with us.而且……多一个人，也能多带些作物样品过去。

SuomiHuh?诶？

(Receiving no answer from either of us, Suomi tilts her head to the side as her confusion deepens.)（由于我和乌尔丽德都没有回应她，索米的头歪向一侧，看上去似乎陷入了更深重的迷惑。）

CommanderYou don't need to worry about my safety. Team Groza will be with me the entire way.关于安全问题，这一点你不用担心，闪电小队会始终跟随我行动的。

Ullrid...I see. You'd like to take "her" to someplace more vibrant for some relaxation, right?……原来如此，那是个很繁华的聚落吧，你也想带“她”去散散心，是吗？

(I smile and decide not to answer the question.)（我笑了笑，没有回答乌尔丽德的问题。）

CommanderSo...所以——

(I turn to the hapless Suomi.)（我看向有些手足无措的索米。）

CommanderSuomi, you should come along. We should have space for more companions if it'll help you feel safer.索米也来吧，如果这样能给你们带来一些安全感的话，再多带一些人形也没关系。

(Ullrid turns to Suomi as well, which makes Suomi pinch the hems of her clothes nervously.)（乌尔丽德也同时看向索米，同时被两个人注视着，索米紧张地捏住了衣角。）

SuomiWait, I can go with you and the Commander? Then what about the...那个，我也能和姐姐还有指挥官一起去吗？那社区这边……

UllridI'll be notifying the other Dolls in a moment to reorganize our resource usage plans. Things will operate as normal while I'm absent.稍后我会通知其他人形，在我不在的时间里，重新规划一下资源利用方案，保证我不在的时候，人形社区能够维持正常的运转。

SuomiOh, alright! But... where are we going exactly?啊，嗯！不过，到底要去哪里呀……

Corroded Invitation 锈蚀邀约

Mayling—Eh?——诶？

MaylingS-sorry, what was that? The... the 11th Bureau...您，您说什么？第……第十一……

(The familiar yet strange name sparks something in Mayling. Her hand holding her terminal shakes somewhat.)（听到熟悉而又陌生的名字，美玲握住通讯装置的手，竟然有了些许颤抖。）

PoludnitsaWhat, so shocked you can't speak?太震惊了，以至于说不出话了？

MaylingWell, I— It's just been so long. Even though you bring back news occasionally, Miss Poludnitsa, this is the first time... To think that I might be able to meet an engineer from the 11th Bureau...……诶，那个，毕竟这么多年了，虽然佩妮泽小姐也经常带来一些消息，但还是第一次……居然能够见到十一局的工程师……

PoludnitsaA pleasant surprise, to be sure. The Eleventh Mechanical Engineering Bureau's 7th Support Division has been helping out at Mokosh.算是意外收获吧，最近第十一机械工程设计局的第七支援组正在莫科什进行支援工作。

PoludnitsaWord on the street is that the senior engineer in their cohort this time once did relief work for the NSU. Perhaps you'd like to meet him?我听说，这次带队的特级工程师，也曾经参加过对新苏联的支援。你想不想和他见个面？

MaylingMeeting...见面……

(A thousand emotions flood into Mayling's mind. Expectation, excitement, anxiety, and apprehension among them.)（兴奋、期待、担忧、不安等复杂的情绪，一瞬间全部都涌上了美玲的脑海里。）

PoludnitsaWhat is it?怎么了？

MaylingIt's just that... I think I might need a while to mentally prepare myself.呼……只是觉得，大概要做很长时间的心理准备才行。

MaylingAnd I don't know whether they'll want to see me, either...而且，也不知道对方会不会愿意见我……

PoludnitsaOh, you won't need to worry about that.这一点，你倒是不用担心哦？

PoludnitsaThe other piece of good news I have is that they've been looking for you, too.另一个好消息，事实上，对方也一直在寻找你。

MaylingLooking for me?一直在找我？

PoludnitsaIf I remember correctly, they prepared a gift for you... some wine from their hometown. You might like it.我记得……好像还给你带了一些家乡的美酒作为伴手礼，不知道你会不会喜欢。

MaylingSuch a thing exists?!还有这种好事吗？！

PoludnitsaNot only that, they seem to be short on manpower at the moment. If you were willing to help, I'm sure you would be handsomely paid. The 11th Bureau is known for their generosity, amongst other things.不仅如此，他们那边目前还很缺人手，如果你愿意提供协助的话，报酬应该也很丰厚，十一局向来出手大方。

MaylingIf your intelligence weren't always so reliable, Miss Poludnitsa, I would've suspected that this was all part of some scheme.如果不是佩妮泽小姐的消息向来可靠，我简直要怀疑这是诈骗了……

MaylingOr maybe you've been reliable all this time just to pull in a big catch now...不对，说不定佩妮泽小姐一直以来的可靠就是为了在这一刻钓上大鱼……

PoludnitsaThe choice is yours. Whether or not you see them is entirely in your hands.……选择权在你，要不要见面，就看你的决定了。

MaylingIn my hands...我的决定……

PoludnitsaI've sent you the necessary details. You can contact them in advance if you'd like. Best of luck.那么，必要信息我就发送给你了，如果你想的话，提前和对方联络也没关系的。祝你好运。

MaylingAh... she's gone.啊……切断了。

(Only Mayling is left in the ops room to stew in her thoughts.)（艾莫号内，只剩下美玲望着空旷的指挥室沉思。）

MaylingMiss Poludnitsa sure moves fast...佩妮泽小姐动作还是这么快……

(Mayling hesitates for quite some time as she stares at the new name stored in her terminal. She doesn't work up the courage to make the call.)（看着通讯装置中陌生的名字，美玲迟疑了很久，终究还是没能拨出这个通讯。）

MaylingEh? Bweh???欸？欸欸欸欸？？？

MaylingWhy is it ringing? I didn't make any call!怎么突然响起来了！我没有拨出去啊！

MaylingOh, it's the Commander...呼……原来是指挥官啊……

CommanderWhat do you mean, "Oh, it's the Commander"? Were you expecting someone else?什么叫原来是指挥官……你在等谁的通讯吗？

MaylingN-no, not at all.没，没有啦。

MaylingWhat is it, Commander?那个，指挥官是有什么事情吗？

MaylingTo be clear, I'm busy right now. If you have any more work for me, you can beat it!事先说好，我这边可是忙着呢，如果要增加新的工作，免谈！

CommanderNo, I'm not the type to just slap you with work, anyway.怎么可能，我也不是一开口就要给你加工作的。

CommanderI'm taking Ullrid, Groza, Krolik, and Suomi with me to Mokosh. The Elmo will be in your hands in the meantime.我打算带乌尔丽德、闪电、克罗丽科还有索米一起去莫科什，这段时间，艾莫号可就拜托你了。

MaylingEh, Mokosh?欸，莫科什——

(She repeats the name as Poludnitsa's words reverberate through her mind.)（美玲重复了一遍这个名字，刚才佩妮泽的话再一次回荡在脑海中。）

First Fuse 第一根引线

GrozaThis place...这里……

UllridLooks like...似乎……

SuomiIt's kind of...诶……有些……

KrolikIt's way too extravagant!过于繁华了吧！

(We finally arrive at Mokosh after crossing a vast desert.)（越过了漫长的荒漠后，我们终于到达了莫科什。）

(From afar, this place is nothing short of a lurking metallic beast. A dome forged from metal covers the skies, and the radiation nearby is kept out by the natural barrier of an aged dam. Several colossal elevators handle the flow of traffic, like giant metallic tendrils endlessly swallowing and spitting out the surging crowds.)（从远处看，这里就像是一只匍匐的钢铁巨兽。钢铁铸成的穹顶笼罩天际，旧日的水坝坝体化作天然屏障，基本将辐射隔绝在外。数座巨型升降机承担起交通的职能，如同钢铁触须般不断吞吐着人流。）

(The space is clear as day despite being underground. Painfully bright floodlights are arranged in rows, extending endlessly into the depths of the man-made flood discharge tunnel. The humdrum of music from advertisements resonates as the sharp tones of synthesizers stab into eardrums like countless needles.)（虽然身处地下，可见空间却明亮如昼，刺眼的照明灯整齐排列，向着人工开凿的泄洪通道深处无止境地蔓延。单调嘈杂的广告音乐在密闭空间中反复回响，合成器发出的尖锐音调像一根根针扎进耳膜。）

(An exceptionally commercialized district is filled with the cries of countless vendors all wearing the same numb tiredness on their faces. Folks of different accents and skin colors mix together before the stalls. Some argue over tiny differences in pricing with reddened faces, while others count the precious few coins in their possession with mechanical movements. All in all, a stark contrast to the vast wilderness outside the city.)（商业化极高的街区，小贩的吆喝声此起彼伏，每张脸上都刻着同样的麻木与疲惫。不同口音、不同肤色的人们挤在摊贩前，有的机械般地点数着少得可怜的硬币，有的为了一点差价面红耳赤地争吵。这种热闹的气氛，和城市外的荒芜截然相反。）

CommanderIt is a trade city, after all... But still, to see such prosperity in a Yellow Zone is shocking.毕竟是贸易城市……不过就黄区来说，的确很惊人呢。

MaylingI've drifted through the Yellow Zones for ten years with you, Commander, but a city like this is still a first...跟着指挥官在黄区流浪了十年，这样的城市，还是第一次……

(I follow Mayling's gaze. Her attention isn't on the glaring electronic screens and towering economic districts but fully focused on the greenery by the roadside.)（我顺着美玲的目光看过去，她的视线并未在那些有些突兀的电子屏、楼宇、繁华的商业区中过多停留，相反，她正在目不转睛地看着街边的绿植。）

(...It's certainly strange to see that in a Yellow Zone.)（……这东西出现在黄区确实有些奇怪。）

(But the thing I'm more interested in at the moment is...)（不过，比起这个，我更加好奇的是——）

CommanderWhy did you come along anyway, Mayling? Wanted a holiday?为什么美玲也要跟来，想要度假了吗？

(A stall by the roadside draws Suomi's attention and she separates from the group with a jog.)（正说着，身旁的索米已经被路边的摊贩吸引了目光，抢先一步跑开了。）

SuomiCommander, I'm going to take a look over there! I'll be back later.指挥官！我去那边瞧瞧，待会回来哦。

KrolikWas this going to be anything other than a holiday? If we take out the crop samples in your bags, there's probably nothing but sunglasses and sun hats left over.难道不是在度假吗……你们的大包小包里装的除了作物样品，就只剩下墨镜和遮阳帽了吧。

MaylingT-this is crucial luggage!这，这是必备的行李啊！

MaylingBesides, I'm not here for a holiday either. Like I told you, Commander, I'm here because of my own work arrangements!而且，我也不是来度假的，指挥官，不是都跟你说了嘛，我也是有自己的工作才来的！

(She pats the backpack on her shoulders filled with all of her tools. She came here especially for an engineer who, she claims, has prepared a gift of their hometown's fine wine for her.)（美玲拍了拍肩上的背包，里面装满了她所需要的工具——她是特地为了一位来自故乡的工程师而来的，据她所说，对方好像还有家乡的美酒作为伴手礼。）

(Even without her mentioning it, I figure that she must be looking for information about her parents. This fellow townsman of Mayling's appears to be a senior engineer of the 11th Bureau.)（不过，不用她说，我大概也能想到，或许，她还能得到关于父母的一些消息吧。这位美玲的同乡，似乎是十一局的资深工程师。）

(It might not be so bad for Mayling to meet him here.)（要是能见一面的话，对美玲来说倒也不是什么坏事。）

MaylingSince everyone was going, it shouldn't be too much trouble to have me tag along.反正大家都要来，加我一个也不多吧。

SuomiCommander, Miss Mayling, they've even got band collab T-shirts here! They're the rare kind, too, editions I can't get elsewhere...指挥官，美玲小姐，这里连乐队联名T恤衫都有呢！还是稀有款，我在别处都买不到的款式……

(Mayling follows Suomi after hearing the call, and they wander off towards an oddity-peddling outlet selling a smorgasbord of curiosities.)（随着索米的呼喊，美玲也马上跟上了索米的脚步，二人一同朝一家不知道在卖些什么古怪玩意儿的杂货店门口探头探脑。）

CommanderMight as well take it as a holiday... Let's take the chance to relax a little. There really has been too much going on lately.算了，就当是度假也好……稍微放松一些吧，毕竟，最近发生的事情实在太多了。

CommanderBut I have to remind all of you to remain alert. Remember who you are right now and don't expose yourself.不过，我还是再提醒你们一下，保持警惕，记得自己现在的“身份”，不要暴露自己。

CommanderThat includes you, Mayling.——也包括美玲在内。

MaylingThat applies to you the most out of all of us, Commander... Ah, Suomi! Help me keep that merchant where he is!最需要记得自己“身份”的人，明明就是指挥官……啊，索米，帮我叫住那个商人！

(Mayling and Suomi dive into the store, leaving me behind to go over our current "identities" again with the Dolls still around me.)（说完，美玲便和索米钻进了杂货店，我则留在原地，再次和身旁的人形重复一遍我们的“人物设定”——）

CommanderThe uncrowned kings of tomatoes, successful brokers and produce specialists of southern Sarne, the Sosa family, is currently enthusiastically expanding into the Western area. In other words, we have a whole lot of money and nowhere to spend it.在萨尔内南侧专营农产品的成功暗商——番茄界的无冕之王索萨家族，目前正在积极拓展西区的业务，换言之，现在正是有钱没处花的时候——

CommanderRight, and our business is a family one. You are, respectively, my younger sister, older sister, and...对了，而且我们的生意还是“家族企业”，你们分别是我的妹妹……姐姐……还有……

GrozaDaughter?女儿吗？

(Groza watches as the gears in my head get stuck and kindly drops me a reminder. She looks at Mayling and Suomi with a smile as the duo busy themselves picking out wares.)（闪电见我的思索卡壳，像是提醒我似的，笑着看了看正在和索米一同挑选商品的美玲。）

CommanderShe's not a child anymore. Mayling is an engineer who can stand on her own now.她可不是小孩子了，现在的美玲，已经是独当一面的工程师了。

(Her words remind me of when we first met Mayling years ago. Groza's in a mood to crack jokes for once, a rare sight considering our recent circumstances. Despite us having very few opportunities to be alone with each other, I can't help but tease her a little.)（闪电的这句话，让我想到了多年前，我们两个刚遇到美玲的时候。尽管很久没什么单独相处的机会了，但在最近这种状况下，难得见到闪电有心情开玩笑，我也不免想要调侃一下闪电。）

CommanderIf we're getting into character, however, it might not be so bad to make her the child.不过，作为角色扮演的话，偶尔这样，让美玲再变回小孩子也不错。

GrozaHehe... Commander, you look a little too young to be Mayling's guardian.呵呵……要做美玲的监护人，指挥官的外形，看上去还是有些太年轻了呢。

CommanderHow about you remind me of the other characters we're playing?哈，那你要不要再提醒我一下其他的角色？

(Seeing as Groza's in a good mood with a smile on her face, I can't help but enter holiday mode myself. I continue on the topic.)（看到闪电的笑容，我也感觉到了她的心情不错，我不免也有些进入了假期的状态，也就顺着这个话题说了下去。）

GrozaYou should remember who your "partner" is this time, right?那您应该记得吧，这次扮演您的“伴侣”的是谁？

(Her expression changes the moment I ask that question.)（没想到，闪电的表情，却在我问出这个问题后，立刻就变得不同了。）

CommanderI think it was...我记得……

(I remember, but I'm not sure whether I should answer at the sight of the expression on Groza's face.)（记得是记得，但是看到闪电的表情，我有些犹豫，这是否应该说出口。）

UllridIt is my honor. The character of the Commander's "partner" has been left to me this time for the sake of convenience in entering various business-adjacent scenarios. I will do everything in my power to fulfill my duties... Uh, Groza, what's with that look in your eyes?很荣幸，这次为了方便我陪同指挥官出入各种生意场合，“伴侣”，这种角色交给我来负责了，我会尽职地履行伴侣义务……嗯，闪电，你，眼神里的敌意是？

(Ullrid answers the question for me with good intentions, but her voice trails off as she perceives the invisible "sparks" between Groza and me.)（乌尔丽德见我的话卡在嘴边，本想善意地出声提醒。但当她看到我和闪电之间并不存在的“火星”时，也很快就没了声音。）

GrozaHmph... I see how it is, Commander.哼哼……是这样啊，指挥官。

GrozaI used to be responsible for these roles, you know?明明之前，这种角色都是“我”来负责的呢？

(She looks at me with a smile bearing a deep meaning. Groza doesn't typically take these things so seriously with her personality, though. She must be saying this just to ease the mood.)（闪电别有深意地笑着看着我，不过，以闪电的性格来说，她往常并不会为了这种事而较真，这样的话，想必也只是她放松状态所开的玩笑。）

(But Ullrid doesn't know that. Even if she looks the same as she always does, I catch her placing one hand behind her back, running her fingers over something in her palm.)（不过，乌尔丽德可能就没那么放松了，尽管看上去和往常别无二致，我却看到了她正在悄悄将手背到身后，手中似乎还捏着什么。）

KrolikWhat are you quibbling about? We're just taking on identities to make things easier. Leader, like we talked about last time, it's good to have a change of character sometimes too. We can't always play the same role.你们磨叽啥？只是一个为了方便行动的身份而已。而且闪电队长，上次也说过，偶尔你也应该换一下角色，可别当的太习惯啦。

(Krolik shields me behind herself as she speaks. Her bunny ears sway in the wind, and I wonder how I previously failed to realize how comforting the sight of her figure is from behind.)（克罗丽科说完，便将我挡在身后，风吹动她的兔耳，我之前怎么没有发觉，她的背影竟然这么可靠。）

Groza...……

GrozaThat's true. Perhaps taking on the role of the Commander's elder sister will help me gain a greater understanding of him.也对，偶尔，享受一下指挥官“姐姐”的身份，对了解指挥官说不定也会有帮助呢。

(I place a hand on Krolik's shoulder and gratefully give it a pat.)（我轻轻将手放在克罗丽科的肩上，感激地拍了拍。）

CommanderKrolik, aren't you going to take a look around? There looks to be a lot of stuff here you can't get over at the Doll Community.克罗丽科，你不去看看吗，这边好像可以买到不少人形社区那边没有的东西。

KrolikTsk, the mission's not finished yet, is it? Why are you so keen to mess around like the others, Commander?啧，任务还没做完吧？指挥官怎么也像那些家伙一样想着玩啊。

CommanderLook, Krolik, aren't those bunny ears over there rather nice? I've never seen those models before.克罗丽科，你看，那个摊位好像有不错的兔耳，之前都没见过的。

KrolikReally?! Where... W-wait, hold on. I-I don't remember asking you?! I'm not interested in that stuff at all! Just who's the one having a holiday here, Commander?!是吗？在哪……等，等等。谁、谁问你这个了啊？！我对这东西一点兴趣都没有！指挥官！！到底谁是来度假的啊！！

KrolikBah, whatever. I'm going to go check that place out if you're going to be like this! Tell me immediately if anything happens!哼，不管了，既然你坚持这样，我就去考察一下那家店，有什么问题立刻通知我！

(Without another word, Krolik also plunges into the motley mass of goods on sale.)（说完，克罗丽科也一头扎进了那些目不暇接的杂货堆中。）

(I take a brief look around. This market is unprecedentedly large as far as the Yellow Zones go, but there are precious few stalls selling produce around here. The offerings on display from the few open vegetable and fruit stalls cannot be compared to the fine crops of the Doll Community.)（我随意瞟了一眼，虽然以黄区来说市场规模空前，这里的农作物摊位却不算多，为数不多的蔬果摊，也很少能见到像人形社区中那样品质优良的产物。）

CommanderI think the market here is going to be considerable.总觉得这里大有市场啊。

GrozaThen, mister "broker", will you be perusing the goods with your "sister", whom you have relied on since your early days?那这位“大暗商”，要不要和你从小相依为命的“姐姐”一起逛逛？

UllridThat's right, Commander. You always advise others to relax, but you're constantly high-strung yourself.是啊，指挥官，你总是劝其他人放松些，自己却这么紧绷可不好。

CommanderRich coming from you, Ullrid. Since we set off, you've squeezed that rubber pig of yours a few dozen times, haven't you?最没立场说这话的人就是你吧……乌尔丽德。从跟着我们出发以来，你已经偷偷捏了胶皮猪好几十次了。

CommanderIf I remember what Littara said correctly, that's one of your stress toys.我记得莉塔拉说过，那是你解压用的玩具吧？

CommanderWe can't have our potential collaborators seeing that, right?不能被要谈合作的对象看到哦？

(She awkwardly touches the tip of her nose.)（乌尔丽德不好意思地摸了摸鼻头。）

UllridAhem... Strictly speaking, that's only the second time. I am a bit nervous, though. Most people aren't like you, Commander.咳……严格来说是第二次。不过，是有些紧张，毕竟大部分人类，和指挥官你不同。

(Her gaze lands on the store that Suomi and Mayling entered. I sigh, then turn to Groza who's by my side.)（话音刚落，乌尔丽德的目光利落地瞟向了索米和美玲所进入的店铺。我叹了口气，看向另一边的闪电。）

CommanderYou've noticed too, haven't you?你也注意到了吧？

(Just to the left of that store, I clearly see several people lurking nearby. They're holding makeshift firearms made of miscellaneous parts, their rusted shells glistening with mottled light.)（就在那家商店左侧，我清晰地看到了，那是几个已经蹲守了一段时间的人，手中还拿着武器——几把用组装零件制造的简易枪支，锈蚀的金属外壳正反射着细碎的寒光。）

CommanderI'd love to enjoy my holiday, but...我是真的很想度假，不过……

CommanderThose two might be in danger.美玲和索米，她们很可能有危险。

(Being dragged into such an incident just as we arrive in Mokosh is hardly a good omen. However, before I can even think through the situation, Ullrid's hand is already on her sword's grip.)（刚到莫科什，就被卷入这样的事件，这实在不算什么好兆头。不过，在我思考这些之前，乌尔丽德便已经将手放到了刀柄上。）

UllridThese are the humans I'm familiar with. Completely dominated by emotion, ready to commit themselves to violence they do not understand.这样的人类，才是我熟悉的——已经完全被自己的情绪所支配，准备投入自己也不甚了然的暴行。

GrozaEasy enough to tell from their expressions.看他们的表情就知道了。

(We shuffle a few steps towards that direction and get a proper look at their faces.)（我们稍微向那个方向移动了几步，靠近之后，我终于看清了他们的脸。）

(Sunken cheeks, swollen skin, and feeble bodies. But more striking still are their expressions, hollow and wavering gazes as if they had totally lost the ability to focus. They're the very spitting image of madness and self-abandonment.)（瘦到凹陷的脸颊，浮肿的肌肤，还有羸弱的身体。更重要的是，他们的表情——空洞而动摇的眼神，就像是丧失了聚焦的能力一样，流出一股自暴自弃的涣散与疯狂。）

GrozaI began observing our surroundings just a moment ago. It's not just them that are struggling to focus... Looks like there are a considerable number of people in this city who are that mentally compromised.从刚刚开始我观察了一下，注意力难以集中的人不仅限于他们……看起来，这座城市有相当数量的人口在精神的安定性上值得关注。

(I look about and confirm Groza's statement. In the bustling vibrance of the crowd, many of the people here wear a similarly strange expression, including the vendors and idlers on the side of the street.)（我环顾四周，毫无疑问，闪电说的没错。在热闹而又充满生机的人群中，藏着不少看上去这样神情怪异的人，甚至，不少摊贩、在街边闲坐的人，都带着这样的表情。）

UllridThey're about to get moving.他们好像要开始行动了——

GrozaLooks like a heist... or maybe a robbery.像是准备进行盗窃……也或许是抢劫行动。

CommanderWe can't allow Mayling to fall into danger. Prepare to suppress.不能让美玲陷入危险，预备镇压。

(Gunshots ring out inside the store. The individuals we noticed earlier quickly pick up their weapons and rush in. The surging sound of screaming immediately fills the air.)（话音刚落，枪声便响起在了杂货店内，紧接着，刚才被我们所注意到的那些人迅速拿起武器冲了进去，此起彼伏的尖叫声在附近传来。）

EscapeeHow many times has it been this week?! I told you we should've driven them out!见鬼了，这是这周第几次了？！我早就说应该把这群家伙赶出去的！！

Angry OnlookerThese lower castes shouldn't even be allowed on this layer! Lock them up already!这帮下等人就不该出现在这一层！！把他们锁起来！！

EscapeeAAH! They have guns, guns! Where are the goddamn Oathsworn?! What happened to all the tax money we paid?!哇啊啊啊！！居然能弄到枪！！该死，誓卫军的人呢？！我们缴纳的税金都变成什么了啊？！

(Suomi and Mayling are not among the masses we see fleeing from the site.)（只不过，即便已经见到了这么多落荒而逃的人，我们仍旧未能见到索米她们的身影。）

(Suomi should be able to handle these situations, but Mayling is flesh and blood.)（索米应该能应付这种情况，但美玲可是血肉之躯。）

GrozaCommander, ready to suppress!指挥官！镇压准备就绪。

CommanderGroza, Ullrid, prepare for combat!闪电，乌尔丽德，准备作战！

First Fuse 第一根引线

???The situation has been taken care of, Mr. George.已经全部处理完毕，乔治先生。

(The chaos doesn't continue for long. As one would expect, a squad of armed personnel named the Oathsworn quickly move out to settle the commotion, not unlike a well-secured Green Zone.)（混乱的场面并没有持续太久，和预想中一样，很快，甚至就像治安维护得极好的绿区一样，一小队被称为誓卫军的武装人员迅速出动，终结了这场小型动乱。）

(Judging from their movements, they've clearly received rather comprehensive training.)（从他们的行动看起来，明显受过完整可靠的训练。）

???What are you doing, Theia?希娅，你在干什么？

Theia...……

(The woman named Theia looks at those put on the ground with some uncertainty. Those executing the robbery with guns in hand just a moment ago are now restrained by the Mokosh Oathsworn.)（名为希娅的女性，看上去稍显迷茫地看着地上那些人——刚才还拿着枪支，在商店中掠夺的人们，现在正被莫科什誓卫军所控制。）

Vicious OathswornOn your knees, hands behind your head!全部蹲下，双手抱头！

Robbers...Gah, you traitors! George's dogs!……啊啊，你们这群叛徒！乔治的走狗！

RobbersKill us! Kill us already!杀了我们，杀了我们算了！

TheiaHurling indignities will not improve your situation.你们的谩骂对眼下的处境没有帮助。

TheiaYou don't have the right to simply die after consuming so many resources. Prepare to repent.在消耗那么多资源后，你们可没有轻易去死的权利，准备好改悔吧。

(The sounds of resistance gradually fade as the Oathsworn crack down, but the look in the belligerents' eyes becomes murderous.)（在誓卫军蛮狠的压制下，反抗声逐渐消失，但那些被压制的人的眼神，此刻却变得疯狂了起来。）

(They stare at the man in stately garb with a deathlike obsession, as if he's the target of some longstanding grudge. The man, however, only has enough attention to spare for Theia.)（几乎是像看待仇人一样，他们看着那名衣着得体的男性，但那名男性的眼睛却只盯着希娅。）

???No.不。

???There would've been a chance for repentance if they were simply uncooperative. However, making a mockery of the order in Mokosh before our guests is unforgivable.如果只是不合作，可以给改悔的机会。但在外宾面前公然破坏莫科什的秩序，不可饶恕。

???Get rid of them.放弃他们。

Theia...Yes, Mr. George.……是，乔治先生。

CommanderHey, hold on!喂，等等！

Ullrid—Don't go, it's dangerous.——危险，别过去。

(My shout is a moment too late. In a single moment, the belligerents all receive a bullet through the head. They cease all movement on the ground, the scent of their viscera mingling with gunpowder and spreading through the district air.)（我的声音还是迟了一步，一瞬间，那些被压制的人们，顷刻间便被全部射杀。他们倒在地上纹丝不动，血腥气息混合着火药味，在街区中弥漫开来。）

(Theia doesn't hesitate. It's evident that she's used to such scenarios. She neatens her gloves and continues her work as if the corpses on the ground aren't there, and she acts as if she hadn't heard my call.)（希娅并未犹豫，她似乎对此已经见怪不怪了，她整理着自己的手套，仿佛既看不见地上的尸体，也听不到我说话一样，她只是抬起头，继续向这名男性汇报着自己的工作。）

TheiaAll taken care of. Apologies for my oversight, I thought we still had vacancies in the underground prisons.已经全部处理完毕。抱歉，是我的失职，我以为地下监狱还有位置。

GeorgePrison space has never been an issue, Theia.地下监狱的位置从来不是问题，希娅。

GeorgeIf these people are encountered again, shoot them on sight regardless of who they may be. There will be no riots in the districts of Mokosh. It would hurt our business.这样的人，如果再见到，无论是谁，都立即射杀。莫科什的街区不允许发生暴乱，这会破坏我们的生意形象。

(The woman named Theia lowers her head in silence, her countenance hidden from view.)（名叫希娅的女性，沉默地低下了头，令人看不清她的表情。）

TheiaIf that is your will.若您希望如此，我会执行的。

GeorgeDo not make me remind you again.下次不要再让我提醒你了。

(Theia's expression remained unmoving the entire time whether she apologized, lowered her head, or was lost in perplexity. If there was anything that indicated any emotion, it would be her hand that periodically moved to caress the accessories on her person.)（希娅的表情始终都没有太大的波动，无论是迷茫，还是低头，还是道歉，她始终都保持着同样的表情。如果要说真的有什么情绪变化的话，大概只有她那只时不时会抚摸向自己身上饰品的手。）

(Finished with his rebukes, the man named "George" turns his attention to me.)（结束自己的训斥后，这名被称为“乔治”的男性似乎也注意到了我。）

GeorgeMy guest from afar, the way you gave your orders just now was most notable...远道而来的客人，刚刚你下命令的方式，让我印象深刻——

(Leaving his point half-unfinished, he takes a look at Ullrid. A hint of a smile appears beneath his cruel eyes.)（话说到一半，乔治看了乌尔丽德一眼，他那双狠戾的眼睛下，竟然出现了一抹笑意。）

GeorgeAnd... so are those who travel with you.你的……同行者们，也很出众。

GeorgeI assume you must be the reason I am here today...我想，你就是我今天会出现在这里的原因吧……

(His lips jerk into a smile.)（乔治那双狠戾的眼睛下，嘴巴突然扯出了一个笑容。）

GeorgeI must say that I did not foresee owing you a debt for assisting us with these terrorists before we even begin to discuss business.只是没想到，还没开始谈生意，我就欠了你协助我们处理这些恐怖分子的人情。

CommanderYou know me?你认识我？

GeorgeOf course! The uncrowned kings of tomatoes, successful brokers and produce specialists of southern Sarne, the Sosa family, who is currently enthusiastically expanding into the Western area.当然！在萨尔内南侧专营农产品的成功暗商——被称为“番茄之王”的索萨家族，目前正在积极拓展西区的业务。

GeorgeThey must be your... family members? That was the report I had received.还有她们是……呃，你的家族成员吧？我收到的报告是这样。

(He remembers the pitch even better than I do.)（很好，他看起来比我背诵得都要熟练。）

CommanderIt is an honor to be remembered by one such as you.我很荣幸被你这样的人物记住。

CommanderYou must be the overseer of this place with how knowledgeable you appear.既然你什么都知道，想必你就是这里的管理者吧。

GeorgeForemost leader, to be clear, but you may call me George. Someone who established themselves in the Yellow Zone through agriculture has the right to do so.确切地说，是第一领袖。不过，你叫我乔治也无妨，能在黄区以农业立身创业的人有这个资格。

CommanderOur family seeks to show you the utmost sincerity in this collaboration. As you can see, everyone responsible for the production and trade of our produce is present. Along with me are my older and younger sisters, partner, and... daughter. Uh, there's two of them who are currently off shopping.为了这次合作，我们家族拿出了最大的诚意，如你所见，家族中，主要负责农产品贸易的人都到齐了。这次同行的是我姐姐、妹妹、伴侣、还有……女儿，嗯，有两个去买东西了。

GeorgeYour family... and your daughters, too? This trip is considerable.……你的家人……你甚至带自己的女儿来？这段路不短呢。

CommanderAdopted. Those in our line must acclimate to travelling across the Yellow Zones one day, as you know.是收养的。你知道的，做我们这一行，迟早要习惯在黄区跑来跑去。

GeorgeA prudent assessment.这话有道理。

(An almost imperceptible sliver of skepticism travels through his eyes, but his lips are ready to smile with a sudden realization.)（他的眼神中闪过一丝不易察觉的狐疑，但嘴角已经提前做出了恍然大悟的笑容。）

GeorgeOur mutual friend, Poludnitsa, emphasized to me that you are to be well-treated. I am told that you are a most esteemed client of the brokers.我们共同的那位朋友，我是说佩妮泽，特别提醒过我，一定要好好招待您，听说，您在暗商那里也一直都是最尊贵的客户。

CommanderEsteemed is an overstatement. Poludnitsa made a hefty sum off me, taking... more than her fair share.说不上多尊贵，佩妮泽之前赚了我一大笔，超过了……公正的分配。

CommanderIntroducing me to a contact as prestigious as you is a rebate of sorts from her.介绍您这样了不起的人脉给我，对她来说算是返利了。

(No doubt used to such flattery, he smiles faintly and moves onwards. The judgmental look on his face eases.)（眼前的人显然听惯了类似的恭维，淡淡一笑，不置可否，神情中的挑剔之色却减弱了不少。）

TheiaMr. George, preparations for the banquet are complete. Shall I escort our guests to the hotel?乔治先生，晚宴已经开始准备了，您是否需要让我先带客人们前往酒店？

(Theia suddenly interjects in our conversation, having finished directing the squad's scene cleanup.)（已经指挥小队清理好现场的希娅，突然插入了我们的对话。）

(George only motions for silence, quite unsatisfied with her interrupting him. He instructs her to leave.)（乔治却只是做了一个噤声的手势，似乎对她打断谈话的行为颇有不满，随后，他便让希娅先离开这里了。）

(Looks like some of my words do get through.)（看来我的话还是有些用处。）

GeorgeI am told that your family has a plot of land as large as Mokosh dedicated to planting tomatoes.听说，你的家族有像莫科什这么大的一片地，专门用来种植番茄？

(He questions me as we walk. His smile is exceptionally bright, almost bright enough to make one forget about the prying nature of his words.)（我们一边走，他一边问着我。他的笑容十分爽朗，几乎令人忘记这问话里试探的味道。）

CommanderThe Yellow Zones have no lack of land. The issue isn't space, but the distribution of fertilizer and sunlight.哈哈，黄区可不缺土地，关键不是面积，而是肥料和光照的分配。

CommanderOur family has some tricks that alleviate the issues at hand.我们的家族有一些窍门，可以解决这些困难。

(I mention the experimental fields over at the Doll Community. I've at least grasped the basics of agriculture after trying to keep up with everyone else.)（我提起了人形社区的那块小小的试验田，这段时间跟着大家，也算是在农业方面入门了……）

GeorgeThat is indeed the case. I would really like to know how you've accomplished this. We have tried as well, but our results were less than desirable.确实如此，真想知道你是怎么做到的，我们也尽力试过，结果不如人意。

GeorgeOh, but this really is no place to chat. Let us end our pleasantries here.好了，这里不是谈话的地方，让我们走完礼貌的流程吧。

(He smiles glowingly, and after thinking for a moment, he produces an invitation letter more ornate than something that should be appearing in the Yellow Zone and places it in my hand.)（他爽朗地笑了笑，稍加思考后，他掏出了一封精致得简直不该出现在黄区的邀请函，递到了我的手中。）

GeorgeLook at me, almost forgetting about important affairs.你看我，差点忘了正事。

CommanderWhat is this?这是什么？

GeorgeI value our cooperation and enjoy making friends. Of course, parties and balls are a necessity for any guest of mine.我很重视和你的合作，也很喜欢交朋友，当然，派对和舞会更是我必不可少的活动。

GeorgeHowever, it is my failing as the host that you encountered such disorder in Mokosh.不过，一来莫科什就让你遇到动乱，实在是我招待不周。

GeorgeSo please receive my hospitality for the time being. We shall begin with this welcome ball. How about it? I am certain that such an arrangement will be most fitting for your "family".所以，接下来的日子，就让我好好招待你一下吧，首先，就从这场欢迎舞会开始，怎么样？这样的场合，一定很适合你的“家人”。

(He takes a long and deep look at my "family", a knowing smile spreading across his lips. The discomforting look on his face makes me doubt whether or not he really has a passion for these parties and balls he speaks of.)（意味深长地看向我身旁的“家人”，他的笑容又加深了几分。这令人不适的笑容，让我不禁有些怀疑他是否真的热爱舞会。）

(Even if he smiles like he were my childhood friend reuniting with me after many years, I will never forget the ruthlessness with which he ordered the deaths of those people mere moments ago.)（即使他此时露出的笑容仿佛我是他阔别多年的儿时好友一样亲密，我也不会忘记他下令射杀那些人时的冷酷。）

(I'm sure he knows that, too.)（而他也记得这一点吧？）

GeorgeOr are you not so fond of such social occasions, perhaps?还是说，你不喜欢这种社交场合？

GeorgeThis is an invitation, not a necessity. If our guests respect us, they will receive nothing but the best in return.这是一份邀请，但不是要求，只要客人尊重我们，在这受到的唯有礼遇和尊重。

(Examining the exquisite patterning and foil stamping on the invite, I feel that I might as well give Groza a chance to relax.)（看着邀请函上精美的花纹和烫金工艺，我想，至少这是个让闪电放松一下的好机会。）

CommanderYou worry too much. You might not be aware of my other moniker.你多虑了，你可能不知道我另一个称号。

GeorgeHaha... what is it? I do hope it's not something like "Sarne's Dancing King".哈哈……是什么？我希望不是什么——“萨尔内的舞王”这种称号。

CommanderYou will know when the time comes.呵呵……你到时候就会知道了。

CommanderI'm looking forward to discovering Mokosh. I hope your ball will not disappoint me.我很期待了解莫科什，希望你的舞会，不会让我失望。

(George visibly relaxes as I accept his invitation.)（看到我接过了邀请函，乔治看上去放心了不少。）

GeorgeI can guarantee it will be nothing but the finest the Yellow Zones have to offer. Now, if you will excuse me—我保证，这是黄区所能拥有的最佳舞会。那么，我就先——

CommanderA moment, Mr. George.请留步，乔治先生。

GeorgeHm?嗯？

CommanderCould I wander around the premises as a cooperative partner of yours? My sister is rather fond of shopping and I could use the opportunity to... take stock of the economic environment here.作为合作伙伴，在这里期间，我可以获准到处逛逛吗？我的妹妹很喜欢购物，我们也可以考察一下这里的……经济状况。

GeorgeCertainly.当然。

GeorgeI can arrange a briefing for you, though. It would be significantly more efficient.不过，我可以为你安排一场说明会，效率会高很多。

CommanderIf I may speak frankly—恕我直言——

(I gesture at the surroundings.)（我指了指四周。）

CommanderThere is much that could be improved in terms of how the needs of the underprivileged are addressed. Judging from their clothing and equipment, they seem to be in dire straits, not that this is anything new to people like us who operate in the Yellow Zones.这里在处理底层人民的需求方面还有可以改进的空间，从装备和衣着来看，这些人似乎处在一个很绝望的境地，这样的人和事，在黄区的我们都不陌生。

George...……

GeorgeWell, you've caught me.哎哟，让你逮住了。

GeorgeWhere should we start?要从哪里开始？

CommanderOur family has our own processes, but before that... My partner wishes to see Mokosh's most luxurious hotel first.我们家族有一套自己的流程，不过首先……我的伴侣说她想见识一下莫科什最豪华的酒店。

CommanderIf it's not too much trouble, Mr. George, might you accompany us there?乔治先生，要不要行个方便，再陪我们一程吧。

UllridPartner... Heh.……伴侣……嘿嘿。

UllridSure.嗯。

GeorgeI would be a terrible host to have you manage these affairs yourself.我还会让你自己张罗吗？

GeorgeI've prepared a deluxe roof suite for you. I intended to escort you there after the ball, but now is no problem either.已经给你准备了豪华的顶楼套房，本想在舞会结束后送你们过去，当然，现在也没问题。

CommanderYou are a most generous host, Mr. George. After you.哈哈哈……乔治先生真是爽快，那就请你带路了。

GeorgeHaha... This way, please.呵呵……这边请。

(George raises a hand and makes an inviting gesture. Ignoring the hints of braggadocio in his voice, we follow him deep into the winding streets.)（乔治抬起手，向着前方做了一个邀请的姿势。无视了他语气中若有若无的卖弄，我与人形们跟着他走向街道深处。）

(Quite noticeably, even as George proceeds with easy steps, the people on the street all display expressions similar to the armed criminals from just a moment ago. Each and every one, vendor and passerby.)（令人在意的是，尽管乔治看上去轻松自如，但与他相反的是，街上的人们，无论是摊贩，还是路人，都露出了与那些持枪罪犯一样的表情——）

Lightless Night 无光之夜

(After George left us at the hotel, we tidied ourselves up before we stepped out on the street.)（在酒店告别乔治后，我们稍作整顿，便来到了街道上。）

(Because of the "work" Mayling mentioned previously, she was so keen to come here that she made preparations to come here by herself. For safety's sake, however, we ended up deciding to come together.)（因为美玲之前所提到的“工作”，她似乎十分想到这条街上来，甚至做出了单独行动的打算。但考虑到安全问题，我们还是决定一起来看看。）

CommanderThis place sure is a contrast from the hotel...这里和酒店内的差别还真大啊……

(I can't help but exclaim at the difference between the two environments.)（看着四周的环境变化，我不由得感叹。）

(Inside the lavishly grand hotel, everyone present seemed radiant and lively. They wore smiles on their faces as natural as those of any White Zone resident and the rooms were decorated with similar finery. There were even some carefully chosen little gifts laid out for us.)（毕竟，在刚才富丽堂皇的酒店内，那里的人们个个都看上去稳重得体，脸上也带着仿佛白区居民一般开朗的笑容。酒店的房间，也装潢精致得如同白区，甚至还摆放着悉心准备的小礼物。）

(On the other hand, the street we now find ourselves on is filled with those taken by pain or madness. Seeing as our goal is to survey the area, though, we do need to see all the places Mokosh has to offer.)（而现在我们所在的街区内，却充斥着或痛苦或狂躁的人们。不过，既然我们的目的是考察，能看到莫科什不同的各种地方倒是也没错。）

CommanderIt's better to get a more complete understanding of the place.总要了解得全面一点才好。

(Ullrid and Suomi are off preparing for the ball and tallying up the crops we brought. Only Groza and Krolik are with me. But Mayling appears a little off compared to yesterday. She's constantly looking around, as if searching for something.)（乌尔丽德和索米她们已经去准备舞会需要的东西了，当然，农作物的清点也是必备的，现在，我们的身边只有闪电和克罗丽科跟着。但即便如此，美玲却一改往日的作风，像是在寻找着什么似地，东张西望着。）

KrolikDon't worry, I'll protect you if anything happens!别怕，万一还有什么事，我会保护你们的！

(Mayling's preparations might have been mistaken for uncertainty regarding the security of this place, but Krolik tries to comfort everyone in her own way.)（或许是美玲的行为让克罗丽科误以为她在紧张这里的治安，克罗丽科便以自己的方式出言安慰着我们。）

GrozaCommander, it seems you don't trust that man named George at all?指挥官，你似乎完全不信任那个叫乔治的？

CommanderI can't help but feel that this place isn't quite so simple.我总觉得，这里似乎没那么简单。

CommanderHave you noticed that even the most luxurious hotel here is still a little...你们有没有发现，即便是这里最豪华的酒店，仍旧会有些……

KrolikNot glamorous enough? It's not quite what you'd find in the Green Zones, but it's still pretty good, right?不够豪华？虽然和绿区的没办法比，但已经很好了吧？

CommanderThere are no issues at all with it. It's perfectly up to Green Zone standards, even.规格上，没有问题，甚至完全符合绿区标准。

CommanderBut the only place where we could find goods for daily use was at the hotel. There aren't any other similar shops in the area.但是这里只有在酒店能获取日常用品，周边完全没有像样的商店。

CommanderIt may be a trade zone, but the only business we see being conducted is in the place where we came in. I don't imagine that the high trade volume Poludnitsa mentioned takes place entirely in that place.虽然是贸易区，但有人做生意的似乎就只有我们来时看到的地方，只看那个地方的规模，很难想象这里会有佩妮泽所说的交易吞吐量。

KrolikSo you mean there's trade going on in some place we can't see?也就是说，还有我们没看到的交易区？

(She surveys the surroundings and takes in the sight of the dilapidated district in sharp contrast to the hotel.)（克罗丽科环视四周，打量着比刚才的酒店破落数十倍的街区。）

