Elmo Library › Girls' Frontline 2: Exilium 少女前线2：追放 › Main story

Needy Catgirl Overload

信号波重度依赖

22 chapters · 3087 lines · English and Chinese below. Japanese and Korean, voices and theatre mode are in the reader.

Starting Station 起始站台

???This is message no. 3751. There's an oh-so-special significance to this number.这是第3751条留言，非常值得纪念的一条。

???"3" is for the number of dates we've had together. "7" is for the number of outfits you gave me. "5" is for May, when our eyes first met.3，是我们约会的次数。7，是你送我的所有衣服。5，是你我相遇的月份。

???And finally, the number "1" is what you are to me, and what I am to you. We're each other's one and only, aren't we?1呢，是你中的我，我中的你。我们仍是彼此的唯一，对吗？

???You know, I'm not scared of waiting anymore.听我说啊，我已经不再惧怕等待了。

???That's because I believe that our bond is stronger than any trial it might face.因为我相信，我们的联系无需经受任何考验。

???It's strong enough to overcome anything, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health...它足以跨越一切，无论是顺境或逆境，富裕或贫穷，健康或疾病……

???And not even death will do us part.即便死亡也无法将我们分开。

SakuraSakura, are you ready?樱花，你准备好了吗？

SakuraIt's the moment you've been waiting for all your life—!去迎接你期待已久的人生时刻吧——！

CommanderIs that the van?就是那辆车吗？

CommanderIt doesn't look like it handles particularly well...驾驶得好像不怎么平稳啊……

SpringfieldPerhaps the driver's high spirits have affected the vehicle too, hehe.或许是驾驶者雀跃的心情反映到了车辆上吧……呵呵。

(The pink delivery truck seems to have noticed us watching it circle around, because it speeds up directly toward us before suddenly screeching to a halt.)（似乎是发现了我们目击到自己迂回的驾驶路线，那辆粉红的物流货车一个加速冲向了我们，然后发出刺耳的急停声刹住了车。）

(A petite Doll leaps out from the truck, her countenance all nervous and frazzled. What stands before me today seems to not have changed much from my recollection of her.)（从上面狼狈地跳下来的娇小人形，和我记忆中的那个女孩似乎没有任何的变迁。）

CommanderSakura, welcome to the Elmo.樱花，欢迎你来到艾莫号。

SakuraCommander! We, er, we meet at last!指挥官！我、我终于见到你了！

SakuraI'm not sure if you know, but I've got many things I want to talk about with you... I've been working really hard, though! I'm sure Springfield's already told you about me, but... have you read the letters I sent you?你知道吗，我有好多话想对你讲…… 不过，我努力了哟！春田一定和你说了我的事情吧，有没有读到我的信呢……？

SakuraCommander, I want, I want to—!指挥官，我想，我想——！

(Sakura bursts into tears as she dives into my arms. I gently pat her back to console her.)（樱花哭喊着扑进了我的怀里，我也轻轻拍着她的后背安慰她。）

SakuraI want to...我想要……

Truck-senpaiAlert: Your delivery deadline is about to expire.注意，你的订单即将超时。

Truck-senpaiBaka Sakura, y'know your break's almost over, right?笨蛋樱花，休息的时间该结束咯？

SakuraEh?! Now of all times?诶？！这种时候？

SakuraCan't you give me a little more time...就不能再给我一点点时间吗……

Truck-senpaiSure I can, but for every minute you delay, you'll have a complaint filed.可以啊，但是你每耽误一分钟就会多收到一个差评。

Truck-senpaiOnce that happens, the rep you've worked so hard to build up will go down the drain. All the major platforms will lose faith in you, and you'll never get another big job again. You won't even be able to make enough money to keep me fueled up...然后你努力维持的信誉评分就会急速下滑，失去各大平台的信任，再也接不到高价值订单，就连给我加油的钱都……

SakuraBweeeehhh... Why is this happening? I only just managed to meet the Commander again...呜呜呜呜……为什么，明明才见到的指挥官……

SakuraOh, life... can't you cut me some slack just this once...人生啊，能不能放过我这一次……

CommanderIt's alright, Sakura. We won't be traveling too far from this settlement for the foreseeable future.没关系的，樱花，接下来我们不会远离这处据点。

CommanderSo you can come back anytime.你随时可以回来……

(Noticing Sakura's tear-filled eyes, my hand moves on its own to pat her head.)（注意到樱花泪汪汪的样子，我不忍地伸手摸了摸她的头。）

(Sakura trembles. Then, she squeezes her glistening eyes shut and rubs her head up against my palm.)（樱花颤抖了一下，接着闭上了珠泪盈眶的眼眸，主动用脑袋蹭着我的手掌。）

SakuraHaaahhhh...哈啊……

SakuraBweeeeehhh... Commander...呜呜呜呜……指挥官…………

CommanderGo on, then. Didn't you say everyone in the Yellow Zone was counting on you?去吧，你的信上不是说黄区的大家都很依赖你吗？

CommanderWe'll have a room waiting for you on the Elmo. We can talk after you're done, right?艾莫号上会准备好你的房间，结束后再说吧？

SakuraAye! I'll put the pedal to the metal and blast my way through at top speed—!嗯！我会踩爆货车前辈的油门用最高速爆进——！

(After wiping her tears away, Sakura runs back to her truck.)（樱花抹着眼泪就向后跑去。）

SakuraI didn't get to talk, give my gift, or eat with the Commander... We didn't manage to do anything at all!没聊上天，没送出礼物，也没一起吃饭……根本什么都没做嘛！

SakuraEven though I worked so hard to make this happen...明明我这么努力地工作了……

SakuraBweeeeeehhhh, I can't believe the reunion with the Commander that I'd been dreaming of ended up like this... Ah, but at least the Commander patted my head!呜呜呜呜我梦里和指挥官的重逢……啊，不过至少让指挥官摸摸我的头了！

Truck-senpaiGet a grip, girlie. We had to make a big detour just to get you here.适可而止一点，已经为了找到这里调整了路线。

Truck-senpaiIf you want a vacation, you should at least get your work done first.要休假也应该完成工作。

SakuraThe only thing on your mind is making deliveries, Senpai! You don't care about my happiness at all, do you?反正前辈你就知道送货！对我的幸福根本无所谓吧！

Truck-senpaiDamn right I don't! That's because your deadline expiring is more important than that!那确实是根本无所谓，重要的是订单可是要超时了！

Sakura...Oh, forget it. So, where are we headed?……算了，就这样吧。我们的目的地是哪？

Truck-senpaiOur destination is a seaside town 380 km away.距离380公里，一座沿海的城镇。

Truck-senpaiGoes by the name of "Port Mica".名字叫“硅砂港”。

Sakura...380 kilometers isn't that far. But we have lots of deliveries to make once we're there. I hope we can wrap them up in a week's time...……380公里倒是不远，可在那里有不少待送订单，希望能在一周内完成……

SakuraAlright, here we go! Full speed ahead to my lovey-dovey reunion with the Commander—好，我要上了！为了和指挥官相亲相爱，全力——

(Just as Sakura is about to step on the gas, a Doll suddenly jumps out from the roadside.)（就在樱花踩下油门的同时，一个人形的身影突然从路边跳了出来。）

SakuraAiieeeee—?!咿呀——！？

Truck-senpaiA fake accident scammer?! Dammit, that's the Yellow Zone for you! Go get 'em, Sakura!有人碰瓷！？可恶，果然是黄区！干掉她！

???My friend, O master of this savage beast, heed mine words. For salvation to bless the Commander's home and estate, we must proceed post-haste to the Rookie Village—so please, grant us passage!吾友啊，驾驭凶兽之人呀——请听我一言，为了挽救指挥官的城池，我们必须要尽快赶到启程之村——请载我们一程！

SakuraUnyaah? What... What's going on...?哈喵……？何……什么意思……？

(Let us go back an hour.)（将时间倒退回一个小时以前。）

(At the entrance to the Doll Community, the sun scorches its merciless rays upon an irate figure.)（人形社区的大门口，炎炎烈日曝晒着一个焦躁的影子。）

SweeperThat Ullrid! She's nothing but a figurehead dork after all!可恶，乌尔丽德果然就只是一个观赏用杂耍人形！

PhaetusaThat's rude, Nyxie. Quick, apologize.那种话可不能乱说哟小黑，快道歉。

SweeperShe shouldn't have questioned my judgment!她不该质疑我的判断！

PhaetusaYes, yes, you're right—对，你说的都对——

(The girl rapidly switches her tone, volume, and demeanor as she talks to herself. Of course, this isn't particularly out of the ordinary, since they were always two individuals to begin with.)（少女人形快速地变换着自己说话的语气、节奏和音量，因为原本就是两人，这本来并没有什么特别的。）

(However, under normal circumstances, Phaetusa and Sweeper could have simply convened in the privacy of their neural cloud.)（但通常来说，翡图萨和清道夫的交流完全可以在更加私人的心智内完成。）

(This spectacle is but a means for Sweeper to convey her immense displeasure. The other Dolls have grown used to her outbursts and are keeping their distance for the time being.)（如今这夸张的演出，正是因为清道夫十分生气，渴望制造噪音的结果，其他人形最近也逐渐习惯了她的脾气，这种时候都不会去打扰她们。）

SweeperI just don't get it! We've clearly got more important stuff to do, so why're we wastin' our time and effort on growing piddly crap like carrots and pumpkins?我不明白！明明有更重要的事业等着我们去做，为什么非要把所有精力花在种植萝卜、南瓜这种小事上？

PhaetusaThey're tomatoes, my dear. Plants have feelings too, and they'd feel sad if they heard what you said... Is that not a most lamentable tragedy?是番茄哟，植物也是有感情的，你的话会让它们难过……好可怜的哟？

SweeperWho CARES?! Ullrid isn't even thinking about our combat protocols! The way I see it, about 98% of the power plant isn't defended well enough! We lack anti-heavy weaponry to effectively utilize killzone firepower...谁在乎啊！乌尔丽德眼里根本就没有斗争！根据我的计算，目前热电厂有98%的区域不具备完整的阵地防御能力，我们缺少反重型装置的手段来有效利用杀伤区的火力……

SweeperWhat's she going to do if war breaks out one day, pelt the enemy with her precious tomatoes?如果到了开战的那天，她指望用番茄把敌人噎死吗？

PhaetusaYou need not worry, Nyxie.小黑也不用这么着急嘛。

PhaetusaUllrid is proceeding with things at her own pace. We've only just managed to stabilize the Community, and there are many other things that need consideration.乌尔丽德她也有自己的步调。现在人形社区刚稳定下来，需要考虑的事情很多。

SweeperWhat other considerations could be more important than this one?才没有更重要的事要考虑了吧！

SweeperI shared a super-exclusive Sangvis Ferri-style tactical analysis with her, and what did she do? She kicked me out!我可是把铁血独有的战术分析和她共享了哦！居然把我赶出来！

PhaetusaWell, you did barge into her room without permission. Then, you started lecturing her while she was burying her face in that Commander doll. That's rather impolite, no?未经允许闯入人家的房间，在人家拿出指挥官玩偶把脸埋进去的时候突然出现提醒她什么的，这种做法有点不妥哦？

SweeperBut that's because she refused to listen!因为她从来都听不进去！

SweeperI was thinking about our future here! And what was her response? She partook in a gross abuse of power and sent me to guard the main gate!我在为人形社区的未来着想，而她呢？公报私仇，罚我来看守大门！

SweeperDo you even need a Doll for this kinda thing? A Dinergate could handle this!这种工作需要人形来做吗？交给兵蚁不就够了！

(Annoyed, Sweeper kicks open the door to the security kiosk...)（说着，烦躁的清道夫一脚踢开保安室大门。）

(...and finds herself looking into a pair of confused eyes.)（然后就对上了房间里一双不知所措的眼睛。）

DushevnayaWhat? My name will be struck from the roll of honorable protectors?!什么？我要被开除出守护者的队伍了？！

Sweeper...That's not what I meant.……我不是那个意思。

DushevnayaArt thou the Dinergate that shall replace me? A hero shan't give up without a fight!难道你就是准备挤掉我位置的兵蚁？我不会认输的！

SweeperWho are you calling a Dinergate?!谁是兵蚁啊！

(Sweeper jumps up and tries to karate-chop her, but Dushevnaya nimbly blocks the attempt. The resultant motions, however, have them stuck in a particularly ridiculous pose, which makes Sweeper blush.)（清道夫跳了起来，想要对对方使出手刀，但是杜莎妮灵活地抬手一挡，双方保持在一个清道夫会脸红的尴尬姿势下。）

(She can hear Phaetusa giggling in her mind as all this is going on.)（在这个过程中，她一直能听到翡图萨在小声偷笑。）