KrolikWell, it can't be this place. I wouldn't be caught dead doing business here.那肯定不是这儿了，我才不要来这里做生意。

CommanderThat's where the problem is.这就是问题所在。

(We continue moving forward as we travel through the broken buildings. This street is maybe only one-fifth as well-lit as the street where the hotel sits, with only a few scattered light sources illuminating the silhouettes of our surroundings.)（我们穿过破败的建筑，继续向前走去。相比于酒店所在的街道，这条街道上的光照锐减了八成，只有极少数光源照亮周边的轮廓。）

(We decided to escort her together to the meeting, as we were totally unwilling to let Mayling move around this city by herself under any circumstances. It would serve as a part of our investigations into the city, anyway.)（因为无论如何也不放心美玲在这个城市里独自行动，我们一致决定送她来到约定的地点——反正这也是调查这座城市的一环。）

(Mayling opposed this "overly protective" course of action immediately, but she still clings onto my arm tightly, feeling a little fearful.)（美玲开始还反对这种“保护过度”的行为，此时却有些害怕，紧紧抱住了我的手臂。）

MaylingHm, this place's power supply is definitely lacking compared to what we saw when we just got here.呃，和我们抵达这里相比，这一带的照明电力供应明显不足。

CommanderA lot of power is required for underground illumination, but this is ridiculous. It's incredibly dangerous to live and work in these conditions.地下照明对能源的要求确实高，也不应该暗成这样。在这种环境下生活工作，危险系数也太高了。

(As unrealistic as expecting good lighting in the Yellow Zones is, the other party asked Mayling to meet them here.)（虽然在黄区苛求城市照明有些不合情理，但对方却约了美玲在这样的地方见面。）

(I condemn George's pretentious generosity deep down as I consider whether I should tell Mayling to give up on this request from her fellow townsman.)（我一边在心中谴责着乔治那副慷慨面目的虚伪，一边也在认真思考要不要让美玲放弃这个来自故乡之人的委托。）

(Just as I'm dwelling on the thought, the path ahead grows brighter.)（就在我这样想的时候，前方的道路却变得亮了一些。）

KrolikOh.啊。

MaylingEh? The power's back on?欸？来电了？

GrozaNo, this is... the work of a natural lighting system. Only a small portion of this is artificial.不，这是……主要是自然采光系统，只有少量是人工光源。

(The circular glass domes above us give off a gentle light.)（上方一个个圆形的玻璃罩，开始散发柔和的光线。）

(As faint as it is, the light extending down the street softens its sharp outlines.)（尽管有些微弱，但由源头处扩散开的光明，依旧将这条街的轮廓描绘的更加柔和。）

CommanderLooks like we've blamed George wrongly.看来我们错怪乔治了。

MaylingOh, light pipes. It must be a pain to set these up underground.原来是导光管啊，在地下铺设这个很麻烦吧？

(Light pipes are hardly a rare technology, and it's no rarity for underground shelters in the Yellow Zones to use light pipes for illumination. The deployment of them on such a large scale, however, is a considerable work of engineering.)（导光管并不是多么罕见的技术，在黄区的地下避难所里，使用导光管以阳光照明绝非罕见，可是一次有这么大的规模，令人对施工者肃然起敬。）

(The lighting system here has been carefully constructed to acquire light from the outside, combining it with artificial lighting that fills in the gaps on overcast days and at nighttime. A baseline level of brightness is maintained with energy consumption and cost-value ratio taken into account.)（明显是精心竭力设计出的向外部采光的光照系统，以及用来在夜晚和阴天进行弥补的人工光源，这综合考虑过能耗与性价比的方案，让这里维持住了最低限度的光照。）

MaylingLooking at it closely, this layout... it's perfect.而且仔细看看，这个布局……好完美。

(Illuminated by the soft light, we spot several people undertaking survey work. They're dressed in uniformed workwear, and they give off a different air than the agitation and dread found amidst the other residents of Mokosh.)（在明亮起来的柔光照耀下，我们见到了几个正在进行测算工程的人，他们穿着统一的工程服，有着和莫科什的百姓那焦躁与恐慌的生活状态不同的氛围。）

(A busy sense of fulfillment surrounds them, yet a certain tiredness mixes itself in.)（那是忙碌与充实的感觉，然而同时也无可避免地流露出某种疲惫。）

(Noticing our bizarre group of individuals, the one among them that appears most like the leader approaches us.)（注意到我们这一行奇妙的组合，他们中间像是领导的那一个向我们走了过来。）

???Mayling?美玲？

(The other party is an amiable old man. In stark contrast with the city's other residents, his eyes are bright, and he carries himself with vigor.)（对方是个看上去就十分和善的老先生，和这座城市的人不同，他目光有神，精神矍铄。）

(He identifies Mayling with a single look and carries himself calmly. His subtle gaze stays on me for a moment before he nods politely and turns back to Mayling.)（他一眼就认出了美玲，从容的站在我们面前，那难以捉摸的眼神只在我这里停留了一瞬，老人礼貌地点点头，目光又落回在美玲身上。）

(Looks like he's the "client" who arranged the meeting with Mayling, but her reaction is somewhat delayed, maybe because she's unfamiliar with such situations.)（看起来他就是和美玲约好的“委托人”，不过或许是很少遇见这样的场合，美玲的表情微微有些迟钝。）

MaylingA-are you speaking to me?您、您是在叫我吗……？

???Oh, apologies, I've forgotten to introduce myself. I'm Dr. White, a senior engineer of the Eleventh Mechanical Engineering Bureau.啊，抱歉，忘记自我介绍了，我是第十一机械工程设计局的特级工程师，白怀德。

(Mayling pulls out her terminal as the man speaks and seems to be comparing something. After a brief moment, she exclaims with a sudden realization.)（对方一边说着，美玲也一边拿出通讯装置，似乎在检查比对着什么。片刻后，她像意识到什么一样，发出了恍然大悟的声音。）

MaylingOh! It... it's you!啊！是……是您！

CommanderSomeone you know?认识的人？

(I'm still worried about Mayling, so I don't let my guard down. I take a step forward to stand next to her. She still seems to be doubting and questioning how she should express herself, but she manages to get something out after some considerable thought.)（怀着对美玲的担心，我没有放松警惕，上前一步，站到了美玲的身边。美玲却显得有些迟疑，像是在犹豫如何表达一样，想了很久，才说出这样的一句话——）

MaylingMm... I suppose, yeah. This is the person I told you about, Commander. The engineer that I share a hometown with.嗯……应该算是认识的人吧……这位就是我和指挥官说的，我同乡的工程师先生。

Dr. WhiteYou must be the Elmo's Commander. You are easy enough to identify.想必这位就是艾莫号的指挥官吧，你的长相，很好辨认。

(Seeing that Mayling is hesitant, he removes his protective gloves and offers me a handshake before I question him.)（似乎是看出了美玲的犹豫，在我向他发问之前，他先摘掉了保护手套，微笑着向我伸出了手。）

(His sleeve is newly stained with machine oil, and his hands still bear marks made by cabling. I wonder if it's due to his similar appearance to Mayling, but I don't feel any antagonism towards him.)（他的袖口上沾着少许新鲜的机油，手上还带着电缆勒出的痕迹。不知道是不是那份和美玲相似的面容所带来的亲切，我并不觉得反感。）

CommanderI don't know any Commander, I'm afraid.我不认识什么艾莫号的指挥官。

(I still offer him my hand even though I deny my identity.)（尽管否认了自己的身份，我却仍旧将手握了上去。）

(My name is by no means suitable to bring up in spontaneous conversation, but he does not treat me like a wanted criminal and offers me the same civility.)（我并不觉得自己的名字适合被随意提起，但既然他没有把我当做通缉犯对待，我也就只有从善如流。）

Dr. WhiteDon't worry, I won't do anything to jeopardize your interests. I only wanted to see Mayling, Commander.呵呵……放心，我不会做任何不利于你的事情，指挥官。我只是想见见美玲而已。

(I turn to Mayling, seeking her opinion. She nods.)（我看向美玲，想要征询一下她的看法，她对我点了点头。）

MaylingI... Yes, Miss Poludnitsa introduced me. Something about assisting with the work here in Mokosh...嗯……嗯，是佩妮泽小姐介绍的，说是莫科什有协助工作……

(She turns to the engineer after explaining the situation to me.)（向我解释一般地说完，美玲才转回头望向那位工程师。）

MaylingUh... What sort of project did you need my assistance with?那个……您这边需要我协助的，究竟是什么样的工作呢？

Dr. WhiteYou've seen all of it already. What are your thoughts on such work?呵呵……刚才你都看到了，这样的工作，你能接受吗？

(Dr. White turns somewhat to the side, gesturing for us to look behind him. The light we were so thankful for a moment ago comes from the most important illumination system on this side of the city. The work that Mayling was about to accept was related to this the whole time.)（白怀德微微回过身，示意我们看向他的身后——正是刚才我们所感慨不已的那些光芒，也是这座半地下城市最为重要的光照系统。原来，美玲所要接受的“工作”，竟然就是这件事。）

MaylingEh?欸？

GrozaThe lighting system here was constructed by you?这里的光照系统是您设计搭建的？

(The elderly man shakes his head with a smile. He only tosses a look of praise backwards to the team working behind him.)（这位老先生笑着摇了摇头，只是对身后正在工作的团队投去了一个赞许的目光。）

Dr. WhiteThe gathering of sunlight here requires an understanding of the geography, and the design still needs to be drafted by a local. I only initiated the project.要在这里采集太阳光需要对地形十分了解，设计执行还是要本地的人去做，我只是发起人。

KrolikDid George invite you here?是那个乔治请你们来的吗？

Dr. WhiteThe 11th Bureau and Mokosh established a cooperative relationship many years ago. An invitation from George wasn't necessary.十一局和莫科什，是多年前所达成的支援关系，乔治的邀请并不是必须的。

Dr. WhiteIn any case, it's not like the current Mokosh wants to be on the 11th Bureau's bad side.更何况，现在的莫科什，应该不想和十一局闹得太僵。

(I look at his jacket, and I find the 11th Bureau's mark and even the organization's operational goals emblazoned on it—relief efforts for humanitarian goals.)（我看着他的外套，上面有着十一局的标记，甚至连这个组织的行动目的也清晰地印在了上面——基于人道主义的支援建设。）

(If I'm remembering correctly, the files Poludnitsa provided me mentioned that the dam Mokosh depends on for its existence was constructed by the 11th Bureau for free.)（如果我没记错的话，之前佩妮泽给我的资料中写过，莫科什所依赖的水坝坝体，正是当年十一局所无偿援建的。）

Commander...So does it mean you're providing relief to this place as a charity?……所以你们算是无偿支援这里？

Dr. WhiteIt sounds strange, I know, but I think this is necessary.听起来好像很难理解吧，但我仍旧认为这是有必要的。

Dr. WhiteMokosh's "sun" only reaches its surface, but its roots deep in the earth still need light to grow. Even if that light is borrowed.莫科什的“太阳”只能照耀到顶层，但地下的根，同样也需要光才能生长，哪怕是借来的光。

MaylingThat sounds meaningful enough for me. Rather... please let me join you!我能接受这样有意义的工作，不如说……请让我也加入吧！

(She leaps at the opportunity, even forgetting the fear in her heart as she stops holding tightly onto me.)（美玲跃跃欲试，甚至忘记了害怕的情绪，情不自禁地松开了紧紧抓住我的手。）

Dr. WhiteHaha, you really are like your mother.呵呵，你真的很像你的母亲。

CommanderA moment, Mayling. I have some things I'd like Dr. White to clarify first.美玲，稍等一下，我还想多请教请教白先生。

(I stop Mayling from getting ahead of herself. Perhaps she hasn't discovered the trick yet. Rather than a side job, this request is more akin to an interview.)（我制止了踌躇满志的美玲，或许她还没有发现吧？这次的委托与其说是一笔外快，反而更像是一种面试。）

(The old man in front of us is surely hoping that Mayling will return to the organization her parents came from, which isn't necessarily a bad thing for her. The 11th Bureau's work is no doubt meaningful and would make proper use of her talents.)（眼前这位老人，应该是希望美玲能够回归她父母出身的组织——对美玲来说，这也不失为是件好事。十一局的工作十分具有意义，也能发挥她的才能。）

(I come to the resolution that Mayling would be the one to make the decision herself. I would only make sure that she is not tricked or misinformed.)（我下定了决心——做决定的是美玲自己。而我，只要确认她不被蒙骗和缺失信息就好。）

Dr. WhiteOh? What do you want to know?哦？指挥官想了解什么？

CommanderForgive me if this is intrusive, but could you provide proof of your identity?虽然有些冒犯，但您是否有办法证明您的身份？

CommanderI don't mean to be distrustful, but these matters concern Mayling. I'm sure you can understand how I am feeling with how important she is to you as well.我并非有意怀疑，但是事关美玲，看得出来，美玲对您也很特殊，想必您能够理解我的态度。

CommanderAnd as you have seen, taking on identities is at times necessary in Mokosh—just as I'm doing.而且，您也看到了，到莫科什来，有时确实需要一些特殊的“身份”，就像我现在一样。

(His approachable smile doesn't lessen at all as I put forth my suspicions.)（面对我的怀疑，这位工程师和善的笑容并未减少分毫。）

Dr. WhiteThat will be no problem at all. In fact, I expected exactly as much.无妨，我不介意，不如说，这样才符合我的预期。

Dr. WhiteHere are my documents; you may verify them as you like. We have no need to hide our identities.呵呵……这是我的证件，你可以随意进行检查，我们的身份从不需要隐藏。

(He passes me an aged engineer certification from the 11th Bureau. The leather covers are visibly aged yet well-preserved, and it still gives off a gentle gleam in the light.)（这位工程师将一份老旧的旧式十一局工程师证递给了我，上面的皮革保护套看上去有些年头了，但却依旧被保养得十分细腻，散发着柔和而又温润的光泽。）

CommanderI can tell you treat your documents well.看得出来，您是个爱惜物件的人。

(The 11th Bureau's documents are quite plain, speaking about nothing but the organization's glory and meaningful history.)（十一局的证件十分朴素，仿佛那里存在的只有荣誉，以及有意义的历史。）

(Alongside the 11th Bureau's certifications are Statesec-issued URNC specialist certificates. Nothing I haven't seen before.)（而和这份证件一同被出示的，还有国安局颁发的，罗联内部的专家通行证，这对我来说，并不是太陌生的东西。）

(His identity is guaranteed by the URNC and his safety is ensured by Statesec with his ultra-high security clearance.)（极高规格的安全级别，代表了眼前之人的身份有罗联的保障，其安全也由国安局高度关注。）

Dr. WhiteIs that all? I'd be happy to answer any other questions I can.好了吗？还有什么问题，能回答的我都会尽量回答你。

MaylingSeriously, Commander... making all of this fuss for my sake. Are you finally treating me as someone important?真是的……指挥官，怎么这么紧张我……难道终于开始觉得我很重要了吗？

(Mayling peeks at me and mumbles lightly.)（美玲悄悄看着我，小声嘟囔着。）

(I swear she's smiling ever so slightly.)（不知为何她的嘴角似乎藏着笑意。）

Dr. WhiteFor the sake of fairness, I will make my stance clear as well. You must be ready as well, Commander.公平起见，我也会表明我的态度，指挥官，这一点，你也要做好准备。

CommanderOf course, I don't mind. We both have Mayling's interests in mind.没问题，我和您一样，完全不介意，我们的目的相同，都是为了美玲。

CommanderBut what you said just then... Do you know Mayling's parents?不过，刚才您的意思……您认识美玲的父母吗？

(As this topic is brought up, Mayling becomes a million times more nervous than she was previously, and she starts pinching at her clothing.)（听到这句话，刚才还看上去没那么紧张的美玲，瞬间便捏住了衣角。）

Dr. WhiteShen and Aichi... members of the 7th Division. They came with me to the NSU after WW3 to assist in relief efforts. They were important, valued members of the 11th Bureau.小沈和爱知……曾作为七部的成员，在三战后，便和我一同赶赴新苏联，参加了援助工程，是十一局宝贵而重要的工程师。

Dr. WhiteAnd so, when they gave themselves for something larger than themselves, making sure that Mayling would be safe was a duty we could never reject.所以，在他们为了伟大事业而牺牲时，保证美玲的安全，是我们义不容辞的责任。

MaylingEh? Then why, why now...欸……那为什么，现在才……

(A barely perceptible hint of hurt creeps into Mayling's tone.)（美玲的语调中出现了一丝不易察觉的委屈。）

Dr. WhiteThe vehicle you boarded was never easy to find, and we were always short on manpower.因为你上的这辆车并不易找，而我们的人手始终不够。

Dr. WhiteWhen we located you via broker networks, you had already become an engineer in your own right and always appeared rather busy... So, we chose to not intervene directly and decided to only extend a helping hand when you needed help.通过暗商网络定位到你时，你已成长为独当一面的工程师了，而且似乎事务始终繁忙……所以，我们并未直接打扰你的生活，只想在你需要帮助的时候再伸出援手。

Dr. WhiteYou've done well, child. You've taken everything upon yourself.而你很出色，孩子，你自己解决了所有困难。

Dr. WhiteIf your parents could see how you've managed... I'm sure they would be proud.如果你的父母能看到你如今的表现……想必也会感到欣慰吧。

MaylingR-really?是……是这样吗……

MaylingThen... could you tell me more about my father and mother?那……您可以再多和我说一些父亲和母亲的事情吗？

Dr. WhiteOf course, as much as you would like. Everything about them has been recorded in a gallery back at home. You can come back and have a look if you'd like.呵呵……当然，想听多少都可以。他们的事情，被记录在故乡的展馆中，如果你想的话，也可以回来看看。

MaylingHome...故乡……

Dr. WhiteDon't you want to see our hometown?不想去看看故乡吗？

Mayling...……

(I already know how Mayling would answer. After all, I have seen her ruminating with her parents' notebook in hand on more than one occasion.)（不需要说出口我也知道美玲的答案，不止一次地，我曾看见她拿着父母留下的笔记本，独自思索着什么。）

(But now, she hesitates. The answer that should leave her mouth in an instant turns into silence upon her lips.)（但此刻的美玲却犹豫了一下，本该脱口而出的答案，却变成了停留在嘴边的沉默。）

(All I can do now is what is best for Mayling.)（现在需要的，只是对美玲来说最为妥善的应对。）

CommanderI'm sorry, but I'd like to know what exactly her work would entail.恕我冒昧，我很想知道，美玲要做的工作到底是什么。

MaylingCommander!指挥官！

(Mayling lightly tugs at my clothing, perhaps frustrated by me speaking on her behalf without permission, or simply hoping to direct the conversation herself. Or maybe a mix of both.)（美玲轻轻拉了拉我的衣角，是因为我擅自代表她向对方发问感到不安，还是希望能自己来主导对话呢？或许两者皆有吧。）

(I should have been happy that Mayling was making her own decisions.)（原本，我应该为美玲能够自己做出决定感到高兴。）

(All I hope is that she will make her choice once everything has been made clear. A conversation with a third party will help her gain a more objective perspective.)（但我希望，她至少是清楚地知道了一切，才做出最终的选择。而第三者的对话，更能让她客观地做出判断。）

CommanderThe other details aside, I must know how safe all of this is.其他事不论，我不能对你的安全打马虎眼。

Dr. WhiteOperational safety will be guaranteed on an organizational level. Our agreement with Mokosh is exceptionally solid, and even the URNC would have to respect it.这次工作由组织来确保安全，我们和莫科什缔结了很可靠的协议，就算是罗联政府也不会小觑的那种。

Dr. WhiteAs for the rest... after this project is complete, she'll become part of the special research unit and will not be assigned to relief work. That I can guarantee you, Commander.至于……这次工作结束后，她可以进入专项研究组，不再参加支援工作，我向你保证，指挥官。

Commander...……

(My expectations becoming reality is less of a shock than I expected. Groza and Krolik grow unsettled with the sudden realization, and they look at me nervously as if waiting for me to turn him down.)（预感成为了事实一事，并未带来太多的冲击。但是闪电和克罗丽科却因为突然的领悟而不安起来，她们有些紧张地看着我，似乎在期待我出声拒绝。）

(For Groza and the others, Mayling is more like family than just a companion. The same goes for me too.)（对闪电她们来说，美玲不仅仅是同伴，更像是相处多年的家人，对我来说也是一样。）

(Still, I don't plan on changing my mind, and I don't plan on intervening with Mayling's own decision.)（可是我并不打算改变主意，去干预应由美玲自己做出的决定。）

Mayling...After it's complete?……结束之后？

(Mayling appears confused for a moment, but she reacts quickly and gets nervous again.)（美玲看上去有些困惑，但很快，她也反应过来了，再次紧张起来。）

CommanderI more or less understand now. The 11th Bureau's real goal this time is to take in Mayling, isn't it?我大概明白了，十一局这次真正的目的，是打算接收美玲吧？

Dr. WhiteHaha... I haven't even extended a formal invitation yet, Commander.哈哈……我还没发出正式邀请呢，指挥官。

Dr. WhiteBut I do hope that Miss Mayling Shen will join the Bureau.不过，我的确很希望，沈美玲小姐能够加入十一局。

MaylingEh?欸？

MaylingMe, working at the 11th Bureau?我，我去十一局工作？

(It may or may not be the thought that her parents once worked here that comes to her mind, but Mayling looks both expectant and troubled.)（不知道是不是因为想到了这是父母曾经待过的地方，美玲看上去既期待又难过。）

Dr. WhiteDon't worry, we'll give you plenty of time to think about it. There's no need to give me an answer now.别紧张，我们会给你很长的时间考虑，不必现在就给出答复。

Dr. WhiteYou can take this project as a trial. If you like what we do, you can change your mind at any time.这次的工作，就当是一次尝试，如果你喜欢十一局的工作，再考虑也不迟。

(After soothing Mayling's emotions, Dr. White turns to me to ask for my thoughts.)（安抚好美玲的情绪之后，白怀德转向我，开始询问我的看法。）

Dr. WhiteWhat do you think, Commander?指挥官，怎么想？

CommanderConsidering Mayling's circumstances, this does sound like a fine plan.考虑到美玲的情况，这听上去的确是一个不错的安排。

CommanderHowever, this is Mayling's business, and her thoughts are the most important here. What do you think, Mayling? Up for a change of occupation?不过，这是美玲的事情，她的想法才是最重要的。所以，美玲，你怎么看？想要更换职场吗？

MaylingEh? W-well...诶？这个、这个嘛……

MaylingI-I don't know for sure! The Elmo already has more for me than I can handle, even with overtime!不、不一定哦！毕竟，现在艾莫号的工作量呢，已经是我加班都干不过来的了嘛！

MaylingAnd, well, with things that busy, the Commander will really miss me... If I could just have a few nice bottles of wine, I definitely might stay on the Elmo a bit longer!那个，你看，这么忙的话，咳，指挥官也很需要我吧……如果多给我拿几瓶好酒，我当然还是会在艾莫号上待久一点的！

(She speaks with no small amount of apprehension in her voice as she looks back and forth between Dr. White and me, but I detect a little bit of something resembling anticipation in her eyes.)（美玲在说话时，表情看上去十分紧张，她一面看向我，一面看向白怀德的表情，我甚至在她的眼神中，察觉出一丝期待。）

(I suddenly begin to wonder if Mayling is looking forward to a potential new life or something else altogether.)（突然之间，我有些好奇，美玲期待的是新的生活，还是其他的什么东西？）

(Dr. White slowly begins to speak, as if he has intuited what's on my mind.)（而白怀德则像是看出了我的疑惑一样，他缓缓地开口。）

Dr. WhiteCommander, with your "Elmo" being treated as a terroristic threat by various countries, you should understand this well.指挥官，目前那个“艾莫号”在各国都被视为恐怖主义的威胁……你应该很清楚。

Dr. WhiteMayling is being drawn into dangers she shouldn't be part of. The organization will not allow this. In times of need, we will intervene to protect our martyrs' descendants.美玲正被牵连进一件她不应承受的困厄当中，组织上不会允许，在必要时刻，我们会干预并保护烈士的后代。

(Clearly, they've done their research.)（看得出来，对方已经做过了颇为周密的调查。）

(I must admit that his perspective is correct. If I were in their place, I would do the same.)（而且必须承认，他的意见是正确的，如果我站在对方的立场，也会如此行事。）

CommanderYou're right. Mayling doesn't deserve to be involved in this. I would certainly rather her be safe.你说的没错，这件事的确不该让美玲牵连进来，我何尝不希望美玲平安呢。

CommanderHowever, it's her life. Neither you nor I can make the decision for her.不过，这是美玲的人生，我和您，都不能替她做出选择。

CommanderShe has to decide for herself.她要自己做决定。

(I turn to look at Mayling, and she appears surprised for some reason as we lock eyes. A little wounded, almost.)（我看向美玲，在和我眼神接触的那一刻，她不知为何显得有些惊讶，甚至流露出有些受伤的神情。）

(That's why I only nod in encouragement towards her decision.)（于是我点点头，鼓励着她做出决定。）

CommanderDon't worry, Mayling. No matter what it is, we'll respect your decision.别担心，美玲，无论你选择哪一个，我都会接受的。

Commander...Of course, just in case, the Elmo will always have a spot for you if you don't enjoy your life at the Bureau.……当然，作为你的保障，如果十一局的生活不适应，艾莫号随时欢迎你回来。

MaylingH-huh?……什，什么？

MaylingHold on, Commander, I haven't even settled on leaving yet!等一下，指挥官，我还没说一定要走呢！

Dr. WhiteDon't you want to go home, Mayling?那你不想返回故乡吗，美玲？

(She falters again at the question.)（显然，美玲在被问到这里时再一次迟疑了。）

CommanderGoing back does sound good, Mayling.看来回去看看也是个不错的选择呢，美玲。

MaylingHey, Commander, like I said, I'm just helping out this time!诶，指挥官，我都说过了，我这次只是支援工作！

MaylingWhy are you, you... being like...为什么，你……你就好像是……

MaylingIt wouldn't be too much to at least try and... get me to stay, right? Am I... to you...稍微，稍微挽留我一下……也，也没什么吧？对你来说，我难道……

(Maybe she wanted me to advise her on the matter.)（或许，她希望我来帮她拿主意。）

(I don't want her to make any decisions based on her emotions in the moment or be tied down by my influence. Telling her about the other options she has at an appropriate time might help her see what she really wants more clearly.)（但我不希望她只是因为一腔热血，或是被我的话所束缚而作出选择，适时地告诉她其他选择，或许更能帮助她看清楚，自己究竟想要什么。）

(As someone already used to working on the Elmo, experiencing the 11th Bureau will no doubt be beneficial.)（对于已经习惯艾莫号工作的美玲来说，体验一下十一局的工作……绝非坏事。）

CommanderIt's alright, Mayling. While you're young and still have options...没关系，美玲，趁着年轻多一些选择……

Mayling—!!——！！！

(As Mayling takes a heavy breath in, Groza breaks through the silence.)（正当美玲用力吸气的同时，闪电的声音打破了这场僵局。）

GrozaSo...所以……

GrozaIs Mayling going to help this gentleman here with his work now?美玲现在要去协助这位老先生工作？

KrolikWe haven't even gone to the ball yet!明明舞会还没参加呢？！

Mayling...……

MaylingI did say that I wasn't here for a holiday...早就说了，我又不是来度假的啦……

(Her voice suddenly freezes over.)（美玲的声音陡然间冷却了下来。）

(Her voice has never sounded so frail, not even after seven months of overtime.)（哪怕是在她连续加班7个月，她的声音也不曾如此无力过。）

(Leaving me with a burning stare that seems to convey a thousand words, she suddenly turns and runs towards the 11th Bureau's engineers. Even Dr. White raises an eyebrow in surprise.)（以似乎能代替千言万语的，炙热的眼神狠狠瞪了我一眼后，她突然地转过身，一路小跑跑向了十一局的工程师们的阵营，连白怀德都惊讶地挑了挑眉。）

(I give the elderly man a pleading look, one that he instantly understands. Regardless of what prompted Mayling to act so petulantly, I still hope that Mr. White will take good care of her.)（我回给这位老先生一个拜托的眼神，他也瞬间便领会了，默契地向我点了点头。无论美玲究竟是因为什么做出了这样赌气的行动，我还是希望能拜托白先生照顾好她。）

CommanderSince it's all settled, we might as well prepare for the ball tonight.既然已经决定了，那我们也尽快准备晚上的舞会吧。

(As much as it still hangs in my mind, Mayling appears to have made her decision already.)（虽然还是有些挂心，但是，美玲已经做出了她自己的选择。）

(I clear the thoughts from my head, and place my hands on Groza's and Krolik's shoulders to assuage their anxiety. Our goals here have not changed.)（我不再做他想，轻轻将手放在有些失落和不安的闪电与克罗丽科的肩头，安慰着她们回到原本的目的之中。）

Double-Blind Tango 双盲舞步

SuomiCommander... this sure is a rare sight in the Yellow Zone.指挥官……这个，在黄区很难见到呢。

CommanderNo need to repeat yourself for every single place here.倒也不用每到一个地方就感叹一次……

(The tables are draped in exquisite lace, a luxury that feels wholly out of place compared to the harshness outside. Suomi picks up the arranged cutlery and cake on the table and presents it to me.)（长桌上铺着毫无瑕疵的天鹅绒，和聚落外面的环境相比，这样的材质显得十分奢侈，索米有些惊喜地拿起桌上摆好的钢叉，将盘中的奶油蛋糕叉起，递到了我的眼前。）

SuomiWould you... like a piece? You've been looking rather tired since Miss Mayling left, Commander.那个……您要尝一块吗？指挥官。从美玲小姐离开后，您看起来就有些疲惫。

(The chocolate garnish on the cake's cream looks incredibly rich under the room's light, and the dessert's aroma draws my mind away from the events of a few moments ago. Suomi stands on her tippy-toes, trying to deliver the cake to my mouth.)（在头顶吊灯的照射下，奶油上装点的巧克力色泽十分浓郁。随着食物的香气攻占我的嗅觉，刚才的事情终于从我的脑海中抽离了一些。我看到索米正在努力地踮起脚，试图将这块蛋糕递到我的嘴边。）

CommanderAlright then, thank you.那我就不客气了。

(I lower my head to accept the offering from Suomi. It is only now that I notice that she's wearing a mask that looks rather out of place on her.)（我低头接受了索米的投喂，这才注意到，她竟然戴上了一只有些违和的假面。）

CommanderPfft... what is this?噗……这是什么？

SuomiEh? W-what are you laughing about? Is it the mask? I-it doesn't fit me very much, does it?诶？您、您在笑什么呀……是这个面具吗？这、这真的很不适合我吗？

(We discovered these masks in the gift boxes left for us in our hotel rooms. By coincidence or otherwise, everyone managed to find masks that fit them, saving us the trouble of having to shop for them.)（这些面具是在酒店房间中的礼物盒里找到的，不知巧合与否，大家都找到了尺寸匹配的面具，省去了另外采购的功夫。）

(Groza found a warning upon the bottom of the boxes, writing "Beware of trickery". It was obvious enough that the gift-giver was not the individual I thought it was, leaving plenty to chew on for the mind. Unfortunately, the present moment required my undivided attention as the banquet was about to begin.)（闪电在礼物盒的底面发现了“小心有诈”的警告文字，很显然，送出礼物的人和我原本以为的不一样，这就有些耐人寻味了。可惜宴会即将开始，我只能先专注于眼前……）

(Suomi covers the mask on her face with a hand and turns to the also masked Krolik.)（索米有些害羞地用手捂住了面具，她转向另一旁同样戴了一只面具的克罗丽科。）

SuomiIt looks good on Miss Krolik.克罗丽科小姐戴着就很合适呢。

KrolikW-what? I don't care if I look good in this kind of thing. The way I see it, they fit you more.什、什么？我又不想和这种东西合适，我看，明明你才更适合吧！

SuomiOh, really? Do they?诶，是这样吗……很合适吗？

SuomiPhew...呼……

(Suomi lets out a long sigh of relief after receiving Krolik's affirmation.)（听到克罗丽科肯定的回答，索米放心地长出了一口气。）

GrozaOh my, looks like someone slipped through the cracks.哎呀，这里似乎还有一只“漏网之鱼”呢。

(Groza's crisp voice suddenly rings in my ears. Her familiar pair of hands fits a mask akin to theirs onto me from behind.)（闪电清亮的声音突然出现在我的耳边，紧接着，一只和她们同样的面具，被这双从身后伸来的、熟悉的手，突然地戴在了我的脸上。）

CommanderDo I need one of these too, Groza?我也需要这个吗？闪电。

(I turn to Groza after she's done adjusting my hair and mask. Her eyes seem to be glittering, and it is only then that I remember how at home she is in such occasions, no less than how she is on the battlefield. However, I've had precious few opportunities to see her like this in the past eight years she's been with me.)（我有些无奈地转过身，看向闪电。她认真地帮我整理着发型，面具之后，她的眼睛熠熠闪光，我这时才意识到，她在这种场合中的游刃有余，丝毫不逊于她在战场上的表现，只是，跟随我的这八年，我已经很久没有见过这样的她了。）

GrozaOf course. Everyone else has theirs and you wouldn't want to stand out, would you?当然了，这么多人都戴了，你应该不想做那个“扎眼”的人吧？

(She whispers gently and naturally wraps herself around my arm.)（她小声对我低语，自然地挽上我的手臂。）

GrozaAh, apologies. I've forgotten that I'm supposed to be your sister today.抱歉，我忘记了，今天我的身份似乎是你的姐姐。

(She begins to loosen her grip around my arm, but I grasp a hold of her.)（闪电作势要松开我的手，但我却按住了她的手。）

CommanderThat's no problem. My dear sister, might I have a dance with you later?没关系的。那么，我敬爱的姐姐，稍后能否和我跳一支舞？

(Groza appears rather satisfied with this "roleplay". She gives me a smile so gentle I could swear she is my real sister who has taken care of me for many years.)（闪电似乎对这个“角色扮演”很满意，露出了一个仿佛已经呵护过我许多年的笑容，就像是真正的姐姐一样。）

GrozaHehe... Oh, you... You know I've never been able to turn you down all these years.呵呵……真是的，你知道我的回答，这么多年来，我总是没办法拒绝你。

(My other arm is snatched by another familiar pair of hands.)（而另一边的手臂，也立刻被另一双熟悉的手所挽住了。）

UllridIn that case, "dear", shall we... take our seats with your esteemed sister?那么，“亲爱的”，我们快点和……姐姐大人一同入座吧？

(Ullrid's acting is noticeably less natural. The blushing on her face betrays her inexperience in being someone's "partner".)（乌尔丽德的演技看起来就没那么自然了，作为“伴侣”而言，她的脸红早已经出卖了她的青涩。）

(For some reason, she tugs at me and tries to drag me towards her side. Groza catches on and increases the force she's applying to me as well, putting me in a rather difficult position.)（只是不知道为什么，她似乎有意要把我拉到自己那边去，而觉察到这点的闪电也微微增加了手上的力道，让我有些左右为难。）

(But before I can make a step, a rather "conspicuous" man wearing no mask appears before me. He grasps a glass of wine in his hand, and his entire figure looks like it's wrapped in gold.)（但在迈出脚步前，我的面前就真的出现了一个没有佩戴面具——十分“扎眼”的人，他端着酒杯出现在灯光下，浑身像是被镀了一层金一样。）

GeorgeWelcome! Lord, it is good to have you here, {}!欢迎！！天哪，{}，感谢你的赏光！

(He approaches with his arms expanded in an exaggerated manner, examining me from head to toe. I'm hit by the potent smell of cologne, which embodied an invasive sort of luxury.)（他夸张地张开双臂迎上前，上下打量着我。一股浓郁的香水气味扑面而来，那是一种富有侵略性的昂贵感。）

GeorgeA tailored suit? How discerning... Let me take a look. This texture isn't something easily found in the Yellow Zones at all. I like your style.定制的西装？真讲究啊……我看看……这种材质，这种质地的面料在黄区可买不到。我很喜欢你的套装。

GeorgeI guarantee that you will be the only star tonight. Even the lights here are brighter in your presence!我保证，今夜你将会是唯一的主角，这里的灯光都因为你的到来而变得更加闪耀了！

GeorgeNo, more than a star, you are the tomato emperor, true to your name!不，何止是主角，你是当之无愧的番茄大王！

(...He even upgraded my title for me.)（……他还记着我的头衔，甚至还擅自为我“升级”了。）

(The title still sounds rather silly, though. Is that just how brokers do it?)（但这个称呼确实有点傻气，这就是暗商风格吗？）

GeorgeSo, are you satisfied with the arrangements here?感觉怎么样，这场面还满意吗？

CommanderHow honest would you like me to be?你要听实话吗？

GeorgeHahaha... don't worry, speak your mind! I am not a humorless man.哈哈哈……别客气，你尽管说！我可不是开不起玩笑的人。

CommanderTo be truthful, this is a lovely ball, but it's not quite the same as the one I enjoyed in Sardinia once on holiday.说实话，这舞会虽然很出色，但比我在撒丁岛度假时参加的那场，还是略有差距。

CommanderIf there were to add a hydromassage pool on top, then it could be truly called a high-class banquet.如果再准备一个按摩泳池的话……作为“顶级晚宴”来说，就实至名归了。

GrozaI'm quite fond of this hall, though. It's hardly cramped even with this many attendees. The one who prepared this event must be experienced.不过我很喜欢这个舞厅的设计，容纳这么多人也不拥挤，看来准备舞会的人很有经验。

(Groza's attention is focused on the center of the stage. Judging from the attendees' garb, chances are that many of them are not locals of Mokosh, like us.)（闪电的目光注视着舞会的中央，从着装风格来看，那里大概有不少人和我们一样，并不是莫科什本地人。）

GeorgeI can see that you are used to the Green Zones' entertainments, but the Yellow Zones have their own allure, I assure you. I can guarantee that the lack of the pool will be made up for in spades.看得出来你们的享乐方式是绿区的，但黄区自有风情在此，我保证，能弥补按摩泳池缺憾的活动会让你们目不暇接。

GeorgeAsk your broker friends if you do not believe me. Brokers make the pilgrimage to Mokosh, drawn as much by business opportunities as by the unparalleled luxury Mokosh has to offer.不信你问问你的暗商朋友，多少暗商专程为莫科什而来，就为借助一个合作的机会，来领略莫科什的顶尖晚宴。

CommanderI have heard similar things, that Mokosh never lacks for business. But if I'm being frank, my friend, my deals have never been reneged on.我也是这么听闻的，莫科什从不缺生意谈。但我的朋友，坦诚些说的话，我经手的生意，还没被砍过单子。

GeorgeHahahaha... I enjoy your confidence! As you know, Mokosh is one of the few settlements in the Yellow Zones that can be called a trading city, which naturally attracts more visitors. You, however, shall be the most special of all my guests.哈哈哈哈……我喜欢你的自信！你知道的，黄区这些聚落中，为数不多能算得上贸易城市的，也就是莫科什了，所以来的人才会多一些，但你，绝对会是最特别的那个。

(He's right. The Yellow Zones' circumstances force people to congregate together. The intermittent Collapse storms, ELIDs that strike at the most inopportune times, Varjagers' muzzles—each a Sword of Damocles hanging over the heads of those living here. Survival is only possible by coming together.)（他说的没错，黄区的环境迫使人们不得不以聚落的形态一起生活。不定时刮起的坍塌风暴、还有时不时便会袭击人们的生骸、瓦良格帮的枪口——永远指着人们的后脑勺，只有以聚落的形式，人们才能得以生存。）

(However, surviving is not the same as prospering. Mokosh's abundance is all the more impressive considering the Yellow Zones' desert-like conditions, with its radiation-blasted surface, nonexistent foliage, and groundwater stuck many hundreds of meters underground.)（但生存与繁荣不同。受原爆影响的地表，植被早已被摧毁，地下水更是要掘进数百米之下，加上坍塌风暴的频发，黄区早已成为荒漠。所以，莫科什的繁荣才这么令人难以置信。）

UllridFruit that resolutely grows out of barren soil, right?就像是在贫瘠的土地中硬生生结出的硕果，对吧？

(George looks at Ullrid approvingly. His mouth turns upwards slightly as his pride spills forth, but not before a touch of unease slips out.)（乔治对乌尔丽德投来一个肯定的眼神，他嘴角微微上扬，骄傲之情溢于言表，却掩不住那一瞬的不自在。）

GeorgeYes, exactly so.没错，正是如此。

GeorgeAllow me to clarify: Mokosh did not "rise quickly". I would prefer it if you would refer to it as "currently rising".而且容我纠正一下：莫科什并不仅仅是“快速崛起”，准确地说，我更希望你们能称它为“正在崛起”。

CommanderYour ambitions must be even greater, then.看来你还有更大的野心。

GeorgeIt is natural for so many to seek collaboration, you see. When the returns are stable, why would you not join in early?所以，想合作的人络绎不绝也很正常，稳赚不赔的情况下，越早入伙越好，你说是吗？

GeorgeI do not joke when I say that there are many White Zone conglomerates seeking to invest in me.不开玩笑地说，还有不少白区的资本想要对我投资呢。

CommanderI can appreciate your aspirations.我很喜欢你的雄心壮志。

CommanderThe Yellow Zones may only ever be a wasteland in the eyes of those from the White Zones. They see little difference between you, me, and those refugees. Yet, it is we who grasp the true way of survival here; this place forges the strong.也许在白区眼里，黄区永远只是一片荒土。你，和我，和那些难民没什么区别。但我们才是真正掌握了生存之道的人，这里能锻冶出强者。

GeorgeHahaha, I knew you were someone who knew the ways of the world.哈哈哈，你果然见过世面。

GeorgeIn any case, I do enjoy the liveliness. If everyone seeks cooperation, then we can all have a talk together. A fine arrangement, right?总之，我喜欢热闹，既然大家都想寻求合作，那大家一起谈，不是很好吗？

(He offers me a toast, and I bring my glass to meet his.)（说完，他抬了抬酒杯，我也抬起酒杯和他轻碰了一下。）

UllridI'm more interested in the menu tonight, personally.我倒是对今晚的菜单更感兴趣。

UllridSuomi and Krolik are hungry, too. Why don't we go sit down?索米和克罗丽科也饿了，要不要尽快入座？

KrolikArgh, I can't take this. Why does my character sound like a little kid?啊，真受不了。为什么我的角色听上去像个小孩一样……

SuomiShh... Quiet.嘘……小点声。

CommanderAh, yes, you're right. We should get ready to sit down.咳，你说的也是，那我们准备就座吧。

GeorgeHahaha, of course that can be arranged. I am here to bring you to the banquet personally.哈哈哈哈，这一点更不用说，我出现在这里，就是要亲自带各位前往宴席的。

CommanderPersonally again? What of your... secretary from last time? Why is she not here?又是“亲自”吗？上次那位……应该是你的秘书？她怎么没来。

(I look behind him. His secretary and her distinctive garb are nowhere to be seen.)（我看向他的身后，那位衣着十分显眼的秘书，今天似乎并未出现在会场。）

GeorgeGot an eye on my secretary, have you? Sorry, she's not fond of overtime, even if paid.你看中了我的秘书？抱歉，她不喜欢加班和应酬。

GeorgeYou are not like my other guests, either. It is my genuine wish to take our friendship a step further.而且，你和其他的客人待遇不一样，我非常、非常希望能够与你的友谊更进一步。

GeorgeThat's why I must receive you myself. You understand where I'm coming from, right?所以，我一定要亲自来接你，你会理解的，对吗？

CommanderNo, I'm simply looking forward to your "step further".不，我只是对你说的“更进一步”很期待而已。

CommanderI hope that you will remember your words when we lay down our terms later.我希望待会在谈条件时，你还记得自己说过的话。

(George smiles and declines to answer. He bows slightly and gestures for us to follow.)（乔治笑了笑，没有接话，他微微欠身，引导着我们跟随他。）

GeorgeHere are the prices we can offer.这一份，是我们能给出的报价。

GeorgeContained in this document are all the supplies we can provide and the additional processing we can facilitate.而这一份，是我们所能提供的全部物资，附赠代加工服务——

(George passes everyone a checklist of goods and pricings. I spot a wide and abundant variety of materials available under numerous categories. Even his stocktaking dates and numbers are laid out clearly, with prices and the services available labelled in detail.)（乔治递给我们每人一份货品清单与报价清单，我在上面看到了丰富的原材料数量，琳琅满目的供货种类。不仅如此，上面还直白地标记了他的供货数量与周期，价格都标记得清清楚楚，就连代加工服务都写得清清楚楚。）

Commander...……

(This would indeed fulfill the Doll Community's requirements. If the figures here aren't falsified, they would be sufficient to provide a stable supply to the Doll Community even if it expanded threefold.)（这的确能满足人形社区的要求，不仅如此，如果上面的信息没有造假的话，哪怕人形社区再扩张三倍，这里仍旧可以提供稳定的物资供给。）