SweeperWhat are you doing here, anyway?你怎么出现在这里？

DushevnayaThe Supreme Leader hath personally anointed me as a border guardian!因为我是首领大人亲自册封的边境守护者！

SweeperEr, don't they need more people down on the test plots?呃，实验田那边不是更缺人手吗？

DushevnayaIndeed they do, and 'twas my fervent desire to grant them aid in replanting the garden of the gods.是的，我也想试着接取一些重建神之果园相关的任务。

DushevnayaHowever, Helen has taken up those duties.只不过，它们全都被海伦做完了。

SweeperHah?啊？

DushevnayaHelen said she liked doing that sort of thing.海伦说她喜欢做那些事情。

SweeperAnd here I thought it was because you had a black thumb...我觉得是因为你会把植物弄死……

DushevnayaSuch slander! Nay, she proclaimed that heroes ought to do more interesting and exciting things.岂有此理！她跟我说，勇者应该去做更有趣、更精彩的事情。

SweeperAnd so you chose to come here and space out?然后你的选择就是来保安亭发呆？

DushevnayaThe Doll Community's grand border is mine to guard! What is there to doubt? Aye, I stand watch here because disaster is about to—是守望人形社区的边境！你什么都不懂呢，因为灾祸将至而我从今开始守望——

SweeperHold it.停。

SweeperWhile this IS an important duty, you can't protect anything by sitting here.就算重要，但坐在这里谁都保护不了。

SweeperWhat do you think the REAL threat to the Community is?你觉得，真正威胁人形社区的敌人是什么？

(A quiet, exasperated chuckle fills the air. Phaetusa knows Nyxie is about to get into it again.)（空气中飘过一声无奈的轻笑。翡图萨知道，小黑又要开始了。）

DushevnayaAh, the real threat is...重要之物，那是……

SweeperWRONG!错！

DushevnayaBut a word had yet escaped mine mouth...我什么都还没说……

SweeperThe fact you didn't answer immediately is already wrong!因为你没有立刻回答就是错了！

SweeperThe answer is obvious! It's war! Full-scale war! It's the enemies of the Commander! It's the mastermind behind the destruction of the world!答案显而易见！是战争！大规模的战争！是指挥官的宿敌！是将世界破坏的元凶！

SweeperIf an army of third-gen Dolls showed up at our doorstep right now, backed by carrier strike groups and Collapse Particle naval artillery, do you think you could protect everyone?假如出现在门口的是三代人形军团、战列巡航母舰和坍塌粒子舰炮，你觉得你能保护好大家吗？

DushevnayaUm—Wait, would something like that actually happen?!唔————真，真的吗！？

(Dushevnaya furrows her brows. Immersed, she is, within the annals of that apocalyptic prophecy.)（杜莎妮蹙紧了眉头，她已经完全将自己代入，沉浸在末日临头的危机感中。）

DushevnayaWell, there's the rub...很棘手啊……

DushevnayaBut we needn't fret. The Commander is our god, after all. I'm sure he'll find a way to save the world. All heroes have to do is obey the commandments of God.不过没关系，指挥官是我们的神，一定会设法带领我们拯救这个世界，勇者只要遵循神谕就足够了。

SweeperOh please. The Commander isn't a god. He's just a human being. That said, I have to admit he's a human with an iron will, one that Sangvis Ferri had to respect.别开玩笑了，指挥官可不是神，他是人类——虽然我也不得不承认，他是让铁血们认同的，有强大内在的人类。

SweeperAs ferocious as a Cerberus, as decisive as a Nemeum. Indeed, he truly is a natural born killer who was raised for warfare.就像魔犬一样勇猛，像钢狮一样果决，是为了战争而生的杀手。

(While most of that just goes over Dushevnaya's head, she finds herself nodding instinctively.)（虽然没有听太懂，杜莎妮情不自禁地点了点头。）

SweeperSo the question now is—what does he need? He needs a multi-kiloton land battleship, loyal and overwhelming firepower, as well as a meticulous and perceptive combat support AI.那么他需要的是什么？上万吨的陆上战舰，忠诚且强大的战斗火力，以及足够清晰缜密的心智辅佐。

SweeperCan the Doll Community provide those necessities?这些东西，人形社区哪样能提供呢？

SweeperThat's why I said he's going to dump us when war comes.所以在接下来的战争里，一定会被开除的。

DushevnayaYeah... We can't even protect ourselves and we always have to rely on the Commander... but I'm sure he won't just cast us aside!是啊……我们根本保护不好自己，总是要依赖指挥官……但指挥官不会开除我们！

SweeperEven if he doesn't abandon us, he's not going to value us either, right? We'll end up as farming Dolls, working the fields day and night. All we can do is watch the other Dolls do great things.就算不被开除，也不会被重用吧？只会被当做农用人形在田里劳作一辈子，看着其他的人形建立功勋。

SweeperWe might be invited to make up numbers at the victory celebration, but we'll never be the focus of the Commander's attention on the battlefield.庆功宴有份混一口吃，但却永远也不会成为指挥官在战场上目光的焦点。

(Sweeper delivers each word with such conviction that she doesn't even hear Phaetusa sighing inside her head.)（清道夫把每个音节吐得掷地有声，连意识里翡图萨的叹息都充耳不闻了。）

DushevnayaEhhhh?! But, maybe, what if that's already happening? I mean, it's been a long time since I've been sent on a mission... although some newcomers have.嗯？！说，说不定，会发生？我已经很久没有去执行指挥官的任务了……新来的却有。

DushevnayaC-could it be that...难，难道……

SweeperIndeed, this is but the perfect opportunity! The Commander is already making his move! As I thought—he spent those ten years lying low, sharpening his claws, observing the world and waiting for an opportunity to strike! And now in one fell swoop, he's seized territory, resources, and loyal soldiers!现在其实是个很好的机会！指挥官已经在行动了！那个人果然——在十年里只是蛰伏，考察，寻找机会！如今只是略微行动，就夺取了地盘、资源和愿意跟随他的忠诚士兵！

SweeperI am certain that we too can achieve such lofty goals.我们肯定也能做到。

SweeperIndeed, all we lack is courage!所欠缺的，不过是魄力而已！

(Phaetusa can sense Sweeper's spirits rising. It's at the point where nothing she can say from inside her mind can dampen her mood.)（翡图萨能感觉到，清道夫此刻的情绪格外高涨，已经是在她意识里怎么泼冷水都没用的状态。）

(Perhaps it's because she has a better listener than Ullrid in front of her.)（也许是因为，面前换了一位比乌尔丽德更捧场的听众。）

(All she can do is sigh. Dushevnaya isn't dumb, but the way she's so in tune with Sweeper is... well, they might actually be more alike than they think.)（她也只能叹气，虽然杜莎妮绝非笨蛋，可是她和清道夫的这种默契……说不定某种程度上，她们很相似。）

DushevnayaI know, right? Helen said that we'd be happy as long as we stuck with the Commander! But if we did that, the Commander would be too tired and he wouldn't be able to spend time with us—真不愧是指挥官！海伦也说只要跟随指挥官就可以得到幸福了！可是那样的话，指挥官就太累了，会没有时间和大家在一起——

DushevnayaJust look at Suomi. She's doing her best to sell our tomatoes. I'm part of the Doll Community too, so I can't keep relying on the Commander to do everything for me!明明索米努力地把番茄卖出去了，我也是人形社区的一员，不能全靠指挥官！

SweeperYeah! He's an absolute madman! Not only is he on the URNC Most Wanted list, he stands tall as the eternal enemy of Sangvis Ferri! Plus, there's that heart of his, which scorches the lands with sheer ambition! There's no way he would be content with just growing tomatoes!是啊！那个疯子！可是上了罗联的最高等级通缉令，那种灼热的野心，我等铁血永恒的宿敌，怎么可能只是甘心于种番茄呢！

DushevnayaI think I've managed to level up my motivation thanks to your encouragement. What's your name... Phaetusa, was it?!因为有你的启发我才能更上一层楼，你叫做……翡图萨是吗！？

DushevnayaYou're like a master of the arts of war! I think I'll just call you Warmaster!简直像战场上的元帅一样！就称呼你为战帅吧！

SweeperIt's Sweeper! But Helen was right; you shouldn't be slaving away in the fields, because you're way smarter than most of the Dolls here!叫我清道夫！ 海伦对你的判断没错，你不该在实验田工作，因为你比这里大部分人形都聪明！

SweeperWe are Tactical Dolls! We are warriors! The Commander who defeated Sangvis Ferri doesn't need farmers, but perfect soldiers! That I am certain!我们可是战术人形，是战士啊！击败了铁血的指挥官，需要的不是农民，而是完美的士兵！肯定是这样的！

DushevnayaThis is the first time someone's ever called me smart! You've got great judgment, Warmaster!第一次有人说我聪明，你真有眼光啊战帅！

SweeperIt's Sweeper!叫我清道夫！

(The air inside the tiny security kiosk heats up as the discussion grows more intense. It's as though a little sun were rising indoors.)（小小的保安亭里，讨论的空气越发热烈，好像有一颗太阳正在此升起。）

SweeperUnfortunately, we're the only people here with the wherewithal to do anything about it. Ullrid understands nothing! At this rate, the Commander might just dispose of her as scrap!可惜了，人形社区只有你我具备觉悟……乌尔丽德什么也不懂，这样下去她会被指挥官当做废铁抛弃的！

DushevnayaI think Ullrid's a kind leader, and the Commander won't abandon us, but I'm sure you know way more about warfare...我觉得乌尔丽德是温柔的首领，指挥官也不可能抛弃我们，但战争肯定是你懂得多……

DushevnayaThat's why 'tis we who are destined to save the Doll Community, Warmaster!所以，战帅，我们去拯救人形社区吧！

SweeperYou mean... we should do something that's actually meaningful, just the two of us?你是说……我们两个，做点真正有意义的事？

SweeperTwo's a little too few for that, though...两个人还是太少了吧……

DushevnayaBut are we not a party of three?我们不是有三个人吗？

(There is a brief pause, before another voice hesitantly speaks up.)（短暂的顿挫之后，另一个声音犹豫地插了进来。）

Phaetusa—Ah, I apologize in case I've misunderstood, but uh... are you counting me in as well?!——那个，理解错了我道歉。连，连人家也算！？

DushevnayaIndeed!嗯！

SweeperWell, it's not like you can get out of this. Unless you're going to hand this body completely over to me?反正你跑不掉的，难道你要把素体全部交给我吗？

PhaetusaWell, uh... (whimper) I think... I think we should discuss this with Ullrid first.这个那个，呜呜……我觉得……还是先跟乌尔丽德谈一谈吧。

PhaetusaAt the very least, I know what's been stressing her out so much recently.至少我知道最近她在为什么头痛。

SweeperA lack of WMDs?大规模杀伤性武器不足吗？

PhaetusaNo! (Sigh) Look, I'm going to explain myself, so please, hear me out, okay?不是啦！唉……我会好好说明的，拜托你们要听完哦。

DushevnayaWill do, Madam Strategist!好的，军师大人！

PhaetusaWait, I'm a strategist now?!军师？！

DushevnayaSupreme Leader, we've come to bargain!首领大人，我们来谈条件了！

SweeperWhy are you even calling her "Supreme Leader" at a time like this? Oi, Ullrid, listen up!这种时候还叫什么“首领大人”？乌尔丽德，你给我听着！

(The two of them storm into Ullrid's room, all fired up and ready for a fight.)（气势汹汹的二人组一把推开了房门。）

(Unfortunately, they've missed her. The office is empty and there is a distinct lack of Ullrid's presence.)（可惜她们扑空了，乌尔丽德并不在里面，办公室空空如也。）

SweeperWhat's with that woman? Is she avoiding me or something?!这家伙，怎么像故意躲着我一样！

PhaetusaNyxie, to deem oneself so highly is a sin, you know.小黑，不要自我意识过剩哦。

SweeperIt's not like this is the first time she's done it either! She's a real cunning one! She knows just how to wear my spirits down!又不是第一次了！她聪明得很，知道怎么消磨我的气势！

(Sweeper paces back and forth. Her rapid-fire footsteps are but a means of unloading her heightening frustration.)（清道夫正在快速、往复地踱步，密集的脚步声映射着她的焦躁。）

SweeperOh, forget it! I just knew it would be a waste of time!算了！我就知道会白来！

SweeperCome on, let's go! We'll just do what we gotta do! There's no point asking for her permission!走吧，我们想做什么就做什么，根本不需要征求她的同意！

(Sweeper turns to the door and marches straight toward it. Her plan is to leave with a grand slam to vent her wrath.)（清道夫直直地向外走去，她已经盯上了办公室的房门，准备用一记帅气的摔门来发泄掉所有怨气。）

(However, she freezes when Dushevnaya calls out to her.)（然而，杜莎妮的声音从背后叫住了她。）

DushevnayaA moment please, Warmaster! Our time was not wasted after all!等一下，战帅！我们没有白来！

DushevnayaHere, gaze upon this great discovery with thine eyes!你看，我发现了这个！

(Dushevnaya's eyes light up as she holds up a huge paper sack that was lying on the desk.)（杜莎妮两眼放光，把一个大纸袋子从办公桌上抱了起来。）

(It bulges to the brim with Collapse Pieces.)（里面鼓鼓囊囊，装满了坍塌晶条。）

UllridFinally, we can take a break...总算能休息一会儿了……

HelenYes, finishing up all your outstanding work always feels good.是啊，做完工作的感觉真不错。

UllridNo, the work never ends... Although the Community's situation has improved rapidly thanks to everyone's help, our recent trade deal with Mokosh has doubled our workload.不，工作是做不完的……虽然有你们帮忙，社区状况改善得飞快——但是最近和莫科什的贸易果然让事务成倍增加。

UllridAlso, there are girls who want to get tactical modules installed so they can help the Commander out... We need to at least come up with a training plan for them.还有希望能安装战术模块帮助指挥官的孩子也……至少要准备一定的训练计划。

(Ullrid and Helen walk down the corridor, side by side. They're doing their best to slow their pace down, to prolong this rare bit of free time they've been allotted. After all, the Dolls have now experienced what Mayling refers to as "being so busy you forget to breathe".)（乌尔丽德和海伦并肩走着，她们尽量让步伐慢下来，以此品味这段难得的空闲时光。毕竟，人形们近来体会到了美玲说的“忙到忘记呼吸”的感觉。）

HelenWhat are you going to do afterwards?待会你准备做些什么？

UllridI'm returning to the office so I can properly sort out our supply procurement situation. (Groan) I wish I could go back to my room and blow off some steam...回办公室，整理物资采购的事情。呜，其实我本来想回自己的房间放松一下的……

(Ullrid will never, ever tell anyone that she ordered a highly realistic Commander doll from Lewis; specifically the "Tomato Emperor of Mokosh", limited edition.)（向刘易斯订购了指挥官的高度拟真玩偶，而且是莫科什番茄大王限量款这件事，乌尔丽德对谁都不会说。）

HelenMy, it's that severe?很头疼？

UllridYeah. Normally, I'd ask Peri to help me handle this, but she's been up to her ears in work recently. Plus I need to actually do some work from time to time...嗯，本来应该拜托佩莉，但是她最近忙得完全没空休息，至少偶尔也要由我自己来出面……

UllridHaggling with merchants is a tremendous pain, even when they're friendly to us.和商人打交道是件很累的事，哪怕是对我们友善的那些也一样。

HelenWell, that's their job. They'll drag you into their game with all its complex rules to squeeze what you've got out.因为这是他们的本职工作嘛，为了赚取更多利润，就无论如何都要把你带入一套复杂的游戏规则。

HelenOpportunities for profit are often found in unfamiliar territory, and we Dolls have a harder time working in said territory than humans do.在你不熟悉的领域，才有赚钱的机会——而我们人形对自己所知领域之外的应对能力比人类更薄弱。

UllridYou're right, that's exactly how it feels to me...说得很对，就是这样的感觉……

UllridStill, we've decided not to hide away from the world, but to move forward along with the Commander. That means we can't just avoid human society anymore. We need to adapt to it, and then work together with others for mutual benefit.不过，我们已经决定不再只是与世隔绝，而是要跟着指挥官一起前进，所以不能只是逃避人类社会，必须要适应，再为双方共同的利益进行合作。

HelenThat said, Mokosh should've sent over a lot of supplies recently. Don't you have all the basic parts you need now? Might there be anything else?不过目前从莫科什那里应该已经送来了大量的物资，基本零件不是都有了吗？还缺少什么物资？

UllridSpare frames. That's what we need most urgently right now. At the moment, most of our colleagues' frames are only able to perform basic day-to-day tasks. They can't be outfitted with weapons at all, so they'd be fodder in combat.备用素体。这是眼下最急缺的资源，现在很多同伴的素体只能进行日常的工作，完全不能适配武器，在战斗中派不上用场。

UllridAlso, frames that are compatible with weaponry are currently only available from Green Zone suppliers...而能使用武器的素体，现阶段只能从绿区的供应商获得……

UllridHowever, I heard there's an upcoming auction on the border of the Green and Yellow Zone. Supposedly, there'll be large quantities of Doll frames on offer there. I was wondering if I should head over there and try my luck.不过，最近在黄区和绿区边界有一场拍卖会，据说会有大批人形素体出售，我还在考虑要不要去碰碰运气。

(Upon those words, Ullrid gingerly massages her temples, as if an integer overflow was about to arise in her Level II.)（说到这里，乌尔丽德用手按住了自己的太阳穴，好像在抑制某种二级平层的偏头痛。）

UllridTruth is, I don't like auctions. The merchants' vanity, their deceit, and the games they play are all very frustrating.其实，我不喜欢拍卖，商人之间的虚荣、博弈、尔虞我诈会让我非常烦躁。

UllridThe Commander and everyone in the Doll Community all worked hard to scrape together the funds for our budget. But figuring out how to spend it is making my core combust.指挥官和人形社区的大家一起，辛辛苦苦挤出来的预算，要如何运用真是一件痛苦的决策啊。

HelenWell, I believe you should consider that decision carefully, Miss Ullrid.我觉得三思为上哦，乌尔丽德小姐。

HelenYou probably won't receive fair treatment if you take part in an auction while openly declaring your identity as a Doll. Wouldn't it be better to get an underground broker to act as your agent if you decided to participate?以人形的身份抛头露面很难得到人类的公正对待，就算要参加，是不是拜托某个暗商来做代理人呢？

UllridBut the auction's going to take place very soon. Can we even find someone suitable for the job given the circumstances?可是那场拍卖很快就要进行，这种情况下还能找到合适的人吗？

UllridAll I know about the auction is that the organizer is a wealthy woman who's renowned for her tremendous business acumen, and equally famous for being meticulous to a fault in every transaction...至于情报方面，只知道主办者是一位有名的富豪，她经商手腕之高超和对待交易的锱铢必较都一样出名……

(They finally arrive at the door to Ullrid's office as they talk. She sweeps the door open, as if sweeping her depression out with it.)（说话之间，两人已经走到了乌尔丽德的办公室门口，乌尔丽德用一个简单的开门动作抹净了身上的消极。）

UllridWell, in any case, between the proceeds from the sales of our produce to Mokosh, the support from Miss Loreley, and the payment from Vasily...不管怎么说，这段时间通过和莫科什的蔬菜交易，以及罗蕾莱小姐带来的支援，再加上瓦西尔他们送来的报酬。

UllridWe can actually afford to be picky about what we're buying.我们也不是完全谈不起价格了。

UllridI want our stock of frames to be able to hold out through several high-intensity battles, even if it means having to cut back on other expenses.哪怕要缩减其他开支，我也希望能让素体库存足以应对几场高强度的战斗。

UllridCurrently, the amount we have to spend on frames is roughly...目前我们可以用在素体上的预算大概是……

(Ullrid's words trail off.)（乌尔丽德的话语断在了半空。）

(Before her very eyes lies a shocking absence, the place on the desk where the funds should be is completely empty.)（她发现，办公桌上那个本应摆着预算的地方，如今空空如也。）

HelenWhat's wrong?怎么了？

(No, it's not completely empty. There is a note where they used to be.)（不对，不是空空如也。桌面上多出来一张纸条。）

(Ullrid picks it up and studies it together with Helen.)（乌尔丽德把它拿起来，和海伦一起端详着上面的文字。）

("Leave the Doll Community's salvation to us! We'll bring lots of frames back with thy currency! —Hero, Warmaster, and Strategist")（“拯救人形社区的使命就交给我们吧！我们会用这些预算带回多多的素体！——勇者、战帅、军师。”）

UllridEr... salvation?哎……拯救？

UllridBut my, I mean, everyone's money... huh?可是，我的，大家的钱……哎？

UllridDushevnaya... but why...杜莎妮……为什么……

Helen...Urgh! Dushevnaya shut down our communications link! I have no idea where she's gone now.……呜！那孩子，把和我的联络通道也关闭了，现在完全不知道她会去哪。

HelenBut she's a good girl, and she'd never do something like this. Someone must have led her astray!杜莎妮是好孩子，不会这么做的，一定有人教坏了她！

UllridAiieeeee—?!噫——？！

UllridNoooooo! I can't believe I lost the money that everyone worked so hard to raise! If the others find out, they'll surely be disappointed in a leader like me! A-and the Commander would be disappointed too... (Whimper) He won't ask me to be his companion anymore...不要啊！大家辛苦筹到的资金居然被我弄丢了什么的，如果大家知道的话说不定会对我这个领袖十分失望吧！还、还有指挥官，呜呜呜……下次也不会指名我扮演伴侣了……

UllridNo-no-no-no... It's not my fault!不是的不是的……不是我的错！

HelenHang in there, be strong!坚持住，不可以崩溃！

UllridA-also, who are those "Warmaster" and "Strategist" people, anyway? Do we have anyone like that in the Community? Or did they pop out of the power plant like Phaetusa? I'm supposed to be a leader, but I'm completely useless as one!而且而且，战帅和军师又是什么，我们有这样的成员吗？还是和翡图萨一样又是从热电厂里冒出来的呢？我作为领袖，我作为领袖却什么也做不到！

HelenUpon closer inspection, I noticed that "Warmaster" and "Strategist" have been written in a similar manner. Does that mean it's something like two personalities in one frame?仔细看的话，“战帅”和“军师”的笔迹是一样的，这是一具素体两个人格的意思吗？

UllridIs it Phaetusa? No, it's got to be Sweeper's doing!翡图萨？！不，做出这种事的肯定是清道夫！

UllridDammit, I'm going to drag them all back here!可恶，我要把她们都抓回来！

HelenIf Phaetusa's mixed up in all of this, then at the very least, she understands urgency and priorities, right? Plus, she's not much worse than us when it comes to dealing with humans.如果翡图萨也在，至少她是知道轻重缓急的吧？而且在对人类的处事经验方面，她不会比我们差劲多少。

HelenWhile I'm very annoyed that Phaetusa and Sweeper seem to have led Dushevnaya astray, I'm sure that they won't do anything that would be bad for the Commander or the Doll Community.虽然我很气恼清道夫和翡图萨教坏了杜莎妮，但她们绝不会做出对指挥官和社区不利的事，这一点我相信她们。

Ullrid...But... the auction... How will we take part with no money...……可是，拍卖会……没有钱要怎么参加。

(Ullrid has managed to recover from her near-breakdown by sheer force of will. That said, the pressure she's been under means that she's been freaking out like this quite often recently. Helen has already become used to it by now.)（靠着自制力从崩溃下迅速调整回来的乌尔丽德，最近好像经常会在压力下陷入这样的挣扎，海伦已经见怪不怪了。）

HelenBut you hate auctions, don't you? So we'll think of another solution.正好你不是讨厌拍卖会嘛。我们来想新的办法好了。

UllridWhile I'm not happy about this... It's the only thing that helps me maintain a positive mindset.虽然很不甘心……也只能如此去积极地思考了。

UllridBut if they end up losing the money, I won't let them off the hook that easily.但如果她们把钱弄丢了，这件事可不能善罢甘休的。

HelenGot it. I'll ask Monsoon Squad and 404 to keep an eye out for Dushevnaya and the others while they're in the field.我知道，我会拜托季风小队和404在外面执行任务的时候多加留意杜莎妮她们的下落。

UllridI guess that's all we can do. Still, what would Dushevnaya need all that money for?也只能这样了，不过，杜莎妮要这些钱做什么呢？

UllridWhile this was quite reckless, she's always cared about the Community. Could it be that she or Phaetusa really do have a plan?她虽然乱来，但一直都是真心为社区着想，会不会她或者是翡图萨真有什么办法？

HelenLet's think positive and assume that's what they have in mind. In any case, I doubt she'd go to an auction, right?带着积极的想法去推演的话的确会得出这样的结论，反正我想这个孩子总不会去拍卖会场吧？

UllridAhahahaha, of course not. Why would they be interested in horrible places like that?啊哈哈哈，那肯定不会，她们怎么会对那种糟糕的场合感兴趣。

UllridSo I guess they've gone to look for an underground broker?八成是跑去找暗商了吧？

HelenThat does seem to be the case... And besides, they wouldn't know anything about the auction.就是如此呢……何况，她们也不知道拍卖会的消息。

HelenI'll inform the brokers I know.我也会通知认识的暗商们的。

(After a brief silence, the tension in the room finally eases up.)（一个短暂的沉默，终于让气氛缓和了下来。）