(The demands for crops here are satisfactory, too. I even consider the possibility of sectioning off some more land to turn into fields.)（对于蔬果，这里的需求量也足够令人满意，我甚至认为我们应该再开垦一些土地成为试验田。）

(However...)（但是——）

(The sum on offer here cuts a hard deal, risking no real profits or even losses if anything goes awry with logistics.)（眼前的数字，几乎可以说是最黑暗的暗商了，是哪怕稍许遇到物流风险就可能利润全无甚至亏本的程度。）

UllridThis...这是……

(Unsurprisingly, her hand begins to tremble slightly when she sees the figures. I decide to ask for further details before she loses grip of herself.)（果不其然，她和我一样，在看清楚那些数字的一瞬间，她捏住这张纸的手便发出了细微的颤抖，在她发火之前，我决定先一探究竟。）

CommanderGeorge, have you gone over the figures here?乔治，你检查过这上面的数字吗？

GeorgeOf course. We follow White Zone certification standards with the utmost professionalism and rigor.当然，我们是最专业的，符合白区公证处的严谨标准。

(His smile remains as brilliant as ever. He produces a fountain pen, noting this and that on the pages.)（乔治依然保持着那副开朗笑容，他拿出一支钢笔，试图在这张纸上圈圈点点。）

GeorgeI know that many in the Yellow Zones did not have the opportunity to receive an education and so we've simplified the plans here into diagrams. Look here... even the energy consumption has been taken into consideration.我知道，很多黄区的人都没机会在学校就读，所以，这份计划书我们简单处理成了画图式，你看这里……连损耗率的问题都考虑到了。

GrozaI think it's rather obvious that we're talking about something else.我们说的显然不是这个问题。

(I stop Groza before she goes any further, gesturing at the number at the bottom of the checklist.)（我拦住闪电，用手指点了点清单上的数字。）

CommanderFor someone who has made the trip over all the way from southern Sarne, I struggle to see any good faith in this.对一个从萨尔内南侧专程赶来的贸易者来说，我没法从这上面看到诚意。

GeorgeAh, the pricing? I must admit that our offer might be... unexciting, but this is how things are.啊~报价吗？我承认这多少会令人……不那么兴奋，但这就是现状。

GeorgeApologies, but it is as I said. Our products are of White Zone quality and made in the same factories as Cecht FABN. Not even I can push this price down.抱歉，就像我说的一样，我们的产品有白区的品质，甚至，和赛诺菲与法本这种大公司都是同一个加工厂。即便是我，也压低不了这个价格。

KrolikWhite Zones and big brand names? Who cares about that stuff?白区？大公司？谁对这种噱头感兴趣？

CommanderI'm quite interested, actually. You cooperate with Cecht FABN?我对这噱头还真有点兴趣，你和赛诺菲与法本有所合作？

(Perhaps this is the true reason behind Mokosh's poverty.)（或许，莫科什贫困的真正原因，就藏在这里。）

GeorgeYes, and a long-term cooperation at that. We are a stable supplier for FABN, so our goods are White Zone quality. You understand, right?当然，而且还是长期合作……我们是法本集团的稳定供货商，这就是白区品质，你明白吗？

GeorgeThat is why I can only offer you a middling price for your crops. I have high quality requirements.这也是为什么，我给你的农作物报价没那么高，我对品质有很高的要求。

GeorgeAlternatively, you could take a step back on your asking price in direct "exchange" for what you need.或者，你可以再将农作物的价格让步一些，以此来直接“交换”一些你们所需要的东西。

(Obviously, he has no intention of clarifying what that means.)（但显然，乔治没有详细说明这件事的打算。）

SuomiM-more concessions?还，还要再让步吗？

CommanderI'm afraid we can't yield on our prices. Not only that, considering the transport costs, I would need to triple it.农作物的价格没办法让步了，不仅如此，考虑到运输成本，我需要它再翻三倍。

(George's face contorts as if struck by a hefty blow.)（这下，脸上有些挂不住的人变成了乔治。）

(He appears visibly shaken, though it is clearly just an act.)（他仿佛受到了重击，不过那当然只是伪装。）

GeorgeYou spoke of your ambitions and I would love to help you achieve them... But this is a little ridiculous.你提到过雄心壮志……我也希望你能实现你的理想，但这未免夸张了。

CommanderI could say the same. Did you not consider the ridiculousness of your offer?礼尚往来，你报价的时候，没考虑过夸张吗？

CommanderI investigated the average price of produce in Mokosh earlier today, too. Even if you paid me five times this price, you would receive plenty of earnings as a supplier yourself.另外，我今天才调查过莫科什的农产品均价，这个价格再翻五倍，身为供应源的你也有不少赚头。

GeorgeThey pick on you for being an outsider. Let me tell you about the real prices.他们在欺负你这个外来者，让我告诉你真实的成交价。

(He pretentiously moves to take back the papers he handed us, but I smile and stop him.)（乔治装模作样地想要拿回报价单。我微笑着，阻拦了他的动作。）

CommanderI would like everyone here to profit, but we must treat each other honestly.我的理想，是大家都能赚取到利益，诚实是必不可少的。

GeorgeEvery broker says as much, yet deficits continue to appear in Mokosh's finance reports.每个暗商都这么跟我说，但莫科什的财务报告却出现了亏损。

GeorgeYour family is adept in agriculture, no? I have good reason to doubt your costs, too.你的家族不是精于农业吗？我也有理由质疑你的成本吧？

CommanderYou have seen the quality of my goods. Would you like me to seek out someone else?你已经见过我们商品的品质了，你希望我找其他人吗？

(George scans the security present at the venue. The weapons in the hands of the Mokosh Oathsworn cannot be compared to haphazardly assembled civilian firearms, and it's apparent that he's considering coming to a deal some other way.)（乔治的目光扫视着会场的安保，那些莫科什誓卫军，手中所持有的武器，和那些随意组装的民间枪械完全不可一概而论，看得出来，他似乎正在考虑其他的手段促成合作。）

GeorgeVery well, I can consider it, under the condition that another proposal for mercantile cooperation proceeds.好吧，我可以考虑考虑。但前提取决于另一个提案的进程，一份商业上的合作计划。

UllridA combined agreement?捆绑协议？

UllridWe're not here to be abducted like this. Come, d-dear, let's be on our way if we can't reach an agreement.我们才不接受这种绑架，亲，亲爱的，如果谈不拢就走吧。

(I stop the red-faced Ullrid as she suddenly rises from her chair. I continue to communicate with George, trying to see this cooperation through no matter what.)（我拦住突然脸红起来的乌尔丽德，继续尝试和乔治沟通。无论如何，我还是非常希望能促成这次合作的。）

CommanderMuch like her, I do not enjoy added conditions. However, I believe that any suggestion from you is at least worth listening to.我也和我的伴侣一样不喜欢附带条款，但我想既然是你提出的，至少有听一听的价值。

GeorgeOf course! Once you have heard me out, you will thank me for sharing this with you.当然~你听完后，甚至会感谢我分享这个提议，那就是……

GeorgeSee, I have been particularly interested in Dolls recently.我最近对人形非常感兴趣。

SuomiD-Dolls?人……人形？

(All of the Dolls sitting with me react in different ways at the mention, and Suomi fails to stay silent.)（不出意外，和我一同落座的所有人形，几乎都有了不同的反应，索米更是下意识地便开了口。）

GeorgeYes, Dolls. Not those boring mechanical laborers in the Yellow Zones, but toys with neural clouds. The civilized White and Green Zones even give them rights akin to mankind. The longer these beautiful little things stay active, the more human-like they are, and the more valuable they are deemed to be. Unsettling, truly...嗯~人形——不是黄区里那些乏味的机械劳工。而是那种具有“心智”的玩具，文明的白区和绿区，甚至会给它们人一样的权利……这些美丽的小东西运作的时间越久，就越像活人，被认为越有价值，真让人毛骨悚然啊……

(His eyes glitter in the same way that they did when he first met me, as if he's talking about the deal of the century.)（乔治就像是说起什么天大的生意一样，眼睛就像是刚见到我时那样闪闪发光。）

GeorgeIf the current Mokosh were to be missing something, would it not be them?你不觉得，现在的莫科什，如果要缺点什么的话，就缺少这种东西存在吗？

GeorgeExquisite and beautiful, with abilities and efficiencies far beyond those of humans, yet not bound by the same rules. Mokosh has a dire need for such products right now.精致、美丽，有着超于人类的能力与工作效率，却又不会被人类的规则所约束，对于现在的莫科什来说，非常需要这种产品。

(I see Ullrid ball her hand into a fist.)（我看到乌尔丽德捏紧了拳头。）

CommanderWhat you have a dire need for is to repair your signal tower outside that hasn't been touched in ten years.你真正缺的，是赶紧把外面那十年没修过的信号塔修一修。

CommanderAre you sure that there's profit to be found here? You're not the type to involve yourself without understanding the situation, are you?而且，你确定这事有得赚？你不是那种不了解情况就入局的人，不是吗？

CommanderIn the Yellow Zones, the maintenance costs of such complex machines are...对于黄区来说，这样复杂的人形，维护成本……

(He only grows more and more excited as we speak, seemingly keen to settle a deal on this matter with me right here and now.)（乔治越说越兴奋，他现在看上去似乎真的非常想和我谈成这个合作。）

GeorgeHefty, right? They're all precision instruments that use no small amount of power...成本很高，是吧？这些玩具小妞儿都是精密机械，还很费电……

GeorgeBut what if I said I could possess them at no cost? That would be a venture with nigh zero risk.但如果我说，可以无成本持有人形呢？那几乎就是稳赚不赔了吧。

(George activates a device on the table and projects forth an image. He wasn't lying when he said that he often talks business here.)（乔治按动了餐桌上的装置，很快，画面被投射到了我们的面前。看来，他经常在这里谈生意，这一点倒是没有骗人。）

(The subject matter he presents us with, though, is nothing but unnerving—)（只不过，这投射出来的画面，实在令人无法冷静——）

(The outskirts of the Marley power plant.)（正是马利热电厂周边。）

GeorgeI cannot tell you the exact coordinates, but I have reliable intel that there is a massed gathering of unowned Dolls here. I intend to claim this place.我不能透露位置，不过，我有可靠情报这里有大量无主人形聚集，我想拿下此地。

GeorgeI am told that your family commands powerful armed forces. How about it? Mokosh's current forces, combined with the Sosa family...我听说你的家族拥有雄厚的武装基础，怎么样？以莫科什当前的兵力，再加上索萨家族……

GeorgeWe could work together to claim these resources and develop a new industry.我们可以合作取得这批资源，然后，一起扩展新的产业。

(In the corner of my eye, Ullrid's face grows almost ashen. I understand how she's feeling, but in this moment—)（毫不意外地，我看到乌尔丽德脸色铁青。我完全理解她的不冷静，但现在——）

GeorgeTo speak frankly, the quality of your crops is excellent.坦白说，虽然你的货物品质很好。

GeorgeHowever, fresh vegetables are far too luxurious for the people here. I would never spend such money on improving their food under normal circumstances.但新鲜蔬菜对这里的人还是过于奢侈了，我本来不会为了让他们吃好一点花太多钱。

GeorgeIf you will support me in this plan, I can give a price on your tomatoes you'll be most happy with though.但如果你支持这个计划，我可以满足你心爱的番茄报价。

GeorgeThink about it. There might even be some high level models amongst those unknown Dolls that will pique the interest of corporations in the White Zones.想想看，这些无主人形里说不定有高级品，足以让白区的大买家心动。

(George continues to put forth ideas, fanning the flames of Ullrid's fury. Her hand lightly trembles as I hold it with mine.)（乔治还在继续提议，这更是令乌尔丽德火上浇油，她的手正在微微颤抖，现在改为我抓着她了。）

CommanderNow...喂……

(Splash!)（哗——！）

???Ah, my apologies.呀，真是抱歉。

(Before I can rise to my feet, a shadow casts its shade in front of me, and I hear the sound of glasses falling over with a clatter. A scarlet-red liquid mixed with ice spills all over my clothing.)（就在我即将起身之前，一个陌生的身影挡在了我的身前，紧接着，随着酒杯翻倒的声音，带有冰块的玫红色液体，就这样毫无防备地洒落在了我的身上。）

GeorgeHow could you be so careless with our revered guest? That's a tailored suit you've just ruined, I'll have you know.哎呀，怎么能对贵客这么不小心？这可是定制的西装，现在可让你毁了。

(George reprimands the attendant with surprise on his face, but the lack of surprise in his voice and his smug smile betray his true thoughts.)（乔治面露惊讶地斥责着侍者，可那并不意外的语气与愈加得意的笑容，暴露了他真实的想法。）

(Is he upset that I dress so well?)（我穿得好让他这么不爽吗？）

???I am so sorry, Mr. George, and you, sir. I'll clean this up immediately.真的很抱歉，乔治先生，还有这位客人，我马上为您清理干净。

(The attendant apologizes as she anxiously wipes away at my stained clothes with a towel, but she only makes the alcohol spread as she wipes, making my appearance even more unkempt.)（这名侍者，正在一边道歉，一边紧张地用毛巾擦拭着我沾上酒渍的衣服，带着酒气的污渍在侍者的手中逐渐扩散开来，让我看上去尤其狼狈。）

(I think the sudden movement I made to stand up might have scared the attendant pouring wine for me, which caused her to spill the wine all over my suit.)（或许是我正准备起身的行为，吓到了为我斟酒的侍者，她一个不小心，便将酒洒到了我的身上。）

(Thankfully, that incident snapped me back to reality too.)（幸运的是，这也让我冷静了下来。）

CommanderIt's alright, I'll do it myself.没关系，我自己来。

???That won't do. I'll prepare a change of clothes for you immediately. Just a moment, please.那怎么行，我现在去为您准备更换的衣物。请您稍等。

(Why does that attendant's voice sound so familiar?)（但是……为什么，侍者的声音听上去这么耳熟？）

CommanderHaven't we...我们是不是……

(The attendant swiftly gathers her things and runs off before I can finish my question.)（但我还未能问出口，这名侍者便迅速收拾好了东西，转身离开了我们的餐桌。）

CommanderGroza, take care of Ullrid for me. Krolik, I'll leave Suomi with you.闪电，帮我照顾一下乌尔丽德。克罗丽科，索米就交给你了。

GrozaUnderstood.明白。

KrolikTsk.啧。

GeorgeThe ball's not yet over. Won't you stay a while longer?舞会还没结束，不再玩一会吗？

GeorgeUnfortunately, the dress code here is exceptionally strict. I worry that if you step away in... such a state, the Oathsworn responsible for security will get in your way.抱歉，这里的着装要求十分严格，我很担心你……穿着这样的衣服随意离席，会被负责安保的誓卫军拦下。

(His tone is overwhelmingly apologetic, but I sense that deep down he would love to see me embarrassed.)（见我站起身来，他的语气中充满歉意，我却隐约感觉到，他似乎期待着看我窘迫的样子。）

CommanderAh, you're right. In that case, I'll have to go and get it taken care of.啊，是呢，所以我必须去处理一下。

CommanderI'll have to ask you to take care of my family in my place.接下来，就拜托你替我，招待一下我的家人了。

(I gesture at the still-expanding stain on my clothing.)（我指了指身上的酒渍，它正在我的衣服上缓缓扩散着。）

(George leaves it at that and allows me to leave.)（乔治见我这么说，也不便再说些什么，就这样放我离开了。）

(I move quickly to try and chase after that attendant.)（我赶忙起身，想要去追寻那名侍者的身影——）

GeorgeCapture her.抓住她。

CommanderHold on—等等——

(I end up moving quite a significant distance from the dining table without realizing it. I only spot the attendant once I approach the dance floor, her silhouette distinct amidst the crowd of people clad in formal attire.)（不知不觉中，我已经远离了餐桌，直到靠近舞池时，我才看到了那名侍者，她的身影，在一众身着礼服的人中，显得尤为特别，让我一下子就看到了她。）

???Hehe... so insistent on me, even with so many people by your side?呵呵……明明身边有那么多人，却还是这样对我穷追不舍吗？

(There's no doubt, this voice is someone I'm familiar with.)（没错，这个声音，的确是我认识的人。）

(I stay on her tail and eventually arrive at an area thronging with guests. The clamoring around me grows, and the Oathsworn on security appear to notice something and prepare to move.)（我紧追着她，逐渐来到了宾客较多的区域，身边的声音愈发嘈杂。负责安保的誓卫军似乎也注意到了什么，露出了戒备的神情。）

CommanderIsn't this what you wanted?这不正是你的目的吗？

???You were so cold and distant, Commander. It was the only choice left to make you notice me.是指挥官看上去太冷淡了……让我只能用这种方式，让您注意到我。

(I fend off the other guests gesturing at me with nods, but my attention remains fully focused on her.)（我向身旁打招呼的宾客们点头敷衍着，视线却始终没有离开过她半点。）

CommanderWhat do you mean?你想做什么？

???...Well, that's a secret. One I can only tell you when my lips are right next to your ears.……这可是秘密呀。只有您的耳朵，紧贴在我唇边的时候，我才能够告诉您。

(She turns around without another word and continues to leave.)（说完，她悄悄将头回了过去，看也不再看我一眼，便继续向前匆匆离开了。）

(As DSR-50 leaves, I mull over what she has left me with. A key with an unknown purpose and the coordinates she lightly muttered straight into my ear.)（望着DSR-50离开的背影，我思考着她刚才所留下的东西——一支我目前还不知道具体用途的密钥，还有她紧贴在我耳边时，轻声吐露的坐标。）

Patrolling OathswornWhat's the matter?怎么了？

(I stick out like a sore thumb on the dance floor by myself, and the Oathsworn quickly latch onto me as DSR-50 slips through their fingers.)（我这样独自一人站在舞池中实在是太过显眼，始终没能抓到DSR-50的誓卫军，很快便在巡逻中发现了我的异常。）

CommanderIt's nothing. I've got this spill on me that I need to take care of.没什么……酒洒了，我处理一下。

(After dealing with the Oathsworn on patrol, I find a set of clothing in my sizes left by someone in the dressing room. Among the clothes is a simple note, making it obvious that these have been left for me.)（匆匆应付了巡逻的誓卫军，我在更衣室中发现了不知是谁留下的备用衣物，尺码合身，还附上了一张简单的字条——显然，这是为我而准备的。）

(I return to the hall with a brisk walk after making myself presentable again. George welcomes me back with a smile.)（处理好一切后，我快步回到宴会厅。刚见到我，乔治便一脸笑意地迎了上来。）

GeorgeI am told that you ran into the Oathsworn! You should have listened to me.听说你惊动了誓卫军？你真该听劝的。

(In no mood to explain my experiences to him, I slowly begin to speak after ensuring that Ullrid and Groza are still safe.)（我没心思和他解释，在确认了乌尔丽德和闪电的安全后，我缓缓开口。）

CommanderI thought it over, George. The conditions you propose, especially those later ones, are indeed tempting.乔治，我想了想。其实，你的那些条件，尤其是后面的那些，的确有些诱人。

UllridDear...亲爱的……

(I stop her with a gesture of the hand.)（我伸手制止了她。）

GeorgeA wise decision.明智的判断。

(George appears pleasantly surprised.)（乔治看起来有些惊喜。）

CommanderHowever, we still need to discuss amongst ourselves. We'll be staying here for the time being before we come to a decision.不过，我们还是需要商议一下，在商议出结果前，我们会暂时留在这里。

GeorgeHahaha, you may entertain yourselves here as much as you like. Mokosh has more than enough in store to satisfy your every need.哈哈哈，你想在这里玩多久，就可以玩多久，莫科什有足够的底蕴满足你所有的需要。

CommanderVery well. Following today's survey, I'd say the prospects for vegetable sales here may not be so promising.那就好，坦白说，我今天考察下来，蔬菜在这里的销路确实也不大乐观。

CommanderA notable trade zone Mokosh may be, but its people still seem to go hungry.莫科什作为知名的贸易地区，人民却似乎吃不饱。

(I offer him a toast, but he furrows his brow somewhat as if he's been jabbed at.)（我举起酒杯回敬他，他却像是被戳到了什么点一样，有些微不可察地皱了皱眉。）

GeorgeWhatever makes you happy.随意，只要你开心。

GeorgeI still have other guests to receive today. I won't be seeing you off.那今天，我还有其他的客人要接待，我就不送你们离开了。

CommanderCome, Groza. Make sure that everyone is following.闪电，走吧，确保所有人都跟上。

GrozaReceived.谨遵指令。

(I hear George speak in a different, deeper voice the moment I turn to leave. It appears that he is yet to find that strange attendant.)（在转过身的那一刻，我听到了乔治不同于之前的、低沉的声音。他似乎还未找到那名陌生的侍者。）

Red Onion “红洋葱”

GrozaThis is the place?就是这里吗？

CommanderDSR-50's intel says as much, yes.根据DSR-50给的情报来看，是这里没错。

(We find an excuse to leave the ball before its conclusion. George fails to locate DSR-50 before we leave, and we quickly arrive at the coordinates provided under the cover of night.)（舞会还未结束，我们便找了个借口离开了，直到我们离开之前，乔治都没能找到DSR-50。而我们也趁着夜色，尽快赶到了坐标所在地。）

SuomiLooks just like a normal factory...这里看上去只是个普通的工厂……

(The factory appears perfectly mundane and unimpressive from the outside. Its internal workings are impossible to deduce with the high-voltage electric fence surrounding its perimeter.)（和预想的不同，我们所来到的工厂从外面看上去十分朴实无华。除了外面环绕的高压脉冲电网外，从外观上，完全无法看出这座工厂的生产内容。）

KrolikThe intel is sound, right?情报没问题吧？

UllridCommander, who exactly is this DSR-50 you speak of?指挥官，你说的那个DSR-50，究竟是什么人？

GrozaTo put it simply, she was a coworker of sorts when I was at Griffin.简单来说，算是我之前在格里芬的同事。

(Unsurprisingly, mistrust remains in Groza's tone. With no memories of her time at Griffin, I had to tell her about the bare basics.)（闪电的语气中透漏出一丝不信任，这并不奇怪，毕竟，她没有格里芬时期的记忆，就连这些信息，也是我告诉她的。）

GrozaIt's just... We haven't heard from her in ten years, Commander. I'm worried.不过……十年都没有得到过她的消息了，指挥官，我有些担心。

CommanderI understand how you're feeling. After all, I couldn't find any traces of her affiliation that day, and she said very little else. I can't be sure what her goals are, either.我明白你的担心……的确，那天我没有在她身上检查出任何归属印记，除此之外，她没有多说什么，我也无法确认她实际的目的。

UllridIt was definitely quite the pain to find.找起来倒是确实费了些功夫。

CommanderNo matter what, it's always better to have intel.不管怎么说，有情报总比没有情报强点。

UllridEven if it's fake?哪怕是假情报？

CommanderFake intel has its purpose, too. It could still lead to a breakthrough if well utilized.假情报也有它出现的原因，利用得好的话，未必不能成为突破口。

CommanderI'd like to scope out this place before we talk more about cooperation. We'll do what we need to if it's necessary.我想，在谈合作之前，还是好好考察一下这里，必要的时候，我们将会采取相应的行动。

UllridIf we can figure out what George is hiding, a win-win for both us and the residents of Mokosh might not be out of the question.如果真的能摸清楚乔治的底细，未必不能实现莫科什居民和我们的双赢。

GrozaAnyhow, let's make our way in. Commander... Please stay behind me as much as possible.总之，先进去看看吧。指挥官……请尽量站在我的身后。

(Groza grasps the key I received from DSR-50, attempting to use it on the security system at the entrance.)（说完，闪电拿出我刚才从DSR-50那里得到的密钥，试探着放入了入口处的门禁中。）

(The security systems allow us through with a series of notification sounds. Groza takes point to rush through the door and into the factory.)（随着提示音的响起，门禁上出现了一个安全的标识，提示着我们认证通过。闪电抢先一步迈进了眼前的工厂）

CommanderUllrid, come with me. We'll follow Groza. Suomi, Krolik, watch the outside. Contact us immediately if anything happens.那，乌尔丽德和我跟上闪电。索米、克罗丽科，就拜托你们在工厂外驻守了，一旦有什么问题，立刻通知我们。

(Time is tight. We've got no way of knowing how long our access will last, so uncovering whatever hidden intel is contained here as soon as possible is our first priority.)（时间紧迫，我无法确认这份认证能够保证我们安全地在这里待到什么时候，尽快找出这里隐藏的信息才是最重要的。）

UllridUnderstood.了解。

SuomiYes, Commander.是……指挥官。

KrolikYeah, yeah, I know. Get in there already.知道了，你们快进去吧。

(The temperature of the interior is notably different from the outside, and a control panel on the wall shows that the insides are being kept at a consistent 18 degrees Celsius. The factory's regulations and procedures were emphasized to us many times as we entered, even though we had no intention of observing them.)（工厂内部的气温和外面有着显著差别，从墙上的环境控制面板中就能看到，这里保持着恒温18摄氏度，完整的规章制度在入口处被反复提及——尽管我们大概并未遵守。）

UllridOver here, Commander.指挥官，看这边。

CommanderThat's...这是……

(I follow Ullrid's gaze and spot a mechanical arm packaging transparent bottles.)（顺着乌尔丽德的视线望过去，流水线下方，机械臂正在封装着透明的药瓶。）

(There are countless such production lines on the factory floor which spans many thousands of square meters.)（在数千平米的厂房中，这样的流水线不计其数。）

GrozaThis looks to be a factory for pharmaceuticals.看起来，这里似乎是个制药厂。

UllridA very significant one, at that. I had a look at the delivery dockets on the control panel over there, and these are going to Cecht FABN.不仅如此，规模还不小，我刚才看到了控制台前放的供货单，是提供给赛诺菲与法本集团的。

(I flip through the shelves next to me, and I find ingredient barrels marked with FABN's logo arranged in tidy rows. The screens nearby display quality inspection reports that appear incredibly professional.)（我也翻了翻手边的货架，印有法本集团标志的原料桶整齐地摆在那里，旁边的电子屏上，还滚动着看上去颇为专业的质检报告。）

CommanderI didn't think George was being truthful about everything he said last night.没想到乔治昨晚说的那些东西，居然不是噱头。

CommanderUllrid, look for production logs.乌尔丽德，继续找找看生产日志。

UllridAlready found it. I'm reading through them now.已经找到了，我正在翻阅。

(I approach the production lines with Groza to try and discern the contents of the bottles.)（我和闪电则继续靠近流水线，试图判断药瓶里的内容物究竟是什么。）

GrozaCommander, these trademarks... are indeed Cecht FABN's.指挥官，这个标识……的确是赛诺菲与法本的商标没错。

CommanderNo wonder this place managed to make something of itself. No one would be lacking for funds when cooperating consistently with big White Zone corporations.难怪这座城市能够“崛起”，能和白区的大企业达成稳定合作，资金上确实不虞匮乏。

CommanderAny way to tell what the contents are?除了标识，有没有办法判断内容物？

GrozaNot at the moment, at least. These are most likely special supply pharmaceuticals unlike anything we've ever seen before.至少目前我没办法判断，这应该是某种特供的药物，不像我们之前见过的任何一种。

CommanderTake two bottles of samples. I'm sure we'll be able to figure out something once we get back.收集两瓶样品。回去后，总有办法能看出些门道的。

CommanderCheck the stock matching rate while you're at it.顺便，检查一下库存匹配率。

GrozaUnderstood.了解。

(As Groza and Ullrid busy themselves examining the produced material and production logs, I begin to walk towards the hydraulic press behind the cold storage unit.)（在闪电和乌尔丽德忙着检查药品和生产日志的时候，我开始向着冷库后方的液压机组走。）

CommanderI'm going to have a look over here. You continue with those searches.我去那边看看，你们继续查。

(After receiving a response, I make straight for the area behind the storage unit. As expected, a secret path is hidden behind the hydraulic press.)（得到回应后，我便越过冷库，直接走向了后方，果不其然，液压机组后方藏着一个快捷通道。）

CommanderHm?哦？

(As I descend the hidden path, I find no secret base or warehouse, but an entrance to the sewers instead.)（不过，在我走下去之后，却发现那里并非什么“秘密基地”或者什么仓库，那扇门居然是通往下水道的。）

Commander...Weird.……奇怪。

(That's not something worth hiding behind machinery.)（这并不是什么值得被藏在液压机组后面的东西。）

(I turn around towards the cold storage control panel. I don't have any Dolls skilled in hacking with me, but the thought of DSR-50's intel suddenly pops into my head.)（我转头又瞄向了冷库的控制台。但毕竟没有密钥，身边也没有擅长解锁的人形，鬼使神差般的，我想起了DSR-50告诉我的情报。）

CommanderMight as well try...试试吧……

(Surprisingly, the control panel opens with a turn. It seems DSR-50 prepared a temporary key for me, because the key doesn't have an employee name tied to it.)（意外的是，这台控制台居然打开了，不过，很显然，这是DSR-50特地为我准备的临时密钥，上面并未显示我的员工名称。）

Commander...Let's see what secrets lie inside.……让我来看看，这里面有什么秘密吧。

(Just as I focus on examining the contents, Ullrid's excited voice rings out.)（就在我聚精会神地看里面的东西时，乌尔丽德兴奋的声音也传进了我的耳边。）

UllridCommander, I've found some dirt in the production logs.指挥官，找到了，我在生产日志里发现了一些“脏东西”。

CommanderWhat is it?怎么了？

(I emerge from the cold storage and go over to Ullrid.)（我走出冷库，来到乌尔丽德身边。）

(A series of numbers are marked on the production log Ullrid is examining.)（乌尔丽德所说的生产日志上，有人为某些数字标出了记号。）

(The lights above us illuminate the pages as we flip through them, making the marks harder to see. This log might as well be a lead left especially for us.)（头顶的灯光不可避免地照向翻开的纸页，那些记号立刻开始变得浅淡。这简直像是特意为我们提供的线索。）

UllridThe ingredient consumption and total output don't match up at all. The difference is massive.原料消耗情况和实际产物完全无法匹配，差太多了。

UllridAnd there's another thing... This might not be important, but the employee data here is a little odd.还有就是……这可能不重要，但员工的数据有点异常。

CommanderOnly a little?只是一点？

UllridThe turnover rate is rather high, though it might be due to the high population in the Yellow Zones and the size of this factory. With the amount of people coming in, this factory employs around five hundred people in total.离职率有些高，不过，或许是因为黄区人比较多，这里的工厂又比较大，所以入职的人也比较多，总的来说，工厂的员工数量目前是五百人左右。

CommanderFive hundred?五百人？

CommanderBut we haven't seen a single one all this time.但我们进来这么久，不是一个都没看到吗？

(I suddenly remember something, and I call out to Groza as she finishes the task at hand.)（我突然想到了什么，看着闪电已经完成了收集，我马上喊住了闪电。）

CommanderGroza, do you remember what we saw earlier? Most of the production here...闪电，你还记不记得，我们刚才看到过，这里的大部分流程……

GrozaIs automated by machinery.都是由自动机器人完成的。

(Where are the workers, then?)（那员工到哪里去了？）

(Another thought comes to mind.)（我突然想到了什么。）

CommanderI saw a list of names earlier in the cold storage, Ullrid. Come have a look.乌尔丽德，我刚才在冷库中看到了一份名单，你过来看一下。

CommanderDo any of these names look familiar to you?你看，这些人名，你眼熟吗？

Ullrid...I haven't gotten through all of it yet, but there's almost a perfect overlap with those employees who have left their positions here.……虽然没能全部看完，不过，确实和那些离职的员工几乎完全重合。

UllridWhat's this a list of?这是什么名单？

CommanderIt's not written on it, but there's data beneath the names. We should take a copy of it just in case.上面没写，不过，这些名字下面还有一些数据。以防万一，拷贝一份带走吧。

CommanderMake it fast. We could be seen here at any moment.我知道这很可能会被发现，所以，你需要尽快。

UllridUnderstood.明白。

CommanderHave you checked the contractual manufacturing license?代工许可查了吗？

(I ask for an update from Groza as Ullrid proceeds with copying the list.)（在乌尔丽德进行拷贝时，我顺便问了一下闪电的调查成果。）

GrozaI have. This place is indeed registered as a pharmaceutical factory. If the records here are indeed what they say they are, then Collapse radiation vaccines should be on the production lines here.查了，这里的确是作为制药厂被登记的，不过……如果记录没有出现问题的话，现在流水线上原本应该出现的——是抗坍塌辐射疫苗。

(We look down at the products we took off the line just a moment ago. No matter how you look at them, they're nowhere close to vaccines.)（我和闪电低头看了看刚才从流水线上拿走的药物，不管怎么看，这都不像是疫苗的样子。）

CommanderGroza... what are the odds that they are actually special supply vaccines, by your estimation?闪电……你觉得特供疫苗长成这样的概率有多大？

GrozaIt's not quite 0%, but no more than 10% either...我只能说不为0，但最多也不会超过10%……

CommanderThank goodness I'm not the only one who thinks this place is off.好吧，看来不是我一个人觉得这地方有问题。

(Considering Ullrid's discoveries just a moment ago, I pick up the bottle on the table again.)（考虑到乌尔丽德刚才的发现，我有些心急地再次拿起了一瓶药物。）

GrozaWhat are you planning, Commander?指挥官，你要做什么？

(I don't make a fuss, and I hand the medicine to Groza considering how worried she is.)（看到闪电的担心，我也没有推脱，顺势将药品交给了她。）

CommanderRelax, I'm not going to put it in my mouth... I asked Mayling to make this for me previously.放心，我没打算吃……之前拜托美玲帮我做了这个。

(I demonstrate its usage simply. Groza learns quickly, and she pays careful attention to the vapors as she inserts the medicine into the device that I brought.)（我简单的示范了一下用法，闪电心领神会，随后便小心地将混有药物的空气，导入我拿出的检测装置中。）

(Unsurprisingly, some of the contents are unidentifiable, but from what we can analyze...)（不出所料，有些成分无法辨识，但就已知内容的分析结果来说……）

GrozaIt's similar to...有点像……

(The substance ignites a certain deja vu in Groza. She observes it closely in detail without a hint of fear, and she even removes a portion of it from its packaging.)（似乎是这份药品唤起了闪电的熟悉感，她竟然大着胆子，靠近观察起了这份药物，甚至直接取出了一部分。）

(Similar is perhaps not the way to put it. A partial familiarity would be more accurate.)（说熟悉感还是有少许的不严谨，确切地说，是“一部分”的熟悉感。）

(A considerable amount of Erdis was seized in the amusement park after we rescued Florence, and this substance before us is stunningly similar to that.)（在成功救出芙洛伦之后，我在游乐园里收缴了不少厄狄斯，而眼前的这些药品，和厄狄斯有着极高的相似度。）

CommanderErdis, right?你想说有点像厄狄斯，对吧？

(Just as I find myself surprised at how in sync Groza and I are, I find a strange look on Groza's face.)（正当我讶异于闪电和我的默契时，却发现闪电的脸色并不像我想的那样。）

GrozaNo...不……

(It's a look I've seen before. Her eyes drop in and out of focus, and it's a clear sign that her neural cloud is overloading like it's about to crash. It would be difficult for her to even answer a simple question in her current state.)（那是我已经看过的表情，失焦的眼神，清楚地映射出她此刻过载的心智，像是宕机的前兆一样，毫无疑问，对于现在的她来说，处理简单的应答都将无比困难。）

GrozaRed...红……

(Red?)（红？）

(There's no time to think. If something were to happen to Groza here... No, that's not something I'll allow.)（没时间思考那么多了，如果闪电在这里出现什么问题的话……不，我不会让这件事情发生的。）

CommanderWake up, Groza!闪电，醒醒！

UllridWhat's going on?!怎么了？！

Groza...……

CommanderGroza!闪电！

Alarm—!!——！！！

(The answer I was expecting doesn't come from Groza, but the ear-splitting shriek of an alarm.)（然而，回答我的并不是闪电，而是一阵震耳欲聋的警报声。）

CommanderWhat's happening?什么情况？

UllridWe've got an emergency, the factory security's found us!情况危急，我们被制药厂的安保小队发现了！

(I look at the access control system. Everything there seems normal and there is no indication that we have breached it. In contrast, a huge red warning light is flashing over at Ullrid's end. Sure enough, our attempt to copy the data has triggered the alarm.)（我看向门禁装置，那里一切如常，并未显示出我们的入侵。而与之相反，乌尔丽德那边闪烁着巨大的红色警示灯，果然，是我们拷贝数据的行为触发了警报。）

(The sound of footsteps approach from afar. There's approximately ten of them, judging by the sound.)（在警报声后，脚步声由远及近传来，从声音来判断，敌人的数量大概是数十名。）

(I look down at Groza again. Her lips tremble gently, like she might be returning to normal.)（我再次低头看向闪电，她的嘴唇轻轻颤动着，像是即将恢复正常的征兆。）

GrozaCommander, it's... red onion...指挥官……是，“红洋葱”……

GrozaMy... final mission...我……的……最后一个任务……

CommanderWhat?!什么？！

(The name of the specter haunting Groza becomes clear.)（是那个如同梦魇一样纠缠着闪电的名字，在这一刻终于清晰了起来。）

GrozaI... I think I remember.我……好像想起来了。

(Her voice trembles, but not with excitement. It's evident from the empty look in her eyes that she's already thoroughly incapable of processing anything.)（闪电这句话带着断断续续的颤音，那并不是因为情绪激动。从她空洞的眼神中，不难看出，她已经无法正常处理信息了。）

(I need to take Groza back as soon as possible.)（我必须尽快带闪电回去。）

Commander...Okay, I got it. Don't stress too much, Groza. I'll listen to you in detail when we get back to the hotel.……好，我知道了，闪电，别太紧张，稍后回到酒店，我会听你慢慢说。

UllridThere's no time, Commander! Enemies are half a minute out!指挥官，来不及了！敌人还有大约半分钟到达。

CommanderTsk.啧。

CommanderUllrid, tell Suomi and Krolik to wait for orders and prepare to retreat at any moment.乌尔丽德，先通知索米和克罗丽科待命，随时做好撤离准备。

UllridLeave it to me.交给我。

CommanderGroza, can you fight?闪电，还能作战吗？

(She turns stiffly toward the sound of my voice, and she opens and closes her mouth in an attempt to try and answer me. Even getting a single answer out is a tremendous task for her.)（听到我的声音，闪电僵硬地看了我一眼，她张了张嘴，像是想要努力回应我的指令。不过，从她的样子可以看出，即便是简单的回应，在此刻也变得困难。）

GrozaI... can.可……以。

(She shakes incessantly. I don't know what she's remembering or what she's seeing, but in the dark depths of her eyes lies helplessness, confusion, and the will to resist—)（闪电止不住地在发抖，我不知道她究竟想起了什么、看到了什么，那双深不见底的眼眸中，有着迷茫、无助、还有反抗——）

(It took a massive effort for Groza just to utter those two words. Immediate retreat is our best option.)（简单的两个字，却让闪电付出了极大的努力，尽快撤离是现在最好的做法。）

CommanderPrepare for combat. Create an opportunity to retreat!优先撤离，准备作战！

GrozaOrders... received.闪电……谨遵指令。

Red Onion “红洋葱”

SuomiCommander!指挥官！

KrolikGet in!快上车！

UllridIt's good to see you're all okay.看到你们没事，我也就放心了。

CommanderGroza, what did you remember?闪电，你想起来了什么？

(I help her into the car. I place her in a comfortable position and try to ask her about what happened.)（我将闪电扶到车上，把她安顿好后，我尝试询问她刚才想起了什么。）

Groza...……

(It's clear that she's in no condition to do anything. It must have been a real struggle for her to push through a battle in that condition. I can't help but feel worried.）（我看得出来，闪电的状态并不好，难为她在这种情况下还坚持了一场作战。我心里不免有些担忧。）

CommanderSorry, Groza, it's alright if you don't want to answer. Have a good rest and save your energy for the next battle, at least.抱歉，闪电，不想回答也没关系，好好休息一下吧，至少在下一场战斗前保存一下体力。

Groza...No, Commander.……不，指挥官。

(She struggles to speak.)（闪电挣扎着开口。）

CommanderWhat is it?你说。

GrozaBlood...血……

CommanderWhat?!什么？

(Her hands quiver.)（闪电的双手颤抖。）

GrozaBlood, on my hands, my body.... It's all blood...血……我的手上，我的身体上，全部都是……鲜血……

GrozaThe smell... gunpowder...火药的气味……

(I can clearly feel everyone in the car catch their breath at these words.)（我明显地感觉到，闪电这么说的时候，载具上的所有人，几乎都呼吸一滞。）

CommanderYou're seeing things, there's nothing on your hands. Calm down, Groza.别乱说，你的手上什么都没有，闪电，冷静一点。

GrozaI don't... want that anymore. I don't know what's going on.我不想……我不想那样，我不知道怎么了。

GrozaNo, Commander...指挥官……不要……

Groza...Commander, get away! I... I'm dangerous!……指挥官，不要靠近我！！！我……我很危险！！

(...Dangerous?)（……危险？）

(I stare at her face, hoping to peer into what she's seeing in her mind.)（我观察着她的神情，期望着能够看清楚，她的脑海中，究竟是什么样的画面。）

(Her eyes are filled with terror as her hands shake constantly, the illusion of something on her hands taking over. All I can do is tightly clasp her hand in the hopes that her condition will stabilize.)（她的手不住地颤抖着，双眼中也全是惶恐，就像是真的在手上看到了什么东西一样。我不由得紧紧地抓住了她的手，只为让她的情况稳定一些。）

CommanderListen to me, Groza. No matter what you're seeing, none of it is real.闪电，听我说，无论你看到了什么，都不是真的。

GrozaCommander...指挥官……

GrozaCommander...指挥官……

(She stops answering me, and only grasps onto my hand tightly. She gradually relaxes before she falls into a peaceful sleep on my shoulder.)（她不再回答我，只是回握住我的手，直到她放心地、在我的肩膀上小小地陷入了安眠。）

(I know the most about Groza's situation out of anyone. For a long, long time, despite her best efforts, her neural cloud has been in turmoil. She's good at keeping herself together, but I can hardly just sit and watch.)（明明对于闪电的情况，我是最清楚的。在很长的一段时间内，她的心智情况都处于剧烈的波动中——尽管她很克制。事实上，她的确十分擅长忍耐，但我却做不到对此坐视不理。）

(Part of the reason I brought her out was so that she could relax a little. More importantly...)（这也是我带她出来的原因，不仅是想要带她散散心，更重要的是——）

Groza■■■■■■, ■■■■■...■■■，■■■……

(KABOOM—!)（轰——！）

(Groza's resolve back then was so stark and absolute, but she would never reveal anything to me no matter how I asked her afterward. Now, a possibility reveals itself—)（闪电当时的身影太过决绝，但无论我后来怎么问她，她却始终不肯说出缘由。而现在看来，原因或许就是——）

("Danger".)（“危险”。）

(Just what did Groza experience with "red onion"?)（关于“红洋葱”，闪电究竟经历了什么？）

(There's no way I'm going to leave her like this by herself, especially if the reason is over something like that.)（但如果是这样的原因，那我便更加无法放心地让她一个人待着。）

CommanderI'm sorry for making you remember those unpleasant things, Groza.抱歉，闪电，让你想起了不愉快的事情。

CommanderI just wanted to take you shopping and buy you the things you liked. I wanted to have a dance together... like we did before.我原本也只是想让你在这里逛逛街，买些喜欢的东西……跳你喜欢的舞……像以前一样。

(Even if she might not be able to hear me, I mutter lightly.)（我小声地说着，即便她或许没办法听到。）

Groza...……

(She doesn't answer.)（闪电没有回答我。）

Commander...You've done well all this time, Groza. We'll first go back to the hotel, and then I'll look into what you wanted to know about.……没事的，一直以来你都辛苦了，闪电。现在我们先回酒店，至于你在意的事情，我会为你调查清楚的。

CommanderSuomi, let's get going.索米，开车吧。

Theia...……

Security SquadQuickly... Tell the boss that... that the Commander's found out.快……告诉老板，那个……指挥官，已经发现了。

TheiaStay quiet while you're being treated. It'll help you recover.在接受治疗时，保持安静，有利于你们的恢复。

Theia...Not like Mr. George will give you a performance bonus for thinking about such things when you're like this.……而且，在这种情况下，还考虑这种事，乔治先生也不会给你们加绩效的。

TheiaMr. George. It's me, Theia.乔治先生，是我，希娅。

TheiaYes... your esteemed guest has found out, but I can't be sure about how much they already know. However, I did discover that they took away production logs, delivery dockets, production licenses... and two bottles of "red onion".嗯……您的贵客已经发现了，具体了解的程度，我并不清楚。不过我检查后发现，他们带走了生产日志、供货单、代工许可……还有两瓶……“红洋葱”。