(A cool breeze wafts in through the window. Had that tempest of frustration been nothing more than a passing mirage?)（窗户透进来丝丝凉意，好像刚才的烦闷只是个由内而外的幻觉。）

UllridSo, do you have any other solutions to the frame problem?所以，你有其他办法可以解决素体的问题？

HelenEver since the Commander became a fugitive, more and more ex-Griffin Dolls have come to realize that he needs their aid. A lot of them are quite influential in the Yellow and even the Green Zones.自从指挥官遭到通缉以来，越来越多过去格里芬的人形认识到指挥官需要帮助，其中不乏在黄区甚至绿区的社会上拥有相当影响力的女孩子。

HelenI was planning to employ their assistance in coming up with a solution. As Dolls, it's only natural that we'd want spare frames for ourselves. If we don't go overboard with purchasing, it won't arouse suspicion.我打算请她们帮忙想办法，自身就是人形所以希望获取备用素体，只要控制数量，就不会让人起疑。

UllridThey... Are they ALL going to help the Commander?她们……都会帮助指挥官吗？

HelenWe've all been preparing ourselves to be useful to him since that day ten years ago.大家都为有一天能帮助他做好了准备，从十年前起就是如此。

HelenThe feelings engraved in our neural clouds will never fade.心智上铭刻下的心意是不会消失的。

UllridAnd it's all because the Commander gave his Dolls the right to decide their destinies... How wonderful. Had I encountered the Commander earlier, perhaps even I could have become a better version of myself...因为指挥官给了人形们自由决定自己命运的权力……真好啊，如果我也能那么早就认识指挥官的话，现在会不会更出色一些呢……

UllridWait a minute, I just realized something!等等，我突然想起来个问题！

UllridI haven't received any notice of our vehicles being requisitioned or stolen, so how did they even leave?我没有接到有载具被征用或者劫持的报告，她们是怎么离开的？

Milk Teeth 犊牙

DushevnayaAll aboard! Onwards, to Rookie Village!出发！前往起源之镇！

SakuraGot it, Miss Dushevnaya.知道啦，杜莎妮小姐。

SakuraI didn't expect you to turn out to be KSVK. After all, your body's completely different, so I couldn't tell at all. Looks like someone's had it worse than me over the past few years.真没想到原来你就是KSVK啊，素体完全换了，根本看不出来，这段时间原来还有比樱花更辛苦的人在呢。

SakuraStill, do you really not remember our time together in Griffin? Bweeeh, I guess I was but a mere fly on the wall to you...不过你不记得我们在格里芬时候的事了吗？呜呜呜，果然我还是太不起眼了。

DushevnayaFret not, O comrade from a bygone life. Soon, the tales written of you will return to my mind—and the beautiful memories of this shared sojourn shall join.前世的伙伴啊，无需介怀，很快吾也会想起你来的——连同这段一道启程的美好回忆。

SakuraSo, where are you guys headed?所以，你们想要去哪里？

DushevnayaThe Strategist says that the Supreme Leader's been quite vexed about a lack of spare frames lately. Thus, she proposed that we help ease her worries.军师说，首领大人最近一直在为缺少素体而烦恼，于是主张我们应该替她分忧。

DushevnayaThis battle, this adversary stands in the way of our survival!此为存亡之战！

PhaetusaI just said that issue was giving her headaches. I certainly didn't propose anything. So don't go pinning this on me, okay?!我只是说她在头疼这方面的问题，没有出什么主意，不关人家的事哦！？

SakuraSpare frames? Yeah, those are pretty rare in the Yellow Zone... Ah, but I think I remembered something...备用素体？那个在黄区的确很少有呢……啊，不过我好像记得……

SakuraAnyway, you're heading to Port Mica? We'll be making deliveries there for a week, so we can drop you off there. As for auctions, though... Don't know much about them.硅砂港？那还真巧，我们接下来要在那里出勤一周，刚好可以把你们送过去……不过拍卖会啊，感觉是十分陌生的名词。

SakuraDid the Commander send you on a mission? That's amazing! I wish the Commander would send me on a mission too!难道说指挥官派你们来的吗？真是了不起！我也好想能接到指挥官的任务啊！

Phaetusa...Ah, I think my database has some information on auctions. Apparently, they're places where you can buy things as long as you can pay.……那个那个，我的记忆库里有关于拍卖会的信息，是只要出钱就能买到东西的场合。

PhaetusaHowever, you need to have very high social standing and whatnot to take part. And then you have to put down a deposit too... Are we really going to participate?但是似乎对社会地位之类的要求很高呢，还需要支付担保金……我们要参加这种场合吗？

SweeperHehe, the cost doesn't matter. I won't let anyone keep me from getting what I want.哼哼，和钱没关系，我不会让谁妨碍我得到自己想要的。

DushevnayaSurely the Supreme Leader must have planned to enter this auction. Why else would she have all that money ready?首领大人一定也是准备参加这个拍卖会，才把钱都准备好了！

SakuraWowie—She had THAT much saved up?! Looks like you won't have to worry about the cost, yes...哇啊——这么多！？看起来的确是不用担心了呢……

DushevnayaYup yup, no worries here!嗯不用担心不用担心！

DushevnayaThank you for giving us a ride, O Ninja Master—谢谢你愿意载我们一程，忍者大师哟——

SakuraIt's Sakura!我是樱花！

SakuraIn any case, helping the Community means helping the Commander, and this one is always glad to be of service, nin-nin!帮助人形社区就是帮助指挥官，吾辈只会义不容辞！忍忍！

Sakura...So this means I'm actually helping the Commander out, right? Ehehe~……这样真的算是帮上指挥官的忙了，对吧？诶嘿嘿~

DushevnayaYup, an important operation like this concerns the future of the Doll Community, so I'm sure the Commander would support it!嗯，指挥官一定会支持这次事关人形社区未来的重要行动！

DushevnayaHe'll definitely praise you when the time comes, Sakura!届时指挥官也一定会表扬你的，樱花！

SakuraR-really? So the Commander will pat my head again as a reward?!真，真的吗？那指挥官可以再摸摸我的头夸奖我吗！？

SakuraEhehe...诶嘿嘿……

Truck-senpaiBaka Sakura, keep an eye on your deadlines!傻瓜樱花，注意订单即将超时！

Truck-senpai(These two... no, these three seem even less trustworthy than Sakura. Why would the great Commander send them to carry out a mission like this... Or did they just head out on their own?)（这两个，不对，三个人感觉比樱花还不靠谱，那个英明的指挥官怎么会指派她们进行这种任务……该不会是她们自顾自跑出来吧？）

Truck-senpai(Eh, forget it. If they mess up and get fired, Sakura's position in the pecking order will go up too. The Elmo's just another workplace, so I'll just disregard it for the sake of Sakura's future.)（算了，她们不争气被开除，樱花的排位大概也能上升，艾莫号也是职场，为了樱花的未来就先不管吧。）

SakuraWhew, that was close. Alright, it's just up ahead.好险！好了，前面就到了。

SakuraI need to make some other deliveries, so I'll be heading off now. I'll be passing by here again before I head back to the Elmo, though. I'll pick you up then!我还要去运送其他订单，之后就要离开这里了，不过我回艾莫号时还会路过，届时我再来接你们吧！

DushevnayaHuzzah! Bye-bye, little ninja girl! Destiny will lead us to another encounter!好耶！拜拜，小小的忍者哟！命运会指引我们再次相遇！

SakuraIt's Sakura!是樱花！

(Dushevnaya and Phaetusa dismount from Sakura's truck and walk from the beach to a cobblestone path. A town stands before them.)（杜莎妮和翡图萨跳下樱花的货车，从沙滩走上石板路，一座城镇在她们面前展开。）

(Its name is "Port Mica", a small, hard-to-find footnote on the map; yet, it now stands before them. For Dushevnaya and her friends, the air here is exceptionally fresh compared to the Yellow Zone. The colorful plazas and well-preserved buildings paint a portrait of advancing civilization.)（“硅砂港”，这个在地图上不好找的小小地名，现在占据着视野中最醒目的位置——对于杜莎妮一行来说，相对黄区格外清新的空气，五彩多姿的广场与外观完好的建筑，呈现出了“文明”的进步形态。）

PhaetusaAh, this place is so pretty. It's even more moving when you think about how this place is technically still in the Yellow Zone.啊，这个地方真漂亮。一想到这里实际上依旧是黄区的范围，就更加感动了。

PhaetusaIt seems that as long as you have ample income and manage your finances well, you can live a decent life, even if you're in the Yellow Zone.看起来只要有足够的资源并且用心打理，即使在黄区也可以过得体面。

SweeperIt's a mess, that's what it is. They sacrificed efficiency for this so-called progress, and there's pollution everywhere...真是乱七八糟，为了所谓的发展忽视效率，弄得到处都是污染……

PhaetusaNyxie, this isn't pollution. It's called "graffiti", a form of street art.小黑，这不是污染，这叫做“涂鸦”啦，是一种街头的艺术。

SweeperYou call this art? It's just lame. Plus, it's not like they have infinite resources either. The humans are so troublesome that they've infected the Dolls in the Community with their inefficiencies too.什么艺术，真是无聊，明明物资不是无限的，就是因为人类这么麻烦，社区里的人形也有样学样变得低效了。

SweeperDushevnaya, have you found the location of this "auction" yet?杜莎妮，叫做“拍卖会”的地址你找到没有？

DushevnayaDon't rush me! I'm consulting the terrain scroll! Let's see, Rookie Village, Adventurers' Guild... got it!别催！已经在翻阅卷轴了！起源之镇，冒险者公会……找到了！

DushevnayaPrithee, Warmaster, bestow upon me knowledge of where Port Mica's Special District No. 3 is!战帅，请告诉我硅砂港的3号特区在什么地方！

SweeperHow should I know?!别问我啊！

???I know where it is.我知道哦。

(A girl's voice suddenly chimes in from beside them.)（少女的声音突然从旁边响起。）

GirlBig Sis, are you all from the outside?姐姐，你们是外乡人吧？

DushevnayaYes we are! Miss NPC, we're heroes who have come to Rookie Village on a quest to save the world from impending doom!正是！NPC小姐，我们是来起源之镇寻找末日救赎的勇者！

Sweeper...How can you even say all that nonsense with a straight face? Just what did the humans do to you...……能一本正经说出这么没有条理的话，人类究竟对你做了什么……

GirlHaha, that's so funny, Big Sis!哈哈，姐姐们说话很有意思！

GirlWant me to lead the way for you?需要我给你们带路吗？

SweeperYeah, this tooootaally isn't suspicious at all. Maybe a round of enhanced interrogation will...你这人类很可疑呢，先让我拷问……

(Suddenly, a mighty force seizes control of Sweeper's frame. Before Sweeper can raise her hand, Phaetusa smiles at the girl.)（突然，一股强硬的力量抢夺了素体的控制权，在清道夫抬起手之前，翡图萨的笑颜出现在少女面前。）

PhaetusaOh, that would be most lovely! Big Sis will be counting on you, little girl~那太好了！这位小妹妹，姐姐们就拜托你了哟~

(Phaetusa's entire demeanor has changed. She approaches with an excited look on her face, her hands flailing restlessly.)（翡图萨整个人换了副“面孔”，她兴奋地凑了上去，一双手躁动不安。）

(These vibrant, cute little human pups—kids, in other words—can't be compared to the Commander, of course. However, Phaetusa's base layer logic is filled with instructions about cherishing and protecting humans of their age group.)（鲜活、可爱的人类幼崽——也就是“孩子”，虽然不能和指挥官比较，但翡图萨的底层逻辑里写着对这种年龄层人类的爱怜与保护。）

GirlCome with me. Special District No. 3 isn't far off.跟我来吧，3号特区离这里不远。

(The group follows the girl into the town's alleys.)（跟随着少女，一行人走进城镇的巷道。）

(After passing through a series of narrow, twisting paths, they arrive at a quiet, deserted street.)（穿过一系列狭窄、弯曲的小路之后，她们来到了一条寂静无人的街上。）

GirlHere it is, Special District No. 3.到啦，你们找的3号特区。

PhaetusaWhy, thank you! You're most kind!谢谢你哦！你太善良了！

PhaetusaWhat's your name, little girl?小妹妹，你叫什么名字呀？

GirlI'm Zoe.佐伊。

PhaetusaEhehe, that's such a cute name!诶嘿嘿，真是个可爱的名字！

PhaetusaI don't know how to convey my gratitude, so... may I touch you?我不知道该怎么表达感谢，我……我可以摸摸你吗？

(As she looks at Phaetusa's half-poised hand, Zoe beams with a sunny smile.)（看着翡图萨无措的手，佐伊露出了一个阳光的微笑。）

ZoeMake sure you remember me, okay?那你要记住我哦。

(With those words, Zoe pulls on Phaetusa's hand and stands on her tiptoes before giving her a kiss on the cheek.)（说完，佐伊拉住翡图萨的手，踮起脚尖在她脸颊上亲了一下。）

ZoeHave fun! I'll be off now~祝你们玩得愉快！我先走啦~

(All Dushevnaya sees now is Phaetusa, frozen in place.)（此时此刻，杜莎妮只看到一个呆若木鸡的翡图萨。）

(She doesn't see the raging storm inside her neural cloud.)（她没法看到，翡图萨的心智里正在掀起惊涛骇浪。）

PhaetusaEhhhhhh— W-w-w-w-w-was that a... a, a kiss?!咦——这，这这这难道是……亲，亲吻吗！？

SweeperSeems like it. More importantly...好像是吧，比起这个……

PhaetusaDid you feel that? Her lips were so soft, softer than a kitty or a puppy! That was a delicate texture that only humans possess!你感受到了吗？她的嘴唇好软，比小猫、小狗都要软，是独属于人类的娇气质地！

SweeperWoman. Calm. Down.你能不能冷静一点。

PhaetusaCalm down? Calm down?! A human pup just kissed my cheek!冷静？！我刚刚可是被一个人类幼崽亲吻了脸颊哦！

PhaetusaWhat could possibly be better than that, unless of course it was the Commander doing it instead!除了把对象换成指挥官，世界上还有比这更幸福的事吗？

SweeperDon't know, don't care. Also, have you forgotten that this is my frame too?听不懂，何况，你不会忘记这也是我的素体吧？

PhaetusaBut, but-but... I just learned how to properly kiss someone! When I go back to the Community, I'll be able to kiss the Commander too...可是，可是可是……难得人家学会了亲吻的正确做法，接下来回到人形社区就可以对指挥官也亲……

SweeperW-what?! How dare you! No! Absolutely not!你，你敢！？不准不准！

SweeperIf you had even a tenth of the IQ points I do, you'd have realized that girl was actually pretty uncute.但凡你有我十分之一的理智，就会发现那女孩一点都不可爱。

PhaetusaIn what way was she NOT cute?!她哪里不可爱了？！

SweeperBecause she stole your wallet, you blithering idiot! She did it during the 0.56 seconds you spent blue-screening from a fleeting whisper of her lips.因为她把你腰上的口袋偷走了！白痴！就在你因为被人类幼崽的嘴唇触碰而发呆的0.56秒内。

SweeperI'll take care of it! Assuming direct control!交给我来处理，快把控制权拿来！

DushevnayaHelloooo? Warmaster? Strategist~?唔？战帅？军师~？

(Dushevnaya waves her hand in front of Phaetusa's face, trying to awaken her insensate companion(s) from their slumber.)（杜莎妮正在翡图萨眼前摆动手掌，试图唤醒这个发呆的同伴。）

(Suddenly, Phaetusa bursts forth like an artillery shell, startling Dushevnaya so badly that she stumbles back.)（突然间，翡图萨整个人像炮弹一样冲了出去，把杜莎妮吓了个趔趄。）

SweeperAfter her! We need to get that Zoe girl!快跟上！我们去抓住那个叫佐伊的女孩！

DushevnayaMiss NPC? But she fulfilled her role, didn't she? Do we need to keep bothering her?NPC小姐吗？她已经完成任务，不需要再打扰她了吧？

SweeperShe stole our stuff! Also, I'm pretty sure this isn't Special District No. 3.她偷了我们的东西！而且我打赌，这里根本不是3号特区。

(Just as she says that, the whistling of projectiles surging through the air comes from all around them.)（话音刚落，几道破空声从四周传来。）

(The two Dolls dodge what turn out to be pebbles fired from slingshots.)（两位人形闪身避过，发现那是些弹弓投射出的石子。）

Young VoiceIt's not working, Big Sis!大姐头，我们的攻击不奏效！

ZoeThat's because they're not humans. They're Dolls.她们不是人类，是人形。

ZoeFall back and let the auto-thugs slow them down.撤退，让“自动打手”拖住她们。

(A chorus of creaks fills the air as a group of old robots pour out from all around them.)（随着吱吱呀呀的声响，一些老旧的机器人从四周涌了出来。）

Milk Teeth 犊牙

Young VoiceOh no, the auto-thugs are totally useless!糟了，这些自动打手完全不顶用！

Young VoiceRun away! Head for the secret tunnel!快跑！走秘密通道！

SweeperAre they all human pups? Let's grab one for starters—全都是人类的幼崽吗？先捕获——

(Sweeper and Dushevnaya react immediately, crossing the entire street in one movement.)（清道夫和杜莎妮立即做出反应，几乎一步就跨越了整条街。）

(Just as they're about to grab those kids, a figure suddenly cuts in from the side.)（只差一伸手就能抓住那些小孩的时候，突然一道身影斜着闪了出来。）

Sweeper?!？！

(Sweeper slams on the brakes. It's not because she fears the weapon flashing out at close range. Rather, it's because she's afraid that hitting the slim figure before her with her enormous momentum will send them flying away.)（清道夫猛地一个急停，不是在畏惧近在咫尺的刀光，而是怕巨大的动能会把跟前的纤细身体撞飞。）

(Standing before her is Zoe, holding a taser that emits an actinic blue arc of electrical current.)（是佐伊站在她跟前，手中握着一把跳动着蓝色火花的电击棍。）

(There's a ruthlessness in her face well beyond her tender years. She's clearly not afraid of hurting others or getting hurt herself. This attitude of hers has earned her some respect from Sweeper.)（少女身上流露出一股不属于这个年龄的狠戾，她不怕伤害别人，也不怕伤害自己，清道夫也不禁对这股气势起敬。）

(However, she's a girl who's barely in her teens. Against a Tactical Doll, anything she does is nothing more than ineffectual flailing.)（只不过，十岁出头的女孩，其身体素质放在战术人形面前，做什么都和撒娇没有区别。）

ZoeThat's enough, now—wha?到此为止了，你们马上——诶？

(The person who was just in front of her has suddenly vanished without a trace. In the next moment, Zoe's weapon hand is firmly in the grip of a Doll's soft fingers.)（视野中人形的身影突然消失无踪，下一瞬佐伊握着武器的手已经被人形柔软的手指牢牢钳制住。）

SweeperDone messing around?闹够了没有？

(Sweeper grabs Zoe by the scruff of her neck and lifts her up like a kitten.)（清道夫抓住佐伊的脖颈，把她像小猫一样提了起来。）

ZoeLet go of me! Let go!放开我！放开我！

SweeperWhy did you steal our stuff?为什么要偷我东西？

ZoeBecause it was there!因为东西就在那啊！

SweeperEh, makes sense. It's all because Phaetusa was a dork anyway.有道理，都是因为翡图萨是笨蛋。

SweeperStill, stealing is a hostile action. Now, have at you.但偷取物资是敌意行为，看招。

ZoeOwwwwwww!啊疼！

(Sweeper flicks Zoe's forehead. The girl squeals as she squeezes her eyes shut.)（清道夫弹了一下佐伊的额头，少女尖叫着闭上眼睛。）

PhaetusaNyxie, you don't have to be so rough with her.小黑，你不要那么凶嘛。

PhaetusaIt's not like I was carrying that much money with me anyway. We could have just let her take it...其实我也没有携带多少货币，就让她拿走也没事啦……

SweeperHave you forgotten that it's the Community's money too? We ALL need it.你也适可而止吧，这是社区里每个人都需要的钱。

DushevnayaI thought she was a kind NPC! But lo and behold, she was a thief!原本以为是亲切友善的NPC！真身居然是盗贼！

DushevnayaTwas truly a shame, but good has finally triumphed over evil! Now then, shall we turn you in to the knight order...真可惜呢，正义终于战胜了邪恶！接下来要不要把你送到骑士团去……

ZoeThere's no such place!没有那种地方！

SweeperYou dork, that's called the local police station.笨蛋，一般是应该称呼为治安局。

ZoeThere isn't one!没有！

Dushevnaya...Maybe the Adventurer's Guild?……那么冒险者公会呢？

ZoeIt doesn't exist!没有就是没有！

???She's not lying about that part.这句话她确实没有骗你。

???Oh yes, Port Mica doesn't have a Department of Public Security, hehe. And most certainly no guilds or whatnot.是的，硅砂港没有治安局，呵呵，当然也没有什么公会。

(A large group of people approach them from around a nearby street corner.)（不远处的街角，一大队人走了出来。）

(They're surrounding a well-dressed woman, who was the person who had addressed them so suddenly.)（人群簇拥着一位衣着华丽的贵妇人，刚才正是她在搭腔。）

???Just hand her over to me.把她交给我就行了。

???My name is Lydia, president of Connexion Corporation's operations in the Yellow Zone. I'm in charge of public order in this town.我叫莉迪亚，链讯集团的黄区总裁，这座城镇的治安目前归我管。

SweeperYou're in charge?归你管？

SweeperSince there's no police department in this place, what can you even do about this?既然没有治安局，你又是干什么的？

LydiaOur security department handles public security for this town. They've historically done pretty well at that job.我的安保部门就是这里的治安官，他们的业绩一向不错。

LydiaAs you can see, they're standing by my side right now.你看，如今在我身边的这些就是。

SweeperSo you bought out the cops?你收买了治安局？

(Lydia laughs heartily. She doesn't seem to take offense to that remark.)（莉迪亚爽朗地笑了，似乎没有从这句话中受到任何冒犯。）

LydiaI didn't buy them out. Rather, Port Mica itself was built around Connexion's operations. From its layout to its roads and its laws, everything here is designed to satisfy Connexion's production needs.不是收买，而是硅砂港本身就是围绕着链讯而建立，布局、道路、法律，这里的一切都是为了满足链讯的生产需要。

LydiaAs for me, I hate inefficiency in production and places which breed corruption.而我，讨厌没有效率的生产与容易滋生腐败的土壤。

DushevnayaI see, Liege-Lady. You must be an ally of justice who helps the people!原来如此，女领主，你是帮助大家的正义之人呢！

LydiaOh please, I'm just a businesswoman. You don't have to describe me in such flowery terms. It's simply because a stable market is a stable business. No businessman would want to set up shop in a den of crime.不需要把这种轻佻的词汇挂在嘴上，我只是个商人而已，平稳的地方有利于建设商业秩序，没有商人会希望自家门口是重罪灾区。

ZoeDammit, lemme go!可恶，放开我！

(Sweeper notices that Zoe has started thrashing wildly since Lydia showed up. Indeed, it was a classic case of a getaway attempt.)（清道夫注意到手上的佐伊从莉迪亚出现后憋着力量突然爆发了剧烈挣扎，似乎一心想要逃离她的面前。）

(By the looks of things, turning her over to Lydia would be more amusing.)（看样子，把佐伊交给莉迪亚会更有趣，她如此判断。）

SweeperMake sure she learns her lesson, okay?确保她受到教训，可以吗？

LydiaI will.我会的。

(Sweeper takes back the purse that Zoe swiped from her and then hands the girl to Lydia.)（清道夫从佐伊兜里拿回了被偷走的腰袋，然后把女孩交给莉迪亚。）

(With this little sideshow over, Sweeper feels like her disdain for humanity has grown even more.)（小插曲就此结束，她觉得自己更讨厌人类了。）

DushevnayaOh yes, we're looking for Special District No. 3. Could you guide us in the right direction?对了，我们在寻找3号特区，你能为我们指引方位吗？

LydiaOh? So you're here for the auction, then?哦？这么说，你们是来参加拍卖会的客人。

DushevnayaWow, you saw through my identity as the hero right away! This must be destiny's guiding hand!哇！居然能够一眼看破勇者的身份！看起来是命运的指引呢！

LydiaYou don't need to keep looking for Special District No. 3. Just follow me.不用找3号特区了，跟我走就行。

SweeperWhat, you're in charge of the auctions too?拍卖会也归你管？

LydiaLet me put it this way. I'm in charge of everything in Port Mica.不如说，硅砂港的一切都归我管。

LydiaArrange a good room for our two guests and send some refreshments over, though I'm not sure if they can enjoy them—给那两位客人安排好客房，再送些红茶和点心过去，虽然不知道她们能不能享用就是了——

LydiaConsider it an apology on behalf of Port Mica for a rather... unpleasant first impression.初来乍到就撞上煞风景的事情，总要有人替硅砂港赔礼道歉。

(After giving her orders, the only people left in the room are Lydia and Zoe.)（吩咐好下人之后，房间里只剩下莉迪亚和佐伊。）

(The girl is securely tied to a walnut-wood recliner, her eyes wide and bloodshot.)（女孩被麻绳绑在胡桃木的躺椅上，两只眼睛瞪得通红。）