(Theia's emotionless face twitches almost imperceptibly when she hears the response from the other end of the call. Her left brow raises ever so slightly, like the shift of a single pixel in a video game.)（听到通讯对面的声音，希娅那张面无表情的脸上，出现了一丝不易察觉的松动，就像是像素游戏中，左边眉毛稍微上扬了一个像素点那样。）

TheiaWould you like that to be carried out now?您希望现在就这么做吗？

TheiaNo, I have no objections. I would like to remind you, however, that I have less than an hour left in my workday...不，我没有意见，但我想提醒您一下，我的工作时间还剩大约不到一小时……

Theia...……

TheiaYou would like me to take care of it within an hour?您希望我在一小时之内解决吗？

(She subconsciously runs her hands over an accessory she wears. In comparison to her usual demeanor, this act is almost ridiculously cute.)（希娅无意识地抚摸着身上的饰品，相较于她总是板着的、冷峻的脸来说，这样的形状，实在可爱得有些过分了。）

(She appears to calculate something for a moment. She gives a definite answer after a mere few seconds.)（她像是在计算着什么一样，大约几秒钟，她给出了一个肯定的答复。）

Theia...……

TheiaYes, I understand.好的，我明白了。

Theia...Fifty-two minutes and thirty seconds left.……还剩五十二分钟三十秒。

Drug-Fueled Dive 药影潜行

(To avoid the Oathsworn's pursuit, we race along the road after escaping the factory.)（从药厂离开后，为了躲避誓卫军的追踪，我们驾驶着载具，一路疾驰。）

SuomiWoah... Commander, it's Mokosh's Oathsworn. Are we "wanted" here, too?呜哇……指挥官，是莫科什的誓卫军，我们在这里也被“通缉”了吗？

KrolikSomething would be off if they weren't on our tail, considering the stir we made at the factory.毕竟我们在药厂弄出了那么大动静，不惊动他们才奇怪吧。

CommanderShake them off.甩掉他们就好。

UllridCommander, is this really alright?指挥官，这样真的没问题吗？

KrolikTch, we might as well just get it over with! We've already gotten to the smashing and fighting. There's no way we can avoid them forever!啧，要不还是趁早给个痛快吧！反正砸也砸了，人也打了，怎么可能躲得过啊！

UllridIt's a shame about the crops we brought here, though... I don't know if the deal's still going to go through.只是可惜了我们种好的这些农作物……还不知道合作能不能成功。

KrolikYou're still thinking about that? I don't think it could be more obvious that everything's gone down the drain.啊，你们还在想合作的事情吗？！这不是摆明了彻底完蛋了嘛。

SuomiBut isn't that why we came here? The tomatoes didn't do anything wrong.可是，我们不是为了这件事而来的吗……毕竟番茄又没做错什么呀。

(Suomi furrows her brow in a sulky manner, as if sad on behalf of those beautifully cultivated vegetables.)（索米的眉毛皱了起来，看上去十分委屈，像是在为那些精心培育的蔬菜而难过。）

GrozaCommander...指挥官……

(The brief period of rest seems to have done her good. As weak as Groza still appears to be, she's at least capable of speaking with me normally now.)（不知道是不是那短暂的休息起到了作用，尽管还是有些虚弱，但闪电看上去状态好了很多，至少能够和我正常对话了。）

CommanderI'm here, Groza. We'll be arriving soon.我在，闪电，我们马上就到了。

(A foreign signal introduces itself to our communications systems.)（通讯界面中，突然出现了一个陌生的信号。）

???Remember me, Commander?指挥官，还记得我吗？

CommanderDSR-50...DSR-50……

DSR-50?Hehe... It's good that you remember me, Commander.呵呵……看来指挥官还没忘记我呢。

UllridThat's DSR-50?DSR-50……就是她吗？

LoreleyI go by Loreley now, Commander. I'd like you to refer to me by that name, if possible...不过，指挥官，我的新名字是罗蕾莱，可以的话，我希望您用这个名字叫我……

Commander...Very well.……好。

CommanderLoreley, I went to the factory you told me about. George has likely been informed of our trespassing and I'm quite certain that I'm a wanted criminal in Mokosh now.罗蕾莱，我按照你说的，去了那个工厂，现在乔治已经发现了，我想，我已经变成莫科什的“通缉犯”了。

LoreleyYou say "wanted", but you sound as composed as always~ You are experienced in escaping the authorities, after all.呵呵……说是“通缉”，您的语气听上去可一点都不慌乱呢~果然，您对逃离当局的通缉已经很有经验了。

CommanderDon't put it like that... I don't know what your goals are, but you saw this coming when you gave me the intel, right?别用这种说法……虽然不知道你是什么目的，但在给我情报的时候，你就预料到现在的场面了吧？

CommanderIn return, you're going to have to give me all the intel you have on George.作为补偿，现在你该把乔治的所有信息交给我了。

LoreleyI was the one who made the call, yet you're being so assertive... My, you've changed after leaving me behind for ten years.明明是我给您拨来的通讯，您却这么霸道……抛下我的十年间，您变得这么强势了呢。

LoreleyI can't say I mind, though. (Giggle)不过我很喜欢，呵呵。

Commander...Yes, yes, you're right. Get it out of your system.……好吧，你说得对，那你可以趁现在说一下你想说的。

LoreleyLater... I will... a...稍后……我会……到……

(The call suddenly begins to break down before I can hear what Loreley has to say.)（我没能听完罗蕾莱的话，通讯的声音突然开始变得断断续续。）

CommanderHey!喂！

(A sudden series of explosions cut the call short before it finishes.)（突如其来的爆炸，让未完成的通讯被强行切断了。）

CommanderI knew this would happen.我就知道会这样。

(None would ever know how desperately I wanted to hear her finish that sentence at the moment.)（没人能知道我此刻有多想听清这句话。）

UllridCareful, Commander!指挥官，小心！

GrozaWhat's... going on?发生……什么事情了。

KrolikThere's a madman behind us... trying to blow up this entire street!我们后面有个疯子……好像打算爆破这条街！

SuomiWait... Commander, there's more than one person over there.等等……指挥官，那边好像不止一个人。

CommanderThe Oathsworn? They're already bringing out explosives?是誓卫军吗？他们已经动用上这种东西了？

UllridI can't be sure. My experience says this could be a normal riot.我不确定，从之前的经验来看，也可能又是普通的动乱。

KrolikYou're already thinking that violence here is the norm?!你们已经开始觉得这地方随处动乱很正常了吗？！

Commander...No, those robbers before wouldn't have access to these weapons.……不，之前抢劫的那些人不可能配备这种武装。

SuomiIf the people here are often at war, shouldn't there be a high demand for tomatoes and purple sweet potatoes... to be processed into military rations?这里的人如果经常打仗，那不应该很需要番茄和紫薯……加工成军粮吗？

KrolikTHAT's what you're thinking about?!这种时候还在考虑这件事吗？！

GrozaCommander... Your orders.指挥官……请下命令。

CommanderDon't push yourself, Groza. Stay close to me.闪电，不要勉强，待在我身边。

(Bullets whizz by at blinding speed. The formerly raucous market instantly dissolves into chaos as sparks cover the entire street, consuming everything with a price tag on it.)（子弹快速地从我们的身旁擦过，刚才还人声鼎沸的闹市，在一瞬间便变得七零八落，火焰跳动在街道上，将那些带有标价的商品吞噬一空。）

(A grenade from somewhere explodes not far away.)（一颗不知道从哪里丢过来的手雷，就在我们不远处炸开。）

CommanderNo care for their own city's streets.他们对自己的街道真的一点也不客气。

SuomiCommander... look out behind you!指挥官……请注意您的身后！

(Behind us is an armed force that I almost cannot make out. They're approaching in several vehicles, and they're less than two thousand meters away.)（身后，是一群我几乎无法辨认的武装势力，他们驾驶着数辆载具，距离我们只有不到两千米的距离。）

CommanderPrepare for combat, everyone! Groza...全员，准备作战！闪电……

GrozaI will go...由我去……

Commander...Can't be helped. Ullrid, support her!……没办法，乌尔丽德，你支援她！

UllridYes!是！

Phase Transition Point 相变点

UllridIs it over?结束了吗？

GrozaLet me... make sure.我来……确认一下。

(Smoke permeates through the area, filling the space where people were just a few moments ago.)（硝烟弥漫在街道上，原本热闹的街区，现在早已空无人烟。）

CommanderYes. Be careful.嗯，注意防范。

SuomiShouldn't we get out of here as soon as possible?我们是不是尽快离开会比较好呀？

CommanderYes, but I'd like to figure out whose orders these people are operating under.是，但是在离开之前，我想确认一下，这些人究竟是接受了谁的命令而来。

KrolikHmph... I'll keep watch. Hurry up, Commander.哼……那我来警戒四周，指挥官，你快一点。

(I chamber my pistol again and slowly approach the fallen enemies.)（我再次为手枪上膛，随后缓步靠近那些已经倒下的敌人。）

CommanderWeird...奇怪……

UllridWhat'd you find?发现什么了？

CommanderNo wonder I kept getting this sense of deja vu while we were fighting.难怪……在交手时，我总觉得有种熟悉感。

(I pat them down, but I'm unable to find any signs of affiliation. The weapons they wield, however, contain technology from the White Zones.)（我从他们的身上摸索着，始终没能翻出任何归属印记，但他们所配备的武器，却像是白区才有的科技。）

(I think back to the Cecht FABN logo we saw in the factory.)（我回想起之前，在制药厂所见到的赛诺菲与法本的标志。）

(A simple cooperative relationship wouldn't necessitate this degree of support. Not to mention...)（但如果只是简单的合作，没必要派出这种程度的支援到这里。而且……）

GrozaCommander... I'm alright. Let me help.指挥官……我没事，让我协助您吧。

CommanderDon't worry about me. Go look for any wounded residents nearby and call for help.不用管我，你们去看看附近有没有受伤的居民，尽快呼叫救援。

UllridIt's strange, isn't it? The Oathsworn were on the scene pretty quickly that time. Why are they still not here?说起来倒是也奇怪，之前那些誓卫军不是很快就赶到了吗，这次怎么还没到？

(Perhaps the answer lies in the objects before me.)（或许答案就在眼前的这些东西中。）

(I try another body and search again.)（我换了一个敌人，再次尝试搜寻。）

CommanderHm?嗯？

GrozaCommander—指挥官——

(This one feels different to the touch.)（手中的敌人，手感却和刚才的完全不同。）

??Sorry about this.抱歉了。

CommanderScatter!都散开！

(This one managed to slip through. They grip my hand so tightly after pulling the pin on a grenade that my joints begin to creak. All I can do is tell the Dolls to spread out.)（这名并未被消灭的敌人，在拉动手雷后，便紧紧地握着我的手，力道之大，几乎快要将我的关节捏碎。现在我所能做的，只有让跟随我的人形们全部散开。）

??...Ten seconds. Looks like I made it.……十秒。看来赶上了。

UllridGroza! What are you doing?!闪电！！你要干什么！

GrozaThere's more smoke than actual explosives! That's a stun grenade!烟尘量远大于实际伤害，那是干扰手雷！

GrozaQuickly, they want... the Commander...……快，他们的目标是……指挥官……

(The faraway voices become indistinct. The only thing left in my world is the blurred face of this one remaining enemy.)（远处的声音在此刻不再清晰，我的视线中，只剩下地上这名未能被消灭的敌人那张模糊的脸。）

CommanderIt's you?!是你？！

??...Three.……三。

(I finally wrestle the grenade from her grasp as she counts to three, throwing it away as far as I can. The explosion goes off almost right after, and it throws everything into chaos.)（在她数到“三”的这一刻，我终于用尽全力，抢过她拿的手雷并扔向远处。爆破瞬间便发生了，此刻的倒数早已失去了意义。）

(I feel a pair of female arms suddenly lifting me upwards. I instinctively move to free myself, but I suddenly hear a familiar voice—)（但我能感觉到的是，在混乱中，似乎有一双女性的手，突然将我打横抱起，我下意识想要将她摔向地面，却听到了一个熟悉的声音，出现在了我的耳边——）

???...……

??My adorable sister, work's done! Time to clock off!我可爱的妹妹，下班了！下班了噢！

(I suddenly remember what George said.)（我突然回忆起，乔治曾经说的那句话。）

GeorgeGot an eye on my secretary, have you? Sorry, she's not fond of overtime, even if paid.你看中了我的秘书？抱歉，她不喜欢加班和应酬。

UllridIs it over?结束了吗……

SuomiI think I heard a weird voice just now...我好像听到了什么奇怪的声音……

KrolikNo time for that! Where's the Commander?喂，别说那些了，指挥官呢？！

(Ullrid looks on in disbelief. That enemy has disappeared along with the Commander in a puff of smoke, like some sort of magic trick.)（乌尔丽德错愕地看着眼前的场景，几乎就像是魔术一样，那名特殊的敌人……和指挥官，就这样随着消失的烟雾一起，在眼前消失了。）

UllridW-what?!什……什么？！

GrozaCommander... W-where are you?指挥官……你在哪？

(She fails to hide the panic in her voice as she stumbles back and forth across the battlefield. She searches and searches, looking for any trace of the Commander.)（闪电故作镇静的声音已经完全无法遮掩自己慌乱的情绪，她蹒跚地走在方才战斗过的战场上，反复在指挥官停留过的地方进行搜索，试图寻找一丝指挥官存在的痕迹。）

GrozaCommander...指挥官……

GrozaI-if you can hear me, please respond...能……能听到的话，请回复我……

UllridSuomi, expand the search radius!索米，立刻扩大搜索范围！

SuomiAh, yes!啊，是！姐姐！

GrozaCommander... please respond.指挥官……请回答我。

(Groza tries the last communications channel available to her as the search remains fruitless. The only answer she receives is a deafening silence.)（搜寻无果的闪电，慌忙地开始试图通过通讯的方式联系指挥官，但回答她的，只有刺耳的沉默。）

GrozaCommander... Commander...指挥官……指挥官……

(...)（——）

(The silence she receives in return only amplifies the turmoil in her already unstable neural cloud.)（空白的应答，让闪电本就不稳定的心智愈发动摇。）

GrozaC-Commander? Please, come in... Commander...指，指挥官？……请，回答……？指挥……

GrozaAh—啊——

GrozaAAAAAAAAAHHHHH—!!啊啊啊啊啊啊啊啊啊啊啊啊啊啊啊啊——！！！！

UllridGroza, calm down!闪电！冷静些！

GrozaIt... it was me.是……是我。

GrozaI failed to protect the Commander!是我没有保护好指挥官……！！

KrolikLeader, it's not your fault! From the very start, you—闪电队长！不是你的错，你本来就——

GrozaYes... My neural cloud was never stable.对……我本来就心智不稳定。

GrozaI-if I never came into contact with "red onion"...如果，如果我没有被……“红洋葱”所干扰的话……

GrozaNo, no, it's not due to that at all. I knew that I've never been able to protect the Commander...不，不是“红洋葱”干扰了我……我知道，我本来就无法保护指挥官……

(I should have known long ago. I can't protect the Commander at all. I'll only ever cause him trouble.)（我早就该知道的，我保护不了指挥官，我只会给指挥官带来麻烦。）

(I remember it all clearly now... I remember how I hurt those people...)（明明都想起来了……明明已经知道自己是怎样伤害了那些人的……）

(But I wanted the Commander's warmth for myself. I stopped thinking and settled down by the Commander's side, which has led to all of this.)（却因为贪心地渴望着指挥官的温度，所以才放任自己放弃思考，依赖在指挥官的身边，造成了这样的结果。）

(The thought that she should have disappeared long ago reverberates through Groza's head.)（或许早在那时自己就应该消失的。闪电不可抑制地这样想。）

SuomiN-no, Miss Groza, that's not what Miss Krolik meant!不，不是这样的，闪电小姐！克罗丽科小姐不是这个意思！

(But even someone like me, uncontrollable, dangerous, and full of hidden dangers, with bloodstained hands, was always treated kindly by the Commander.)（但即便是这样的我，失控、危险且充满隐患、双手染血的我，却始终被指挥官温柔地对待着。）

GrozaIt was the Commander who saved me...明明是指挥官救了我的……

(Those gentle hands once lifted me up from the ruins.)（那双温柔的手，曾将我从废墟中捧起。）

CommanderHuh? Groza? Why are you here?嗯？……闪电？你怎么在这里？

CommanderWhat's that smell? ...Well, it's no problem if you don't want to run checks on your frame. Just leave the tasting business to me.味道有些奇怪……不过，没关系，如果你不想检查素体的话。以后，帮你尝味道的工作，就交给我了。

(He took my hand again and again, until he filled up my empty self with memories of him.)（他曾经一次又一次牵住我的手，直到一片空白的我，被他所带来的记忆所填满。）

CommanderOh, right. Groza, there's something I'd like to discuss with you.闪电，有件事……我希望和你商量一下。

CommanderEven though we only have three people on the Elmo right now, in the future... I might end up recruiting more Dolls onto our team. Therefore, I'd like you to become the leader of our Doll contingent.艾莫号虽然现在只有三个人，但今后……我或许还会招募人形，所以，从现在起，我希望你能成为小队的队长。

CommanderYou'd like to see the sunrise again? It's not often that you're in the mood. Alright, I'll keep you company tonight.又想观赏日出吗？难得你有这个兴致，好吧，那今晚就稍微陪你一下。

CommanderGroza, as long as you want me to, I'll find the truth for you someday.闪电，只要你想的话，总有一天，我会为你找到真相。

GrozaWithout the Commander—如果没有指挥官的话——

GrozaI... I can't...我……我不能……

(The street begins to spin.)（街道在旋转——）

(In contrast to the sheer fullness of the memories of the past ten years in the depths of her neural cloud, the street before her appears completely empty.)（来自于心智深处，那些十年来“满”到几乎快要溢出的记忆，显得眼前的街区是如此空旷。）

(She stumbles a few steps further. No matter how she tries to steady herself, the feeling of disorientation in her neural cloud keeps dragging her down.)（闪电踉跄两步，无论她再怎么试图维持平衡，心智中那种混乱的感觉，都令她感到头晕目眩。）

(There were many times when she wanted to leave in fear of hurting the Commander the same way she hurt others.)（曾经无数次，她为了不让自己像伤害那些人一样伤害指挥官，她想过离开。）

(But now that the Commander is missing, Groza feels the sky crashing down on her.)（但现在指挥官真的失踪时，闪电却感觉到一切彻底失控了。）

(Just as she's about to crumple to the ground, a pair of hands reach out to steady her by her left shoulder.)（在她即将跌倒之际，一双手扶住了她的左肩。）

UllridGroza, I know that you're being hit while you're down, but we need to retreat right now even without the Commander.闪电，我知道你接连遭受打击，但是即便没有指挥官，现在我们必须尽快撤离。

(Ullrid's voice is trembling slightly, too.)（如果细听便会察觉，乌尔丽德的声音也在轻颤。）

(Not far away, the sound of vehicles is approaching. Clearly, more enemies are on their way.)（但不远处，载具的声音和人声正在逼近，显然，更多的敌人正在靠近。）

SuomiBig Sis! I've finished the search, but... I couldn't find the Commander.姐姐！搜索完成，还是没有找到……指挥官。

SuomiWhat do we do? If we... can't find the Commander, I... (sniff)怎么办，我们……找不到指挥官的话……我……呜……

KrolikDon't say these depressing things! This place is only so big. We'll find the Commander even if we have to start digging straight down!喂，别说丧气话！这地方就这么大，挖地三尺也要把指挥官找出来！

UllridGroza, Suomi, Krolik. I promise you that I will find the Commander.闪电，索米，克罗丽科。我向你们保证，我一定会找到指挥官。

UllridBut we need to get out of here before we can call for help. We'll only be able to find the Commander if we remain free to take action.但是在呼叫支援之前，我们要先离开这里。保存我们自己的行动能力，才能找到指挥官。

SuomiY-yes, Big Sis!是，是！姐姐！

(There's no more time for hesitation or explanations. The sounds of enemy footsteps and bullets being chambered happen in quick succession.)（敌人的脚步声，还有子弹上膛的声音，一切都近在咫尺，现在已经没有犹豫和解释的时间了。）

UllridKrolik, take care of Groza.克罗丽科，注意保护闪电。

KrolikHold on tight, Leader.队长，抓紧我。

(There's nothing more important than getting everyone back safely, at least for now.)（至少在这一刻，没有什么能比让所有人安全回去更重要。）

UllridEveryone, prepare to retreat!所有人，准备撤离！

Underground Titration 地下滴定

MaylingEh? The work site is a sewer?诶……工作地点，竟然是下水道吗？

Dr. WhiteHaha, don't worry. It's not as bad as you imagine.呵呵，别担心，这里没有你想的那么差。

Dr. WhiteMokosh's infrastructure is rather unique, so our work can only take place here.莫科什的基础建设很特殊，所以，我们的工作只能在这里进行。

(Mayling's mind returns to what Dr. White said to the Commander yesterday. "Mokosh's 'sun' only reaches its surface, but its roots deep in the earth still need light to grow. Even if that light is borrowed.")（听到白怀德这么说，美玲想起了昨天他和指挥官所说过的话—— “莫科什的‘太阳’只能照耀到顶层，但地下的根，同样也需要光才能生长，哪怕是借来的光。”）

MaylingI see now...原来如此……

(Her mind then moves onto how the Commander behaved on that day and her mood takes a bit of a dip.)（想到指挥官的样子，美玲的心情没由来地有些失落。）

Dr. WhiteStill feeling down because of what the Commander said?在因为指挥官的话失落吗？

MaylingEh?!诶？！

Dr. WhiteYou've been out of sorts since yesterday. What is it?从昨天到现在，我看你都有些心不在焉，怎么啦？

MaylingAh, n-no, that's not it at all!啊，不，不是这样的！

MaylingWell, who else could it be? The way he spoke sounded like I'm not important at all. No one would be happy to hear that.还不是指挥官啦……说那样的话，根本就不重视我，谁听了都不会开心的吧。

Dr. WhiteIs that how you understood it?是吗，你是这样理解的啊。

Dr. WhiteWere you expecting the Commander to try to keep you where you were, or did you want him to make the decision for you?你在期待指挥官挽留你，还是说，你想让他替你做决定？

MaylingI...我……

(What exactly was she hoping for?)（是啊，自己究竟在期待什么呢？）

(She lowers her head to contemplate the question, and she also slows her pace subconsciously.)（美玲低头思索着，脚步也不自觉放缓了一些。）

Mayling...I don't know.……我不知道。

(Rather than not knowing, it's more that she doesn't want to contemplate it. After living together with the Commander all these years, she understands that the Commander is someone that would only ever grow more distant.)（与其说是不知道，倒不如说她不愿去这样想，和指挥官一同生活了这么多年，她很清楚，那个人只会将她越推越远。）

Dr. WhiteWe're here.到了。

MaylingAh—啊——

(Mayling is taken aback by the sights before her.)（看着眼前的景象，美玲有些意外。）

(Amidst an underground labyrinth made up of colossal cement pipes, putrid wastewater sputters from shattered alloy tubes. Above it all sits a completely isolated conveyor system, intact and functioning despite its visible age.)（巨型混凝土管道交织而成的地下迷宫中，带着腐臭味的污水从破裂的合金管口喷溅，但在这之上，被完全隔离开来的传送轨道，尽管看上去已经很有些年头，却仍旧有条不紊地运作着。）

Dr. WhiteAn underground logistics tunnel. Worry not, its positioning and protective measures are specially designed for this place. The wastewater won't come into contact with the conveyor even in the flooding season.地下物流运输通道，别担心，路线和隔离措施都是特殊设计过的，即便是汛期，污水也不会污染到传送带上。

Dr. WhiteWe might not be so privileged, though. Make sure you put on your PPE.不过，我们可就不一定有这么幸运了，戴好防护面罩。

MaylingYes.嗯。

(Mayling steps onto the elevator after ensuring that she's properly protected.)（美玲确认好自己的防护措施后，便踏上了升降踏板。）

MaylingThese things can be built in the sewers?还能在下水道里建这些东西吗？

(The elevator ascends approximately ten meters, and it arrives at an inoperable centrifuge with machine remnants jammed between its blades.)（升降踏板来到十米高的位置上，是一个停转的离心分离机，扇叶间隙卡满了机械残骸。）

Dr. WhiteWhy can't they be?为什么不能？

(Dr. White passes a wrench to Mayling. She taps at the centrifuge's base and tries to lift open a cover.)（一边说，白怀德将一个扳手递给美玲，美玲敲击着分离机的底座，试图掀起盖板。）

MaylingI just can't help but feel that this place is way too complicated, just like... a giant's innards.我只是觉得，这里太复杂了，就像是……呃，巨人的血管那样。

Dr. WhiteHah, an interesting simile. Well, as you've seen, the veins that once controlled the flow of its life have decayed. Mokosh is falling behind the times in this aspect.哈哈，很有意思的比喻。那现在你也看到了，这些原本掌握着“生命流速”的动脉已经生锈了，莫科什在这方面已经愈发落后了。

MaylingWhy are the sewers so complicated, anyway?为什么要把下水道建得这么复杂？

Dr. WhiteAre you surprised? Typically, sewers are responsible for wastewater treatment, flood management, and resource cycling.很意外吗？一般来说，下水道主要承担了污水处理、防洪减灾以及资源循环的职能。

Dr. WhiteHowever, Mokosh's sewers have been specially designed. They have been vital to this city from its very birth. You saw them when you entered this city, didn't you? Those buildings connected to these sewers.不过，莫科什的下水道是专门设计过的，这与这座城市的诞生息息相关。进城的时候，你看见了吧？连通着这些下水道的建筑。

MaylingYeah, that massive dam... Still in good condition, too. It shielded this city from Collapse storms, right?嗯！是很宏伟的大堤……保存得还很完整，就是它为这座城市抵御了坍塌风暴吧？

MaylingAh, so these sewers were part of the original flood control systems? Then this giant underground city grew along these "arteries"...啊！所以，这些下水道，其实最初是原始防洪工程的一部分？而这座巨大的地下城市，也是沿着这些“血管”生长起来的呢……

Dr. WhiteCorrect, the radiation shielding's main actuation systems are here. This place also handles electricity supply and ventilation.不错，辐射隔离系统的主要发动装置就在这里，除此之外，还有为这座城市供电、通风的机械。

MaylingIs that really so? I'm afraid you're losing me a little here. If these are the city's arteries, then why haven't they been maintained and upgraded like the upper layers?是这样吗？您说得我都有些糊涂了。如果这里才是城市真正的“动脉”，那为什么没有像上层一样得到升级和维护呢？

MaylingNo, wait, the upper layers aren't anywhere close to well-maintained either, other than those glitzy commercial areas...不、不对，上层除了繁华的商业区，其他区域的建设也完全没跟上呀……

MaylingIs the planning not complete yet? Judging from the layout of these pipelines, they should be part of something encompassing the entire city...是规划还没有完成吗？从管道的排布来看，这座城市应该有一套完整的设计才是……

Dr. WhiteWhat sort of person do you think planned and designed these structures?呵呵，你觉得，能规划出这些，并且做出这些设计的，会是一个什么样的人？

(Mayling takes another look at the complex machinery still functioning in the sewer, raising her head with confusion.)（美玲看了看下水道内仍在运作的复杂装置，有些困惑地抬起头。）

MaylingOh, hm... it's all rather confusing. There's clear attention to detail in the design, but everything's been left unfinished...唔，感觉……很矛盾呢。明明很用心地做了设计，却没能好好完成……

MaylingSomeone very eccentric, I think.大概是个怪人吧……？

Dr. WhiteDifferent people view him in many different ways. Calling him eccentric isn't necessarily wrong.呵呵，不同的人对他看法或许不同，说他怪倒也没错。

Dr. WhiteTo me, he's a fine engineer and an idealist with passion in his heart.在我眼中，他是一名优秀的工程师，一位饱含热情的理想者。

MaylingDo you know him well?是您的熟人吗？

Dr. WhiteHaha, I suppose I do, yes. He studied under me for a brief time.哈哈，算是吧，虽然很短暂，但他曾经跟随我学习进修过一段时间。

Dr. WhiteHe went right back to Mokosh after he was done studying, though. Couldn't keep him even if I wanted to. He would be off immediately, trying to put it to use the moment he learnt anything.不过，进修结束后，他很快就回到了莫科什，我留都留不住呀。这小子，一学到些什么，马上就想着跑回来用上。

Dr. WhiteIf not for him, this project in Mokosh might never have begun in the first place.如果不是他的话，对莫科什的支援，或许一开始就不会有。

MaylingYou don't mean Mr. George, do you...您说的，不会就是那个乔治先生吧……

(Dr. White only shakes his head with a smile, giving no direct answer.)（没有直接回答这个问题，白怀德只是笑着摇了摇头。）

Dr. WhiteIf George were not here, he might very well be in that position.如果没有乔治的话，或许他现在就能在乔治的位置上了。

MaylingOh, really? That's quite impressive...诶？是这样吗？竟然是这么厉害的人……

(Mayling silently thinks to herself that if the talks between George and the Commander don't go smoothly, then perhaps this engineer who designed a sewer system this complex could be a way forward.)（美玲下意识地觉得，如果指挥官和乔治的合作不顺利，或许，这位做出了这样错综复杂的下水道的工程师，可以成为一个突破口。）

Dr. WhiteHe's not a part of Mokosh's management anymore, though. What he's worked on has aged just as everything else does, and now I have to clean up his mess at my ripe old age.不过，他现在已经不再参与莫科什的管理了，曾经所做的这些也基本上破的破，锈的锈。我这把年纪了，还要来帮他们收拾这些烂摊子。

MaylingWhat do you mean ripe old age? You're still young!说什么“这把年纪”，您还很年轻呢！

Dr. WhiteHahahaha... Oh, you!哈哈哈哈……你这丫头！

MaylingI do have to say that I'm still curious. What is someone like him up to now?但是，我有点好奇，这样奇怪的工程师，他现在在做什么呢？

Dr. WhiteIt just so happens that I plan to go and see him later. You can come along if you're interested.刚好，我也打算顺路去看看他的，如果你好奇的话，待会忙完，要不要和我一起去见见他？

MaylingMay I?!可以吗？！

Dr. WhiteWe'll have to speed up, then. Chatting on the job is allowed, but slacking isn't.那我们要加快速度了，闲聊归闲聊，手中的家伙可别闲着。

MaylingYou expect too little of me, sir. We're only one step away.嘿，您太小看我了，这可就差最后一步了。

(Mayling pulls out a clump of fibers stuck in the fan blades and Dr. White immediately plugs a chip into the control panel.)（美玲用力扯出叶轮里缠绕的纤维，一旁的白怀德立刻便将数据芯片插入了控制台中。）

Alarm—!——！！！

MaylingThe alarm? What'd you put in the control panel?警报？您往控制台里放了什么？

Dr. WhiteA little surprise. Think of it as a little gift I have for that boy.一点小惊喜，就当是我送给那小子的见面礼吧。

Dr. WhiteAlright, that's taken care of. We've got a little bit of trouble coming up next.好了，这部分就结束了。接下来，我们可能要处理一点麻烦了。

MaylingI-I don't have very much combat experience!我，我战斗经验可并不是很丰富啊！

Dr. WhiteDon't worry, it's just some old, abandoned, broken-down automatons. It would be embarrassing to not be able to handle these things as a mechanic.别担心，都是一些废弃的故障机械体，都是过时的技术了。作为机械师，总不至于处理不了这些东西。

MaylingYou mean...您的意思是……

Dr. WhiteI know of a shortcut that these things won't follow us through.我知道一条近路，从那里撤离，这些东西不会跟上来的。

MaylingSo we're running away anyway! Are you going to be okay, old man?!所以还是要逃啊——！老人家您行不行啊？！

Dr. WhiteDidn't you say I was young just a moment earlier?你刚刚不是说我很年轻吗？

Resonance Protocol 共振协议

???From the current perspective, the technology in these files is indeed outdated.现在看来，这批资料里的技术确实有些过时了。

???There's nothing of use here other than the cheap materials for light pipes.除去廉价的导光管材料值得一试外，没什么新收获。

Dr. WhiteIt's already quite impressive that you can glean this from decades-old books. No need to look so dejected, Vasily.你从数十年前的书里，能学到这种程度，已经是很惊人的成就了。所以，不用露出这么失落的表情，瓦西尔。

VasilyYou know how things are in the Yellow Zones. These books might very well be older than me. Still, it took me a tremendous effort to scrounge them up from my settlement.毕竟黄区的情况您也知道……这几本年纪可能比我都大的书，还是我好不容易才从聚落里搜罗来的。

VasilyReading and verifying them took quite some time, too.而且，阅读和验证可信度也花了不少时间……

VasilyOh, but I do have to say...啊，不过……

(The face of the young man named Vasily immediately lights up with hope, and the melancholy from a moment ago is nowhere to be seen.)（名叫瓦西尔的年轻人说着，失落的神情很快便从他的脸上消失了，取而代之的，是熠熠闪光、满是希望的一双眼睛。）

VasilyIt's fantastic that I met you!好在遇到了您！

VasilyI plan to record my experiences in a few new books. Then, what I've learnt can be passed down if any people have need of it in the future.我打算再编写几本新书，将这些记录下来，之后，如果聚落中还有人需要的话，就可以将我学到的东西继续流传下去了。

Dr. WhiteStill not used to life here?在这待得不习惯？

VasilyThe opposite. Too used to it.相反——是太习惯了。

VasilyThere's so much good food; there's my favorite ■■■■■■ noodles and spicy ■■■■, and even the fried chicken is better here. To be honest, I'd stay here my whole life if I could.这有这么多美食，还有我最喜欢的■■粉和香辣■，连炸鸡都比别处的好吃。说实话，我真挺想在这待一辈子的。

Dr. WhiteI could leave a spot in the 8th Division for you, but you might have to work for another three or four years before I can request special permission for you.八组可以给你留一个位置，不过，你可能需要再工作个三四年，我可以给你申请特批。

VasilyYou have been good to me, but... I have to go back to Mokosh.我知道您对我很好，但是……我不能不回莫科什。

Dr. WhiteAll that time buttering me up and there's still a "but" waiting for me at the end.油嘴滑舌半天，结果后面还有个“但是”在等着我呢。

VasilyYou weren't there back then. The entire place was nearly picked clean by E.L.I.D...您没经历过那个时候的莫科什，整个聚落都险些被E.L.I.D.吞噬了……

(The light leaves Vasily's eyes again as he thinks back to his escape.)（想起离开聚落时的情况，瓦西尔的眼神不由得黯淡了下来。）

(Before Vasily escaped Mokosh, the place was nothing short of hell on earth.)（在瓦西尔逃离莫科什之前，那里可是地狱啊。）

(No, perhaps being born and growing up in the Yellow Zone places you in hell already.)（不，或许出生在黄区，生长在黄区，原本就已经是地狱了。）

VasilyI've always wondered whether I was the coward, the deserter.我一直在怀疑，是否我才是那个胆小鬼……是一个逃兵。

(Burdened with barren soil and an inhospitable environment, those living here have to fend off the ELID menace while still suffering from Collapse radiation exposure.)（贫瘠的土壤、恶劣的环境，人们被暴露在坍塌辐射下，还需要时刻警惕着生骸。）

(However, the value of human resilience and unity shines through in these circumstances.)（但人类的不屈与团结往往在这种情况下，显得格外重要。）

(Small settlements eventually form in the Yellow Zones, offering assistance and a united front against the ELIDs.)（在这种情况下，黄区的人们逐渐团结成一个个的小型聚落，互相协助，共同抵御生骸。）

(Most of the time, ELIDs move by their lonesome, but what if they began to move in groups as well?)（大多时候，生骸都习惯单独行动，但如果生骸也学会群体行动呢？）

VasilyTwo years ago, the settlement I was a part of, Mokosh, was attacked by a massive horde of ELIDs. We... lost many people.两年前，成群结队的生骸袭击了我所在的聚落，也就是莫科什，我们……失去了很多伙伴。

VasilyEven worse, the disaster they brought wasn't momentary. E.L.I.D. spread like the plague, and it spread through Mokosh...更糟糕的是，生骸带来的灾难并不是暂时的，E.L.I.D.就像是突如其来的瘟疫一样，在莫科什蔓延……

VasilyWe... Sorry, I... I was powerless to do anything for our sick family and friends.面对患病的家人和朋友，我们……抱歉，我是说我，没有任何余力拯救他们。

(What could bring more despair than being made to watch powerlessly as darkness descends?)（还有什么比束手无策地等待着黑暗降临更加绝望？）

VasilyLuckily or not, I was never infected.不知道是幸运还是不幸，我始终没有被感染。

VasilyMy friend suggested that rather than sit and wait for death to claim us, we should send out someone reliable to seek a way out for everyone.我的朋友提议过，比起坐以待毙，不如派出值得信任的人外出寻找大家的生路。

VasilyBack then, my entire family... No, not just my family. Those with no way to leave willingly sold their diseased bodies to Paradeus and the brokers to carve a way out for me and everyone else with their lives.就是在那时，全家人……不，不止是我的家族，还有那些没办法离开的人，心甘情愿将自己染病的身体出卖给帕拉蒂斯和暗商的人，拼命凑出来了——我的生路，也是大家的生路。

VasilyI managed to make it out with what supplies we could scrape together and the Collapse pieces bought at the cost of everyone's lives.拿着东拼西凑的物资和大家几乎是“卖命”换来的坍塌晶条，我逃了出来。

Dr. WhiteYou want to go back to save them?你想回去救他们？

(Vasily's mouth twitches and he forces himself to smile bitterly.)（瓦西尔扯了扯嘴角，强迫自己露出了一个苦涩的微笑。）

Vasily"Save"? No, I don't deserve that. Even something like "help" would be a gross overreach for me.“救”吗……我配不上这个字。当然，用“帮助”这样的字眼，也会让我自惭形秽。

VasilyIf we really had to put it some way, then this is just what I owe them.硬要说的话，这是我所亏欠他们的。

VasilyThose who helped me back then... They're probably not with us anymore. I will... never be able to pay back what I owe.当初帮助我的那些人……现在恐怕已经不在了吧，我永远……永远也没办法偿还我的亏欠。

VasilyBut Mokosh still stands, and their children might still be in peril. At the very least, I will do what I can for them.但是莫科什还在，他们的孩子或许还在水深火热中，至少现在，我可以保护这些人。

Dr. White...……

Dr. White(Sigh)唉。

(Dr. White sighs. He considers saying something, but in the end he only pats Vasily's shoulder.)（白怀德轻轻叹了口气，他想说些什么，但最终，却只是拍了拍瓦西尔的肩。）

Dr. WhiteDon't push yourself too hard.别把自己逼得太紧了。

Dr. WhiteWill you tell me what you plan to do there?你想为莫科什做些什么，愿意和我说吗？

VasilyI want to build Mokosh's radiation shielding.我想构建属于莫科什自己的辐射隔离层。

VasilyAnd... I've always wanted to design heavy machinery for myself.还有……您知道吗，我一直想要设计一个属于自己的重型机械。

Dr. WhiteMany want the same.许多机械师都这么想。

VasilyBut I want more than just machinery. I want a moving fortress, capable of fending off the Yellow Zones' ELIDs and executing complex underground rescue operations! I want to shield the people of Mokosh from the storms.但我想要的不只是一台机器——而是一座可移动的要塞，来抵御黄区那些生骸，并且有能力执行复杂地形下的救援！我想要从坍塌风暴中保护莫科什的人。

VasilyThe help I've received cost many lives to realize. I want to carry it on and turn their sacrifice into a power that protects Mokosh forever.我接受了这么多以生命换来的帮助。所以，我想要将这份力量延续下去，这样，他们的付出才不会消失……而是成为保护莫科什的力量，永远守卫着这个聚落。

Dr. WhiteDo you need a temporary support group?需要临时支援小组吗？

VasilyYou would do that for me? Thank you!您愿意吗？太好了！

VasilyOh, I'll have to write a letter immediately and tell George about the good news.啊，我要马上写封信，告诉乔治这个好消息。

Dr. WhiteHah, you're hardly giving me a chance to reconsider my words.呵呵……你倒是不客气，根本没给我反悔的机会呀。

Dr. WhiteIs George the one you write to most often? A brother of yours?乔治是你经常有书信往来的那个人吗？他是你的兄弟？

VasilyMore or less. He's my best friend. It was his idea to look for outside help in the first place. He's someone with more ideas than me, and I'd like to find out what he's discovered recently.差不多，他是我最好的朋友！外出寻找机会就是他的提议，他是个比我更有主见的人，我现在很想知道，他那边有了什么收获。

Durance Synchrony 囚笼协同

SuomiBig Sis! I've already contacted everyone in the Doll Community.姐姐！已经联络到人形社区的大家了。

UllridTell Littara and Rosalind to stay behind in case of emergency. Balthilde, Lotta, and Dushevnaya should make their way here immediately to assist in our operations.通知莉塔拉和罗莎琳留在人形社区，以便应对突发情况，巴希达、洛塔和杜莎妮尽快赶到莫科什，配合行动。

SuomiY-yes!好，好的姐姐！

GrozaKrolik, have you gotten in touch with Mayling?克罗丽科，联系到美玲了吗？

KrolikNot yet, we can't be sure where she is exactly at the moment. Normal communications aren't working.还没有，现在不清楚美玲具体在哪，没办法和她建立正常的通讯。

KrolikAnd the Commander... is the same. I haven't received any information about him.还有指挥官……也是这样，接收不到关于指挥官的任何信息。

GrozaThen... how are things on the Elmo?艾莫号上……情况怎么样？

KrolikWe've reached them, but... Well, the news has spread quickly. Apart from the echelon on the Elmo, the Doll squads independently carrying out missions have already been informed and are on their way.已经联系到了，不过……哼，消息传播得太快了，除了艾莫号上的梯队外，那些独立执行任务的人形小队已经得到消息了，她们正在赶来的路上。

GrozaAre 404 and Zucchero also on the move?404小队和方糖小队也开始行动了吗？

KrolikYeah.嗯。

GrozaThat's fine. As long as we can find the Commander... nothing is too much.没关系，只要能找到指挥官……怎么样都不为过。

(Groza's suppressed voice comes through like a quivering forced through clenched teeth. It sounds completely unlike anything conventionally made by a vocalization module.)（闪电的声音压得很低，几乎像是从咬紧的牙关中所挤出的震动一样，几乎不像是正常地发声模块所传递出的声音。）

UllridWhat are you planning?你想怎么做？

GrozaHave them search area by area once they arrive. We'll need manpower for this.让她们到达后立刻开始逐个区域排查，这项工作需要人手。

GrozaAs for us, we might have to use some clumsy, difficult methods.至于我们现在，可能要用点笨拙且费力的办法了。

(Her gaze doesn't focus on Ullrid or anyone else present. Instead, she seems to stare off into the distance, into nothing in particular.)（她的目光没有盯着乌尔丽德或是在场的任何一个人，只是远远地看向远方，尽管那里什么都没有。）

UllridYou're not going to barge in and just ask George directly, are you?你不会打算直接冲到乔治那问他吧？

KrolikWhy not? He's the one that caused all of this, obviously!有什么不行？显然就是这家伙搞的鬼吧？！

GrozaThat's the only option available to us at the moment.……现在看来，这是唯一的办法。

GrozaHe definitely knows something. We have to get something from him... even if it'll cost him his life.他显然知道些什么，我们必须……哪怕是以他的命为代价，也要撬出点什么东西来。

GrozaIf it comes down to it... we'll even turn Mokosh upside down if we have to.万不得已的时候……把莫科什拆了也没什么大不了的。

(Her hand reaches towards her weapon almost instinctively. On another day, she would only be this on edge moments before launching an assault.)（说到这句话时，她的手已经不自觉地摸上了自己的配枪，在往日，只有在准备突击前，她才会处于这样的警惕状态。）

SuomiMiss Groza, I can't help but feel like you're... not how you normally are.总觉得闪电小姐……好像和平时不太一样。

Groza...Really?……不一样吗？

SuomiCalm yet restless. Cautious but also impulsive... And also...冷静却又不冷静，警惕却又冲动……还有……

(—Intent on killing.)（——还有纯粹的杀意。）

(The gentleness and fortitude from yesterday is nowhere to be seen, leaving behind only the eyes of a killer.)（不再有以往的温柔与稳重，那是只有杀人者才有的眼神。）

Groza...Don't overthink it, Suomi. Let's focus on finding the Commander.……别想那么多，索米，集中精力在寻找指挥官的事情上。

GrozaGeorge has yet to make an appearance ever since the Commander's gone missing. We'll need to smoke him out.从指挥官失踪后，乔治就再也没有出现过，我们恐怕要用点手段，才能找到他。

GrozaThis is an important place for George's business talks. He can avoid appearing for a day or two, but he can't stay hidden forever.这里是乔治进行商务合作的重要场所，他可以一天不出现，但不可能一直不出现。

Ullrid...This is not a good idea.……这不是个好主意。

GrozaBut you're still preparing for combat, aren't you?但你还是已经准备好了作战，不是吗？

(The Oathsworn stand guard not far away. Behind them is the hotel where George held his ball.)（不远处，莫科什的誓卫军就在前方，他们的身后，是乔治曾经举办过舞会的那家酒店。）

KrolikHuh, never thought we'd become part of the unrest here...哼，没想到我们也成了这地方动乱的一部分……

SuomiWhen in Rome, do as the Romans do, right?这就是所谓的“入乡随俗”吗？

UllridThere's a blind spot toward 3 o'clock.三点钟方向，有一处视野盲区。

GrozaGood, prepare to move!好了，准备行动！

Durance Synchrony 囚笼协同

TheiaMr. ■■■■■■■■, it's me, Theia.■■■■先生，是我，希娅。

TheiaI've come to report on the issue relevant to that Commander.因为事情涉及那位指挥官的问题，特此来向您汇报。

Theia...……

TheiaApologies, Mr. George's rashness was a failure on my part. However, that Commander has already discovered "red onion".抱歉，乔治先生的冲动是我的失职。但那名指挥官已经发现了“红洋葱”。

Theia...……

TheiaYes, understood. To you, Mokosh is just a "dessert" after a meal that you can do without. I will do everything I can to help Mr. George navigate this affair.是，我明白，对于您来说，莫科什只是一份可有可无的“餐后甜品”，我会全力协助乔治先生将此事处理好。

(Her hand latches onto her accessory again. She pauses for around half a second, then she begins to speak again with hesitation.)（希娅再次捏住了自己身上的饰品，沉默了大约半秒钟，她犹豫着开口。）

TheiaSir, about my sister, I mean Gaia...先生，关于我的姐姐，我是说，盖娅……

(The call ends before she can finish. Her busy superior appears to have no time for her questions.)（希娅的话还未说完，对方便切断了通讯，看上去，这位繁忙的人物并没有闲心理会她的问题。）

(Her first attempt to add personal emotions into her work communications had failed. If she had any, that is.)（初次尝试在工作通讯中夹带个人感情失败了——假如希娅真的有的话。）

Mokosh OathswornMiss Theia, they're here again!希娅小姐！那伙人又来了！

(Theia remains emotionless as always; she only takes another look at the time.)（希娅的情绪没有任何波动，只是再次确认了一下时间。）

Mokosh OathswornUh, I've made sure that there's at least some time before your working hours end...呃，我确认过了，距离您的下班时间还有一段时间……

TheiaUnderstood. Send two squads as support before I come take care of it. Do not allow them to disrupt Mr. George.知道了，在我处理之前，先调派两支小队前去支援，别让她们打扰到乔治先生。

Mokosh OathswornYes!是！

TheiaJust in case, check up on the Commander again.以防万一，还是再确认一下指挥官的情况。

Task Force Squad 2 Leader...……

Task Force Squad 2 LeaderThis is Task Force Squad 2.这里是特殊任务小队二组。

Task Force Squad 2 LeaderMission is progressing smoothly, target has been captured. ETA to underground complex about 70 minutes.任务一切顺利，已经获得目标，大约七十分钟后抵达地下监狱。

Task Force Squad 2 LeaderOf course... I guarantee I'll have good news for you.当然……我保证，为您带来的是好消息……

Reunion Covenant 重逢誓约

Task Force Squad 2 LeaderOf course... I guarantee I'll have good news for you.当然……我保证，为您带来的是好消息……

(The others on the vehicle seem to pick up on something from the conversation, and they all turn towards their superior on the line.)（听到这句话，车上的其他成员似乎察觉到了什么一样，纷纷转过头来，看向这位正在进行通讯的上级。）

(I sigh as their gazes slide off me. Apart from me, there are countless other carefully-packaged parcels taking up the space, preventing me from properly stretching my limbs.)（视线滑过我的那一瞬间，我叹了口气。除了我之外，车上还有着不少被封装谨慎的包裹，完全挤压了我的伸展空间。）

Alert TrooperAny new instructions from Miss Theia?希娅小姐有什么新的指示吗？

Task Force Squad 2 LeaderAh~ She just wanted to check up on the mission progress. We will progress as normal.啊~只是确认一下任务进度，一切按照原计划执行。

Wary Trooper...……

Task Force Squad 2 LeaderWhat are you staring at me for? Give me an ETA.盯着我看什么？你，汇报一下预计到达时间。

Wary TrooperLike you said, approximately 70 minutes, but there are ELIDs up ahead, so we may be delayed by around half an hour.和您说的一样，大约七十分钟，但前方路段有生骸，所以，我们可能会延迟半小时左右。

Task Force Squad 2 LeaderHum-hum~哼哼……

(She begins to hum to herself a little upon hearing the response.)（听到这句话，她竟然小声哼了两声歌。）

(She might have noticed my tired gaze on her, because she throws me a beguiling look through her protective visor.)（或许是注意到我无奈的视线，她防护面罩下的脸，悄悄对我抛了个媚眼。）

(...)（……）

(I want to give her an affirmation for our future cooperation, but the bizarre circumstances force me to ignore this ludicrous act of hers.)（本想向她回复一个合作愉快，但这场面实在有些怪异，让我决定无视这个出格的举动。）

Wary TrooperHuh?嗯？

(A call from Theia begins to ring on another squad member's terminal.)（怪异的是，另一位队员的通讯装置上，也传来了希娅的联络。）

Wary Trooper...What's going on?……怎么回事？

Task Force Squad 2 LeaderOh my, Miss Theia is so overly cautious. Why does she trust me so little?哎呀，希娅小姐真是谨慎呢，就这么信不过我吗？

(She cuts off the connection in a timely manner before the call goes through. Everyone present catches onto the abnormality and trains their weapons at her.)（抢在通讯接通前，她果断切断了通讯的连接，而紧接着，对方所有人也意识到了这种异常感，纷纷举枪对准了她。）

Wary TrooperWho are you?!你到底是谁？！

Yelling TrooperShe's not one of ours!!她不是我们的人！！

Alert TrooperStop the car!! We have an intruder!!!停车！！有入侵者！！！

(She no longer needs to care about her gear with her identity now exposed. Loreley, who clearly wasn't fond of her disguise anyway, swiftly discards it and reveals the dress underneath—the very same one that I saw at the banquet.)（身份已经被识破，也就没有了隐藏的必要，罗蕾莱似乎也并不是很中意这身着装，她果断扯下了这身装束，露出了里面的长裙——就像我在宴会上见到她时那样。）

LoreleyHehe... Theia really is vigilant. I wanted to keep up this act to the very end...呵呵……希娅还真是谨慎，原本我还打算演戏演全套的……

LoreleyCommander, I snuck in here for your sake. Help me out, won't you?指挥官，我可是为了你才混进来的，帮帮我吧？

Reunion Covenant 重逢誓约

TheiaStrange...奇怪……

(Theia gets an odd feeling as the call is suddenly cut off.)（看着被切断的通讯，希娅产生了一种怪异感。）

(The sensation quickly fades as her call is immediately returned.)（但很快，这种怪异感便被消除了，被切断的通讯重新被拨了回来。）

Task Force Squad 2 LeaderMiss Theia, this is Task Force Squad 2.希娅小姐，这里是特殊任务小组二组。

(Loreley gathers all the enemies' communications terminals and calls back immediately.)（罗蕾莱将敌人的通讯装置全部搜罗了回来，随后便将通讯拨了回去。）

LoreleyMission successful thus far. ETA to underground complex 60 minutes.嗯，任务顺利，还有大约六十分钟的路程抵达地下监狱。

Loreley...……

LoreleyYes, I've uploaded the location to you.是，我已经将位置同步给您。

LoreleyThe call just now? My apologies. We encountered some ELIDs, as expected. Yes, it's been taken care of.刚才的通讯？抱歉，和预期一样，我们遇到了生骸，嗯，已经顺利解决。

LoreleyPlease rest assured.请您放心。

(Loreley casually stows away the terminal on her person, even though there doesn't seem to be anywhere to put it.)（罗蕾莱熟稔地将通讯装置塞回自己身上——虽然看上去似乎实在没什么地方可放。）

CommanderYour disguise worked out nicely this time.这次倒是伪装得不错。

CommanderWas all of this part of your plan?刚才是你有意而为之？

LoreleyIt took Theia quite some effort to lead "us"—I mean this squad—into a position to capture you. Of course she would be careful.希娅费了不少心思，才带领“我们”——我是说这支小队，抓到了您，当然会万分小心。

LoreleyIt was only a matter of time before she got into contact and exposed us. I figured I might as well take advantage of the atmosphere here to remind your body of me, Commander.所以，她早晚会联络这边，暴露只是时间问题嘛。不如大胆一点，稍微利用一下紧张的气氛，让指挥官的身体重新想起我。

(She approaches me and leans down, presenting quite the inappropriate view in front of me; I finally know where she stowed away the terminal.)（罗蕾莱俯下身子靠近我，透过这不合时宜的风景，我终于知道她将通讯装置藏在了哪里。）

LoreleyYou look like you want this roleplay to continue for a little longer, Commander.看来指挥官对于这场过于短暂的角色扮演，有些不够尽兴呢？

CommanderI have one question.我有个疑问。

LoreleyOh? I'll do what I can to answer.哦？我会尽量满足您的。

CommanderI can see that you need to use the terminals on these squad members to contact Theia.看得出来，你需要用这些未知的敌人身上的通讯装置，才能和希娅联络。

LoreleySeizing communications often creates unnecessary problems. I'd rather seize control of you...通讯劫持有时会带来不必要的麻烦，相比之下，劫持您更加令我兴奋……

(Does removing all of these people not create problems? My thoughts almost run away, but I steer myself back onto the important questions at hand.)（难道将这些人全部解决就不会带来麻烦了吗？我默默地想着，但此刻，比起这种闲聊，还有更加重要的问题需要问。）

CommanderWhat I mean to ask is this. Who was on the other end of the first call that you answered?我的意思是，那你最开始所接通的通讯，究竟是谁打给你的？

Loreley...……

Contractualism 协约论

LoreleyThis wine is named "Vow of Reunion" and is one of my finest works. I hope you will like it.这杯酒的名字叫做“重逢誓约”，我的得意之作，希望您喜欢。

(The journey to our destination can hardly be called long, but Loreley is clearly prepared for the trip. She pours her prepared beverage into a glass and garnishes it with a red flower for a sentimental touch.)（这趟路程并不算长，但罗蕾莱显然早有准备，她将提前准备好的饮料倒在了玻璃杯中，还颇具情调地插上了一朵红色的花。）

CommanderSo you just came up with that name? Sounds like something straight out of one of those upscale White Zone host bars.这名字是你刚想的？倒是很有那些白区的小店主理人的风格。

(Loreley passes me a cup of the red liquid, its contents looking like a scarlet gem against the moonlight. The drink's rich fruity aromas spill forth—no doubt for the sake of concealing the beverage's high alcoholic content.)（一杯稍显艳丽的红色液体被罗蕾莱递到我的手上，在月色的照射下，玻璃杯中仿佛一颗流动的红色宝石，稍一凑近，就能闻到其中浓郁的花果香——那大概是为了遮盖高度酒精味道所刻意而为之。）

LoreleyI think it's a most fitting name for celebrating the occasion.毕竟是为了庆祝我们的重逢，我认为这是个好名字。

LoreleyIf we get the chance, though, I'd like to freshly mix something for you. In my room, of course.如果有机会的话，我还是希望，能够让您喝到我现场调制的——当然，是在我的房间。

(She chuckles when she notices my hesitance to drink.)（发现了我迟迟没有下口，她笑了笑。）

LoreleyRelax, Commander, I'm rather confident in my craftsmanship. I've always known how to please you, haven't I?放心吧，指挥官。我对自己的手艺很自信，更何况，我一直很懂得如何取悦您，不是吗？

LoreleyI know that everything that's happened is because of that Agreement, but if you desire it, we could go back to how we used to be. I'm sure you remember...虽然我知道一切都是因为那个协议，可如果您希望的话，我和您本也可以像过去那样厮守，您还记得……

CommanderBefore we start reminiscing, shouldn't you answer my question first?回忆往昔之前，你是不是应该先回答我刚才的问题？

CommanderAre you so miserly as to be unwilling to even introduce yourself again after ten years?十年不见，稍微来点自我介绍都这么吝啬吗？

LoreleyHehe... I like seeing you in a rush.呵呵……我喜欢看您心急的样子。

(Looks like I need to progress the conversation.)（看来我必须先说些什么才行了。）

(I have a taste of the liquor. The alcohol's scent is dampened spectacularly by the aroma, but its overpowering, almost burning qualities remain intact.)（我尝了一口杯中的饮料，酒精味被香气掩盖得十分出色，但液体滑过喉咙时，我仍旧感觉到了浓烈的侵略性，还有，近乎火焰一般的灼热。）

CommanderThat Doll squad just then... I don't recognize them.刚才这支人形小队……我没有见过。

LoreleyIt's rude to think of others when you have someone like me right next to you.哎呀，真失礼，明明有我在身边了，还在想其他的人形吗？

CommanderTheia is their superior, but they don't look like they're from around here.它们的上级是希娅，但它们看上去并不像是莫科什的风格。

LoreleyWhere do you think they're from, then?那，您觉得这更像是哪里的风格？

CommanderJudging from parts of their gear, they're clearly using equipment from the White Zones.从他们的装备零件来看，这显然是白区的造物。

(I run my fingers over a part I can't discern the purpose of; it's something I picked up from those Dolls earlier. I feel the fine texture of the machined metal ridges upon my fingers, and I can clearly make out the part's etched serial number under the moonlight.)（我手中捏着那块不知道用在哪里的装备零件，这是从刚才那些人形身上掉落的。指尖传来细腻的金属质感和精密齿轮咬合的震动，在月光下，我甚至可以看清它身上规整的编码刻痕。）

LoreleyA White Zone faction, assisting a Yellow Zone settlement... Do you think it's possible?白区的势力，来帮助一个黄区的聚落……呵呵……您觉得这可能吗？

(The Cecht FABN logo we saw in the factory flashes through my mind.)（在药厂所见到的标志一闪而过——赛诺菲与法本。）

CommanderIt's not impossible if their interests are closely aligned...并不是没有可能，如果利益往来十分密切的话……

(Loreley chuckles lightly.)（罗蕾莱小声地笑了。）

LoreleyThen they would at least report to said interest-aligned individual, right? But this lot looks like they're rather close to that secretary. I can't help but feel they have more respect for her than George, you know?那至少，也应该是和利益关系人对接才对吧。但是看起来，这些人和那位秘书小姐的关系也不浅呢，我甚至觉得，他们对秘书小姐比对乔治还要恭敬哦？

CommanderShe's called a secretary, but George doesn't seem to have much authority over her. She often acts on her own and she's more like a... coworker than someone subservient to George.虽说是秘书，不过乔治似乎对她的权限也没那么大，她经常单独行动，对乔治……比起下属，更像是一种公事公办的……呃，同事。

Commander...She's even able to clock out on time every day while working under someone like George.……毕竟在乔治这种人手底下，她还能按时下班。

CommanderMaybe she's the backup that FABN sent in...或许，她才是法本派来最大的“帮手”……

(I realize at this point that things may not be so simple.)（想到这里，我突然意识到，事情或许没那么简单。）

CommanderHold on, Loreley. Do you think that FABN would establish simple economic cooperation with a Yellow Zone settlement?慢着，罗蕾莱，你觉得，法本会和黄区的聚落进行单纯的商业合作吗？

LoreleyCooperation is built on a basis of equivalence. For FABN, this is either charity or exploitation.合作需要建立在对等的基础上，以法本的体量来说，不是慈善就是剥削。

CommanderThe latter, if I had to guess.我猜是后者，法本可没那么好心。

CommanderTheia is likely here not just to assist but also to oversee and, to an extent, control George's administration.……希娅很可能不仅是援助，还承担了监视、甚至适度控制乔治的职责。

LoreleyMy, my, things have gotten complicated then. You were only looking to do some business, weren't you, Commander?哎呀，事情好像麻烦起来了呢。指挥官，原本只是想在黄区做做生意吧？

CommanderThis is certainly trouble if FABN's involved. It's not like we haven't dealt with them before, though.牵扯到法本的话，确实有些麻烦了，不过，也不是没和他们打过交道。

LoreleyI like it when you're so confident.我喜欢您自信的样子……

CommanderBut this brings another question. You're not with FABN nor Mokosh. Who are you here on behalf of?那么，一个新的问题来了。你既不属于法本，也不属于莫科什。你代表谁而来？

LoreleyI came here for you, of course. You didn't come to Mokosh to actually have a holiday, did you?当然是为了您而来，指挥官出现在莫科什，绝不是真的来度假吧？

(She's trying to pry my objectives out of me. Her true goal here might depend on my answer.)（她在试探我的行动目的，她真正的目的，或许取决于我的回答。）

(I observe her again. I still find no trace of any affiliation on her clothing.)（我再次观察她，依旧没能看到任何归属印记。）

CommanderLet's speak plainly. You've always been honest, in more ways than one.我们还是直白些说吧，毕竟，你一直很诚实，在各个方面都是。

CommanderThis look doesn't suit you, Loreley.这副样子可不适合你，罗蕾莱。

(I finish my drink with a swig.)（我将杯中的液体一饮而尽。）

CommanderLike I said before, I'm not taking either side.就像我之前说的一样，我哪一边都不选。

CommanderI'm not going to bow down to the perpetrators behind all of this, either.事到如今，我不可能对造成现状的罪魁祸首低头。

CommanderThey're not going to get a shred of what they want.他们想要的，我绝不会让他们沾到一点。

LoreleyHave you considered outside assistance, then?那您考虑过……其他的帮助吗？

CommanderAssistance or exchange? Nothing comes for free in this world.是帮助，还是交易？我可不相信天下有免费的午餐。

Commander...Oh, don't give me that look. Perhaps we can discuss terms? How about it?……先别急着露出这副表情，或许我们可以谈一谈条件，你觉得呢？

(Her brow twitches, and her hand snakes itself up to my shoulder. She gives off a seductive smile.)（罗蕾莱挑了挑眉，她的笑容中带上了一丝引诱的意味，手也不安分地抚上了我的肩膀。）

LoreleyWhat if I told you I want more than what others would want?如果我说，我要的，或许比其他人更多呢？

CommanderHow so?比如？

CommanderI have plenty of produce if you want it, if nothing else.别的不说，如果你想要农作物的话，我倒是有很多。

LoreleyHmph, you...哼，坏心眼……

LoreleyThat's the problem Mokosh can solve for you. The thing I can help you with is bringing it into being.这是莫科什要为您解决的问题，而我能协助您，将这件事变为现实。

Commander...Are you sure? Is there still any chance of cooperation with George at this stage?……你确定？现在的情况，我和乔治还有合作的可能性吗？

LoreleyWe don't necessarily need George to work with Mokosh.想和莫科什合作，那可不一定需要乔治。

Commander...What does that mean?……什么意思？

LoreleyThere are many things I can do, Commander.我能做的事情……还有更多哦？指挥官。

(I turn to find Loreley's face unbelievably close to mine. Her voice is like a captivating song, like a siren drawing me towards some ultimate decision.)（我转过头去，罗蕾莱的脸近在咫尺，她的声音就像是歌声一样，引诱着我做出决定。）

CommanderWho gave you the power to do these things, then?那你可真是了不起，是谁给予了你这样的力量？

Loreley...Hehe, your lips are certainly tight.……呵呵，您还真是不肯松口呢。

CommanderNever had a target as tough as me before?没见过我这么麻烦的目标？

LoreleyOh, you've always been my only target...我的目标，永远都只有您一个……

(There are still no identifying symbols to be found on her, even at this distance.)（我快速扫视了一眼，她的身上依旧没有任何组织印记。）

CommanderI'm touched. Truth be told, I have more on my mind than just Mokosh... and I'm sure you know why. The Yellow Zones are hardly hospitable at the best of times.那我真的有些心动了，实不相瞒，除了莫科什，我还有很多想要的……毕竟，原因你应该很清楚，我现在在黄区可算不上太好过。

LoreleyI understand. If you were willing to become an associate of mine, being "wanted" would be nothing.我明白，但只要您愿意成为我的同伴，“通缉”其实并不算什么。

CommanderI'm not actually wanted...那不是真正的“通缉”……

(She presses a finger to my lips.)（罗蕾莱突然将手指按在了我的唇边。）

LoreleyI know what you mean. You're right, you don't need to worry about the forces that are behind all of this. We'll take care of everything for you...我知道您的意思，没错，就连这件事背后的原因，您都不需要再担心。我们会为您处理好一切……

CommanderThe "we" you're talking about sounds rather all-mighty...“你们”还真是神通广大啊……

(I laugh a little, and she lets her guard slip a bit. Or maybe she's giving away too much too soon because she's in a hurry.)（我笑了笑，似乎是看到了有所希望，她便放松了警惕，也或许，她只是太心急了，以至于这么快就交了底。）

CommanderJust to be clear, I'm not doing the dirty work for someone else again.事先说好，我可再也不想做别人的刀了。

(I grab her by the wrist, and she pauses.)（我抓住了她的手腕，她的动作也因此缓缓停下。）

LoreleyYou don't understand the extent of what I can provide.您还没有完全了解我能提供的。

CommanderAnd Helena is out of the question.海伦娜更是不可能的。

CommanderI won't agree to that, no matter what you can offer.无论你能给什么，我都不能答应你。

(Silence briefly falls over the vehicle's interior, leaving only the sound of the engine and the sound of my breathing.)（车上陷入了短暂的沉默，除了发动机的轰鸣声外，只剩下我带着酒气的呼吸声。）

(Maybe unaccustomed to the rather lonely sounds around her, Loreley lets out a silent sigh.)（或许是这样的声音稍显寂寞，罗蕾莱无声地叹了口气。）

CommanderI want to realize the world of my dreams with my own hands.我想自己，亲手去实现我理想中的那个世界。

(I speak to her lightly, though I don't know if she understands me. I didn't want to be too cold to her because of our different positions. After all, her passion just now couldn't all have been an act, or I wouldn't have been able to grasp the situation so quickly.)（我轻声对她说，无论她能否理解。我不想因为立场就对她太过冷漠，毕竟，她刚才的热情，并不像是演技，否则我也不会这么快就明白一切。）

LoreleyCommander...指挥官……

Commander...Say hello to Zelinsky for me.……另外，替我向泽林斯基问好。

Loreley...I will.……他会收到的。

LoreleyBy the way, I do think he will accept.而且，我想他也会接受的。

CommanderWhat do you mean?什么意思？

LoreleyIf you want to walk your own path, I... No, we will still help you.如果您打算走自己的路，我……或者说，我们依然会帮助您。

Commander...……

(As expected, Loreley must've spent the past ten years at Statesec. I don't know how much her kindness is going to cost me, but I do have need of it at this present time.)（果然，罗蕾莱这十年来恐怕都在国安局。我并不清楚她的善意需要我支付多少费用，但现在，这的确是我最需要的。）

CommanderHow about sweetening the deal to show your good faith, then?那么，要不要考虑给你们的诚意，加个码？

LoreleyOf course. Sometimes, a little bit of greed makes the way I feel about you all the more intense, hehe...当然了，有时候，适度的贪心，反而会让我对您的感觉更加强烈……呵呵……

LoreleyAsk me for whatever you would like. I promise that I can fulfill your needs better than anyone else...您想要什么，就大胆向我索取吧？我保证，我是最能满足您的人……

(A million ideas swarm into my mind in an instant. The night sky beyond the window is very much like the countless skies I've seen with her, and it all comes blending together.)（一瞬间，大量的想法涌入我的脑海，但这一刻，看着车窗外的天空，似乎正在逐渐和无数个和她一起看过的夜空重合起来。）

(Those steady hands I've held firm for a decade up until they began trembling upon touching "red onion". That pair of hands that still pined for me, moments before Loreley spirited me away.)（那双十年来，我始终紧握的、坚定的手，在接触到“红洋葱”后变得如此颤抖。那双在我被罗蕾莱带走前，还在用尽全力地想要抓住我的手。）

(One thought pushes all others out of my mind at the moment.)（在当下，我的脑海中变得只有一件事——）

CommanderYou know about "red onion", right?你应该知道吧，关于“红洋葱”——

GrozaMe?我吗？

UllridWe didn't find George and Theia got away, too... I'm worried about you.毕竟没找到乔治……还被希娅逃掉了，我比较担心你的状况。

(Ullrid and Groza finally manage to settle down in the wilderness. Dushevnaya and the others have already reached Mokosh, but finding the Commander is no simple task. The Dolls have separated into pairs and split up.)（野外，乌尔丽德和闪电终于安顿了下来。尽管杜莎妮她们已经赶到了莫科什，但寻找指挥官并不是一件简单的工作，几个人两两组成一队，开始分头行动。）

(Ullrid made sure that she would be Groza's partner. She's uneasy about pairing Groza with anyone else given the current situation.)（乌尔丽德也主动要求闪电和自己一同行动，现在的情况，无论闪电和谁一组，她都无法安心。）

GrozaWorried? ...Makes sense. After all, my existence is a threat to you.担心吗……也对，毕竟我的存在就是一种威胁。

UllridGroza, you know that's not what I mean. Stop saying these things.闪电，你知道我不是这个意思的，别再说这样的话了。

UllridI don't know what you've remembered, but you're still you. We won't treat you like some threat and the Commander won't either.我不管你想起了什么，但是闪电就是闪电，我们不会把你当成一种危险，指挥官更不会。

(Groza lowers her head as if realizing her abnormal condition. After a few seconds, she finally finds it in herself to speak, albeit quietly.)（闪电低下头，像是意识到了自己的反常一样，几秒后，她才小声地开口。）

GrozaSorry... I'm alright.抱歉……我没事。

GrozaIt's just... I still don't know if the Commander is well...只是，不知道指挥官怎么样了……

(Groza begins to smile as a thought comes to her, but it hardly paints a pretty picture with her empty eyes.)（似乎是想到了什么，闪电的嘴角无意识地露出了一个笑容，不过，在她失神的双眼下，这笑容实在算不上美丽。）

GrozaI still remember... Back when we were out on mission by Bihor, the Commander and I were like that, too.我还记得……之前在比霍尔附近执行任务时，我和指挥官也是这样。

GrozaOur intel went bad, our leads were cut off, and our hideout was destroyed. In the end, the best we could manage for the night was to make do in our vehicle. It was a car without a canopy, though it didn't start out like that, of course.情报出了些问题，我们的线索断了，居住点也被破坏了。最后，我们只能在载具上凑合了一晚——甚至那还是一辆没有顶棚的车，当然，它并不是一开始就这样的。

GrozaTo fend off the cold, we assembled a simple stove behind the car. I made a beef stew without the beef, hehe.为了御寒，我们在车后架起了一个简易的煮锅，我给指挥官煮了没有牛肉的红烩牛肉，呵呵。

(Her head hangs low in dejection.)（想到这里，闪电落寞地低下了头。）

Ullrid...Listen to me, Groza. You need to rest, even if it's just for a little bit. You've pushed yourself for too long.……闪电，听我说，你需要休息，哪怕只是一小会儿，你太久没有休息了。

(Groza shakes her head, rejecting Ullrid's advice outright.)（闪电摇摇头，拒绝了乌尔丽德的提议。）

GrozaThere's no time. Come, we need to be off too.没有时间了，走吧，我们也出发。

UllridGroza, wait.等等，闪电。

GrozaWhat is it?怎么了？

UllridWe've got news from Dushevnaya and Lotta. It's... about the Commander.……有消息了，是杜莎妮和洛塔发来的，是——关于指挥官的情报。

LoreleyThat's what you're after the most?这就是您最想要的情报？

CommanderThere are others, of course, but can't you tell me about this first?也不是不要别的，不过，现在可以先透露一下这个吧？

Loreley...Very well. I could never turn you down.……好吧，我总是拒绝不了您的要求。

LoreleyWhat you found in that factory is indeed the "red onion" that Groza came into contact with.您在药厂所找到的，的确是闪电所接触到的“红洋葱”。

CommanderA controlled substance. Was it one of Groza's objectives in that mission of hers?一种管制药品，这就是闪电最后一个行动的任务目标吗？

CommanderWhat's with everything she saw, then? Whose blood is on her hands?那她看到的那些是怎么回事，她的手上，究竟沾了谁的血？

LoreleyMany people's...很多人的……

LoreleyTerrible memories for her, I'm sure. At the very least, she didn't want to do any of those things.我想那对她并不是什么很好的回忆，至少，她本身并不想做这件事。

CommanderBut she had no choice?但却不得不做？

LoreleyExactly.没错。

LoreleyWould you think of her as a threat to you if I put it that way?如果我这么说，你会担心她对你有所威胁吗？

(I think back to how Groza looked and what she insisted on reminding me of. I begin to understand how she felt all of a sudden.)（我想到闪电那副模样，还有她总是反复提醒我的事情，一瞬间，似乎理解了她的心情。）

(She's worried that something like that might happen again if she goes out of control. She doesn't want to hurt me or anyone else around her.)（担心自己失控之后，会再次发生这样的事情。她不想伤害我，也不想伤害身边的人。）

Commander...I trust Groza.……我信任闪电。

(I feel that there's something more behind "red onion", but Loreley doesn't continue. No matter how I press her on the matter, she only deflects with jokes and quips.)（罗蕾莱没有继续说下去，我感觉到，似乎还有什么东西，被隐藏在“红洋葱”的背后，但无论我再怎么追问，罗蕾莱都只是用玩笑敷衍过去，不肯再开口了。）

(She turns around and focuses on driving. I can spot a hint of stress hanging on her brow. Perhaps that is the extent of what she can tell me.)（她转过头去专心开车，眉眼间少见地露出了一丝为难，或许，这些已经是她能够说出口的全部。）

CommanderI see. Let's end our chat here, then. We're about to reach our destination, right?我明白了，那闲聊就到这里，我们的目的地应该快到了吧？

LoreleyOf course, it's Mokosh's underground prison. I've taken a shortcut so we can get there a little faster.当然，莫科什地下监狱，就在前面了，我走了个近路，让我们可以快一点到达。

CommanderI can't say I'm in a hurry to enter...我倒是也没那么急着进去……

CommanderA surprise left for us on the shortcut?抄近路还有惊喜啊？

LoreleyOh, and we were almost there, too.哎呀，明明都快到了呢。

LoreleyDo help me out here, Commander. I'm waiting on your orders.指挥官，稍微支援我一下吧？我需要您的命令。

LoreleyJust like before...就像过去那样……

Forking Path 歧路

(Two years ago, in an office building in Mokosh.)（两年前，莫科什的一处办公楼内。）

(Blood.)（血——）

(Viscous blood trails all the way from the door to George's office table. His custom made carpet is all ruined.)（黏稠的鲜血，一路从门口，蔓延到乔治的办公桌前，他精心订制并铺设的地毯也因此一片狼藉。）

GeorgeTsk... I really don't understand what goes through the minds of your ilk.啧……所以我真的不理解你们这种人的脑子到底是怎么想的？

(George's brow furrows as he looks down at the carpet.)（乔治皱着眉看向自己的地毯。）

(It's not even Vasily's blood—George thinks so indifferently. Vasily is of the more valuable type, but as for those who fight in Mokosh due to disease and mental deterioration... They're worth less than a piece of this carpet.)（这甚至并不是瓦西尔的血——乔治漠然地这样想着，毕竟，瓦西尔是标价要比较高一些的那类，至于那些因疾病和精神错乱而不断在莫科什争斗的人……价值甚至不如这地毯的一角。）

VasilyGeorge! What is this?乔治！这到底是什么？

(Vasily slams a pile of documents on the table, which includes the supply and production logs of the pharmaceutical factory. George only flips through them for a moment before placing them back down and plastering his face with a fake smile.)（瓦西尔将一份文件拍在桌子上，上面记录了药厂的全部生产记录和供货记录，但乔治却只是拿起来翻了翻，便放回了桌子上，脸上堆起虚伪的笑容。）

GeorgeWhat's the matter, Vasily? My best, most inseparable friend?怎么了瓦西尔，我的朋友，我最好最亲密无间的朋友。

(Vasily pays no heed to George's wide smile, skipping the chatter he would normally engage in. His face remains steely.)（乔治的热情笑意在此刻完全被瓦西尔忽视，他没有像往常一样和乔治寒暄，相反，他始终板着脸。）

GeorgeWhy do you have to bother with these inconsequential things? Just leave it to Theia. What you should focus on are the truly important things, like those street lights that don't work.这些琐事怎么还需要你亲自过问？交给希娅处理就行了。你现在应该专注的，是那些真正“重要”的事。比如——把那些不亮的路灯都修一修。

VasilyGeorge, your factory doesn't make vaccines at all, does it?乔治，你的药厂生产的根本不是疫苗，对不对？

(Vasily takes a step closer. His boots covered in gutter mud land heavily on the neat carpet. George's office became filled with such things at some point, things that did not match with the reality of Mokosh.)（瓦西尔上前一步，他沾满了下水道泥土的军靴重重地踏在细腻的毛毯上——不知道从什么时候开始，乔治的办公室内，全部铺满了这种东西，和莫科什实际情况相去甚远的东西。）

VasilyLook at the people outside... They were laying out the underground network cables with me just last week! Now, they... they can't even hold a normal conversation, much less...你看看外面那些人……他们上周还在和我一起，给地下网络布线！现在却……连正常对话都无法做到，甚至……甚至……

GeorgeThat's the result of their own overuse. Vasily, you should know quite well that this is not the norm nor my intention.那是他们自己滥用的后果……瓦西尔，你应该很清楚，这并不是常态，也不是我的本意。

(Vasily remains silent for a moment. It's true that George relies on dependency to control others, but as that dependency festers, it only results in ruin.)（瓦西尔沉默了一下，没错，乔治大部分时候，都在使用依赖性而控制他人，但依赖性持续发酵的结果，就是过度使用所带来的破坏。）

(Some pick up blades and bring them down on those closest to them, just because they had more bottles of the new medicine than them.)（有些人甚至不惜挥刀向自己身边的人，只因为对方比自己多了两瓶新药。）

(Friends who chatted amicably a mere day ago turn against each other over trivialities. Anger is cheap here and life even more so. Poverty crushes rationality, and death is often the price paid in the Yellow Zones.)（哪怕是昨日还在谈笑风生的伙伴，今天就能因为一些小事而反目成仇。在这里，愤怒廉价，生命更廉价——贫困压垮了理智，而死亡，不过是黄区最普通的代价。）

GeorgeIt's a FABN product, and its quality is guaranteed. How are they different from vaccines?同样是法本集团的药，品质也有保证，和疫苗有什么区别嘛。

GeorgeIf the new medicine is no good, then they wouldn't be fighting tooth and nail for it. Wouldn't you agree, Vasily?如果新药不好，他们也不会为此大打出手了，你说对吗，瓦西尔？

GeorgeGo and ask those on the street. Is there a single person who would say our new products are poor? Every one of them is a return customer!你去街上问问，看看谁不说我们的新药好，回头率简直是百分之百呢！

VasilySpinning addiction as returning customers... You're a genius, George.把成瘾性解释成回头率……你可真是个天才啊，乔治。

VasilySo this medicine doesn't cure them. It doesn't cure anything! It's just Erdis in another form. It doesn't accomplish a single thing other than make them feel "good" for a moment!所以即便用了这药，他们也根本不会痊愈——这根本不是治疗，只是另一种形态的厄狄斯，除了让他们短暂“好受”以外毫无用处！

VasilyPlease, tell me. Where have the people—the ones you promised have been cured by this new "medicine"—gone?请你告诉我，你之前所保证的，那些所谓因为“新药”而痊愈的人去哪了？

GeorgeMaybe a Green Zone? A satellite city? A White Zone? Who knows? You tell me. Who would turn down the chance to leave the Yellow Zones? Beyond you and I, who would leave and ever return?也许去绿区了吧？卫星城？白区？鬼知道他们都去了哪里？你告诉我，谁会拒绝能够离开黄区的机会。而真正离开了又能返回的人，除了我和你，还有谁？

GeorgeMokosh has us to thank for where it is today.莫科什能有今天，最应该感谢的是我们。

VasilyDo you hear what you're saying?! I'm asking you this. Where are those people you tricked with that new medicine of yours?你知道你自己在说什么吗？！我问你的是：那些被你的新药欺骗的人，到底去哪了？

VasilyTheir parents and elders trusted you, giving you a chance to leave Mokosh in exchange for their lives. Now, in return, you place price tags on their family and children like merchandise?!他们的父母长辈，信任你，用生命来交换你活着离开莫科什的机会，你却把他们的亲人、孩子变成你明码标价的商品？！

(Vasily grabs George by the collar and slams him down on the table. He knocks over a pot of ink on the table, and it spills all over George's face. But that smile remains plastered on George's face all the while.)（瓦西尔揪住乔治的衣领，将他重重地砸到办公桌上，桌上签字用的油墨被打翻，溅了乔治一脸，但这一切都没有办法抹除他脸上的笑容。）

(George wipes away the ink on his face. He puts his hand to his mouth and licks it as if tasting the liquid.)（乔治用手抹掉脸上的油墨，随后将手放在嘴边，像是品尝一样，用舌头舔舐着。）

Vasily...Who the hell are you? Where is the George I knew?!……你到底是谁？真的还是我认识的乔治吗？！

(George produces a modified M1911 casually and places its muzzle against Vasily's waist, forcing him back.)（乔治不紧不慢地从怀中掏出了一把经过改装的M1911，枪口抵住了瓦西尔的侧腰，逼得对方拉开距离，向后撤步。）

GeorgeVasily... you know, I'm worried about you.瓦西尔……你知道吗，我真的很担心你。

GeorgeHas all the engineering gone to your head? Or have you contracted E.L.I.D. from those people? Do you not recognize your best friend anymore?你是不是做工程已经做傻了，还是说，你也被那些人传染了E.L.I.D.？怎么连你的挚友都认不出来了？

(George pretentiously places the gun up against Vasily's forehead and motions as if checking his temperature.)（乔治假惺惺地将枪身贴在瓦西尔的额头上，看去就像是在亲切地检查他有没有发烧一样。）

(He then chambers a round rapidly and fires a bullet into Vasily's abdomen. Blood sprays all over the carpet. George frowned at the sight.)（但下一刻，乔治便迅速为手枪上膛，射出的子弹击中了瓦西尔的腹部，血液喷射在昂贵的地毯上，看得乔治皱起了眉。）

Vasily(Gasp) ...Your aim... is as shit as always.呼……你的枪法……还是这么烂。

GeorgeYou might not understand right now, but I'll still tell you this once.虽然现在你可能不懂，但我还是想告诉你一声。

GeorgeThe Yellow Zones have no lack of people. I have never assigned prices to people.黄区最不缺的就是人，人的标价，从来都不是我贴上去的。

GeorgeI only do what I can to make them worth more. You know, if it wasn't for this goddamn Collapse radiation, I could have been a great farm owner.……我只是努力让他们变得更“值钱”而已，你知道的，如果不是该死的坍塌辐射的话，我本可以成为一个很棒的牧场主。

VasilyJust when did it... come to this...究竟是什么时候……变成这样的……

(As blood continues to leave his body, Vasily's breathing accelerates. His voice continues to weaken, and it's almost inaudible now.)（失血量越来越大，瓦西尔的呼吸声越来越急促，而说话的声音却逐渐变得微不可闻。）

VasilyAre you going to... kill me?你是打算……杀了我吗？

(George shakes his head, spinning the gun in his hand. He doesn't think this line of thought is worth pursuing at all. He stands idly for a moment, considering how much it would set him back to restore the carpet.)（乔治摇了摇头，枪在他的指尖转动着。他并不觉得这件事值得思考，他一刻的放空，不过是因为他正在心中估算着地毯复原的概率和价格。）

GeorgeHow could I kill my best friend? You still have many followers, too. You're far more valuable than those people.怎么会呢？我怎么会舍得杀害我的挚友呢？更何况你还有很多追随者……你可比他们有价值多了。

GeorgeOh, yes, do you remember the underground prison I asked you to design before? I remember asking you what sort of room you would like if you were to ever live there.对了，你还记得我之前请你设计的莫科什地下监狱吗？我还记得，我曾经问过你，如果自己住在这里，你会想要什么样的房间。

(Vasily suddenly begins to laugh vigorously, followed by an intense burst of coughing.)（像是听到了什么好笑的事情一样，瓦西尔突然放声大笑了起来，随后便是剧烈的咳嗽声。）

VasilyHahahaha... (Coughs) I should have realized long ago...哈哈哈哈哈哈……咳……咳，我早该想到的……

GeorgeI have a surprise for you, then! I promise that you will love that room!惊喜！我向你保证，你绝对会喜欢这个房间的！

VasilyHahaha... The one next door is not bad either. You'll enjoy it in time...哈哈哈……隔壁那间也不错，我等你来享受……

CommanderVasily... From what you're saying, he used to be one of Mokosh's administrators as well? No wonder I always felt something was off during our operations in the city earlier. That unfinished infrastructure wasn't George's style at all.瓦西尔……听你的说法，他曾经也是莫科什的管理者？难怪之前在城里行动总是有不和谐感，那些没修完的基础设施，根本不是乔治的风格。

LoreleyThat's all in the past. It's hard to say if he will be of use to you now.那都是过去的事情了，现在还不能确定他是否对您有用。

CommanderI'd rather figure out exactly what he found in the factory.……比起这个，我更想知道，他究竟在药厂里发现了什么。

LoreleyYou'll be able to get the answer from him yourself in just a moment.用不了太久，您就能亲自从他的口中问出您想要的答案了。

CommanderAlright... What's up with you, anyway? Why is your face so red?好吧……另外，你这是怎么回事，为什么你的脸这么红……？

LoreleyWhy, that's because it's so hot in here, Commander... Don't you think?那当然是因为，很热啦，指挥官……您不觉得吗？

(It's bound to be hot and stuffy underground, but the real source of heat here is her.)（地下确实很难避免闷热，但是，真正的热源是她才对。）

(I grab her hand. She's not hot enough for it to be dangerous, but the heat radiating from her skin is still abnormal.)（我握住她的手背，确认虽然不至于达到危险的程度，但罗蕾莱的肌肤的确散发着异样的灼热。）

CommanderWhat's the matter? Was it the battle just now?这是怎么回事，是因为刚刚的战斗吗？

LoreleyHehe, it's your own fault for sticking so close to me for so long and reminding me of the old days... Why does your heart beat with the exact same rhythm as ten years ago?呵呵，谁叫指挥官您刚刚和人家贴得这么久，让我想到了过去的您……为什么，您的心跳的频率和十年前一模一样呢？

LoreleyWas it nervousness? Excitement? I've always looked for any changes in you, and the same has been true for the past ten years... I wondered how you would have changed. And just now, I've reaffirmed for myself the fact that I am back by your side.是紧张，还是兴奋……我总是追寻着您的变化，在这十年间也一样地……思考着您会变成什么样子——然后就在刚才，我再度确认了自己回到您身边的事实。

LoreleyThen, I became like this before I even knew it.不知不觉，就变成这个样子。

CommanderLoreley... be honest with me.罗蕾莱……说实话吧？

LoreleyIt's because I moved too fast earlier and built up too much heat, but this amplifies my frame's capabilities anyway. It's completely harmless.因为之前的战斗移动太快导致积热，不过，这样本来就能提升素体的性能，所以没问题的。

CommanderThat's good, then. Is that the only reason, though? This is a pretty rare phenomenon, both for the past you or other Dolls...那我就放心了，不过，这就是全部原因吗？不管是过去的你还是其他人形，这都是少见的状况……

LoreleyThe other reasons... Hehe, you'll know soon enough.其他的原因嘛……嘻嘻，您马上就知道了。

(Anxiety begins to well up inside me for reasons I can't name.)（不知怎么的，我的心中有些不安。）

Path of Abandonment 遗弃之路

(Only the sounds of my handcuffs and the click-clacking of Loreley's footsteps can be heard in the darkness.)（黑暗中，只有我手上银色的手铐声，随着罗蕾莱的脚步声叮叮作响。）

(Her whip snaps crisply on the ground, informing me that we have arrived at our destination.)（直到她的皮鞭抽向地面，那声清脆的响声提醒着我目的地已经抵达。）

CommanderWhere are...这里是……

LoreleyQuiet, M8031O42.安静些，M8031O42。

CommanderWhat did you just call me?你叫我什么？

LoreleyWhat were you expecting? There are only IDs here, no names or identities.呵呵……你指望我叫你什么？这里只有编号，没有名字与身份。

LoreleyLift your shirt up, 8031.把衣服掀起来，8031。

Commander...So that's why you were overheating...……原来你刚刚过热是因为这个……

(I can't see Loreley's expression, but I can tell from her voice that she's already immersed in her character.)（我看不到罗蕾莱的表情，但从声音来看，她似乎已经完全沉浸在角色之中了。）

LoreleyDon't you know? New arrivals need to undergo a full-body examination.你不知道吗？新的犯人必须要接受全身检查。