ZoeYou really do think you're a good person, don't you!你还真把自己当“好心人”了！

LydiaCompared to a thieving little kid, the lady who makes sure everyone is housed and fed comes off as a good person, no?和偷东西的小孩相比，一个管吃、管住的姐姐怎么不能算“好心人”呢？

ZoeYou're just sucking up to your customers with your dirty money!你只是在用黑心钱奉承客户罢了！

ZoeThe cableman Bill's capsule house collapsed, and a family at the scrap yard came down with severe radiation sickness.线缆工比尔的胶囊小屋塌了，废料厂一家染上了重度辐射病。

ZoeWhere were you when those people were curled up crying by themselves in the old city bunkers? Where was their food and lodging?那些人蜷缩在旧城掩体底下哭泣的时候，怎么不见你站出来管吃管住！

LydiaI'm a businesswoman, not a philanthropist.我是商人，不是慈善家。

LydiaIf they came to me looking for work, I'd have HR arrange easier work for them. If they can't even manage that much, then there's nothing I can do.如果他们来我这里寻找工作，我会让人事部门安排轻松一点的活，如果他们办不到，我也只有爱莫能助。

ZoeBut you're rich!你明明有那么多钱！

LydiaThat's not how society works, Zoe.社会不是这么运作的，佐伊。

LydiaAll I can provide is jobs, and compensation equivalent to the value of their labor.我能提供的只有工作，以及基于工作价值相应的酬劳。

LydiaIf we let little scamps like you run rampant with wild fantasies about robbing the rich to give to the poor, Port Mica would be in chaos. Anyone can claim they don't have enough money. Who in this world hasn't suffered?如果任由你们这些妄想劫富济贫的小混蛋胡闹，硅砂港就不会拥有秩序，任何人都可以宣称自己的钱不够花，这个世道谁不曾受过苦难呢？

ZoeSo in the end, you're just a miser! If Della were here, she'd definitely help them!说到底还不是因为吝啬的关系，如果黛拉还在，她一定会帮助他们！

LydiaThen why isn't she here?那么，为什么她不在呢？

LydiaBecause she's dead. Fools get punished. Those are the rules of the game.她死了。愚蠢的人会因此得到惩罚，这就是游戏的规则。

ZoeDon't you dare talk about Mama like that!不许你说我妈妈！！！

(Zoe yells at the top of her youthful voice and struggles furiously, but she is nothing more than an irate hamster to the gazes that bear upon her.)（佐伊用她稚嫩的喉咙嘶吼着，娇小的身体努力在椅子上扭动着，像是一只发怒的小仓鼠。）

(The corners of Lydia's mouth turn up, but a smile does not make itself known. She walks up to Zoe and looks down on her.)（莉迪亚的嘴角微微牵起，但最终没有笑出来，她走到佐伊跟前，居高临下。）

LydiaShe was your mother, and she was also my sister. I will say whatever I want about her.她是你妈妈，也是我姐姐。我想怎么说就怎么说。

(She brings her face closer to Zoe's, her gaze piercing right through to beyond.)（她一边说，一边把脸凑得更近，好像要让视线剜进佐伊的瞳孔。）

LydiaWhat you loved was her kindness, her selflessness, how she was like an angel to everyone.你爱她的善良，爱她的无私，爱她像所有人的天使。

LydiaAnd that's the laughable thing, you silly little girl. It was those things that killed Della.真可笑啊，傻孩子。就是那些东西害死了黛拉。

ZoePtui! It was bad people that killed Della! Bad people like you!呸！害死黛拉的是坏人，像你这样的坏人！

(Lydia smiles and reverts to her previous demeanor—elegant, rational, her voice edged with a hint of cutting wit. A socialite through and through.)（莉迪亚笑了，她又恢复了先前的贵妇做派，优雅、理智、略带刻薄。）

LydiaYou're still too young and you know nothing.你还太小，什么都不懂。

LydiaThat's how people are. When they're young, they do what they want. When they're older, they do what they can.人就是这样，小时候想做什么做什么，长大了呢？能做什么做什么。

LydiaOnce you've accumulated a few scars, gone a few days without food, and seen just what life can do to you...等你再受一些伤、挨一些饿，尝过生活的苦头之后。

LydiaYou will come back to this room like a good little girl. You will have a cute little smile on your face and a cute little gift in hand, and you will say, "Dear Auntie, please give me a job."你就会老老实实回到这个房间，带着可爱的笑容和一点小礼物，跟我说：小姨妈，请给我份工作。

ZoeYou want me to work in a darkened sweatshop for 12 hours a day?在小黑屋里每天关上12个小时的工作吗？

ZoeI don't want anything from you! And I'll never call you by that disgusting name!我才不要你的工作！也不会叫出那个恶心的称呼！

ZoeI just want to get as far away from you as I can!我只想要你离我远点！

LydiaReally? But I think you're pretty good at leveraging your connection with me.是吗？可我觉得你挺会攀关系的。

LydiaAfter all, the reason why you can do all your wicked little deeds with impunity is entirely because of your relationship with me, is it not?你干坏事的有恃无恐，仰仗的不还是我吗？

Zoe...Tsk, my friends are way more reliable than you.……嘁，我仰仗的人比你可靠多了。

(Suddenly, Lydia hears an unusual sound, that of metal hitting metal.)（莉迪亚听到了不寻常的声音，金属撞击的声音。）

(It's like a musical scale: after the first note emerges, the others come in succession, filling the entire mansion.)（就像是一个音阶，从第一声冒头之后，余下的立刻爬遍了整栋豪宅。）

(Is it coming from the pipes? The walls? The furniture?)（是管道在响？是墙壁在响？是家具在响？）

(Or is it the "bones" of the building itself that are rattling?)（还是支撑整栋房子的“骨骼”在咯咯作响？）

(It's as though it shivers in fear of something.)（就像是对什么感到了“恐惧”。）

Wary ServantIntruder alert! Someone's gotten in!有闯入者！有人进来了！

Worried ServantWhere?在哪？

Wary ServantIn the front yard! Someone took down the guard there!前院！前院的保安被撂倒了！

Worried ServantGet up to the second floor! There's graffiti at the top of the stairs!快上二楼！楼梯口出现了涂鸦！

Wary ServantWait a minute, there's graffiti on the reception room windows too!等一下，会客厅的落地窗也有涂鸦！

Wary ServantThey probably got in through there!可能是从这里侵入的！

(As chaos fills the air, a servant opens the door to Lydia's room.)（骚乱声中，侍从推开了莉迪亚的房门。）

Wary ServantMa'am, there's an intruder in the house! I came to check that you were safe...主人，家里有闯入者！我来确认您的安全……

LydiaRight. Thanks for your concern.哦，谢谢你的关心。

LydiaBecause I definitely feel unsafe right now.现在我确实感到不安全了。

???Thanks for leading the way~谢谢带路~

(A handgun muzzle presses against the back of the servant's head.)（一把手枪抵住了侍从的后脑勺。）

(Someone steps out from behind him with light and quick footwork, like a cat hopping out from around a corner.)（从他背后，一个人影踏着轻快的步伐，像猫儿一样跳了出来。）

???Zoe, have you finished that family meeting with your mean old aunt?佐伊，和你的刻薄姨妈开完家长会了吗？

???Because I'm here to bring you home!我来接你回家了！

(Lydia's gaze grows cold.)（莉迪亚的眼神迅速冷了下来。）

(She had declared herself to be in charge of Port Mica just a while ago. However, right now, in her own home, she can't maintain her calm.)（虽然不久前才宣称硅砂港由自己掌管，此刻在自己的家里，她却没办法保持足够的从容。）

(Her gaze is serious, cautious, and completely focused. She studies the Tactical Doll before her like she's deciding which wire to cut on a ticking time bomb.)（她认真、谨慎，集中十二分的精神，就像在分辨定时炸弹里交错斑斓的电线般，凝视着眼前的战术人形。）

(Despite her cute appearance, Lydia knows that this Doll is more dangerous than any bomb.)（虽然外表无比的惹人怜爱，但她知道对方比定时炸弹更加危险。）

LydiaBasti, I trust you know what trespassing on my private residence implies.贝丝蒂，你应该明白私闯我的宅邸意味着什么。

BastiAw, lighten up. I remember you said something about how you'd welcome anyone who came to deliver money to you.别那么紧张嘛。我记得你说过，给你送钱的话，你随时欢迎。

(Basti slides a bag across the ground like a bowling ball.)（贝丝蒂像投保龄球一样向前扔出一个包裹。）

BastiIs this enough to post her bail? That should be enough, right?这是保释金哦？应该足够了吧？

BastiIf not, I can make up the difference with a few bullets~不够的话，我可以再加几颗子弹~

(Lydia doesn't respond. Instead, she turns to Zoe beside her.)（莉迪亚没有回应，而是转向身旁的佐伊。）

LydiaYou shouldn't be running with these ownerless Dolls. You're just going to hurt yourself.你不该和这些无主人形走那么近，你会把自己害了。

ZoeAt least these Dolls don't tie me up.至少人形不会把我绑起来。

ZoeAlso, Basti holds her own permissions. She's her own master!还有，贝丝蒂是拥有自由权限的人形，她就是自己的主人！

LydiaDella always hung around Dolls before she died. It's not a good sign.黛拉死前就总和人形混在一起，这不是好兆头。

ZoeThat's because she craved adventure! She did things you couldn't even begin to imagine!因为她需要冒险！她在做你无法想象的事情！

LydiaShe also suffered in ways I couldn't imagine.也吃了我无法想象的亏。

LydiaI took my eyes off her for a moment, and she just went and died like that.而且只是没有盯着她一会儿，就擅自给我死掉了。

(By this point, the mansion's entire staff has surrounded Basti. Dozens of guns are trained on her.)（此时此刻，整个宅邸的侍从都围了过来，几十把枪口对准了贝丝蒂。）

(Basti, on the other hand, merely rubs her fingernails together and seems entirely oblivious to the danger around her.)（贝丝蒂只是若无其事地摩挲着指甲，对威胁视若罔闻。）

(Lydia frowns, clearly unhappy that her carefully constructed appearance of legitimacy is being challenged. Thanks to the Doll before her, her authority is no longer as certain as before.)（莉迪亚皱了皱姣好的眉毛，十分不满自己苦心经营的合理性框架正被动摇。因为眼前的人形，她的权威不再那么确定。）

(However, her niece clearly does not share her views. Zoe seems to admire Basti's composure very much.)（不过，她的外甥女截然相反。佐伊为此着迷，仰望着这份从容。）

LydiaAlright, we have a deal.好，这笔交易我接受。

LydiaYou may go today. However, Zoe will need to apologize for what she's done.你们今天可以走，不过，佐伊依然需要为她的行为道歉。

(At Lydia's gesture, one of her servants produces a miniature audio recorder, which he turns on and points at Zoe.)（随着莉迪亚的一个手势，侍从取出一个微型收音机，打开并对准了佐伊。）

BastiVoiceprints... You do love these old-fashioned gadgets, don't you?声纹……你真是喜欢这种老掉牙的东西呢。

BastiFaking them is a piece of cake, you know.要伪造是再容易不过了。

LydiaThe Sable family founded the family business of "Connexion", through answering machines and pagers. This is merely carrying on a tradition.塞布尔家是依靠电话留言和传呼机起家创办的“链讯”，这叫遵循传统。

LydiaMoreover, to date, the precision of our family's voiceprint systems has never let us down.而且迄今为止，我们家族声纹系统的精密度，还从未让人失望过。

LydiaHow about this, Miss Zoe—If you're willing to recite the Sable family rules with me and admit your mistakes, I'll let you go. Otherwise, that stray cat over there will have to beat all my men in a quickdraw contest.怎么样，佐伊小姐——如果你同意跟着我背诵塞布尔家的家训，并且承认自己的错误，我就让你们走；否则，你身边的这位人形小野猫就要和我的部下们比拼一下开枪的速度。

LydiaAnd whoever wins, you'll still be down one more family member.而不管哪边赢，你都会再缺少一位家人。

ZoeHmph—!哼——！

LydiaSo, do you agree to these terms?你，同意吗？

Zoe...I agree.……我同意。

(After leaving Lydia's estate, Zoe walks down the road beside Basti.)（离开了莉迪亚的豪宅，佐伊和贝丝蒂并肩走在街上。）

BastiWhat should you be saying now?你现在应该说什么？

Zoe...I'm sorry.……对不起。

BastiMhm.嗯。

ZoeI was wrong...我做错了……

BastiWhat have we learned?反思呢？

ZoeI shouldn't have gone up against them. I caused you lots of trouble and made you waste all that money...我不该随便去和她们作对，给你添了麻烦，害你浪费那么多钱……