(She lifts up my clothing with the handle of her whip.)（她用皮鞭的手柄处勾起我的衣服。）

LoreleyDon't make me remind you again. Or... do I have no choice but to get physical to make you remember?别让我再提醒你了……还是说，必须要让你用身体的疼痛，才能记住规矩？

(Loreley pulls me closer by my clothing and trails her whip with uneven pressure across my skin. Its cold and rough texture makes one wonder about what might be next in store.)（罗蕾莱通过衣服，将我拉近到她的身边。随后，她手中的鞭子，以一种力道不均的方式划过我的皮肤，粗糙而又冰凉的触感，令人不禁怀疑接下来要发生的事情。）

CommanderHey, hang on...喂……等等。

LoreleySilence. You will not speak without my express permission.在我说可以之前，你都要保持安静，不可以开口哦。

(Putting why a guard would need something archaic such as a whip aside... I can respect someone's personal hobbies, but is it really necessary to play the part so well?)（先不说为什么看守要带这么复古的皮鞭……我理解一切个人爱好，但一定要演得这么逼真吗？）

???...Hah.……呵呵。

(Loreley's bombastic theatrics get a laugh out of my "roommates". A shadowy prisoner in a cell not far away chuckles thinly before I can speak up for myself.)（或许是罗蕾莱夸张的表演逗笑了我的“室友”们，在我开口之前，不远处的囚笼中，一个坐在阴影下的犯人，发出了细微的嗤笑声。）

GuardM000O01... It's your turn, Mr. Vasily.M000O01……瓦西尔先生，到你了。

VasilyWon't the ID do?叫编号不就行了吗？

(A mocking smile remains on his face. He answers the guard politely, but his hazy gaze remains pointed in my direction.)（那名犯人的嘴角仍旧带着讥讽的笑容，他礼貌地回答看守的话，但那双满是阴翳的眼睛，却直勾勾地盯着我的方向——）

(He's staring straight at me.)（他正在紧盯着我。）

GuardDon't say that... Others might not know, but am I just supposed to pretend to be oblivious too? If it were not for you, Mr. Vasily, Mokosh might very well not have this prison at all. The best any prisoners would get is a deep pit.别这么说……别人不知道，我还能不知道吗？如果不是瓦西尔先生，莫科什可能连这座地下监狱都不会有，犯人只会被丢进深坑里。

GuardWe have our own obligations to fulfill, but everyone remembers what you've done for us. Please hold on.虽然如今我们也有自己的立场……但大家始终记得您做的一切，请尽量忍耐。

(The guard helps the man named Vasily to his feet. Vasily finally emerges from the shadows, and I finally get to take a good look at him.)（说着，看守搀扶起了那名被称为瓦西尔的男性，他缓缓站起身，从阴影中走到灯光下，我终于看清楚了他。）

Vasily...Really, now? Do you really think that I made your lives better?……呵呵呵，是吗？你真的觉得……我为你们，带来了更好的生活吗？

(He remains focused on me the entire time and I return his attention. Even as he leaves my sight, I'm uncertain whether he's perceived something or not.)（说话时，他的眼睛没有一刻离开过我的身上，作为回礼，我也始终盯着他。直到他被看守带着越走越远，我都不确定他是否察觉到了什么。）

LoreleyDon't worry, it'll be your turn soon.别着急，很快就会轮到你的。

CommanderMy turn? To do what?……轮到我？要做什么？

(Loreley remains silent. She only lightly presses her finger to her lips.)（罗蕾莱没有说话，只是轻轻举起手指，压在唇边。）

(Faraway in the darkness, some machinery screeches and shrieks, accompanied by the piercing sound of metal chains being dragged across the ground.)（遥远的黑暗深处，传来了某种机械嘎吱的响动，还有铁链在地面拖行的刺耳声响。）

(A muffled screaming soon follows.)（随后，是一阵压低的惨叫。）

VasilyGrrr—gahhhh—呃——呃啊啊——

(The screaming continues for some time before it fades into the darkness. Loreley withdraws her finger with a strange smile.)（惨叫声持续了一会，在黑暗中逐渐淡去。 罗蕾莱收起手指，露出奇异的笑容。）

LoreleyWork.工作。

CommanderThose are the sounds of work?你说这种声音是工作中会发出来的？

LoreleyWork hard later so I can hear the sounds you make, alright?所以，待会您也要努力一些，让我听到您的叫声哦？

(The sounds aren't particularly vicious, but the smell in the air here is truly unsettling.)（其实那听上去并不是什么残忍的声音，但真正令人感到怪异的，是这里的气味。）

(It may be due to all the medicines, but I've been surrounded by a stinging smell ever since I set foot in this place, like bleach mixed with pharmaceuticals and a faint hint of blood.)（或许是药物的原因，从一来到这里，一种刺鼻的味道便始终环绕着我，消毒水的气味混杂着药厂的味道，还有若有若无的血腥气息。）

LoreleyYou might not be familiar with the things here since this is your first day, but that's fine. You'll start working tomorrow.毕竟今天是你第一天坐牢，可能还不熟悉，不过没关系，明天你就也要参与到工作中去了。

CommanderForced labor? How long will I be here for?强制劳动？我要在这里呆多久。

LoreleyFifteen years, maybe?十五年吧？

Commander...That's not very funny.……让人很难笑出来。

LoreleyHehe... Anyway, judging from Miss Theia's orders, this is more like a temporary "storage" for you. You'll be out soon, so there's no need to worry.呵呵……不过，从希娅小姐的命令来看，这里更像是你的“临时存放点”，所以，你倒是不用太担心，很快你就会出去的。

LoreleyHowever, your next stop might not be any better than it is now.不过，你的下一站，可未必比现在好过哦？

(Loreley addresses me with the same air as a guard, and she even makes me believe that I really am being imprisoned for a moment.)（罗蕾莱完全已经用上了看守的语气和我说话，让我产生了一种自己真的在坐牢的错觉。）

CommanderI've taken on a lot of escort jobs over the years, you know. I never thought that I'd be the subject of one of these jobs one day.过去的这些年，接了不少送货的工作，没想到自己倒是成了被押送的那个了。

CommanderCould you at least tell me how many hours of work I can expect per day?至少可以告诉我，每天要工作多久？

LoreleyHm... Maybe three hours?嗯……大概三个小时吧？

(Yeah, this definitely isn't some routine that George cooked up.)（这还真不像乔治想出来的规矩。）

CommanderI take back what I said before. Fifteen years isn't so long.三小时？好吧，撤回前言，其实待十五年倒是也没那么长。

(Loreley chuckles and doesn't reply.)（罗蕾莱笑了笑，没有回答。）

(A comms terminal that doesn't belong to me or Loreley resounds as we're enjoying a little lull. She places her finger on her lips again and gestures for silence.)（就在我和罗蕾莱安静地享受着沉默时，通讯装置响了起来，但那并不是我的，也不是罗蕾莱的。罗蕾莱悄悄将手指放在唇边，示意我安静。）

LoreleyThis will be your cell from now on, No. 8031. Do your labor and get out of here early, alright?今后这就是你的房间了，8031号，要好好接受强制劳动，早日离开这里哦。

LoreleySomeone called the hidden line in the prison, likely Theia or George. I'm going to go take care of it.有人链接了地下监狱的内线，应该是希娅或者乔治，我去处理一下。

LoreleyGet some rest before I come back to have my fun with you, Commander.在我折腾您之前，就好好休息一下吧，指挥官。

(Groza and Ullrid stand guard by the side of the road. Their vision is fixed on the seemingly endless tunnel before them, afraid that they'll miss something if they so much as blink. Their doubts deep down only burgeon as time passes. What if they're waiting for nothing?)（闪电与乌尔丽德蹲守在道路的前方，视线一刻不停地监视着仿佛没有尽头的通道，她们生怕只是一眨眼，就会错过什么，同时，心中的疑虑也随着时间的流逝而不断膨胀——如果她们什么都等不到呢？）

(They spoke to DSR-50 when they lost the Commander before, and now it's DSR-50 again, sending them clues about the Commander's whereabouts with alternative methods instead of direct communication.)（之前失去指挥官时，她们就是在与DSR-50联络，而现在，又是DSR-50——甚至都不是直接通讯，而是通过其他的渠道传递而来的，关于指挥官的线索。）

(Can she be trusted? Just how is the Commander doing?)（她们可以相信她吗？指挥官究竟怎么样了？）

(Thankfully, their misgivings are soon put to rest. As their intel describes, an Oathsworn vehicle is making its way down the road.)（好在，很快她们便打消了这个疑虑，和来电所说的一致，不远处，莫科什的誓卫军正在驾车通过。）

GrozaThe intel's good, Ullrid. It's Mokosh's Oathsworn.情报无误，乌尔丽德，是莫科什的誓卫军。

UllridLet's have a look to see if they have the Commander, then.那就看看，指挥官会不会在他们手上吧。

Path of Abandonment 遗弃之路

UllridOver here, Groza!闪电，这边！

GrozaI've examined the vehicle. There's no trace of the Commander.我检查了他们的载具，并未发现指挥官的身影。

UllridThat's strange. DSR-50 said that the Commander would be on this road.奇怪，之前那个DSR-50，的确说过指挥官在这条路上。

Groza...Who knows what interests she serves. Maybe she was the one who took away the Commander.……谁知道她究竟在为谁行动，或许指挥官就是被她带走的。

GrozaOh, it's Krolik and Suomi. Looks like they've found something.是克罗丽科和索米，看来，她们那边有收获了。

(Suomi and Krolik look for more clues in Mokosh as Groza and Ullrid chase the intelligence that DSR-50 has provided.)（在闪电和乌尔丽德对DSR-50的情报进行追踪时，索米和克罗丽科始终都在莫科什寻找着线索。）

(The search did not get off to a good start, but the Doll Community's support arrived in a timely manner. They made away with a considerable amount of useful intel.）（尽管搜寻原本并不顺利，但好在人形社区的支援及时赶到了，多少还是得到了不少有用的情报。）

UllridLet's see what they have for us.看看她们有什么情报吧。

KrolikLeader Groza, we... I think we've got the Commander's location!闪电队长，我……我们这边，好像发现了指挥官的位置！

(This current batch of intel contains a real breakthrough.)（而这次的汇报，几乎可以说是最为突破的一次）

GrozaW-what?! Where?什、什么？！指挥官在哪？

SuomiWhen we were sending communications requests, we caught the Commander's signal for just a moment... It wasn't enough to make a call, but we did manage to get the Commander's location.我们在持续发出通讯请求的时候，有一瞬间捕捉到了指挥官的信号……虽然这一瞬间不足以联络，但这个信号让我们发现了指挥官的位置。

SuomiI can't be sure how accurate it is, but the Commander's signal came from... underground.我不确定准确率……但，指挥官的信号位置好像是在……地下。

GrozaUnderground? Is it the sewers?地下？是下水道吗？

GrozaThe call seems to be breaking up.通讯好像出了些问题。

UllridMokosh's communications coverage isn't perfect, and the signal isn't going to be stable when we're out in the wilderness.莫科什的通讯网络并未完全覆盖，我们现在在郊外，通讯状况很难保持稳定。

GrozaIf the Commander really is underground...所以，指挥官如果真的在地下的话……

UllridThen it would follow that we haven't been able to get into contact.那我们没办法联络到指挥官也很正常。

UllridKrolik, are Mokosh's sewer systems particularly developed?克罗丽科，莫科什的下水系统很发达吗？

KrolikTsk, now that you say that, Mokosh's sewers are nearly satellite city levels of complete, even if the streets are built shoddily.啧，这么说的话，莫科什这座城市，虽然街道建得有些敷衍，但下水系统的发达程度却几乎是卫星城的规模。

GrozaThis place used to be a dam, so it should follow that the sewers would be well-developed.这里曾经是水坝，水路系统的发达是可以预期的。

GrozaIf the Commander's in the sewers, then he would have been taken there immediately after being kidnapped.如果指挥官在下水道中，那应该是在消失后立刻就被带了进去才对……

GrozaThe intel we received claims that the Commander appeared on the road that Ullrid and I are currently at.但我们收到的情报却声称，指挥官在我和乌尔丽德现在所在的这条路上出现过。

(Suomi and Krolik discovered the complex sewer systems not long ago, but they were not aware that the Commander might have been hidden underground.)（不久前，索米她们便已经发现了这座城市复杂的下水道，但显然，当时她们并未意识到，指挥官有可能被藏在了地下。）

UllridAny other leads, Suomi?还有其他情报吗，索米？

SuomiUh, there's one more thing... The sewers contain more than just a sewage system. There's a tremendous underground prison.呃，还有……这里的下水道，不仅是负责了下水系统的职能，下水道里，有一个很庞大的地下监狱。

Groza and UllridUnderground prison?!地下监狱？！

(A bad feeling grips Groza and Ullrid.)（一种不好的预感，在闪电与乌尔丽德的心中弥漫开来。）

SuomiYes, except the prison is sectioned off from the rest of the sewers by a gate, one that not even we can get through. The sewers only admit entry to engineering staff, too.嗯，不过，监狱区域是单独的，与下水区域通过门隔开了，这个就连我们也没办法突破，而且，下水道也只允许工程人员进入。

(The news that they attempted a breakthrough already unsettles Ullrid.)（听到她们已经试图突破过了，这份莽撞令乌尔丽德心感不安。）

KrolikIt's just a gate or whatever. Can you send us some support for this, Leader? We're going right in!那个什么门什么的，队长可以找几个擅长的来支援一下吗？我们直接冲进去！

KrolikWe can get through the sewers, too!还可以顺便把那个下水道一起突破了！

SuomiI-it's not that easy...哪，哪有这么简单呀……

SuomiBut if it's all true, we need to try, no matter what. We need to get the Commander out as soon as possible.但是，如果是真的话，我们无论如何也要试一试，要快点去救指挥官才行呀。

GrozaYes, I'll arrange support for you. If that intel is real, though...嗯，我会帮你们联络支援。不过，如果你们的情报属实的话……

(Groza and Ullrid share a look, both recalling that the Oathsworn mentioned the word "escort" just a few moments ago.)（闪电和乌尔丽德对视一眼，不约而同地想起了刚才那几个莫科什的誓卫者，刚好提到了“押送”。）

GrozaSo, this road we're on...所以……我们走的这条路……

UllridLeads straight to the prison.刚好就是前往地下监狱的。

GrozaKrolik, search the sewers immediately with Suomi. I will go to the prison with Ullrid.克罗丽科，你和索米尽快进入下水道进行搜索，我和乌尔丽德会去往地下监狱寻找。

KrolikUnderstood.明白。

KrolikThey better not be doing anything to the Commander...不知道他们会对指挥官做什么……

Groza...……

GrozaIf the Commander is hurt, I...如果指挥官受到伤害，我……

UllridGroza, get a grip.闪电，振作起来。

UllridSuomi, do you have any other intel about the prison and sewers?索米，关于地下监狱和下水道，还有其他情报吗？

SuomiUm... Only some unpleasant rumors.嗯……还有一些，不太好的传闻。

KrolikHmph, how bad can they be? Isn't it all just stuff about, what? How all of the people in the prison are traitors, rebels, and whatever? Everyone here says that nothing good will come of associating with them.哼，有什么不好的，不就是说什么……监狱里关着的人大部分都是什么……莫科什的叛徒、反叛军之类的。这里的人，都说沾上他们就没好事。

KrolikOh, something a bit scarier comes to mind.哦……我想起来了，还有一个更恐怖的传闻——

(Something a bit scarier?)（传闻？）

(Having already spent several days in prison, my fellow inmate whom I had only had the chance to speak to once still maintained a distance from me. I had tried to find a few topics of conversation to fish for intel, but my efforts proved unsuccessful.)（尽管在监狱中已经度过了数天，但上次那个仅有一面之缘的“狱友”，却始终对我保持着带有距离的观察，我试探着找了几个话题，希望能够得到一些情报，但却都并未凑效。）

(Until just now, whether it was my dogged persistence that finally wore him down, or simply a genuine interest in the "underground prison rumors" I shared, he finally became willing to converse a little with me.)（直到刚才，不知道是我的坚持不懈终于令他忍无可忍，还是他单纯地对“地下监狱传闻”感兴趣，他终于愿意和我稍微说上几句了。）

(For once, he looks straight at me. When not conversing with me, he retires to the shadows, drawing his schematics. It is only now that I clearly see his always-overcast face in all its dim bleakness.)（这是他少见地直视着我，在不与我交谈的时候，他总是在阴影中默默地画着图纸，直到这一刻，我才终于看清楚他那张颓废、总是阴云密布的面庞。）

(He's the spitting image of an exiled man with his untrimmed hair and beard. His eyes carry despair and self-deprecation in equal measure, like a man who has truly accepted an existence here and become part of the darkness.)（不修边幅的长发与胡须，透露出一种仿佛自我放逐一般的无力感，还有那双总是带着自嘲、又有些绝望的眼睛，仿佛他已经接受了这里的生活一样，彻底地使他融入了监狱的黑暗。）

VasilyNo one has ever been released from this prison.这个监狱，从来没有一个人被释放过。

(He quickly shows me how true the rumor is.)（他很快便向我证明了这个传闻的真实性。）

CommanderYou're telling me about this already?这么快就告诉我这件事吗？

VasilyIf you want intel, you better show me something in return.想知道些事情，总得拿出点诚意来吧。

(It appeared that my attempts to strike up a conversation over the last few days have made him aware of my goals. The fact that he's willing to chat means that I might make some headway yet.)（看来，这些天的搭话，让他已经知道了我的目的，他肯松口，就说明有得谈。）

VasilyI get the feeling that this isn't the first time you've been in a place like this considering how calm you are.不过，看你镇定的样子，倒不像是第一次来这种地方。

CommanderThe guard told me that this is just a temporary "storage" for me.看守说，这里只是我的“暂时存放点”。

VasilyHeh, hahaha... How does it feel to be merchandise?呵呵……哈哈哈哈……被当成货物的感觉，不好受吧？

CommanderNot so bad with only three hours of work a day.不算太差，毕竟这里只需要工作三个小时。

VasilyThat's what the guard told me, too. It's been more than a year by now. I don't think I'm getting out before I die.看守之前也是这么对我说的，现在一年多过去了，恐怕等我死了都出不去吧。

CommanderReally? I believe what they said about the temporary part, though. The price tag on me is still considerable.是吗？不过我觉得“暂存”这部分应该是真的，毕竟我现在标价还是挺高的。

(Considering that I am an internationally wanted criminal, there's surely a hefty bounty on my head. Not that this is anything to be proud of at a time like this.)（考虑到国际通缉犯这层身份，我的赏金数额不低，尽管这并不是在这种时候可以拿出来自傲的东西。）

(Something changes in his eyes when I say the word "price".)（但听到我说到“标价”两个字时，瓦西尔的眼神发生了一些变化。）

VasilyMore than the value you can produce for that guy here? High enough for him to spare your life?比你在这能给那家伙创造的价值还高吗？高到值得留你一命？

CommanderCreating value for George costs your life?给乔治创造价值，原来还要搭上命？

(Vasily begins to guffaw.)（瓦西尔突然放声大笑。）

VasilyHahahaha... no spy from George would say that. Looks like you came in here without knowing a thing. You're not a local, are you?哈哈哈哈……乔治的密探可说不出这话，看来你什么都不知道，就这么进来了。你不是莫科什本地人吧？

CommanderDo I look like I'm from around here?我看起来不像？

(I look down at my garb, but he only smiles and shakes his head.)（我低头审视着自己的穿着，他见状却笑着摇了摇头。）

VasilyNot at all, but that's not the reason.不像，但不是这个原因。

(His eyes in the darkness focus once more, training on me as if to see right through me.)（那双黑暗中的眼睛，再次凝视着我，像是要看穿我一样。）

VasilyI know every single person in this prison except you.这座监狱里所有的人我都认识，除了你。

Commander...……

CommanderHaha...哈哈哈……

CommanderWhat, do I need contacts to get locked up? Mokosh sure is an interesting place.怎么了，进监狱也需要托关系吗？莫科什真有意思。

VasilyI'd advise you not to involve yourself in this mess. Whether you're a broker or a wanted criminal, Mokosh has no place for you. This is a place where law rules with an iron fist.我劝你最好还是不要掺和这摊浑水。你或许是暗商，通缉犯，这些都不重要，莫科什是个被严苛的秩序统治的地方，没有你这种人浑水摸鱼的空间。

VasilyGet out while you can. Nothing's more important than living to see tomorrow.趁还能抽身，早点离开。没什么比活到第二天更重要。

CommanderUnfortunately, I can't do that. I caught wind of his clandestine dealings in his factory, so I can't just leave it alone.可惜这我可做不到，我看不惯他用药厂做的那些见不得人的勾当。我不能置之不理。

(As expected, Vasily's usual nonchalant expression shakes somewhat when I mention the factory.)（果然，提到药厂时，瓦西尔那副总是毫不在意的神情中，出现了些许动摇。）

(If Loreley was truthful on the way here, Vasily went his separate ways with George because of this matter. If he managed to remain calm, then that would be worthy of suspicion.)（如果罗蕾莱在车上时所说的情报无误，瓦西尔原本就是因为这件事而和乔治分道扬镳的。不如说，如果他对此还能保持平静，那我反而要怀疑他是否值得信任。）

VasilySurely you don't think that George is some generic, greedy slavedriver, do you? Do you think he merely subjects prisoners to forced labor? That he'd be satisfied abusing residents with exorbitant taxes and debt traps like some commonplace villain?你不会以为乔治只是一个再普通不过的贪婪的剥削者吧？你以为地下监狱的人们只是在强制劳动，就像是那些耳熟能详的反派一样，用高额税收、债务陷阱来虐待这里的居民？

(This is the first time I've seen his emotions shift so drastically, but that wavering soon gives way to a feeling I'm familiar with—a complex mix of resignation and helplessness. He lets his hands drop to his sides, as if he'd given up the fight.)（这是我第一次见到他有这么大的情绪变化，但很快，这份动摇便转换成一种我熟悉的情绪——复杂的无奈，无力，他双手垂下，就像是已经放弃了挣扎一样。）

VasilySo what if I know? George has aligned himself with backers that you cannot possibly imagine. Even if he is a mere chess piece in their plans. No matter what I choose, I won't be able to change the future of Mokosh.知道了又能怎样，乔治搭上了一个你无法想象的靠山，即便他也不过是其中的一枚棋子。无论怎么选择，都无法左右莫科什的未来。

VasilySimply resisting is futile... You've seen his Oathsworn, haven't you? Those who have something to gain from him gather beneath his banner and swear their allegiance en masse. They even have the support of corporations...单纯的反抗只是徒劳……想必你见过乔治的誓卫军吧？那些得到了他好处的人，在他的笼络下宣誓效忠，组成了庞大的队伍，甚至还能得到财团的资助……

Commander...……

VasilyThis is not power that can be overcome with simple numbers. We have never lacked for supporters, for the approval and support of the people... None of that means anything in the face of absolute force.这并不是靠人数就可以抗衡的力量，我们从不缺少追随者，也不缺少民心和支持……但这一切在绝对的武力差距面前，没有意义。

(Vasily passes me something through a gap in the bars.)（瓦西尔突然从门缝中丢给我一个东西。）

CommanderPretty old looking key.好复古的钥匙。

VasilyI don't know who you are, but you can use this to leave this place.我不知道你是谁，但是，用这个可以离开这里。

(?!)（？！）

(I think back to the way the guard spoke to Vasily. He appears to be well-respected here, but even so, having a key is unthinkable.)（回想起刚才看守对待瓦西尔的样子，他似乎在这里颇有威望，但即便如此，连钥匙都有，还是太怪异了。）

(I start getting suspicious. Why does Vasily stay here?)（我突然有些怀疑，瓦西尔留在这里的原因究竟是什么？）

CommanderYou have a key...?你有钥匙……？

VasilyIs it so strange? Every lock here was designed by me. You think I can't make keys?很稀奇吗？这里的每一把锁，都是由我设计的，你觉得我做不出钥匙？

VasilyI just want to tell you that I'm staying here by choice. No matter what, Mokosh is my home.我只想告诉你，留在这里是我自己的选择。无论如何，莫科什是我的家。

(I think back to what Loreley brought up.)（我的脑海中回想起了罗蕾莱曾经提到过的——）

CommanderVasily... From what you're saying, he used to be one of Mokosh's administrators as well? No wonder I always felt something was off during our operations in the city earlier. That unfinished infrastructure wasn't George's style at all.瓦西尔……听你的说法，他曾经也是莫科什的管理者？难怪之前在城里行动总是有不和谐感，那些没修完的基础设施，根本不是乔治的风格。

LoreleyThat's all in the past. It's hard to say if he will be of use to you now.那都是过去的事情了，现在还不能确定他是否对您有用。

(Even with ideals still in his heart and keys in his hand, he consigned himself to the position of prisoner. I cannot just stand by with the bitter regret I see in him.)（明明还心存理想，明明还手握有一切的钥匙，却甘愿沦为阶下囚，这种苦涩的惋惜，令我无法坐视不理。）

(Perhaps I can find a way to light the embers that remain and help him regain his edge.)（或许有办法再一次点燃这捧余烬、再一次擦亮他的锋芒。）

(This is something I want to do at this moment.)（这一刻我想要这么做。）

CommanderI've heard about you, Vasily.瓦西尔，我知道你。

CommanderMokosh's future was once in your hands.莫科什的未来曾一度掌握在你的手中。

CommanderBut you'd rather rot here in the sewers than go up and fight against George?可是，你心甘情愿地在下水道里烂掉也不敢走上去，不敢与乔治对抗吗？

(He remains silent for a moment before laughing bitterly.)（瓦西尔沉默片刻，发出一声苦笑。）

VasilyHah... Think what you will.呵……随你怎么想。

VasilyFutile resistance only creates meaningless sacrifice.徒劳的反抗只不过是无谓的牺牲而已。

CommanderWhat are you waiting for, then? That George finds his humanity one day and realizes your...那你又在等待什么？等待乔治某天良心发现，替你建造你理想中的……

(I don't get the rest of it out.)（我没能说完这句话。）

(I realize that I'm only letting out my frustrations, even if some of this does line up with Vasily's reality.)（我意识到了，这只是在迁怒——即使话语中有符合瓦西尔现状的真实……）

(He doesn't deserve to be on the receiving end of these words, though. The true target of my anger is none other than myself.)（这些话也不应该针对他，恰恰相反，这股怒火真正的目标——是我自己。）

(I have felt despair over my own deeds many times, too.)（太多次了……我也曾几度对自己所做的事绝望。）

(Once you discover a shadowy archipelago, impenetrable darkness will have already formed a web between them all. The idea of choice is simply to lie to oneself.)（当你发现片隅的阴影时，数亿倍的黑暗，早已在它的身后，织成了一张细密的网。所谓的选择只是谎言。）

VasilyI am not so naive. This is all I can do.我没有那么天真，但是，这是我唯一能做的事情。

VasilyEven if my elevators will only ever be used for cargo, I can at least make them safer.即使我制造的升降梯只会被用来运送货物，但至少可以让他们安全一些。

VasilyEven if I can only light a precious few streets, I might be able to stop some accidents.即使我只能点亮微不足道的几条路，但至少可以阻止一些意外。

CommanderAs an engineer, that's a good way to think. As an administrator, though, I think you ought to know.作为工程师你的想法很正确，可作为一个曾经的统治者，你应该知道吧？

CommanderIf you make elevators, people will be dragged away to other work.你造出货梯，他们就会被拉去做其他工作。

CommanderIf you light up the streets, people will be made to move along faster.你点亮道路，结果只是逼得他们脚步更快。

CommanderYou've only ever managed to help George all this time.你能够帮到的人，到头来只有乔治。

VasilyI don't need you to tell me!还不需要你来告诉我这些！

VasilyEven so, I don't have anything else I can do! There's nothing I can achieve!就算这样，我也没有别的事可做，你知道吗，我做不到！

(For once, he seems to reveal some other emotions. I see a trace of his true self in his mad words.)（少见地，他似乎也产生了一些别样的情绪，我竟然在他稍显疯狂的话语中，看到了一寸赤诚。）

(I can help him. I can help them.)（——我可以帮助他，我可以帮助他们。）

(I only came here seeking economic cooperation, but the residents here remain in dire straits. The tentacles of the corporations still have them in their clutches and my conscience won't allow me to leave them in their predicament.)（尽管我最初只是抱着商业合作的想法来到这里，但这座城市的居民还在水深火热中，财团的触手始终缠绕着他们，我无法对此视而不见。）

(This is not a decision I've made on the spur of the moment. The people here like that guard still trust Vasily, even if they're aware of the control George has. With precise strikes from the Elmo's Dolls and Loreley's reinforcements, the fight may not be so hopeless.)（这并非我一时的气血上涌，这里的民众仍旧信任瓦西尔——就像那名看守一样，他足以瓦解乔治的控制。加上艾莫号人形的精准打击与罗蕾莱所带来的支援，抗争胜利的希望并不渺茫。）

CommanderNo, you CAN do it.不，你可以的。

(I throw the key back at him. I have no need of such things, and the one who has more need of a key is Vasily, not me.)（我将钥匙丢还给他，我并不需要这种东西，真正需要钥匙的人早已不是我——而是瓦西尔。）

(The true prison that binds him is far tougher to break through than the bars of this underground prison.)（囚禁他的牢笼，远比地下监狱的牢笼还要更加顽固。）

(There is nothing more laughable than self-imposed exile. It makes no amends and changes nothing that has happened. It only serves to cover everything up, soothing one's anxious heart with feigned blindness.)（没有什么比自我放逐更加可笑，这既不算什么弥补，更不会改变已经发生的事，那更像是一种掩盖，宁可自己不辨视听，也要用假盲来抚慰自己躁动的心。）

VasilyI can... what?……我可以，什么？

CommanderYou can give Mokosh the chance to choose.你可以给莫科什带来选择。

CommanderYou can show them a new path, no matter how many times it takes. Tell them that this city doesn't have to bend to George's will.不管几次，你都可以向他们展示一条新的道路，告诉他们，这座城市本不必非如乔治所愿。

CommanderSo long as they trust you, you can continue down that road.只要他们相信你，就能够走上那条路。

VasilyI would clap for you, but even if George doesn't kill me, I'd rather not see my people be mowed down.我几乎要为你鼓掌了，可就算乔治不杀我，我也不想看到自己的听众被机枪扫射。

CommanderThat doesn't need to happen.这个嘛，倒是不一定。

CommanderLet's have a chat, you and me.我们来聊聊吧。

CommanderI need to know about this city's topography and how much the Oathsworn have in the way of manpower and equipment.有关这个城市的地形，还有，乔治的誓卫军，到底有多少人马和装备。

Vasily...You... Just... who are you?……你，究竟是谁？

(I'd rather not answer him.)（我不想回答。）

(For someone like him, something solid to lean upon will do more than baseless words.)（对于他这样的人来说，比起毫无根据地劝说，他要的，或许是更加确定的担保。）

Afterglow and Rebirth 残晖与新生

MaylingW-where is this place?这……这是哪里？

(The deeper into the sewers they proceed, the more pungent the smells become. The scent of bleach and pharmaceuticals emerge, and it elicits a strange sense of cleanliness.)（越是向着地下深处走，下水道中的气味就越是刺鼻，但那似乎并不是因为污水，相反的是，这种消毒水混杂着药物的味道，反而带来一丝异常的清洁感。）

MaylingDo we... really need to go this far in to do maintenance?维修工作……要去这么远的地方吗？

GuardWho goes there?什么人？

MaylingWoah!哇！

(The guard's voice interrupts Mayling's worried inquiry, making her yelp with surprise.)（看守的声音打断了美玲担忧的询问，让美玲小声惊呼出声。）

Dr. WhiteIt's fine, Mayling.别担心，美玲。

(Dr. White gestures for Mayling to relax, unhurriedly producing his documents.)（白怀德先是对美玲比了个安心的手势，随后才不紧不慢地拿出证件。）

Dr. WhiteI'm Dr. White, engineer of the 11th Bureau providing relief in Mokosh. Here are my documents.前来莫科什支援的十一局工程师，白怀德，这是我的证件。

Dr. WhiteThis is my assistant, Mayling Shen, an engineer of the 11th Bureau.旁边是我的助手，十一局工程师，沈美玲。

MaylingEh?诶？

(The words Dr. White uses make Mayling think back to the argument with the Commander, but she wisely shuts her mouth in front of the guard.)（这样的说法，让美玲突然想到了之前和指挥官争吵的那次，但在看守面前，她还是识趣地闭上了嘴。）

GuardAh... I remember you. You've provided support to Mokosh many times before.啊……我记得您，这几年来，您支援过莫科什很多次了。

(The guard still appears to have no intention of letting them through.)（看守说着，但却没有让开的意思。）

Dr. WhiteHaha, it's been my honor. How is your daughter doing? I remember that she quite enjoyed watching our field work.呵呵……我的荣幸，令千金还好吗，我还记得她，之前还有工程工作时，她不是很喜欢去参观吗？

GuardShe...她……

(The guard lowers his head to an angle where his expression is no longer visible. He immediately changes the topic and ends the chitchat.)（看守低下了头，白怀德看不到他的表情，但看守紧接着便不再客套，立刻就转移了话题。）

GuardSir... Please, don't make things any more difficult for us. A lot has happened around here recently, and we're on high alert.先生……您就别为难我们了，最近地下监狱出了不少事，我们正在加强防范。

Dr. WhiteI don't intend to be a nuisance, I have little interest in the prison itself. I'm only here to see Vasily.我没有这个意思，我对监狱没那么大兴趣，我只是来见瓦西尔的。

GuardIt hasn't been just Vasily recently... There are others, too.但是……最近监狱里不止是瓦西尔……还有其他人。

GuardMr. George has ordered us to be especially alert.所以，乔治先生特别叮嘱了我们，要加强防范。

Dr. WhiteI have no weapons on me. I'm a normal engineer, and the same goes for this young lady here.我身上没有武器，只是一个普通的工程师，我身边的这位小姑娘更是如此。

GuardUh...呃……

Dr. WhiteIt's not my first visit here, you know that. I've never been out of line before, have I?我并非第一次来，你很清楚的。之前，我没有做过什么出格的事情吧？

(The guard studies Dr. White and Mayling and falls deep into thought.)（看守打量着白怀德和美玲，随后便陷入了思考。）

GuardThat's true...确实是这样……

(Dr. White extends his hands in a submissive gesture.)（白怀德将双手放到身前。）

Dr. WhiteIf you'd like, you can lock me up too and make me his cellmate, haha...如果你想的话，把我抓进去和瓦西尔那小子做室友也可以，哈哈……

MaylingHuh? W-what are you saying?诶？？您，您在说什么呢……

GuardAbsolutely not! Mokosh owes you a great debt. And, well... the same goes for Mr. Vasily.这怎么行！您是莫科什的恩人。呃，瓦西尔先生……也是如此。

(The guard appears to finally give in, and he nods his head.)（看守像是彻底放弃了一样，终于点下了头。）

Guard(Sigh) Never mind. Please, come in. However...唉，算了。请过来吧，不过……

(His expression becomes quite troubled.)（看守露出了有些为难的神色。）

Dr. WhiteHaha... I'll have only five minutes, right?呵呵……我只有五分钟，对吗？

GuardIt's good that we understand each other.您能理解我们就太好了。

Dr. WhiteExcuse me, then.那我们就先进去了。

(The gate separating the greater sewers and the prison slowly opens. Dr. White passes a small package to the guard.)（联通下水作业区域和监狱的门缓缓开启，白怀德将一个小型补给包交给了看守。）

Dr. WhiteI heard from Vasily that your daughter's still suffering from ELID.我听瓦西尔说了，你的女儿似乎还在因为E.L.I.D.而困扰。

GuardT-this is...这……这是……

(The guard's eyes widen in surprise. E.L.I.D. vaccines are counted among the most desirable items in all Yellow Zones.)（看守惊讶地睁大了眼睛，抗E.L.I.D.疫苗，对于黄区来说最为珍贵的东西。）

(It is easy enough to tell from his expression that this is still absolutely true even in Mokosh.)（从他的表情不难看出，这在莫科什也是如此，甚至更加高不可攀。）

GuardYou, why...您……您为什么……

Dr. WhiteVasily wanted me to bring you this.瓦西尔希望我将这个带给你。

Dr. WhiteYour daughter is adorable. I hope to see her holding a wrench again one day.您的千金十分可爱，我也很希望能早日看到她再一次拿着扳手的样子。

Dr. WhiteBesides, this isn't a bribe. You've already let me in, haven't you?另外，这不是贿赂，你已经让我进去了，不是吗？

(The guard's mask trembles as his tears moisten it.)（看守的面罩止不住地颤抖着，眼眶中流出的液体，逐渐将他的面罩打湿。）

GuardTh... thank you.谢……谢谢您。

Dr. WhiteAlright, we need to make the best of our time.好啦，我们也得抓紧时间啦。

(Dr. White pats the guard's back, and he crosses the boundary with Mayling. Just before the gate closes, the guard can be seen remaining at his station behind them, his shoulders shaking uncontrollably.)（白怀德轻拍着看守的后背作为安慰，在大门关上前，他带着美玲跨过门槛，留下那名看守孤独的背影，直到他难以克制地颤动着双肩。）

LoreleyLook at me.看着我。

(Loreley lifts my chin up with her hand. She's been rather fond of doing this recently, but I can't help but feel an odd sense of humiliation. It might just be because I've found myself in prison.)（罗蕾莱用手抬起我的下巴，这并不是这些天来，她第一次做这个动作，但或许是监狱的缘故，这个动作让我产生了一种诡异的屈辱感。）

CommanderYour hands are overheating again. Is this really so stimulating for you?……你的手，怎么又过热了，这种事有这么刺激吗？

LoreleyThis heat is meant to be a secret weapon I very recently acquired. It's a price I pay for acquiring significant computing power in an instant.这种温度原本是我最近获得的秘密武器，在瞬间获得高速算力的代价。

LoreleyBut I'm the one who should be complaining, Commander. I started overheating like this even without going through any battles or extended field work after reuniting with you, you know?不过指挥官，我才应该抱怨，因为在和您重逢后，我才会像这样不经历战斗或并行多数任务也会过热哦？

CommanderWhat's going on here...这是什么原理……

LoreleyYou're interfering with my operation more than viruses do. I'd like you to take responsibility.因为您的话，比病毒程式还容易扰乱我的正常运转，我希望您能负责呢。

CommanderDid you just hear that...?刚刚你听到了……？

Dr. WhiteStill drawing up schematics, Vasily?瓦西尔，又在画设计图了？

(Before Loreley's other hand makes contact with me, a familiar voice rings through the prison.)（就在罗蕾莱的另一只手触碰到我之前，一个熟悉的声音突然响起在了监狱中。）

CommanderShh.……嘘

(I make a shushing motion, asking Loreley to remain silent so we can listen in on the situation.)（我对罗蕾莱比了一个噤声的手势，示意她暂时保持安静，听听对面的情况。）

Vasily...……

VasilyIt's you...是您……

(Two thoroughly unexpected visitors arrive in the prison—Mayling, whom I haven't seen for several days, and that engineer from the 11th Bureau.)（地下监狱中，出现了两位完全出乎我意料的人——那名十一局来的工程师，还有多日不见的美玲。）

Dr. White(Sigh) ...You haven't been taking care of yourself.唉……你没有好好照顾自己啊。

(A light sigh comes from outside Vasily's cell.)（一声极度轻柔的叹息，落在瓦西尔的房间外。）

(These two uninvited guests have obviously not come for me. If Mayling has been occupied with work underground recently, then it's very likely that she doesn't even know that I've been locked up here.)（显然，这两个不速之客的目标并不是我，如果美玲经常在地下工作的话，她很可能连我被关进来这件事都不知道。）

VasilyWhat is someone like you here for?您怎么到这里来了……

(Vasily hurriedly puts down his pencil, stands up and reservedly tidies up the shoddy garb on his person. The man who sat wherever he pleased on the ground and spoke to me about strange things now begins to watch his manners, like a student before their teacher.)（瓦西尔匆忙地扔下笔，站起身，他有些拘谨地整理了一下身上褴褛的着装。那个这几日里总是随意地坐在地上和我说些怪话的人，突然像是个要见老师的学生一样，竟然开始注意起了仪表。）

Dr. WhiteHaha... Relax, there's no need for that.呵呵呵……没关系，不用整理了。

Dr. WhiteI still remember when you were positively glowing. I'd recognize you from a mile away.我还记得你意气风发的样子呢，放心吧，我认得出来你。

MaylingEh? Is this the person responsible for the prosperity of Mokosh and its surroundings that you mentioned?诶，这就是您说的……足以肩负起莫科什和周边地区繁荣的那个人吗？

(Mayling appears surprised at the sight of Vasily as he is now.)（美玲似乎对这位瓦西尔如今的形象很是惊讶。）

VasilyYou... Is that how you think of me?您……是这么评价我的吗？

Dr. WhiteShh, Mayling, don't tell him.嘘，美玲，别告诉他。

Dr. WhiteIf he found out that I said these things about him, he'd be muttering about it to himself for days.如果他知道我这么夸他，尾巴非得翘到天上去不可。

(There is no pride on Vasily's face as he hears it from Dr. White. His eyelids droop with disappointment, like a miscreant caught in the act.)（但瓦西尔听到这样的评价，表情并未出现分毫的骄傲，相反，他有些失落地垂下了眼帘，像是做了错事一样。）

Vasily...I don't deserve to govern Mokosh.……我不配管理莫科什。

Dr. WhiteWhat's wrong? Didn't you tell me all excited that you were going to make life better for everyone here?怎么了？当时回来时不是兴冲冲地说，要让这里的人过上更好的生活吗？

VasilyGeorge lied to me... No, he lied to everyone.乔治骗了我……不，他骗了所有人。

Dr. WhiteYou mean the business with the vaccines?你是指疫苗的事？

Dr. WhiteHe never intended to prepare real vaccines for anyone. The factory only produces medication that induces comforting delusions.他根本没打算为居民准备真正的疫苗——药厂制作的只是会令人产生舒适幻觉的缓解药物？

VasilyHow do you know? I've never spoken about this to you.您怎么会知道？……我明明从未向您提起。

Dr. WhiteIf Mokosh could achieve self-sufficiency with vaccines, the guard who's been watching over you for so long would not have reacted how he did.如果莫科什能够实现疫苗的自给自足，那么，那个照看了你那么久的看守，就不会是那种反应了。

Dr. WhiteMokosh's "prosperity" is just an illusion, right? It's not nearly as well-off as it seems.莫科什的“繁荣”，只是假象对吧？它远没有看上去那么富有。

MaylingEh? But Mokosh doesn't appear to be too troubled by E.L.I.D...诶？可是莫科什看起来并没有被E.L.I.D.困扰啊……

VasilyThe infected are taken care of en masse by George, but even so, the city's population increases. Do you know why this is the case?被感染的人，乔治会集中处理。但即便如此，城市中的人却越来越多，你知道这是为什么吗？

(Mayling shakes her head.)（美玲摇了摇头。）

VasilyBecause the Yellow Zones have no lack of people.因为黄区最不缺的就是人。

VasilyIf you make the outside look like it's flourishing, there will always be people flocking in, willingly becoming fuel for the fire.只要表面功夫做得足够繁华，永远会有人对莫科什趋之若鹜，心甘情愿地成为这里的养料。

Dr. WhiteSo you chose to sit here and watch?所以你就选择在这里眼睁睁地看着？

(That familiar mocking expression appears on Vasily's face again.)（熟悉的、讥笑一般的表情，再一次出现在了瓦西尔的脸上。）

VasilyIf I had really done that, I wouldn't be locked up here.如果我真是眼睁睁地看着，我现在可能就不会被关在这里了。

VasilyEver since our first argument because of all this... I've tried many, many things...从我们第一次因为这件事争执开始……我尝试了很多次，很多种方式……

VasilySo many that I no longer believed that I would succeed.多到连我自己，都不再相信能够成功。

Dr. WhiteDo you regret what you did?你后悔自己的选择吗？

VasilyI have never regretted anything I did for Mokosh. I was once one of the leaders here and it was my duty to protect the city and its people.我从不后悔为莫科什争取的一切。我曾是这里的管理者之一，守护我的聚落、我的居民——这本就是我的责任。

VasilyAs a leader, it is only natural that I protect my tribe. What regret should I feel for something so natural and reasonable? The people of Mokosh trusted me and I gave my all in return.身为“领袖”，我保护我的聚落、保护我的居民，这是理所当然的事情，有什么需要后悔的呢？莫科什的人们相信我，我愿意用我的全部来回报这份信任。

VasilyBut... It's a shame that I did not live up to that trust. My resistance only ended in failure after failure. This is what I deserve.但……我愧对于他们。我的反抗只带来了一次又一次的失败……现在的结局，是我应得的。

Dr. WhiteBoy, you're getting ahead of yourself.小同志，你有点自负了。

VasilyI...我——

Dr. WhiteVasily, you've always been sincere, honest, and kind. You've always had ideals and principles on your side.瓦西尔，你正直、真诚、善良，你从不缺少信念与道理。

Dr. WhiteWhat you need is power that can turn ideals into reality.你缺少的是一股能够将理想化为现实的力量。

VasilyDo you mean... "firepower"?您的意思是……“火力”吗？

(As something seems to come to mind, Vasily smiles bitterly with a lowered head.)（不知道想起了什么，瓦西尔微微低下头，露出一丝苦笑。）

Dr. WhiteAt least you can figure it out for yourself. It's just like when you put yourself into building that machine that would protect everyone. It may look intimidating, but you mustn't fear controlling it. You need to make sure that you use it adequately and that it doesn't fall into the hands of the wrong people.你能想明白就好。就像当年，你努力建造那台保护所有人的机械一样。它看上去有些吓人，但不要害怕去掌控它，而是要确保能正确地运用它，不要让它落到错误的人手里。

Dr. WhiteThat's the way you protect your people.这样，你才能保护好你的同胞。

VasilyUse it adequately... The hands of the wrong people...确保……正确地运用它……不要……让它落到错误的人手里……

(Vasily mutters to himself, dissecting the words in his mind as the problem that has troubled him for ages slowly unravels. His eyes focus on the familiar face in front of him as he thinks back to his time studying at the 11th Bureau.)（瓦西尔低低地自语着，仿佛正在将这句话细细咀嚼。似乎有一个困扰了他很久的难题，正在此刻慢慢解开。他看着眼前这张熟悉的脸，仿佛回到了曾经在十一局进修时一样。）

(Countless times, complex issues before him would be brushed away with his mentor's help.)（无数次，无数个复杂的难题，总是在老师耐心的教导下解开。）

(And this time he is only an inch away from finally solving this problem.)（而这次——就差一点，似乎就差一点，就能够解开了。）

(The excitement from reclaiming his hope ignites a long-missing fire within him deep down, and it combines with the sense of urgency from being only one step away. It is only now that he notices the fresh face next to Dr. White.)（重拾希望的兴奋感，还有那种只差一着的急切感，让他感到久违的焦躁。这时，他忽然注意到了白怀德身旁的生面孔——）

VasilyOh, apologies. Might I ask who this is?啊，抱歉，我还没问，您身边的这位是——

Dr. WhiteHave you finally noticed?现在才注意到？

VasilyI had assumed it was your assistant, as before... but this is a new face to me.我以为和之前一样……是您的助手，但这位我好像没见过。

Dr. WhiteShe's a rookie.是新人哦。

Dr. WhiteMayling Shen, engineer of the 11th Bureau and my temporary assistant.目前是我的临时助手，也是准十一局工程师，沈美玲。

(Did Mayling already agree to join them?)（美玲已经同意加入他们了吗？）

MaylingEh? Do we really need to keep saying that? We managed to get in already. I-I haven't decided if I want to join yet.诶？已经进来了，也要这么说吗？我，我还没想好要不要加入呢。

(I fail to hold it in after hearing Mayling's reply.)（听到美玲的反应，我实在有些沉不住气了。）

CommanderWait, wasn't the idea that Mayling would decide for herself?等等，不是说要美玲自己决定吗？

(My voice gives Mayling a jump.)（我的声音似乎把美玲吓了一跳。）

Mayling...Huh?……诶？

(She looks at Dr. White, shock written all over her face.)（她呆呆地看向白怀德。）

MaylingA-am I hearing things? Or do I just miss the Commander too much?是、是幻觉吗？还是我太想指挥官了？

MaylingI-I could swear I just heard the Commander's voice...我，我怎么感觉好像听到了指挥官的声音……

Commander...You still have three bottles of wine over at my place, Mayling. I'm going to drink them all the moment I get back.……你还有三瓶米酒存在我这儿呢，美玲，回去我就把它们喝了。

(Mayling spins in place and follows the sound. She finally sees me after turning around.)（循着声音，她环顾四周，终于，在转身的那一刻，美玲看清楚了我。）

MaylingNo way!不要啊！？

Mayling...……

MaylingWaaagghh—it really is the Commander! The Commander's real! The Commander's in jail!哇啊啊——真的是指挥官！！是真的指挥官！！指挥官坐牢啦！

(As if she's forgotten all about how we first separated, Mayling rushes up to me and crouches down in front of my cell.)（就像是忘记了当初是怎么分别的一样，美玲激动地冲上来，趴在我的门前看着我。）

(She tries to reach in and touch me. It's obviously impossible, so I continue to sit still on the ground.)（她想要将手伸进来触摸我。但显然，这是不可能的，所以我索性一动不动地继续坐在地上。）

CommanderExcited at the sight of me being locked up, are you?……看我坐牢你就这么兴奋吗？

MaylingN-no, it's just that I haven't seen you in so long... (Sniff)不，不是的，只是，好久没见到指挥官了……呜……

(Her eyes begin to glisten with tears.)（她的眼角泛起了晶莹的泪光。）

CommanderIt hasn't even been a few days... Why are you crying? Is work at the 11th Bureau really that rough?也没几天吧……怎么眼泪都出来了。是不是十一局的工作不好干？

(Not even I can remain unmoved at the sight of this expression on Mayling's face.)（看到美玲这副表情，即便是我，也没办法无动于衷了。）

(I stand up, passing a handkerchief I have on hand to Mayling through the bars.)（我站起身，将手边的手帕隔着栏杆递给美玲，想要让她自己擦干眼泪。）

MaylingN-no, not at all, the work's very relaxed, much easier than on the Elmo... No overtime, there's all the wine I could want...没……没有，工作很轻松……比我在艾莫号轻松多了……不用加班……米酒管够……

(She doesn't take my offer at all, rejecting the idea of taking the handkerchief off me. She latches onto the bars with two hands, drying her tears on my hand holding the handkerchief.)（没想到她根本不买账，完全没有接过我手中手帕的打算，她两只手竟然直接抓住了栏杆，随后便将脸贴了过来，把眼泪反复蹭在我举着的手帕上。）

(I turn to Dr. White for help at this bizarre sight, but he only smiles.)（看到这么诡异的一幕，我不免抬起头看向白怀德，他却只是无奈地笑了笑。）

Dr. WhiteDon't look at me, I treat my employees fairly. The daily working hours are only 70% of the legal mandate, too. She might have just missed you too much.别看我，我可没有压榨员工，每日工作时长也只有法定的百分之七十。大概她只是太想你了吧？

(Dr. White joins our conversation very naturally, completely unsurprised by the sight of me behind bars.)（白怀德自然地加入我们的对话，对于我为什么会在牢门后，他没有丝毫的意外，仿佛预定应该如此——）

(In combination with him being willing to bring Mayling, someone new to the place, I start thinking that his grasp of the situation might be more comprehensive than I imagined.)（这实在有些耐人寻味，特别是考虑到他还敢把初来乍到的美玲带到这样的地方，他对现况的把握，或许比我想的还要深。）

(It is easy enough to see that Mayling isn't doing so bad under his wing, either. I can't be sure, but I could swear that her face has gotten a little chubbier.)（但显而易见，美玲在他的照顾下，过得也并不算差。不知道是不是我的错觉，美玲的脸是不是，丰润了一些？）

MaylingNo... no way, nuh-uh. I would never miss someone who only makes me do overtime...没有……不是这样的。只会让我加班的指挥官，谁会想这家伙啊……

MaylingSomeone who says all sorts of things to drive me away and doesn't care at all about where I go...而且还说出那种话，只想着赶我走，根本不在意我是不是在艾莫号上……

(...Is that how Mayling sees me? Still, to be rubbing up against me while saying that—what an adorable creature.)（……原来美玲是这么看我的吗？但是一边这么说一边蹭着，这是何其可爱的生物。）

CommanderMayling, there might be a few misunderstandings between us...美玲，我们之间可能有些误会……

(Before I can finish what I'm saying, Mayling suddenly distances herself from the bars a little, most likely remembering the events from a few days earlier. She tries to hold her emotions at bay, and I put the handkerchief aside.)（但我还没来得及说出口，美玲便像是突然想起了前几天的事一样，马上便远离了栏杆，她尽力将情绪压下了一些，我也放下了手帕。）

MaylingAhem, I just didn't think...咳，我只是，没想到……

MaylingYou know... it's only been a few days and you're already in jail. What was it that you did this time?那个……没想到才几天没见，您就坐牢了，您这次走到哪条歧途上了啊？

CommanderI came into contact with the factory. That alone probably does it.接触到了药厂，这一条大概就足够了。

VasilyYou're also high up on George's price list. Was that not enough for you?另外，在乔治的榜单里“标价”很高，这还不够吗？

(Vasily interjects very naturally. After spending the last few days together here, he's much calmer than he was when we first met.)（瓦西尔自然地插话进来，这两天在监狱的相处下来，他已经比最初遇见的时候平静了不少。）

VasilyEven I'm getting curious about you, really. You don't look like someone in the business, but you fetch a considerable price... You aren't actually wanted internationally or something, are you?说实话，我都对你有点好奇了。你看着不像生意人，但“标价”又这么高……不会真是什么国际通缉犯吧？

VasilyIf that were true, George would probably be contacting FABN right now. If they wanted it, you'd be shipped over right quick.要真是这样的话，恐怕乔治现在正在联络法本集团，如果那边需要，你很快就会被送到那边了。

CommanderThey must not want it very much, then, with how much time has passed. They wouldn't be so inefficient if they did.那从时间来看，那边应该是不太需要我。不然办事效率不会这么低。

VasilyOr maybe George is negotiating the deal.也或许只是乔治的权衡利弊。

MaylingBut... You must have had it rough in prison, didn't you, Commander?但是……指挥官被关的两天里一定也受苦了吧？

(Worry is written all over Mayling's face.)（美玲的表情有些担心。）

VasilyNo need to worry, he's barely suffered a moment in here. Rather, I'd wager he's been getting rather immersed...不用担心，反正这家伙在这也没受什么罪。不如说，我觉得他有些沉迷其中了……

LoreleyOh, might you be referring to me?哎呀，阁下说的是我吗？

(Loreley, who has been standing beside me the entire time, finally speaks up.)（一直在我旁边的罗蕾莱突然开口了。）

CommanderYou sure held your silence for a while...你竟然忍了这么久没说话……

LoreleyI'm just following my orders from the Commander.是指挥官的命令，我当然要遵从了。

VasilyI knew it was going to be like this.我就知道是这样。

VasilyAs I was saying, he's a solid guy, except for his weird obsession with having his little fun with the guard...我就说，这家伙哪里都好，偏偏喜欢和看守玩各种奇怪的东西……

VasilyIt's no wonder that he doesn't want to leave.难怪他总是不肯离开这里。

Mayling...Commander?指挥官……？

CommanderWait, wait, it's not what you think. I'm only here for the sake of working towards cooperation with Mokosh.等等，不是你想的那样，我在这只是因为我要想办法得到莫科什的合作啊。

(Vasily spreads his hands, communicating an unspoken understanding. The typically commonplace gesture irks me for some indescribable reason.)（瓦西尔摆摆手，像是在对我说“我明白，无需多言”一样。看上去很够意思的一个动作，此刻却让我有一种无名火起。）

(Dr. White sighs at the sight of Vasily's response. He shakes his head.)（看着瓦西尔如此反应，白怀德无奈地叹了口气，摇了摇头。）

Dr. WhiteVasily, have you not found out yet?瓦西尔，你还没发现吗？

Vasily...What is it?……什么？

Dr. WhiteThe firepower you're missing might be right by your side already.你缺少的那部分火力，或许已经在你身边了。

(Dr. White turns to me and Vasily appears to realize something.)（白怀德看向我，而此刻的瓦西尔仿佛已经明白了什么。）

(His eyes immediately fill with an enthusiasm I've never seen before, as if he has finally come upon an answer to a conundrum. His excitement soon shifts into firmness and trust. It makes me think about the kind of spirited and idealistic engineer he must have been ten years ago.)（就像是得到了一个正确答案一样，他的眼神中充满了前所未有的雀跃，随后，这份兴奋之情转为了一种信任、坚定。这足以让我相信，在十年前，他是怎样一个满怀激情与梦想的优秀工程师。）

(The answer has always been here and you've finally discovered it. Now, all you must do is fill in the blanks of the question.)（——答案一直都在，而现在，你终于发现了它。现在唯一需要做的，就是用它填满题目的空白。）

(Behind his certainty and gratitude, I can see an unyielding fortitude.)（这一刻，我看到他的确信、感激等情绪后，毋庸置疑的坚定。）

Thermal Dumping 放热反应

(The cell doors are completely opened, and Vasily and I regain our freedom.)（牢房的门被彻底打开，我和瓦西尔也就此恢复了自由身。）

(Vasily almost stumbles as he steps out of his cell due to how long he's been shackled.)（似乎是许久未曾摆脱束缚、独自行走了，踏出牢门时，瓦西尔几乎踉跄了一下。）

VasilyUgh... Seriously...哈……真是……

(Loreley sees this and approaches me with a smile. I feel her breath on my shoulder.)（罗蕾莱见状，凑近到我的身边，微笑着对我呵了口气。）

LoreleyCommander, do you need a hand?指挥官，需要我扶着您吗？

CommanderI'm not that weak...我还没那么虚弱……

VasilySo she can be polite, huh...原来她可以这么有礼貌啊……

MaylingI-is this a jailbreak?这，这算越狱吗？

CommanderNo.不算。

VasilyNah.不算。

Dr. WhiteFor them, yes.对他们来说算。

MaylingHuh? A-am I not a criminal, then?啊？那这么说，诶诶，我不是变成劫狱犯了！

Dr. WhiteHaha... For you, this would be unscheduled work that counts as overtime. I'll pay you triple for this time.呵呵……对你来说这是计划外的工作，算加班，这部分的时间，我会按照三倍给你计算酬劳。

MaylingHuh? P-please count me in, then!诶？那，请务必算我一份！

(We arrive at the interrogation room. We'll be able to see the remaining cells on the other side once we pass this point.)（一边说着，我们一边来到了审讯室，穿过这里，我们就可以看到其他的牢房。）

(A single guard sits outside the interrogation room. He reacts with surprise at the sight of Vasily and Dr. White approaching together, before he nods and makes way for the two.)（审讯室外坐着一个看守，看到白怀德与瓦西尔一同走来，有些惊讶地向二人点了点头，随即便为二人让出了通路。）

(Vasily pauses before the door.)（但是，在审讯室的门前，瓦西尔却停下了。）

CommanderWhat is it?怎么了？

Vasily...It's nothing. I just wanted to remind you to check your PPE again.……没什么，只是想提醒你们再检查一遍防护服。

CommanderRelax, I'm more familiar with this stuff than you are.放心，这东西我比你熟。

(Vasily scans us, making sure that we're properly equipped.)（瓦西尔用目光扫视了一遍我们，确保我们都穿好了防护服。）

(He stands before the door, and the look in his eyes as he turns around is unspeakably painful.)（明明只是普通地站在门前，他回望的眼神却变得无比痛苦与阴沉。）

VasilyMust you really look?你们真的要看吗？

Dr. WhiteCooperation is based off mutual trust. The Commander has revealed their situation to you without reservation. Are you still going to hold things back?合作的前提是相互信任，这位指挥官的事情，可毫无保留地都告诉你了，你还要隐瞒吗？

CommanderWith what we know now, we still can't quite grasp what George is really doing.只凭现在所了解到的情况，我们还不能摸清楚乔治真正在做的事。

VasilyAlright, then.好吧，那我——

(Vasily keys in the password and opens the door.)（瓦西尔输入密码，打开了审讯室的门。）

(Behind the door is a scene that can only be described as hellish.)（门的后面，是地狱一般的画面。）

(Without a doubt, everyone detained here is suffering from E.L.I.D.)（毫无疑问，这里关押的全部都是E.L.I.D.患者。）

(They're confined in small pens and kept alive with automatic feeders. Many of the people there are almost completely covered in Collapse crystals.)（他们被拘束在狭小的房间内，被自动提供的养分所供养着，其中有不少人，身上已经长满了坍塌结晶。）

MaylingEep!呀啊！

CommanderGet back, Mayling!美玲，后退！

(I instinctively reach out to shield Mayling's eyes.)（我下意识伸手遮住了美玲的双眼。）

CommanderLoreley, take care of Mayling for me.罗蕾莱，帮我照看好美玲。

LoreleyWhat are you planning?您要做什么？

Vasily{}, come back!回来！{}！

CommanderBut—但是——

VasilyIf you go in there now, the odds of these people surviving will only decrease!现在离开这里，这些人活下来的可能性会变得更低！

Commander...……

VasilyWe can only truly save them by stopping George!只有先阻止了乔治，才能真正解救他们！

(Vasily quickly closes the door to hell. Things quieten down again, and the ghastly sights from a moment ago disappear like a bad dream.)（很快，瓦西尔便关闭了那扇地狱之门，一切重归平静，刚才的光景就像是噩梦一般。）

(We all wisely remain silent, still recovering from what we just witnessed.)（我们默契地都没有开口说话，保持着沉默，就像是还没有从刚才的惊讶中缓解一样。）

(The air remains stiff until I speak up.)（直到我先开口，现场的气氛才有所缓和。）

CommanderVasily... what is all of this?瓦西尔……这是怎么回事？

CommanderThe E.L.I.D.-infected people you mentioned before were all locked up here?你之前说，被E.L.I.D.感染的人，原来都被关在了这里？

(I think back to what he said previously.)（我想起了瓦西尔曾经说过的话。）

MaylingAre they... being treated here?他们……是在这里接受治疗吗？

VasilyGeorge would never be so kind-hearted.怎么可能，乔治不会有那么好心。

CommanderSo this is why George has little care for vaccines, but still accepts various infected in Mokosh?所以这就是乔治完全不在意疫苗，还在莫科什接纳各种感染者的原因吗？

CommanderJust what is he planning?他到底打算干什么？

VasilyIt's easy enough. Processed Collapse crystals are valuable goods and that's what he's after.显而易见，经过处理的坍塌结晶有着很重要的价值，乔治看上的就是这一点。

VasilyGeorge is thinking of using these people as an inexhaustible source of Collapse crystals.他幻想着通过这些患者，获取无数的坍塌结晶。

VasilyThere wouldn't be so many people who risk their lives to hunt late-stage E.L.I.D. infected in the Yellow Zones if they weren't so valuable.不然黄区也不会有那么多狩猎者，冒着生命危险也要去狩猎那些晚期E.L.I.D.患者。

LoreleyAs far as I know, however, those are rare cases. Most subjects expire far before—但据我所知，那种情况很少见，大多数患者，在那之前就已经——

VasilyYes, I've said the same before, but he cares little for it. He thinks that with enough numbers, he'll get the result he wants.我和你说过相同的话，但乔治不在乎，他认为只要数量够多，他就能得到想要的结果。

Dr. WhiteMany who are infected willingly put their remains on the line in deals with various organizations in exchange for their family's safety.就像很多患者，自愿以自己死后的遗体作为交易，和那些为了坍塌结晶的组织，换取家人的安全保障。

VasilyIf you ask me, this is all meaningless. The processing costs of these crystals are far greater than the value they provide. I've warned him over and over again that with the current R&D and manpower in the Yellow Zones, proper Collapse crystal production is nothing more than a dream. What he's doing here is pure cruelty and little else.但在我看来，这只是一种无意义的行为，这些坍塌结晶的处理成本已经远高于它们的价值了。我无数次警告过乔治，目前为止，以黄区的研究水平和人力，根本没办法搞清楚坍塌结晶。他做的事情，只是一种彻底的、纯粹的暴行。

(Evidently, the unthinkable has become reality at this point.)（果然，那个我几乎不敢想的事情，在此刻成为了现实。）

VasilyGeorge's reasoning was this. "Any lucrative business comes with great risks and costs."但乔治的理由却是“一切能赚大钱的东西，都伴随着极大的风险和成本。”

Vasily"At the same time, people in the Yellow Zones are no cost at all. Yellow Zones have no lack of people."——“顺便，对于黄区来说，人并不算什么成本，这是黄区最不缺的东西。”

Commander...……

(I struggle to assemble a proper sentence in my anger. I draw deep breaths, and I try to settle my emotions. Loreley takes my hand in hers, trying to comfort me how she can.)（此刻的愤怒让我几乎难以说出任何一句完整的话，我反复深呼吸，试图让自己冷静下来。罗蕾莱也抓住我的手，希望能够带给我一些安慰。）

Commander...He is clearly the most inhuman thing in all the Yellow Zones.……黄区最不是人的东西明显就是他。

CommanderI don't care what George thinks, but those are people in there. They're someone's children, parents, and friends. Not merchandise or guinea pigs.我不管乔治是怎么想的，但是房间里那些人，他们是人类，是他人的子女、父母和朋友，而不是商品和实验耗材。

VasilyHe recently accepted a proposal of mine to improve the conditions of these people using my designs...他最近接受了我的一项提议，用我最出色的设计来改善这些人的待遇……

VasilyI thought the expenses of research and crystal processing would have tired him out already, but this whole business has been so strange... With his disposition, he should have given up long ago.我想，之前高昂的研究成本和坍塌结晶的处理成本已经令他有些疲惫了，虽然我也觉得很奇怪……以他的个性，早就应该放弃才是。

VasilyI think he discovered your identity early on, too. The idea to sell you off for money must have sprung up in his head.而且，我想他可能已经发现了你的身份，所以甚至萌生了拿你换钱的想法。

CommanderHe really doesn't abandon any opportunity to make money, huh?他还真不放过任何一个赚钱的机会啊。

(A solely profit-driven man like George may be ruthless, but he wouldn't invest in something with no returns. Who is prompting him to gather the infected together? Does he have goals we're not aware of?)（的确，乔治这种唯利是图的人，即便没有人性，却也不会在没有利益的事上投入……到底是谁驱使他把感染者们聚集在一起——有什么我们还不知道的目的吗？）

(An idea suddenly comes to mind.)（一瞬间，一个想法突然闪过我的脑海。）

CommanderThat's right, Vasily.对了，瓦西尔。

CommanderWhat exactly is being produced in his pharmaceutical factory? It's similar to Erdis, but it isn't quite the same thing.药厂里生产的药究竟是什么？不是疫苗，虽然作用很像厄狄斯，但却又好像不是。

VasilyDo you think they're tied to the crystals?你觉得那药和坍塌结晶有关吗？

CommanderHe seems pretty adamant on keeping it a secret, after all.毕竟他似乎很想发掘这份秘密。

(Vasily shakes his head.)（瓦西尔却只是摇了摇头。）

VasilyI don't know. Those meds are being used as a special supply of Erdis, but George found out before I could get to the bottom of it. I had no more freedom of movement after that.我不清楚，那份药目前就是被当作特供的厄狄斯来进行使用的，在我查清这件事之前，就被乔治发现了，在那之后，我的行动便遭到了限制。

VasilyMany people chose to follow me because they believed in me. In the end...有很多人……因为相信我选择了追随我，最后——

(Vasily turns towards that door again. His voice trembles.)（瓦西尔看向那扇门，他声音有些颤抖。）

Vasily...That's why I told you. Those who enter this prison never leave.……我告诉过你了，进入这所监狱的人，没有人能离开。

VasilyI can't fail again, {}. It's not that I don't want to fight back, and it's not that I don't want to accept your support. I would give my life to see this battle won, but I just can't let those who believe in me...所以我已经不能再失败了。{}，我并不是不想反抗，我也不是不想接受你的合作邀请，我愿意用我的生命去打完这场仗。但我不能……再让那些相信我的人……

CommanderIs that why you willingly let yourself rot away in here?这就是你心甘情愿待在地下监狱的原因吗？

CommanderWhat was the cost of the agreement you came to?你们达成的合约，代价究竟是什么？

(He remains silent.)（瓦西尔沉默不语。）

CommanderGeorge held Mokosh hostage, preventing you from ever returning to the city even if you had the keys.乔治以莫科什作为“人质”，让你永远无法回到城市中，哪怕你有钥匙。

CommanderYou continued to work on the city's infrastructure underground for the sake of the people who live here. George knows that all too well. That's why he left you there, humiliated you, and even continued to take advantage of you.你在地下，继续完成了城市基建的设计，只是因为你希望这里的人能生活得好一些。乔治就是明白这一点，所以才肆无忌惮地留着你、羞辱你，甚至还能继续利用你。

(That's why Mokosh's sewers handle so many of the city's necessary functions. It's because Mokosh's best engineer will never be able to see the sun.)（所以莫科什的地下水道才承担了这么多职能。因为莫科什最强大的工程师，是一名永远无法走到地面上来的人。）

VasilyI have never doubted that what I did was right.……我从不觉得我这样做是错的。

CommanderYou always have the trust of other people on your shoulders. Why don't you try trusting someone else for once?你总是在背负其他人的信任，要不要考虑也信任其他人一次？

(Vasily intuits my meaning. He mulls it over, and he eventually gives me a slightly strained smile.)（瓦西尔明白我的意思，他思考了很久，终于向我露出了一个稍显苦涩的笑容。）

VasilyI can't lose again.我不能再输了。

CommanderI know how we can guarantee victory.我有必胜的方法。

LoreleyCommander, I can provide more than just intel, you know.我可以提供的，不止是情报支援哦，指挥官。

Dr. WhiteFrom what I have learnt in my investigations, taking over Mokosh should be no problem.从我调查的结果来看，至少，拿下莫科什是没问题的。

(All the pieces start falling together; all the problems seem to straighten themselves out.)（就像是被一根隐形的线条串联在一起一般，所有的巧合，所有的困惑与怪异感，在这一刻都拥有了合理的解答。）

(The scent of danger floats in the air. I've felt this sensation many times before. I may not get away from this in one piece, but I will never doubt my reason to fight.)（这种感觉并不陌生，我敏锐地嗅到了空气里那份稍显刻意的邀约。一切并非偶然，也许我并不能全身而退，但现在，我却心甘情愿地走入这场棋局。）

(I will not allow those regrets to become a thorn that pricks my heart whenever something like this happens again.)（那些的遗憾与悔恨，我不愿再让它成为一根刺，总是深扎于我的心中，在我每一次触及相似的境遇时，一次又一次地隐隐作痛。）

(I turn to Loreley. She must have made preparations before we even met.)（我看向罗蕾莱，原来，早在正式会面之前，她就已经有了打算。）

(She notices my gaze, and she cheekily flutters her eyelids at me as a tease.)（注意到我的视线后，仿佛引诱一般，她向我眨了眨眼睛，甚至还带有一丝不易察觉的调皮。）

MaylingT-this is no longer just a jailbreak, is it...这，这已经不是越狱的程度了吧……

Vasily...Alright. Then let me try this one more time.……好吧，就让我再试一次吧。

CommanderTime for you to do your thing.那接下来，就到了你发挥作用的时候了。

Burning the Land 地火焚城

CommanderThis is rather rough, but it should be enough to deal with George. We'll just have to improvise the rest once we manage to contact the others.虽然很粗糙，但我想对抗乔治足够了，剩下的，恐怕要联络到其他人之后再随机应变了。

VasilyNo objections.我没意见。

LoreleyI am entirely at your command. The support fire I can call in will be on standby.我听从您的一切命令，我这边能提供的火力支援随时待命。

(I put two and two together, thinking back to the heavy packs she brought onto the car.)（想到最初在车上时，那些让我觉得有些冗杂的包裹，我大概已经清楚她准备了什么。）

Dr. WhiteI'm just some engineer that got dragged into all of this chaos.我也只是一个被卷入动乱的工程师。

MaylingI...……我。

(Mayling's expression appears conflicted.)（美玲的表情看起来有些纠结。）

CommanderWhat is it, Mayling?怎么了，美玲？

MaylingCommander, could I... speak to you in private?我想和指挥官单独说几句话……

Dr. WhiteHaha, made up your mind, have you?呵呵，你下定决心了吗？

VasilyI'll go check up on the controllers, then.那我先去看看控制器的情况。

(Vasily and Dr. White begin to tend to their own affairs, but Loreley remains still.)（白怀德和瓦西尔闻言，马上便开始了各自的行动，只有罗蕾莱还留在原地。）

CommanderLoreley?罗蕾莱？

LoreleyI'm going to demand more of you too if you're going to favor Miss Mayling like this.看到美玲小姐得到您的偏爱，我也想对您撒撒娇呢？

CommanderIt isn't like you to say something like that.这可不像你会说的话。

(Loreley's expression suddenly changes as her terminal begins to ring, but she still flashes me her signature easy smile before she makes her exit.)（随着通讯声音响起，罗蕾莱看向通讯装置的眼神突然发生了变化。但在看向我之前，她还是露出了熟悉的、游刃有余的笑容。）

LoreleyI'll watch the surroundings, then. I'll let you talk with Miss Mayling in peace.那我就为您警戒四周吧，请您放心与美玲小姐谈话。

LoreleyHowever, I'll be asking for some compensation later, okay?不过，之后可要补偿我哦？

(Mayling begins to put together her words as Loreley walks off into the distance.)（等到罗蕾莱也走远后，美玲才试探着开口。）

MaylingCommander...指挥官……

CommanderDon't worry, Mayling.别担心，美玲。

MaylingHow am I supposed to not worry? All of this is so dangerous.怎么可能不担心，你们要做的事情太危险了。

CommanderIf something unexpected happens, you can go straight back to the 11th Bureau with the old gentleman. You won't be touched by the turmoil that way.万一情况有变，你就和那位老先生一起回十一局，有这个身份，动乱不会波及你们。

CommanderNo matter who George has behind him, the Bureau isn't something he can treat lightly.我想，乔治靠山再大，也不敢直接和十一局作对。

MaylingThat's not what I'm worried about!我在担心的不是这个问题！

(She becomes visibly unhappy, as if I've missed the point entirely.)（像是我会错了意一样，美玲的表情中竟然有了一丝不快。）

(Her new expression starts to clue me in on what she's thinking.)（这个熟悉的表情，让我一瞬间就明白了她在想什么。）

CommanderAre you upset at me because of what happened before?你在因为之前的事情而和我生气吗？

CommanderYou're not a Doll, you're human. In fact, you're a good, proper engineer at that.你不是人形，你是人类，而且，已经是一名优秀、足以独当一面的工程师了。

(I can't help but think back to Mayling when she was younger. I reach out with a hand and stroke Mayling's hair like I used to. Come to think of it, it's been quite a few years since I last did that.)（说到这里，我难免想起了小时候的美玲。我不禁伸出手，像以前一样抚摸着美玲的头发，仔细想想，我已经很多年没有这么做过了。）

MaylingUm...唔……

(I think I stopped doing it because the Dolls would think that I was treating Mayling like a kid even though she had already grown up.)（大概是因为美玲已经长大了，考虑到很多人形都会觉得这样像是被当成小孩子，我也就不再这样对待美玲。）

(Mayling seems a little unsure what to do, as she flushes red and shuts her eyes.)（看得出来，美玲也有些不太习惯，她的脸一下变得很红，眼睛也紧闭着。）

MaylingCommander, t-that's not what I meant.那个……指挥官，我不是这个意思。

(She grabs my hand and stops me.)（她抓住我的手，让我被迫停了下来。）

MaylingCommander, I'm just a bit upset. I can't help but feel that if I don't get this out before the operation goes ahead, I might really regret it.呼……我是有些生气啦，指挥官。总觉得，如果不把这件事说出来就参加作战，可能会造成无法挽回的结果。

(She looks off into the distance at Loreley, and she only starts to speak once she is sure no one is within earshot.)（她远远地看了一眼，站在远处的罗蕾莱。确信没人听到她说的话后，才缓缓开口。）

Mayling...What happened to leaving the decision up to me?……明明之前还让我选不是吗？

CommanderWhat?什么？

MaylingWhat do you mean I should "go straight back to the 11th Bureau"?指挥官为什么又说让我和白怀德先生回十一局这种话啊！

MaylingY-you said it yourself! You said you would respect my decision, right?!明明，明明之前说过，你会尊重我的想法，让我来决定不是吗？！

MaylingAnd just now, too. You didn't consider me at all in the combat planning, and you only told me to retreat...刚才也是，作战计划里完全没有考虑我，只想着让我尽快撤离……

MaylingAm I just a burden to you, Commander? Even if I just disappeared one day, would you just—难道对于指挥官来说，我只是一个负担？就算我离开艾莫号，指挥官都完全不会……

CommanderYou know how your combat capabilities are.那你的作战能力……你自己又不是不清楚。

MaylingCOMMANDER!指挥官——！！

CommanderWhat I mean is that I only want you to be safe.我的意思是，我希望你平安。

MaylingBut...可……

CommanderListen to me, Mayling. Please don't misunderstand.听我说，美玲，我们之间有误会。

MaylingEh?诶？

CommanderI've never wanted to drive you away, ever.我从来没有一刻想要赶你走。

CommanderI know your situation. Don't you want to go home and have a look?我知道你的事情，你的家乡，你不想回去看看吗？

CommanderI'd be happy if you wished to stay, of course, but it's more important that you make the decision without my influence.如果你愿意留下，我当然开心，但是，我更想要的是，你完全出于自我的考虑。

CommanderIt's not about leaving or staying for someone. You need to make a decision based on what you want.不是为谁而留下，也不是为谁而离开，你自己想要什么，美玲，你必须自己做出选择。

MaylingC-Commander, what's with you all of a sudden...指、指挥官突然之间怎么……

CommanderAm I suddenly rambling and leaving you with no space to speak?突然之间只顾着自己说，没给你留说话的余地？

MaylingYES! You're definitely doing that!对，确实是这样！

CommanderWas that not what you wanted to hear?你想听的不是这样的话吗？我以为这是你想要的。

CommanderOr did you want me to handcuff you to the bed to stop you from leaving or something? I hear that's popular amongst young girls these days. You're not part of that crowd, are you?还是说，你想要的是我不管用捆的还是绑的都非要你留下来？我听说这种情况在你们年轻女孩里很流行，是这样吗？

MaylingThat's not what I wanted the Commander to say! And I n-n-n-never thought those kinds of things either...我，我没有想要指挥官说这种话！更更更更没有想什么……

CommanderI will admit that asking you to retreat first is a little selfish desire of mine. I want my most important family to be safe and I don't want you to be harmed.至于你刚才说的，让你先撤离，我承认这是我的私心，我希望自己重要的家人平安……不希望你受到任何的伤害。

MaylingEh?……诶？

CommanderThat's all I wanted to say, Mayling. The upcoming decision is yours.能说的我已经全部都说了，美玲，接下来的选择，就是你自己的了。

(I look at Mayling sincerely, and I take the chance to also tidy up her ruffled hair.)（我认真地看着美玲，顺手帮她整理好她翘起的头发。）

(She finally looks up at me as if she's come to a resolution.)（美玲看着我，终于，像是下定了决心一样——）

(A piercing ringing fills the air and I look in Loreley's direction for answers.)（一阵刺耳的响声响起，我看向罗蕾莱的方向，她应该知道些什么。）

Loreley...……

(She throws me an inquisitive look in return. Unlike the time in prison, her intimacy carries a sense of distance with it once she drops her character.)（远处的罗蕾莱对我投来一个征询的目光，和在监狱时不同，当她脱离角色后，她的热情中始终夹杂着一丝疏离。）

(I couldn't hope to guess at what she's actually thinking. There appears to be something deeper, something I cannot touch hidden behind her affection. Perhaps the chance just hasn't presented itself yet.)（准确地说，我不明白她究竟在想什么，距离感的后面是她的热情，但热情之后，似乎还有什么隐藏得更深的，我还无法触及的东西——当然，或许也只是还没有机会。）

(I gesture for her to tell me about the situation.)（我对她做了个手势，让她告诉我情况。）

CommanderMayling, there's an emergency. This will have to wait for next time.美玲，紧急情况。现在没时间听你说了，下次吧。

MaylingI knew it...我就知道……

(Loreley returns to my side. There's a new terminal in her hand that I don't recognize.)（罗蕾莱已经回到了我的身旁，手中还多了一个我不认识的通讯装置。）

LoreleyIt's the prison's dedicated line. Should be George or Theia on the other side.是地下监狱的专线，应该是乔治或者希娅。

LoreleyShould I take care of it for you? I'm rather good at handling these situations.要我替您处理一下吗？我很擅长处理麻烦。

(Loreley would often take her leave to take care of such calls during the last few days here. I have no reason to doubt her abilities in handling them.)（在刚到监狱时，罗蕾莱隔三岔五就回去处理这种通讯，我相信她能够处理好。）

CommanderThere's no need this time.这次就不用了。

LoreleyYou mean to say...您的意思是……

CommanderPut it through. I'll speak to him.接通通讯吧，让我来和他说。

GeorgeAh, my apologies. The guards seem a little occupied. Would you mind waiting for a while?啊~抱歉，看守可能正忙呢，你们要不要等等？

Groza...What did you say?……你说什么？

GeorgeNow, now, no need to get so angry...怎么了？这么大火气……本来外人是不允许进入地下监狱的。

GeorgeOutsiders are not typically allowed in sewers as a whole, much less the prison. I only agreed to contact the guards since it was a special occasion and you were looking for my good friend.啊，当然了，下水道也不行，但因为你们要寻找我重要的朋友，才特地帮你们联络看守的。

GrozaHow long are you going to keep the act up for?你打算装到什么时候？

(They went to great lengths to find George and get close to the prison, but now they're unable to enter the prison while George plays dumb.)（好不容易找到了乔治，也摸到了地下监狱，但现在，却无法进入监狱，乔治也仍旧在装傻。）

GeorgeHm?嗯？

UllridYou've locked him up in your underground prison. There's no need to hide it.你们把他关到地下监狱了，这件事没必要隐瞒了吧？

GeorgeMe? How could I? I'm a man who loves good business. Why would I lock my good friend and business partner in jail?我关的吗？怎么可能呢……我最喜欢做生意了，怎么会将我最好的合作伙伴，最好的朋友，关进地下监狱呢？

GeorgeI was most distraught when I heard that the tomato emperor had been the victim of a robbery and gone missing. I will assist you in your search, but I must insist that it was not me. Even I am bound to get upset when such accusations are levied, you know.听到“番茄大王”在考察时遭遇抢劫失踪，我真的非常难过，我会全力配合你们搜寻。但，真的不是我……唉，被你们这样诬陷，就算是我也是会难过的。

GrozaDon't think that everyone else is blind to the truth! Drop the act!别以为没人知道怎么回事！少在这给我演戏了！

(Groza has never looked so angry before.)（少见地，这还是闪电第一次这么生气。）

GrozaUllrid... Assist me in combat.乌尔丽德……请协助我作战。

UllridLeave it to me.交给我吧。

Burning the Land 地火焚城

GrozaUllrid, how are the demolition preparations going?乌尔丽德，爆破准备怎么样了？

UllridReady to go whenever.随时可以启动。

GeorgeWhat are you trying to do this time?你还想干什么？

GrozaDo you want to hand him over or end up in pieces like your little prison? I'll give you three seconds to decide.你是想在这里和你的破监狱一起炸成碎片，还是想赶紧把他交出来，给你三秒钟的时间做出选择。

GeorgeOh, come now...别冲动嘛……

(Despite his words, George doesn't look pressed in the slightest. He puts through another call.)（尽管嘴上说着安抚的话，但显然，乔治的神情并没有丝毫的慌乱，他像刚才一样，再一次将通讯拨了出去。）

(Surprisingly, he finds someone familiar on the other end.)（但意外的是，这一次，他在通讯中，见到了熟悉的人。）

CommanderHey, George.嗨，乔治。

Settlement 清算

CommanderHey, George.嗨，乔治。

GeorgeHello, my most treasured friend! It's been so long!嗨！我最珍贵的朋友，好久不见！

GeorgeOh, weren't you off surveying Mokosh? How'd you end up in prison? That's no place for anyone to be.啊，好奇怪啊，你不是去考察莫科什的情况了吗？怎么考察到地下监狱去了呀，那可不是什么好地方。

CommanderAh, speaking of that, I think it's rather strange too. I was hauled off to this place all of a sudden that day. Although, couldn't you find it in yourself to come pick me up since I'm still in Mokosh?啊，你说这个啊，我也觉得很奇怪，那天突然就被一群人抓来这里了。不过，既然是莫科什的监狱，你要不要来接我？

GeorgeThat... might be a little difficult. The subterranean systems in Mokosh are very complex and you might not know this, but there's a dictator hiding down there. His name is Vasily Pugachev. He's claimed the underground as his domain. Even I cannot step foot there easily.这……可能有些困难，莫科什的地下非常复杂，而且，你可能还不知道，有个自私的独裁者——叫作瓦西尔·普加乔夫的，他占领了地下。连我都很难到地下去呢？

GeorgeDid you see a madman while you were in prison? All dirty and filthy? You should be a bit more careful.你仔细想想，监狱里有没有一个脏兮兮的疯子？你可千万要小心些。

GrozaCommander, don't believe what he's saying!指挥官，不要相信他的话！

CommanderGroza?闪电？

GrozaIt's me. Ullrid's here too. The others—是我，乌尔丽德也在，还有其他——

GeorgeOh, sorry, there's only so much time we can use on this line. Please, spare some time for me and my... friend.哎呀抱歉，专线的通讯时长有限制，还是多留些时间给我……和我的朋友吧。

CommanderHuh? First you throw me into jail, and now you've detained my family? That's hardly what a good business partner does.怎么？把我丢进监狱，还把我的家人全扣在了莫科什，你这事情做的，可不像是合作伙伴的样子啊。

GeorgeFamily? Hold on, I must have misheard. What did they just call you?家人？等等，我是不是听错了，刚才她们叫你什么来着？

GrozaI...我……

GeorgeWas that "Commander"?是不是叫你“指挥官”了？！

(His tone only becomes more exaggerated as he puts a hand over his mouth.)（乔治的语调变得更加夸张了，他有些惊讶地捂住嘴。）

GeorgeWhat a familiar title... Wait, there's that one internationally wanted criminal who's referred to in a similar way.好耳熟的称呼啊……好像，还有一个国际通缉犯的代号……也和这个有关呢。

CommanderThey can call me whatever they like.她们怎么叫我是她们的自由。

GeorgePeople say that I put on acts too often, but I'm afraid that you have me beat.她们总说我爱演，但我觉得，比起你来说，我还是差了一些。

GeorgeThis "family" of yours has been full of Dolls this entire time, right?……你的这些所谓的“家人”、“同伴”，根本，就全部都是人形吧？

CommanderWhat did you say?!你说什么？！

CommanderWait, am I being tricked?! This must be a conspiracy!我，我被骗了吗！？这一定是阴谋！

George...Don't act surprised.……别装震惊了。

GeorgeDid you really think that I hadn't found out?你真的以为我没发现？

GeorgeIt's a two-way street, you know. I've found quite a few of your secrets while you were investigating me.考察是双向的吧……在你考察我的时候，我也发现了你不少秘密哦。

GeorgeA prison is a perfectly fitting place for you.以你的身份，地下监狱才是更加适合你的地方。

GrozaThat works out perfectly...那正好……

(Groza is audibly upset, her roiling emotions obvious even through the screen.)（闪电的声音带着强烈的不满，即便是在通讯中，我仍旧可以感觉到，她的情绪有些激动。）

GrozaIf you don't give the Commander back to me, even if I have to take you down with me...如果你不把指挥官还给我的话……哪怕是同归于尽……

CommanderGroza, don't be rash!闪电！不要冲动！

GeorgeYou hear that, Commander? That grease licker of yours wants to take me down with it? Ahahahaha!你看到了吗，“指挥官”大人！你的机器人们居然要和我同归于尽啊？哈哈哈哈哈哈！

GeorgeThat has to be the funniest thing I've ever heard!真是我听过最好笑的笑话，哈哈……哈哈哈哈哈哈哈！

GeorgeIt's nothing but a Doll, a human-made product dedicated to betterment of human lives. It's something that has no understanding of death...明明只是个人形，一个被人制造出来的产物，一个为了让人类更好地活下去而产生的造物，一个完全不懂死亡价值的东西……

GeorgeAnd it dares to say... Hahahahaha... Say something like that with a straight face! Does it think it's some kind of poet?!哈哈哈哈……竟然……竟然大言不惭地说这种话！难道她以为自己很悲壮吗？！

CommanderShut up!闭嘴！

(I can't find the words. The man in front of me doesn't have the emotional capacity to understand what I'm about to say.)（但我竟然什么都说不出来，眼前的这个人，并不具备理解我要说事情的感性。）

GeorgeSee, you have nothing to say.你看，你根本反驳不了我。

(What I saw underground comes to mind.)（我想起了我在地下看到的一切。）

(George is human. If he knows the value of life, yet treats it with such little respect due to his arrogance...)（乔治作为人类，如果他明知道生命的价值，却仍旧如此傲慢，丝毫没有对生命的敬畏……）

CommanderI have no desire to discuss these matters with someone like you.我不想和你这种人讨论这件事，毫无意义。

CommanderThey understand the value and dignity of a person far more than you, whether in death or in life.她们远比你更了解人的价值，无论是生，还是死，以及尊严的价值。