BastiHm? No no no, you've got it all wrong.嗯？不对不对，全都反思歪了。

ZoeHuh?诶？

BastiIn this world, nothing you do to get what you want is wrong, unless you get caught doing it!在这个世界上努力争取自己想要的东西没有错，但是被抓住就有错了！

BastiRemember what I told you? Running away is always your best option!还记得我怎么教你的吗？逃跑永远是第一位的！

ZoeBut I couldn't break free...可是我没法挣脱嘛……

BastiThen put on a show, fake being sick, pretend to be weak or something! Once the other side lowers their guard, you'll have a chance to flee!那就试试装病啊，示弱啊，只要对方有片刻大意，就可以伺机逃走了！

ZoeOh, so you can do that too?哦，还有这种方法！

BastiWell, now you know. Be smarter next time!学到了吧，以后要机灵一点哦！

ZoeGot it!嗯！

BastiYou know what we're going to do next is very important, right?你知道我们接下来要做的事情很重要吧。

ZoeI know!我知道！

ZoeI'll do my best to be useful to that great hero!我会努力的，我会成为对那位大英雄有用的人！

Starter's Pistol 发令枪

(The next day, at Port Mica's Special District No. 3. Located here is the HQ building for Connexion Corporation, the city's most glamorous business venue. It is currently full of people.)（翌日，硅砂港的3号特区，属于链讯集团的办公总部大楼，这座城镇最华丽的商务会场里挤满了人。）

SakuraHello! You've got a delivery!您好，快递上门！

SakuraPackage for Mr. Karl? Is Mr. Karl in?请问收信人“卡尔”先生在吗？哪一位是“卡尔”先生？

???Why are you shouting so loudly? Don't you know how to protect customer privacy?你喊那么大声干嘛？不知道保护客户隐私吗？

???Whatever, gimme that.行了，把东西给我。

SakuraGueeehhh— (H-he's so scary...)咕诶诶——（真，真可怕）

SakuraPardon me, please sign here—不好意思，那麻烦您在这里签收——

Sakura(Are Dushevnaya and Phaetusa here too? I hope things are going well for them. Unfortunately, I have other items to deliver, so I can't stick around.)（杜莎妮她们也在这里吗？一切顺利就好啦。可惜还有其他东西要送，没法留在现场了呢。）

(The air here feels exceptionally sticky. Nicotine, alcohol, caffeine, and perfumes... dozens of different scents mingle and blend into an olfactory cacophony.)（空气在这里变得格外粘稠，尼古丁、酒精、咖啡因和几十种香水混合在一起。）

(For anyone who hasn't been here before, this is probably what money smells like.)（对于初来乍到的人而言，这大概就是“金钱的味道”吧。）

DushevnayaWow—哇——

PhaetusaDushevnaya, don't space out at the doorway. Let's go inside.杜莎妮，别在门口发呆了，我们先进场吧。

DushevnayaOh, okay!哦，嗯！

ReceptionistGreetings, esteemed guests.您好，尊敬的客人。

ReceptionistPlease, leave your weapons here. I will guide you to your seats afterwards.请把随身武器寄存在这边，然后我会带您入座。

(Dushevnaya and Phaetusa do as they're told and follow the servant into the venue.)（杜莎妮和翡图萨老老实实照做，跟着接待员走进会场。）

(Both of them are a little uneasy about their surroundings. This world of velvet and orchestras is completely unfamiliar to them.)（她们都有些局促，这个天鹅绒和交响乐编织成的世界让她们非常陌生。）

DushevnayaAh, um, Phaetusa, you know how auctions work, right? What should we do next?那，那个，翡图萨，你很熟悉拍卖会吧？接下来要怎么做？

PhaetusaActually, I've only read about them in data archives... I know the rules for how auctions work, but absolutely nothing else beyond those.其实我也只是在资料里读到过……但除了规则我可以说是一无所知哦。

PhaetusaWe sit down, and then we wait... I guess that's it.坐下来，然后慢慢等着……吧。我猜是这样。

PhaetusaWe've already paid the deposit, after all... I'd be too ashamed to return to the Community without achieving something.毕竟已经交了担保金——要是没达成结果就真的没脸回社区了。

(Dushevnaya looks at the two drinks that have been set on the table before them. She picks one up and downs it—)（杜莎妮看到桌上提前备好了两杯饮品，她随手拿起来灌了下去——）

DushevnayaUwah, it's bitter!呜哇，好苦！

DushevnayaBlasted be, this beverage has been envenomed—!此乃剧毒之物——！

PhaetusaSniff sniff—Is this supposed to be coffee?闻起来——好像是咖啡？

DushevnayaEhhh?! Since when did coffee taste this bad? Springfield and Helen make yummy coffee.诶？！咖啡有这么难喝吗？明明春田和海伦泡的就很好喝。

(Phaetusa takes a sip of it as well, then sticks her tongue out in disgust.)（翡图萨也抿了一口，然后迅速吐了吐舌头。）

PhaetusaY-yeah, it's really bitter... uuuurgh... Humans do have varied tastes. I think I prefer what the Commander likes.确，确实是苦苦的味道……呜呜…… 人类的口味真是多变啊，我还是喜欢指挥官喜欢的那种味道。

???Ah... The coffee here is an espresso without any extra ingredients, so it's bound to be very bitter. It's mainly there to keep the participants as alert as possible.那个……这里的咖啡是不添加任何配料的特浓咖啡，所以肯定会很苦，主要是让参加者们保持最大限度的清醒。

???There are sugar cubes in this tin. Add as much as you like.这里有方糖的罐子，想要就随意添加吧。

(A girl who was passing by provides them with much-needed clarification.)（一个女孩边说边从旁边路过。）

(Dushevnaya studies her animal ears for a long time and finally concludes that they aren't simple fashion accessories.)（杜莎妮盯着对方的兽耳看了很久，终于确定那不是个简单的装饰。）

DushevnayaAre... Are you a Doll?你……你是人形吗？

???Yup. Was it that obvious?嗯。这么明显？

DushevnayaSure it was. Your ears look so cool!明显，你的耳朵很帅气！

FaelynnHehe~ My name is Faelynn. My table's next to yours.嘿嘿~我叫芙铃，座位就在你们隔壁。

FaelynnWant a few sugars? It'll help improve the taste of your coffee.要来几颗糖吗？能把那杯咖啡变得好喝一些。

DushevnayaOh, ye sweets-bearing savior! My finest thanks~是带来甜味的救星呢！谢谢啦~

(Just as she reaches out for the tin, another hand suddenly appears and snatches all the sugar cubes away.)（就在她伸手过去接的同时，另一只手突然出现，飞快地抢走了所有方糖。）

(She turns to glance at Dushevnaya, then proceeds to toss them all into her mouth, noisily crunching them all to bits.)（她歪头看了杜莎妮一眼，然后随手把方糖扔进嘴里，咔哧咔哧全部嚼碎。）

DushevnayaUwah?! Hey! You sugar thief!呜哇？！方糖强盗！

FaelynnYou... what are you doing?你……你在干嘛？

BastiHm? Don't you know I like sugar?嗯？不知道我有吃糖的爱好吗？

BastiQuit lollygagging and take your seat.别傻站着了，入座吧。

(And thus, this brief interaction comes to an abrupt end.)（这场短暂的交流就这样戛然而止。）

(The four Dolls sit at two separate tables, glancing at each other and exchanging whispers.)（四位人形分别坐在两桌，互相观察，窃窃私语。）

DushevnayaPhaetusa, don't those two Dolls over there look... kind of familiar?翡图萨，你看隔壁那两个人……眼熟吗？

PhaetusaNo. I don't recognize any Doll with the animal ears.不。我不认识兽耳的人形。

PhaetusaI think I've seen a sugar-eating one before, but she doesn't look like that.喜欢吃糖的倒是见过，但不长那样。

(Meanwhile, at the other table—)（此时的另一边——）

FaelynnBasti, is it me or do those two Dolls over there look kind of familiar?贝丝蒂，隔壁那两个人形，是不是有点眼熟啊？

BastiDon't worry about it. It's perfectly normal for patchwork frames like theirs to have accessories you've seen elsewhere, right?不用在意啦，那种七拼八凑的素体，有在其他素体上见过的配件不是很正常嘛？

BastiAre they from the Conglomerate? Do they work for underground brokers? Eh, whatever, not like it matters.是财团的？还是暗商的？算了，不重要吧。

FaelynnOh yeah, what was with that little stunt just now? Did your gustatory module break or something?对了，刚刚突发的口味变化是味觉模块出故障了吗？

BastiAh, such woe to have a partner blighted with such naivete!你这么单纯，很难做我的搭档诶！

BastiCan't you tell? I was giving them a hard time.没看出来吗？我不想让她们好过。

FaelynnBut why?为什么？

BastiZoe told me that those two were the ones who caught her yesterday.佐伊和我说了，昨天抓住她的就是这两个家伙。

???Ladies and gentlemen, here's a toast to Port Mica!诸位，让我们为硅砂港干一杯！

???This place has yielded such tremendous wealth and opportunities for the URNC. It would be a pleasure to employ the power of Port Mica to hone my elite team from the Orlog Conglomerate.这里给罗联创造了壮观的财富和机遇，我要用硅砂港的精神来锻炼这支奥尔劳格旗下的精锐团队。

???Come, feast your eyes on our team of professionals. They've spent the past eight months undergoing grueling training at the Conglomerate. Each of them has passed numerous tests, and they're capable of handling any kind of work.来，诸位，请见见我们的专业团队，他们在财团经历了8个月的专业培训，每个人都通过了各项测试，足以胜任各种工作。

???We're young, yet talented and capable. We're hungry and full of drive, and we're here to make a name for ourselves.我们都是有干劲的年轻人，敢打敢拼，想要做出一番事业。

???But as you know, hard work tends to be overdone, and that... eventually ends up harming the interests of others.但是你们都知道，努力就难免会激进，难免会……对他人的利益造成一些损害。

???Incidents like these are often unearthed by people with ulterior motives and then transformed into malicious rumors.而这些痕迹总会被别有用心的人找到，然后加工成恶意的谣言。

???I am at a loss for how to deal with such slander. It truly breaks my heart.我是无措的，心痛的，我不知道该如何面对那些中伤。

???All I know is that I must seek the aid of Lady Lydia. Only an exceptional individual like herself can understand the frustrations one encounters on the path to success.我只知道，我必须要找莉迪亚女士，只有她这样出色的人能够理解成功过程中的无奈。

(The guests have heard much about this young man called Karl.)（卡尔，来宾们多少都听过关于这位青年的传闻。）

(The media loves to describe him as "The Entrepreneur Who Clawed His Way Out Of Hell". Despite the hyperbolic language used, it's actually quite a fitting title.)（“地狱归来的企业家”，媒体喜欢用这种夸张的口吻去称呼他，某种意义上也确实贴切。）

(Not long ago, this wealthy young man was written off as a sacrifice along with the scandal-ridden Girard Group, sinking into the ocean along with his cruise liner.)（不久之前，这位年轻的富二代在一起吉拉尔集团的丑闻中沦为牺牲品，与自己的游轮共同沉入大海。）

(But recently, this man who was supposed to be dead has returned to the public eye, now with a completely new identity—a business manager of Cecht FABN.)（而就在最近，本该死去的他再次出现在众人视野中，摇身一变换了另一幅面貌——赛诺菲与法本的业务部长。）

(And now, he stands in the limelight, handling dirty and tedious work like a faithful mutt, leashed by the Orlog Conglomerate.)（现在的他走到了幕前，操持起肮脏、繁琐的事务，仿佛奥尔劳格财团最忠实的鹰犬。）

(Many businessmen have chosen to keep him at arm's length. However, the master of Port Mica does not share their opinion. Lydia slowly rises to her feet from among a group of upper-crust audience members.)（多数商人选择对他敬而远之。不过，硅砂港的东道主并不这么想。在一众雍容华贵的聆听者中，莉迪亚缓缓站起身来。）

LydiaKarl, you've definitely made the right decision.卡尔，你的决策无疑是对的。

LydiaEveryone knows that the company founded by my father, Connexion, has become the premier telecommunications service provider for the URNC. Our market share has been the envy of many of our competitors for several years now.大家都知道我父亲所打造的这家企业——链讯，成为了罗联前列的通信服务商，我们在黄区的占有率值得其他公司追赶好几年。

LydiaAll this stems from a simple wish—the desire to provide convenient comms to our clients. And convenience, well, is quite possibly the most expensive thing these days.这一切都源于一个简单的愿望，为用户提供便利的通讯，便利——这在如今或许是最昂贵的东西。

LydiaWe have invested manpower and resources to install Connexion's signal equipment into every signal beacon across the URNC.我们花费了人力、物力，在罗联的每一座信标投入链讯的通信设备。

LydiaThese efforts have yielded results, and now over 70% of the Yellow Zone's communications users have chosen Connexion as their provider.这些付出得到了回报，现如今，黄区有条件使用通讯的用户中，7成以上都选择接入链讯的网络。