GeorgeWhat a shame, then.哎呀，真遗憾。

CommanderJust like you know about me, we also know about what you've done in Mokosh.就像你知道我的事情那样，我们都很清楚，你在莫科什做了什么。

CommanderHaving the courage to imprison me here after hiding so much underground is applaudable.在地下藏了这么多秘密，你还敢把我关进来，勇气可嘉。

GeorgeOh? You must've met Vasily, then.哦？看来你见到瓦西尔了。

GeorgeMy friend, you mustn't believe his words. As I said before, he is a dictator who thinks only of himself. I cannot sacrifice the interests of Mokosh to make his dreams a reality.我的朋友啊，别相信他的话。我告诉过你了，那家伙是个自私的独裁者，我不能牺牲莫科什的利益，来成就他的英雄梦想。

(His words might have shaken me if I hadn't seen the truth for myself.)（他的确很擅长话术，如果不是亲眼所见，我都会为他的话所动摇。）

CommanderI have my own perspective. You can spare your words.我自己会分辨，就不劳你费心了。

GeorgeConsorting with such lowly rabble will do you no good, Commander.和那种阶下囚相处多了，对你可不是什么好事，指挥官。

GeorgeHow about you consider our deal again? If you were willing to hand over the power plant—sorry, Doll Community, I might yet be willing to welcome you back into the fold as my friend.不如再考虑一下我们的合作方案？如果你愿意将热电厂——我是说人形社区，交给我的话，我未必不愿意接纳你，再次成为我的朋友。

GeorgeHeh, however, I may have to exchange you for your bounty as well. I think a certain man would be rather happy.噢，不过，我可能还是需要拿你去换取一些赏金，我想，那位先生……他也会高兴的。

CommanderDo you know what I hate the third most?你知道我第三讨厌的事情是什么吗？

GeorgeNo, but I'd be happy to learn.目前还不清楚，不过，我愿意了解。

CommanderBeing threatened.那就是被别人威胁。

CommanderDo you have any idea how many times I've been threatened by things many magnitudes greater than you?你知道我经历过多少次，比你的威胁还要严重几百倍的威胁吗？

GeorgeLooks like the deal is off, then. You will miss having me as your friend.看来你是不打算和我合作了，你会失去我这个朋友。

CommanderFriend? You?朋友？你也配？

CommanderEnjoy your last three days in Mokosh. This place won't be yours for much longer... not that it ever was in the first place.好好享受你在莫科什最后的三天吧，毕竟，这地方很快就不属于你……不，这地方从来就不属于你。

CommanderWhat was stolen must be returned.偷来的东西，总是要还的。

(This is the first time George's face brims with anger, in stark contrast to his usual comical demeanor.)（乔治还是第一次露出这样的表情，相比起他平日里那种稍显滑稽与夸张的说话方式，这一次，愤怒突兀地出现在了他的脸上。）

(His passion and approachability are nothing but lies. I finally see the heartless glint in his eyes.)（开朗和热情不过是假象，而这一刻，我终于瞥见了他眼中锐利的寒光。）

CommanderGroza, Ullrid!闪电，乌尔丽德！

GrozaI'm here, Commander.我在，指挥官。

UllridPresent.我在这里。

CommanderHold on. I won't keep you waiting for too long.坚持住，我不会让你们等我太久。

GrozaReceived.谨遵指令。

UllridYou got it!放心吧！

Reforging Dawn 重铸黎明

(■ hours later—)（■小时后——）

GrozaThis is Groza, come in.这里是闪电，听到请回答。

KrolikWhat's going on, Leader?闪电队长，发生什么事情了？

SuomiWe'll be there within five minutes. Just wait a little longer, Miss Groza!我们将在五分钟之内赶到，闪电小姐，再稍等一下！

GrozaThe Oathsworn are gathered in great numbers here. Immediately inform the others.这里集结了大量的誓卫军，立刻通知其他人形。

GrozaUllrid and I are fighting Theia. The enemy is almost certainly a Doll. She's of unknown model, and her performance is far greater than military-grade elite models. I can't confirm whether or not she is a third-generation Doll. Be careful.我和乌尔丽德正在和希娅交战，对方……应该也是人形，型号不确定，实力远强于精英级别的军用型——尚且无法确定她是否是三代人形，务必注意。

SuomiHow are things looking, Big Sis?姐姐现在怎么样？

UllridCan hold out for ten more minutes, tops.再坚持十分钟，大概就是极限了。

TheiaOh? I'll have to settle this within five minutes, then.哦？那我要尽量在五分钟内解决阁下了。

GrozaUgh!咳……！

(Theia moves faster than Groza can evade. She appears in front of Groza and swiftly fires a laser that penetrates Groza's shoulder.)（希娅的动作比闪电的闪躲速度更快，只一瞬间，便出现在了闪电的面前，下一刻，迅速射出的激光就穿透了闪电的肩膀。）

UllridGroza!闪电！

GrozaStay away!别过来！

KrolikLeader, what happened?!队长？发生什么事情了？！

(Groza doesn't bother evading. She grips Theia tightly with her other hand so hard her fingers sink into the foe's frame down to the knuckle as sparks fill the air.)（闪电毫不闪躲，用另一只手紧紧地抓着希娅，直到手指关节都死死地嵌在对方的素体里——破损处，裸露的接口闪烁着明亮的火花。）

TheiaMeaningless struggle.毫无意义的挣扎。

(Theia remains nonchalant, only showing signs of displeasure as the accessories on her clothing become casualties.)（希娅依旧面不改色，只有在看到身上那被破坏的饰品时，她的眼睛中才多出了一丝愠色。）

GrozaAt least... I can still remove things like you from the Commander's way.至少……我可以为指挥官，扫除像你这样的麻烦。

UllridWhat are you doing, Groza?闪电，你要做什么？

(I can't help but worry as I hear such a sentence the moment I connect to command the battle.)（刚连接到指挥频道，就听到这样的话，实在是让我为闪电捏了一把汗。）

CommanderGroza, stop what you're doing immediately! Put your own safety first!闪电，立刻停止当前行动，以保证自身安全为第一目标！

GrozaC-Commander?! You... You're back?指，指挥官？！您……您回来了吗？

CommanderYes, I'm currently on the streets. I'm about a minute out. No, maybe less.嗯，我现在在莫科什街区，距离你们大约还有一分钟的路程，不，或许更快。

CommanderI know that you cleared your backups long ago. Believe me, I don't need your sacrifice.……我知道你早就清除了备份，但相信我，我不需要你的牺牲。

GrozaI-I didn't...……我，我没有。

CommanderI'm taking over command, Groza.接下来的战斗指挥由我来接管，闪电。

(The battle is hardly progressing as planned. Ullrid and Groza are struggling to hold out against Theia, and the Oathsworn encirclement remains a concern.)（战场的情况并不算好，在希娅面前，乌尔丽德和闪电节节败退，更不用提还有誓卫军的包围。）

UllridCommander... we're not going to be able to hang on for much longer!咳……指挥官，我们能坚持的时间不多了！

KrolikCommander, this is Krolik. Suomi and I are here.指挥官，这里是克罗丽科，我和索米已经抵达。

CommanderVery good. Krolik, Suomi, focus on the Oathsworn in close vicinity. Ullrid, Groza, there's a piece of cover behind you to the side. Avoid the Oathsworn and ensure your safety before trying to take down Theia.很好，克罗丽科，索米，负责解决附近的誓卫军。乌尔丽德，闪电，你们的侧后方有一处掩体，可以避开誓卫军，优先保证自身安全，再想办法击败希娅。

SuomiU-us two? But the numbers...我，我们吗？！可是他们的数量……

CommanderDon't worry, we're deploying drone strikes. Move as I order you to.别担心，我会通过无人机进行轰炸，你们务必按照我的指示行动。

(I turn to Loreley after laying out the general plans I have for them.)（将她们的行动大致安排好，我转向罗蕾莱。）

CommanderLoreley.罗蕾莱。

LoreleyMunitions loaded.弹药装填完毕。

CommanderNow!就是现在！

(The moment I give the order, several drones loaded with rockets immediately depart for their area. Loreley's well-made preparations have saved me a lot of time.)（在我下达指令后，数架搭载着火箭弹的无人机，立刻便飞向了她们所在的区域——罗蕾莱充足的准备，为我节约了不少时间。）

CommanderCan you control the location precisely?你能精准控制位置吗？

LoreleyWith my eyes closed.闭着眼睛都能。

CommanderGroza, Ullrid, cover to your 3 o'clock. Prepare to fire. You have thirty seconds.闪电、乌尔丽德，三点钟方向的掩体，做好射击准备，你们有三十秒左右时间！

(Our squad remains relatively small, but the battlefield has changed.)（尽管人并不多，但现在，战场的局势已经完全不同。）

TheiaTsk, more and more problems...啧，麻烦越来越多了。

CommanderKrolik and Suomi, move in the 12 o'clock direction. There's a passage you can use to break through there. Take the stairs down after you enter.克罗丽科和索米，向十二点钟方向移动，那里的通道你们可以轻易突破，进去后沿着扶梯下去。

SuomiYes!是！

KrolikUnderstood!明白！

(Despite her unchanged expression, Theia's frequent laser blasts betray her dissatisfaction deep down. She fires away at every piece of cover nearby, unable to find her targets.)（尽管脸上的表情并未发生变化，但希娅的激光发射频率还是暴露了她的不耐烦，因为找不到人，四周的掩体都被她尽数破坏。）

CommanderLoreley, give them something to remember.罗蕾莱，给他们点颜色看看吧。

(Exactly as promised, the drones release their payload at blinding speed. Plumes of fire bloom across the ground, swallowing Theia and the Oathsworn.)（紧接着，就像预期的那样，数架无人机，以几乎不可能闪避的速度，径直冲向了希娅和那些誓卫军，射出的弹药瞬间便在地上炸开了一个又一个火花。）

(The cries and yelps of the Oathsworn fill the air, but Theia moves deftly and avoids any major damage.)（誓卫军此起彼伏的惨叫声中，希娅却灵活地四处躲闪着，始终未能精确将她命中。）

(I monitor the battle and look for Groza amidst the fire.)（火光中，我一边观察着作战情况，一边寻找着闪电。）

(A fine opportunity arrives as I finally spot her figure clearly.)（直到我确实地看清楚那个熟悉的身影后，最好的时机也随之到来。）

CommanderGroza!闪电！

GrozaI'm with you!来了——！

(Groza quickly finds a timing and fires off a burst at Theia.)（闪电迅速地找准时机，对希娅发动了连续射击。）

TheiaGuh... That won't—咳……就凭这个——

(Theia is forced back, finally at a disadvantage after a lengthy battle. Just as she finds an opportunity to turn the tide...)（连续多发的子弹迫使希娅后退，原本就经历过一场战斗的她终于落入守势，就在她抓住机会准备再度反扑的时候。）

(A bullet strikes her from her blind spot, perfectly piercing her joints with incredible precision.)（一颗子弹从她侦测的盲区飞入，以精准绝妙的态势贯穿了她的肢体关节。）

TheiaHmnh!?唔咳……！？

TheiaMore reinforcements? But that firing angle...还有其他的支援吗？可是……这颗子弹的角度，到底是从哪里……

CommanderLooks like we made it. You won't be admonished too hard later for calling in fire support without approval, right?看来赶上了，罗蕾莱，你这样违规调用火力支援，回去不会被记过吧？

LoreleyOh, I'll definitely have it rough. Although, maybe I might just come over to the Elmo if I can't take it anymore?可能不止，不过，如果处罚太重的话，我就考虑跳槽到艾莫号吧？

CommanderYou'd better get used to the work on the Elmo, then.那你要提前适应一下艾莫号的工作了。

CommanderLet's get down to business, Loreley!罗蕾莱，这边，接下来就是我们要做的事了！

LoreleyUnderstood.了解。

LoreleyThat wasn't Groza's shots, or the drones...……刚刚对她造成伤害的，并不是闪电的枪，也不是无人机……

LoreleyCould it be...?难道说……

LoreleyYou can't let go of the Commander either, can you?你也，放不下指挥官吗？

George...Hmph, I almost forgot. He did warn me.……哼，我差点忘了，他提醒过我的。

(George doesn't appear worried at all by the sight of Theia's defeat. In fact, the smile on his face only grows more deranged.)（不远处，看到希娅败下阵来的乔治似乎并未焦急，相反，他的笑容愈发狂妄。）

GeorgeI cannot place too much hope in failed products. I know that better than anyone.不能对失败品有太多的指望，我很清楚这一点。

TheiaApologies, this frame is at its limits. Please speak to my superiors if you'd like to proceed with a return.非常抱歉，性能如此，如有异议请找上级调度退货。

GeorgeThe time that you've made should be enough.不过，你能争取到时间，也已经足够了。

(George ignores Theia's obvious frustration. A colossal machine in the shape of a great beast roars, and it moves in George's direction.)（乔治没有理会希娅的不快，他转过身去，一个巨大的重型机械，如同巨兽一般，正轰鸣着朝着乔治所在之处移动。）

(It is clear to see that the beast is not George's foe; rather, it's very possibly a "pet" of his.)（不过，显而易见，这台巨兽并不是乔治的敌人，相反，这很可能是他所饲养的“宠物”。）

(It flaunts its staunch layers of armor, spiked defense systems, and mounted heavy cannon that contrasts with the rest of its visuals.)（厚重可靠的装甲、带有尖刺的防御系统，还有——明显不同于装甲风格的重型火炮。）

CommanderHeavy machinery in a place like this?想不到这里还有这种重型机械。

Vasily...Omni Shell.……是阿姆尼之壳。

VasilyI designed and created it. It protected this place for a long, long time, sheltering its people from Collapse storms and ELIDs.我曾经设计并制造了它，在很长的一段时间内，它的确为莫科什的居民抵御着生骸与坍塌风暴，保护着这里。

(Vasily has placed himself next to me at some point as he looks at the great machine along with me.)（瓦西尔不知道何时来到了我的旁边，和我一同看着那台大型机械。）

CommanderI remember you saying that you had similar ideas when you were back at the 11th Bureau.我记得，你说过你在十一局时，就已经有了这个构想。

VasilyI wanted it to be a fortress that sheltered this place, an impenetrable shield.我想要它成为保护这里的堡垒，坚不可摧的盾。

VasilyBut now...但现在……

(Vasily regards the jarring modifications on the machine with an indescribable expression. For him, this machine into which he had poured his heart and soul feels familiar yet foreign.)（瓦西尔神情复杂地看着这台机械上那些风格突兀的改装，对他而言，这台承载了他大量心血的机械，此刻令他既熟悉又令人感到陌生。）

(It once carried out his will, saving the residents of Mokosh from the grasp of ELIDs and Collapse storms.)（毕竟，它曾经履行着瓦西尔的意志，在坍塌风暴与生骸的手中，保护了无数莫科什的居民。）

(But in George's hands, it has become an aggressor rather than a protector, stripping away those who would oppose him of their lives.)（但在它属于乔治后，却又从保护者的姿态，变成了一个侵略者，在乔治的意志下，吞噬了无数反抗者的生命。）

(Not even Vasily himself may know how to face and overcome it now.)（或许瓦西尔也不清楚，自己现在应该如何面对它、战胜它。）

GeorgeOh, welcome, Vasily! You're still alive?哎呀，欢迎！瓦西尔，你还活着啊？

(George's voice interrupts our discussion. He is much more animated than the frigid Vasily, just as he was when I first met him.)（乔治的声音打断了我们的谈话，和瓦西尔冷静的声音相比，他听上去尤其亢奋——就像我第一次见到他时一样。）

(The deep rumbling of Omni Shell follows. It marches on us, brandishing its fangs and claws, now no longer a protector of anything.)（随之而来的，还有阿姆尼之壳沉重的响声，这台莫科什曾经的守护者，正在张着它锋利的爪牙向着我们迈进。）

VasilyLong time no see, George.好久不见，乔治。

GeorgeWhy are you showing yourself above ground? Have you forgotten how you squirmed when I crushed your ribs?你怎么还敢到地面上来？你忘了你被我踩断肋骨时像条蛆虫一样扭动的样子了？

VasilyI have no interest in these trite jokes, George. I have no intention of dwelling on the past.我没兴趣听你说这些没营养的玩笑，乔治，我也不打算继续说那些陈年旧事了。

VasilyThis is not the first time I've tried to take you out, but I guarantee you that this will be the last.这并不是我第一次打算干掉你，但我保证，这会是最后一次。

GeorgeHahahaha... What are you saying? You've never succeeded, have you?哈哈哈哈……你在说什么呢？你从来没成功过，不是吗？

GeorgeA third rate mechanic flaunting your mediocre skills. Who brought Mokosh wealth beyond imagination? Who took it from little more than a meager settlement to a thriving trade city? Won't you tell me, Vasily?一个三流机械师……凭借着那点水准在黄区耀武扬威。是谁给莫科什带来了花不完的钱？是谁让莫科什从一个破聚落变成贸易城市？瓦西尔，说说看，你觉得是谁？

GeorgeIf you would've just listened, if you would've just gotten out of my business' way...如果你听我的话，如果你不干涉我的生意……

GeorgeI would have been happy to let trash like you live the rest of your days in Mokosh, still immersed in your hero's dream.我原本想让你这个废物，继续风光地、像你做梦地、英雄一样地在莫科什过完这一生的。

VasilyWho's the one dreaming here? Aren't you still thinking about how you might get this piece of trash here on your side?呵呵……到底是谁在做梦？你该不会现在还在打算拉你口中这个废物入伙吧？

GeorgeThis is not the first time I've given you an offer, but I guarantee you that this will be the last.这不是我第一次给你机会，但我也可以向你保证，这是最后一次。

VasilyThen my answer will be the same.那我的回答也是同样的。

VasilyGeorge, you do not stay in Mokosh for the people here.乔治，你从来都不是为了莫科什的人而再次回到这里，不是吗？

VasilyYou remain here only because you see business opportunities.你回到这里的原因，只是因为，你发现了商机。

GeorgeSo what? What is the most plentiful resource the Yellow Zones have, you think? I conjure up a million ways for you and the others to produce value. Both you and them should be thanking me.那又如何？黄区最不缺的、最廉价的是什么？我通过各种方式让你、让他们产生价值，我想，包括你在内，你们都应该感激我。

VasilyHave you always thought this way?你一直这么想的吗？

GeorgeVasily, my friend. Do you know how much value a man from the Yellow Zones can produce over the course of his life?瓦西尔，我的朋友，你知道黄区的人这一生能够创造多少价值吗？

GeorgeIf you know the answer to my question, then you will understand how necessary my work is.如果你知道的话，你就会明白，我做了多么有意义的事情。

GeorgeNever mind that. Have I not fulfilled your needs? I have been so cooperative in sculpting you as a hero in the public eye, too. All to make that silly, childish dream of yours reality.更何况，我没有满足你们的需求吗？瓦西尔，你幼稚又可笑的英雄梦，我是如此配合地将你塑造为英雄……

GeorgeDo you think that my people are unhappy? Do you truly think that a life of poverty beleaguered by pain is better than what they have now?难道你觉得这些人不快乐吗？你真的觉得，痛苦地面对贫穷而活着，会比现在的生活更好吗？

Vasily...……

GeorgeNow, hurry and scamper back to your sewer.所以，现在，立刻，滚回你的下水道里去。

VasilyI'm not here to talk about this with you, George. I'm just shocked that your resolve is so limited. You really, truly underestimate humanity.我没兴趣和你聊这个，乔治，我真是难以想象你只有这点觉悟——你实在是，太小看人类了。

(Vasily suddenly begins to move towards the massive machine.)（瓦西尔突然走向了那台重型机械。）

CommanderVasily, what are you doing?瓦西尔，你想干什么？

VasilyI created Omni Shell. Its sins are mine to bear. I will repair it myself... or be devoured by it.阿姆尼之壳，这是我的造物，它的罪孽理应由我来偿还，我会亲自将它修复……或者被它所吞噬。

VasilyI'll wrestle Mokosh's future from George's hands, then give it back to the people.我会把莫科什的未来，从乔治手中夺回来，再次交到莫科什人的手上。

Reforging Dawn 重铸黎明

UllridCommander, he's done it!指挥官，他成功了！

(With a heavy thud and a great cloud of dust, Omni Shell ceases to move. It circles around in place before gradually coming to a complete stop.)（随着一声沉重的巨响，尘烟四起中，阿姆尼之壳停止了动作，它在原地打着转，直到速度越来越慢，最终停了下来。）

(I wait and wait, but see no trace of Vasily.)（不过，我却迟迟不见瓦西尔的身影。）

(George's reinforcements are incoming and the Oathsworn's lines are converging on us. We need to find Vasily and get back on our feet before making our next decision.)（乔治后续的援军很快就会赶到，誓卫军的封锁线正在靠近我们，现在要紧的是找到瓦西尔，等稍作整顿后再做打算。）

CommanderGroza, search Omni Shell with me. We must find Vasily.闪电，和我去搜索阿姆尼之壳，找到瓦西尔。

GrozaUnderstood.了解。

(A rather strong signal patches itself into the communications channel. Our reinforcements have breached the Oathsworn encirclement.)（通讯频道被一个强势的信号接入，看来是我们的援军，终于突破了誓卫军的封锁线。）

MakiattoS-surely I'm the first one here this time. Where are you, Commander?这……这次总该是我先赶到了吧，指挥官，你在哪？

CommanderAre the other members of the Zucchero with you, Makiatto?玛绮朵，方糖其他成员和你在一起吗？

CommanderLook for traces of George and Theia where you are. I'll send you the details.在附近搜寻一下乔治和希娅的踪迹，我把信息同步给你们。

MakiattoI got it... Hold on, don't just hang up right there!知道啦……喂，等等，你怎么切断了信号啊！

(I immediately receive another incoming call as I end the call with her.)（切断了玛绮朵的通讯，紧接着，我便收到了另一条通讯申请。）

KlukaiGot nothing to say to the people who backed you up?对于帮了你的人，你就没什么想说的吗？

CommanderWill you finally accept payment from me this time?这次要不要考虑收一下我的报酬？

Klukai...I'm just paying it back what I owed you from before. I don't want anything from you.之前你的协助……这次是还你的，所以不用。

CommanderThat's what you say every time. How many times do you need to pay back the one thing I did for you?你每次都这么说，帮了你一次，你要还这么多次吗？

KlukaiHmph. I'll suppress the remaining Oathsworn nearby. I'll ask for my payment when we get back.……哼。我会再帮你控制附近的誓卫军，等回去后，我再索取我的报酬吧。

(I knew that Groza called in backup when I was absent, but the sheer scale of this...)（我知道我不在的时间里，闪电她们呼叫了支援，但没想到……会这么多啊。）

(Am I really going to have to go around and tell all of them that I'm alright?)（难道我现在还要轮流报平安吗？）

JiangyuCommander, it's me! Phew, finally got through the queue to get in contact. How's the situation over there, Commander?长官，是我是我！呼，好不容易抢到了联络的机会，长官，现在情况怎么样啦？

JiangyuOh, right! Monsoon is standing by in Mokosh. Your orders, Commander?啊，对了对了，季风小队，目前正在莫科什待命，长官，请下命令！

CommanderI have two people I'd like you to search for. The details have been sent over. Take care to support the other squads nearby.搜寻两个人，我已经把信息发送给你们了，此外，注意支援其他小队。

JiangyuLeave it to me, Commander!明白，长官，放心交给我吧！

JiangyuYou still haven't answered my question, Commander. How's the situation over there? Everybody is dying to know!还没回答我的问题呢，长官，你的情况怎么样啦，不光是我要问哦，大家都很想知道呢！

CommanderI'm fine, Jiangyu. Don't worry.我没事，绛雨，放心。

(I'm not quite completely unharmed, but it wouldn't do to make them worry.)（虽然不能说完全没受伤，但现在让她们担心，就太得不偿失了。）

JiangyuThat's good. Sis says that she's going to give you a full check-up when you're back!那就好，老姐说等回来要好好给指挥官检查一下呢！

(As usual, the truth doesn't get past Daiyan.)（看来实际情况，还是没能瞒过黛烟。）

(I handle the incoming calls as we proceed towards Omni Shell. I completely fail to notice Loreley short distance away with her gaze still focused on me.)（一边处理这些通讯，我一边和闪电走向阿姆尼之壳，完全没有注意到不远处，罗蕾莱正在望着我。）

GrozaCommander, look over there...指挥官……你看那里——

(I follow Groza's gaze and I find Vasily hanging on a steel spike on Omni Shell. It looks as though he's been flung there in the chaos, and his tools are scattered all over the ground.)（顺着闪电的视线看过去，瓦西尔正被挂在阿姆尼之壳的钢刺上，看起来，他像是在混乱中，被甩了下来，身旁的工具也散落了一地。）

Commander...This doesn't look good.……看起来情况没那么乐观。

(Surprisingly, his eyes begin to slowly open the moment I ask the question.)（刚问出口，那个始终闭着眼睛的人，竟然缓缓张开了双眼。）

CommanderHow are you holding up?身体情况怎么样？

VasilyDon't worry... It's all minor injuries. Probably just a few ribs...别担心……区区小伤而已，大概只是断了几根肋骨……

(He's really pushing himself. Vasily's still unsettled; he's still worrying about the unfinished battle even though he's wounded.)（他在勉强自己，瓦西尔太心急了，即便自己受伤了，仍旧放心不下这场未完成的战役。）

Commander...You should take a look at yourself first before worrying about anyone else.……你应该先看看自己现在的样子再说。

CommanderDon't even try to stand up. I'm going to do some first aid before help gets here.别勉强自己站起来，我先替你简单做一下应急处理。救援正在赶来的路上。

VasilyWhere... is George?乔治……去哪了……

VasilyBy the way... Dr. White and Miss Mayling are... are currently in the control center underground, standing by...对了……白怀德先生，和美玲小姐……正在地下的……控制中枢待命……

(Looks it didn't take too long to seize control of the underground control center, thanks to the loopholes left during the prior maintenance.)（看来，多亏了此前检修时，他们所留下的漏洞，取得地下控制中枢的权限没有花费太多时间。）

CommanderHow's the situation down there?地下的情况怎么样？

VasilyBefore I got here, I got control of the water management, electricity supply, logistics & transport systems, and permissions to everything else important including the isolation unit...在赶来之前……我已经成功获取了地下所有水利系统、电力系统、物流运输、还有隔离层装置等一切“命脉”的权限……

Vasily{}... Are we going to win?{}……，我们会赢吗？

Commander...……

CommanderWith Omni Shell out of the picture, everything will get easier. We'll take it one step at a time.放心，你解决了阿姆尼之壳，后面事情会好办很多，一步一步来。

CommanderWhat we've achieved already is a victory in and of itself. There's no need to rush.更重要的是，能做到现在这种程度，已经是一种胜利了，心急是做不成事的。

(I try to relax my tone, doing what I can for his mental state.)（我尽量语气轻松，来保证他的心态处于最佳状态。）

(With George's forces approaching, we would be better off retreating. Our best course of action is to re-engage only after we've decided on our next move.)（毕竟乔治的誓卫军正在逼近，比起在这里开战，我们的当务之急，是尽快撤退，在确定下一步计划后，再另选战场。）

(We don't want one of the Yellow Zones' rare city-sized settlements to turn into a ruin, either.)（我们也不想将黄区这座来之不易的贸易城市变成一座废墟。）

CommanderThe sewers were once used to bind you, but now you can use them to your advantage.放心，下水道曾经是约束你的手段，但现在，它也可以成为你的优势。

CommanderWorking upwards bit by bit towards the surface is not impossible.从地下，一点一点，攻占到地面，并不是幻想。

CommanderThe city is going to fall into chaos, but you have control of the city's critical underground systems. Combined with Omni Shell, it's safe to say we have all of Mokosh's lifelines in our hands.你已经控制了地下的那些重要系统，城市很快就会比现在更加混乱，加上阿姆尼之壳……可以说我们目前已经把握了莫科什的命脉。

VasilyI've waited a long time for this day.我等这一天很久了。

VasilyI've had nothing to my name for ages, much like most of Mokosh.我早已经一无所有，莫科什的大部分人，也是一样。

VasilyWhat we want... is only to take back what was once ours.我们所要的……只是拿回原本就属于我们的东西。

VasilyTo control the sewers is to control half the city.掌握了莫科什的地下水道，就掌握了这座城市的一半。

CommanderI'll handle the other half, then.剩下的一半，就由我来帮你完成。

(Vasily is looking much better than before after getting patched up. He stands up and slowly walks forward.)（做好应急处理的瓦西尔，看上去状态不错，他终于站了起来，缓缓向着前方走去。）

VasilyNow, it's time for the underground to show its might.接下来……就要动用地下的力量了。

(I give him a light pat on the back.)（我轻拍了一下他的背，让他放心。）

CommanderDon't worry, I'll handle the rest of what you need.别担心，我会为你铺垫好，你所需要的东西。

(I look at his retreating figure, and I gradually begin to follow after him. This campaign is not yet over. We're only at the beginning.)（看着他的背影，我也缓缓跟了上去，这场战役还没结束，一切才刚刚开始。）

Groza...!……！

(Groza follows me closely, and she almost trips on the bumpy path below us. This would have been unthinkable at any other time, but far too many things have happened in Mokosh. Groza has been placed under immense pressure for far too long, and it has no doubt been torturous for her in her current state.)（闪电也紧跟着我，坎坷崎岖的路面上，她险些跌倒，这对以往的她来说，几乎是不可能的事。但在莫科什，发生的事情太多，以至于闪电长时间处在高度紧张的状态下，这对于原本就不稳定的她来说，无疑是一种酷刑。）

(But she does her best not to make a sound.)（而她却尽量地，让自己不发出任何声音。）

CommanderGroza.闪电。

(I take her by the hand, holding her closer to me for support.)（我牵起闪电的手，让她贴我更近一些，以保证她可以有所支撑。）

CommanderI'm sorry I'm late.抱歉，是我来晚了。

Groza...There's nothing to be sorry for. I... just wanted you to be safe, Commander.……没有这种事，我……只是想要指挥官是平安的。

GrozaI've always been worried that I would put you in danger just by being by your side, Commander.我……我一直在担心，有我在指挥官身边，会让指挥官的处境变得危险。

GrozaBut I can't bear the thought of being apart from you at all... Sorry, Commander.但指挥官不在我的身边，我却更加无法接受……抱歉，指挥官。

CommanderI know what's on your mind.我知道你在想什么。

CommanderYou remember everything about "red onion", right?“红洋葱”——你已经想起来了，对吗？

Groza...I can't hide anything from you, Commander.……指挥官，你都知道了。

(She tries to slip her hand away, but I grasp it tighter.)（她想要放开我的手，我却将那双手握得更紧了一些。）

GrozaI'm worried about it all becoming real one day, Commander.我很担心那一天真的到来。

GrozaI'm worried I'll really become a monster in your eyes.我很担心指挥官眼中的我，真的变成一个“怪物”。

GrozaCommander, there's one thing I want to ask of you... If that day ever comes, please do not hesitate to kill me. Destroy me.指挥官……至少我希望你能答应我，如果这一天真的到来，请你不要有任何犹豫，杀死我，彻底毁灭我。

CommanderGroza.闪电。

(I know how much it must have taken to put that into words.)（我知道闪电将这样的担忧宣之于口用了多大的勇气。）

(Aside from my trust, what I can provide is a promise to her.)（而我所能给予她的，除了信任之外，或许还可以是一种担保。）

CommanderI hear you.我答应你。

CommanderLet me handle this, Groza. I promise that I won't let anything that might worry you happen until I've taken care of it.闪电，这件事就交给我来解决。在解决之前，我绝不会让你担心的事情发生，我保证。

(Groza finds the determination to stand by my side once more.)（像是下定了决心一样，闪电终于再一次站在了我身边。）

Man In The Hole 洞中人

LoreleyCommander.指挥官。

(Loreley finally finishes her lengthy call and returns to my side.)（罗蕾莱似乎终于结束了她那漫长的通讯，再次回到了我的身边。）

LoreleyDid I interrupt?我打扰到你们了吗？

CommanderOf course not.怎么会。

CommanderHow about you? Did you find George and Theia's trails?你呢，追踪到希娅和乔治了吗？

LoreleyHehe... Am I not allowed to have a share of your attention as well?呵呵……我就不能参与到这场对您的撒娇中嘛？

CommanderThen let me report in to you as well—I'm alright. What about you?那我向你也报个平安吧，放心，一切顺利，你呢？

LoreleyNo intel received yet, but I did manage to intercept a communications log from George. Interested?暂时没收到情报，不过，我截获了一份乔治的通讯记录，您打算看看吗？

CommanderYou know that's not what I'm asking about.你知道我问的不是这个。

LoreleyI thought you would just give me a "thank you".我以为您会简单地说“谢谢”。

CommanderLeave that for when this is all over. I think you deserve more proper gratitude. That's something you would enjoy, wouldn't you?感谢的话留到结束后再说吧，我想，你应该值得一个更加郑重的感谢。这也是你想要的，没错吧？

LoreleyHehe, finally willing to respond to my invitation?……呵呵，您终于愿意接受我的邀请了吗？

CommanderDon't change the topic. You've looked terrible ever since that call ended.别岔开话题了，你的脸色看起来不算太好，从刚才的通讯结束后。

LoreleyYou can't just go around saying these things that ruin the mood.现在谈这种事，会影响我们之间的气氛哦？

LoreleyWe were just discussing how you could reward me...明明刚刚才谈到指挥官要怎么奖励我……

CommanderThis isn't the first time Statesec has called, is it?这不是第一通国安局的通讯了吧。

CommanderIt happened down in the prison, too. Did you think I wouldn't notice?在地下监狱时，也是这样，你以为我没有注意到？

CommanderLet me guess. You leaked too much intel, disobeyed orders, and even called in firepower beyond what you're permitted. They're not very happy, are they?我猜猜……你透露了太多的情报，违抗指令，甚至还擅自越级调用火力支援。他们恐怕对你不满意吧？

CommanderOr have negotiations with Statesec broken down because of my unwillingness to cooperate?还是说，因为我的不配合，这次合作谈崩了，国安局打算撤回支援？

LoreleyCan I take this as you wanting me to yourself at least a little, Commander?指挥官这么问，我是否可以将这理解为，您终于也对我产生了一丝不舍吗？

(She tilts her head somewhat, and positions it in a way that's convenient for caressing. She looks at me with dewy eyes, in such a manner that it almost seems teasing.)（她轻轻偏头，将头放在一个很适合抚摸的位置上，用湿润的眼睛看着我，比起邀请，那眼神更像是一种撒娇。）

CommanderI wouldn't have guessed that you're into the same kind of theatrics as Mayling.看不出来，你内心深处，也和美玲一样，渴望这样的戏码呀？

(I reach out with a hand to stroke Loreley's hair.)（我无奈地伸出手，抚摸着罗蕾莱的头发。）

CommanderThen here's some encouragement for you. A little something for our victory.那就稍微给你一点鼓励吧，就当是胜利的果实。

(Her eyes narrow a little with comfort.)（罗蕾莱眯起了眼睛。）

LoreleyBe careful, Commander. You might be falling right into my trap if you're thinking like that.指挥官，你要小心哦，当你出现这种想法时，很可能就已经上了我的钩哦？

CommanderReally now?是吗？

LoreleyI'm not as easy to placate as a little girl like Mayling, you know?我可不是美玲那种小女孩，没这么好糊弄的哦？

CommanderI know, I know. I need to give you something to stay for, like this—我明白的，所以，必须要先给你些甜头才行，就像现在——

LoreleyHehe... Looks like I've made the right decision.呵呵……看来我做出了正确的选择。

LoreleyIt's no problem. As things are, I can stay with you.没关系，现在的我可以留在您的身边。

(The support she's given me has obviously gone beyond what Statesec allows. I can't help but worry for her safety.)（看来，她提供的支援已经超出了国安局所命令的范畴，这让我不免有些担心她的安全。）

(She knows about the situation with Groza too. If she still decides to choose me nevertheless—I think back to what Groza experienced and the pain she suffers. If possible, I want to spare Loreley from those things.)（更何况，她知晓闪电的情况。如果她选择了我——我想到了闪电曾经的遭遇，还有她痛苦的样子，可以的话，我不想罗蕾莱再次经历这些。）

CommanderLoreley, what's the price you're going to pay?罗蕾莱，你付出的代价是什么？

LoreleyNothing you need to be worried about. These affairs are my own.这不需要您来承担，这是我自己的事情。

CommanderYou don't seem half as mature as before, even after ten years.十年了，你好像反而不如以前成熟了。

LoreleyHmph... I suppose that's true, but it's also your fault.哼哼……这么说也没错吧，不过，这也是您的错。

LoreleyWithout your attention, I changed... and I'm going to change you bit by bit as well.因为缺少了您的注视，所以我改变了……现在，我也要在您身上，做出一点点的改变。

(She grabs my hand and puts a circular mark on one of my fingers with her teeth.)（罗蕾莱牵起我的手，悄悄在某根手指上，用牙齿刻下了一个环形记号。）

(Her movements are gentle, but that mark will persevere for several days.)（她的动作非常轻柔，但是，那是几天都无法消弭的痕迹。）

Commander...……

LoreleyDon't worry, you'll have what you want. I'll show you everything in my neural cloud once we get back to the Elmo.别担心，您想知道的事情。回到艾莫号之后，我会让您在我的心智中一探究竟的。

(She winks at me, the despondency from before nowhere to be seen. She's returned to her normal smiling, confident self.)（罗蕾莱对我眨了眨左眼，刚才的沉郁一扫而光，她的脸上再一次恢复了平日的神采和笑容。）

(After a brief moment of tenderness, we hurriedly make our escape. After all, the real counterattack has yet to come—)（短暂的温情后，我们便抓紧时间撤离了，毕竟接下来的才是，真正的反击——）

Oathsworn Squad 3 LeaderSquad 3, reporting in! Omni Shell has been seized by the enemy. Awaiting instructions!第三小队向您汇报！阿姆尼之壳的控制权已经被对方夺取，请您下令！

(By the time the Oathsworn take control of the scene, the only thing remaining is the broken Omni Shell. The one who has caused all of this vanished without a trace.)（当誓卫军们控制住现场时，那里只剩下瘫痪了的阿姆尼之壳，而造成这一切的元凶——现在已经消失得无影无踪了。）

GeorgeYou think that's worth reporting? Go get it back!……这点事还要向我汇报？去想办法，夺回来！

(George angrily cuts off the call.)（乔治愤怒地切断了通讯。）

GeorgeDamn it all... Vasily, you bastard, how dare you... How dare you!可恶……可恶……混蛋……瓦西尔，你竟敢，你竟敢……！

(He has already caused Vasily to suffer a thousand times worse than what he once went through.)（明明自己已经将经受过的痛苦，千百倍地施加在了瓦西尔身上。）

(The despair of illness, a feeble body and dismal health, not to mention a long-buried family.)（疾病的绝望、身体的破碎、命悬一线，家人也早已经因为E.L.I.D.而化为了灰烬。）

GeorgeAnd yet he still stands before me, next to that unbelievable son of a...那家伙……竟敢还站在我面前，还和那个莫名其妙的家伙一起……

GeorgeGoing on about how he has nothing...说什么一无所有的话……

GeorgeI've thrown everything away for what I have now, too. Do I deserve defeat? I cannot lose, more than anyone else!我不是也抛弃了一切，抛弃了所有才得到了现在这些……我就应该输吗？我比谁都不能失败！！

GeorgeW-what's going on with me?……我，我怎么了？

(George stares at his arm in surprise. Blue spots begin popping up all over his skin.)（乔治有些错愕地看着自己的手臂，上面竟然开始出现了青色的斑点。）

GeorgeAre my hands a little swollen...?我的手是不是有些肿……？

GeorgeWhy... Why?!为什么……为什么？

(George scrambles to figure out what's going on with him, but a severe headache robs him of his ability to think.)（慌乱的乔治想要再次确认自己的情况，但头部传来的剧痛，让他几乎丧失了思考的能力。）

George...Yes, yes, I still have this.……对了，我还有这个。

(He scatters the documents and objects on his desk, searching for the medicine that will make him feel better.)（桌上的东西被乔治乱翻一气，他在寻找着，那种喝下去，就能让自己好受一些的药。）

(But he finds nothing, even as he knocks over the last bottle.)（然而，随着最后一个空瓶被打翻，他一无所获。）

(He collapses to his knees with his head in his hands. A letter upon his desk flutters down to the floor in front of him.)（乔治抱着头蹲了下去，桌上的信件，随着他的动作，飘落到他的眼前。）

(It is a neat and tidy letter. The solid and smooth strokes of the writing look impeccable, and the paper carries the faint aroma of a flower. Osmanthus, as Vasily would tell him in the same letters. Vasily's favorite desserts always carried that aroma.)（一封干净、整洁、工整且无可挑剔的信件，上面的字笔直而有力，信纸上，还带着淡淡的花香——瓦西尔来信时说过，那是桂花香，他喜欢的甜点中，总是带着这种香气。）

George...Vasily.……瓦西尔。

VasilyDear George, Today was my 221st day at the 11th Bureau. Even the employee meals here are great, but I think that I will still return to Mokosh one day. I still remember when you said that you hoped that Mokosh would stop being tormented by radiation. After coming here, I have only become more confident that our beliefs are the way forward. Even for people of the Yellow Zones, there should be more ideals in their lives beyond survival. That's why we will handle the survival part. It has been some time since you've written. I look forward to what you have for me. —Vasily乔治： 这是我在十一局的第二百二十一天，这里就连工作餐都很美味，但我想，总有一天，我还是要回到莫科什的。 我还记得，你说你希望莫科什可以不再受坍塌辐射的折磨。 在来到十一局后，我更加如此确信，我们的想法是正确的。 即便是黄区的居民，“活下去”，也不该成为唯一的理想。 所以，“活下去”就由我们来解决。 很久没收到你的回信了，期待你的见闻。 ——瓦西尔

GeorgeSince I've written? Hahahaha...我的回信？哈哈哈哈……

GeorgeIdeals? You only get to say that because you're lucky.理想吗……能说出这种话，只是因为，你是幸运的人。

(George knows full well that he has contracted E.L.I.D. He doesn't know when he got infected, but he has already taken every step he can to stave off the illness, to the point of even stealing vaccines.)（乔治很清楚，自己已经感染了E.L.I.D.，尽管他自己都不清楚究竟是什么时候的事情，他已经用尽了全部手段去抑制，甚至不惜偷取疫苗。）

GeorgeI'm not waiting for empty promises.我等不了那些空话了。

GeorgeI'm going to survive... I'm going to survive, right now...我要活下去……我现在就要活下去……

(The familiar sound of footsteps reaches his ears. He composes himself in an instant, putting on his usual smile, as forced as it is in his current predicament.)（耳边似乎传来了熟悉的脚步声，乔治一瞬间便像是想到了什么一样，再次换上了平日里那副笑脸，尽管，对于现在的他来说，这份笑容十分勉强。）

GeorgeAh, you're here! Yes, it'll be fine, I still have you...啊~是您来了……对，没关系，还有您……

(The man who gave him every opportunity, the man who allowed him to emerge from the abyss.)（给了他全部的机会，允许他从深渊中爬起的那个人。）

???George...乔治……

(Despair does not stay with George for long. He's never been a man who falters in place and refuses to accept reality.)（绝望感没有在乔治身上停留太久，他从来都不是一个甘愿止步不前接受现状的人。）

(If he can survive E.L.I.D., he can survive this insignificant turbulence. Yes, this much is nothing but insignificant.)（他能够从E.L.I.D.中活过来，便能够在这次小小的动乱中活过来，没错，小小的动乱而已。）

(Vasily has tried to fight back countless times. No matter how imposing he may seem, he has been beaten back and crushed each time.)（瓦西尔曾无数次尝试过反抗，无论声势如何浩大，都无一例外地遭到了自己的镇压、摧毁。）

George...Go back to your goddamn sewer.……滚回你的下水道里去。

(He pulls himself away from his memories. The dreamlike sensations depart along with the sentiments of the past. He can feel himself regaining control, and he can put everything firmly in his grasp again.)（乔治从回忆中渐渐抽离，刚才那种迷幻感也逐渐消失，一切往日种种终于烟消云散。他的控制感正在回归，一切似乎再一次被他抓在了手中。）

(Clarity returns to the world in front of him. Red dots congregate in Mokosh upon the screen before him, the convoys of his reinforcements arriving. Rather, his help is here.)（眼前的一切都变得清晰起来了，屏幕中，无数红点正在逐渐汇聚于名为莫科什的区域——前来支援他的队伍正在路上，或者说，属于他的支援，已经赶到了。）

(He looks up to find Theia standing before him, even though she should be immobilized and crippled. No, something's not right here.)（他抬起头，竟然再一次看到了那名原本应该身负重伤，丧失行动能力的希娅站在了他的面前——不，似乎有什么地方不一样。）

Fan archive of the official game scripts. All story text and art belong to their publishers.