LydiaOur clients have given us the strength to move forward, to achieve a great labor beyond our wildest imagination.是用户的支持推着我们向前走，走得比想象中更远。

LydiaHowever, it is still not enough.但是，这还不够。

LydiaFor a long time, wide area communications have relied on URNC's framework, and on the signal beacon network they built.长久以来，罗联制定的框架、制造的信标基站一直是广域通信的基本逻辑。

LydiaHowever, things are different now. We have a game-changer, something the URNC does not possess: tomorrow, Connexion will launch the very first airborne signal beacons!但，现在规则变了，我们拥有了罗联所没有的东西——明天，链讯将升起一座空中信标！

(The audience oohs and aahs in wonder. Rumors have been circulating that Connexion is working on a revolutionary piece of technology, using arrays of aerial drones to serve as flying beacons.)（听众们纷纷发出赞叹，早就有小道消息透露，链讯在研发一项突破性的技术，用无人机阵列搭建空中信标。）

(To date, the Yellow Zone's signal base stations have all been built along the URNC's transport network, using their sturdy construction to withstand ELID attacks and extreme weather. However, these base stations have their disadvantages, such as being unable to cover most areas and an extremely high attrition rate.)（迄今为止，黄区的信标基站全部由罗联沿交通系统搭建，以夯实的建筑结构来抵御生骸与极端天气，然而，这些基站建设有限，无法覆盖大部分区域，并且耗损率依然极高。）

(However, the use of Collapse particle-powered drones, which are capable of extended flight times, will allow them to break free of the shackles of terrain and radiation. They will also be able to move to avoid Collapse storms and other spontaneously arising hazards.)（而通过辐射能驱动，从而能长期飞行的无人机，摆脱了地形与辐射的桎梏，也能通过移动来规避坍塌风暴之类的突发风险。）

(The concept itself isn't unique, but only Connexion can actually make it a reality. Part of it is due to their long years of experience with the Yellow Zone. Another factor is their connections, much like their namesake, which has convinced the military to grant them access to mil-spec technology.)（这个理念并不是什么独家卖点，但只有链讯最终将之实现，这完全得益于他们在黄区多年的经验，以及能让军方松口军用技术的交际圈。）

(From now on, these drones will provide precious signal access to many Yellow Zoners who have lost contact with the outside world. Of course, it won't be free, but it'll be worth it.)（从今往后，这些无人机将为至今为止与外界失去联络的诸多黄区人，提供宝贵的信号——当然，这些信号不会是免费的，但无疑值得。）

(This doesn't just imply better communications coverage and quality of life for an average person. It means that the concept of "signal beacons" will no longer be bound to land-based structures, or subject to the URNC's control.)（这不仅仅意味着通信覆盖面的扩大和人民生活的改善，也代表“信标”这个概念将脱离地面建筑的框架，更脱离罗联的控制。）

(One can only imagine how these airborne beacons will usher in a brand new digital world without any oversight once they come online.)（可以畅想，上线后的空中信标，即将带来一片无人监管的数字新大陆。）

(Meanwhile, every businessman present dreams of being a Columbus of this new age.)（而到场的商人们，人人都怀揣着一颗新时代哥伦布的梦想。）

(Lydia smiles and declares the auction open before exiting the stage.)（莉迪亚微笑着宣布拍卖会开场，走下台去。）

(Karl steps forward to meet her, flashing a smile that only a wealthy young master would possess.)（卡尔迎了上来，露出富家公子特有的自信笑容。）

KarlBeautifully spoken. Connexion has been growing each day ever since we met.说的太好了，自我们认识以来，链讯几乎每天都在进步。

LydiaOur founding principles remain the same.我们的宗旨还是一样。

LydiaWe provide "sharing" for the public and "privacy" to our friends.为大众实现“分享”，为朋友提供“隐私”。

KarlAnd we ARE friends, are we not?我们早就是朋友了，不是吗？

KarlSometimes, I know what you need better than you do.有时候，我比你还了解你需要什么。

(After the first round of auction items is sold off, the big LCD display shows the latest lot—a batch of Doll frames.)（第一轮拍卖品被人买走后，此时液晶屏上正在展示这一轮的拍卖品——一批人形素体。）

(Many voices begin making bids, and the host scrambles to record them all.)（台下有不少出价的声音，主持人正忙着一个个记录。）

KarlI'll raise by a hundred.我加一百个。

(A clamor erupts in the audience. After all, Karl's first move was to double the starting bid price!)（场下顿时一片哗然，卡尔一次性将竞拍金额拔高了一倍！）

(Lydia watches with mild interest. She knows this young man from Orlog is just showing off, but she sees no reason to object to it. After all, this vulgar display of wealth is dedicated to her.)（莉迪亚饶有兴致地看着，她当然知道这个奥尔劳格财团的年轻人是在炫耀自己的羽毛，但是既然这场华丽的秀是献给自己的，也没有讨厌的理由。）

LydiaI hear people say that... you don't like Dolls.我听说……你并不喜欢人形。

Karl...That is correct. But this is for you, my dear Lady Lydia.……没错，可这是为你，亲爱的莉迪亚女士。

KarlI've heard that some people in this city have set themselves against you. If you gave these frames suitable weapons, you could have an army at your disposal.我听说这个城市里有些人和你过不去，而这批素体再加上适当的武装，你就可以拥有一支军队。

KarlAnd even if you don't need an army, Dolls can be excellent workers too. You're always in need of manpower, aren't you?即使你不需要军队，人形也能成为优秀的员工，而这里永远都缺人手吧？

HostAre there any more bids?还有人要加价吗？

HostYes, there are! No. 36 raises by one, No. 37 raises by one...有了！36号加一，37号加一……

KarlI'll raise by another hundred.再加一百个。

(The air has started to heat up, now that Karl has raised his bid twice by such a massive amount in rapid succession. The bid price for the lot is far in excess of its actual value.)（连空气都变得燥热起来。卡尔接连两次大手笔的抬价，已经让成交金额远远超出了拍卖品的价值。）

(Karl raises an eyebrow and turns to look at Lydia, enjoying the attention from the people around him.)（卡尔向莉迪亚挑了挑眉，享受着所有人的注视。）

LydiaHoho, thank you. I'm glad you're going to these lengths for me, but really, you shouldn't have. The manpower issue can be solved internally.呵呵，谢谢，我很高兴，可你不必这样做，卡尔，我能应付人手问题的。

KarlOf course you can, but I've decided to bestow upon you this gift.你当然可以，但是我已经决定要送你这件礼物了。

KarlAnd thus, you shall receive.那你一定会得到它。

HostAnother raise! No. 36 raises by one!又有人加价了！36号加一！

HostNo. 37 to follow up! No. 37 raises by three!37号也跟进了！加了三个！

Karl(What's going on?)（怎么搞的？）

(Karl feels a wave of heat rising to the top of his head. How dare anyone else get into a bidding war with him? He's not an impetuous, arrogant young master anymore. He works for Mr. Zimmerman now, which means he needs to know exactly where each cent he spends is going.)（卡尔感觉一股热浪冲上头顶，为什么还有人敢加价？现在的他不是意气用事的少爷了，他为齐默尔曼先生卖命，他必须清楚自己的每一分钱花在哪里。）

(The big sum he's putting down isn't meant to buy the Doll frames, but to open the door to the company called Connexion that Lydia runs.)（他出高价购买的不是人形素体，而是打开莉迪亚旗下“链讯”大门的投名状。）

(That being the case, who are these people who keep raising over his already outrageous bid? Are they Lydia's stooges? Is she trying to test his wealth?)（那么，敢于在这个夸张数字上继续加价的又是什么人？是莉迪亚的托吗？是在考验他的财力吗？）

(Karl glances over at Lydia. Her eyes are sparkling, but she seems as surprised as he is, because she's looking for those bidders too.)（卡尔看了一眼莉迪亚，对方眼神闪烁，但似乎和他一样惊讶，寻找着那个出价人。）

(Karl grits his teeth. The show must go on... perhaps backing down would be wise, but wouldn't that also make him look weak to the others?)（秀必须进行下去……卡尔咬了咬牙，后退也许是明智的，但其他人会不会因此认为他懦弱？）

(He has no doubt that Cecht FABN and Zimmerman—the person who allowed Karl to call him "uncle"—will not tolerate weakness or failure.)（无疑，法本集团和齐默尔曼——那个允许他称呼自己为“叔叔”的人，绝对不会容许懦弱和失败。）

KarlI'll raise by another hundred...再加一百……

(Karl forces the words out through gritted teeth. However, before the echoes of those words have even faded from the air—)（卡尔咬着牙说出这句话。然而，他甚至没能等到自己的尾音落地——）

HostNo. 36 raises by one again! No. 37 too! No. 37 raises by five!36号又加一了！还有37号！37号加五！

HostNo. 36 raises by one, No. 37 raises by ten! No. 36 raises by one, No. 37 raises by three...36号加一，37号加十！36号加一，37号加三……

(A bizarre frenzy has engulfed the auction. The bidding has gone beyond the point of simply making a profit; it's now a race to see who can give more money away.)（拍卖会的场面陷入了一种匪夷所思的疯狂，竞价到了这个阶段早已脱离了盈利的范畴，而是在抢着送钱。）

(Dushevnaya knows that the Community's biggest challenge right now is a lack of resources. She's seen the calculations Ullrid has made and she knows just how precious the funds that Ullrid "gave" her are.)（杜莎妮知道，人形社区面临的最大困境就是资源不足。她看过乌尔丽德如何精打细算，深知乌尔丽德“给她”的资本有多么重要。）

(That's why she only raised by one each time.)（所以，每次加价她只会加一。）

(She wants to help Ullrid by purchasing the frames as cheaply as possible.)（她想帮上乌尔丽德的忙，想用最少的预算拿下需要的人形素体。）

(No matter how much Dushevnaya, in the name of a hero, declares to Phaetusa or Sweeper that wasting this money is unacceptable, that fact itself will never change.)（对于杜莎妮来说，浪费这些资金是不可容许的——不论她以勇者的名义如何对翡图萨或者清道夫宣称，这一点都不会改变。）

(Dushevnaya knows that she can't betray her friends' trust.)（杜莎妮知道，自己绝不能背叛同伴的期待。）

(The only problem is that she has no idea just how much Doll frames should cost on the open market.)（唯一的问题，就是她不了解人形素体的市场价应该是多少。）

DushevnayaI'll raise by one!再加一！

(That's why the actions of the "blondie" beside them are utterly incomprehensible.)（所以，隔壁的“小黄毛”的行为，让她十分困惑。）

(She keeps flashing evil grins at them, then casually calling out more raises.)（她不断露出坏坏的笑，然后随意地喊出价格。）

(Dushevnaya can't sense any respect for money from her.)（杜莎妮从她身上，感觉不到对资金的敬畏。）

BastiUp by three this time~这次加三吧~

DushevnayaRaise by one again!再加一！

BastiI'll just raise by five then.那我加五咯。

DushevnayaOoooohhhhh...嗯咕咕咕…………

(While she doesn't quite understand how auctions work... the surprised looks on the faces around her give her a few clues.)（虽然不太明白拍卖会的运作方式——杜莎妮从周围其他人诧异的视线中还是能够发现端倪。）

(She ought to stop bidding, but... if she stops now, what will happen to the amount she's already put forward? Dushevnaya suddenly realizes she has no idea, and that realization makes her freeze up.)（要喊停才正确，可是……喊停的话，已经叫出的价格怎么办？杜莎妮一下子触及了自己知识方面的盲区，完全卡在了这个局面下。）

PhaetusaD-Dushevnaya, we, we should stop, bweeeehhh... I'm really scared now. I think I'm going to faint! Please stop!杜，杜莎妮，可以了可以了呜呜呜……我现在好怕，我要晕了！快停下！

DushevnayaSuch frivolity! That is not the way of the auction! The foe has lost her way in this duel of numbers! I must rescue her from this brazen enchantment!居然如此轻佻！这可不是拍卖之道！在数字之间的博弈中对方已经迷失！我必须要拯救她于水火之中！

SweeperActually... I think YOU'RE the one who's more into this than anyone else... Like, you could just buy the frames off the black market for this kind of money. Seriously, who taught you this "way of the auction" rubbish. I'll go give them an educational stabbing.不是……我觉得你比谁都上头……怎么看这个价格都不如到黑市去换了……到底谁教你的拍卖之道，我帮你砍了他。

PhaetusaYeah, yeah! We're the ones who need rescuing more!是啊是啊，明明是我们更应该被拯救吧！

DushevnayaBelieve in me! I carry the future of the Doll Community on my back, as well as Helen's hopes! I shall not fall here!相信我！我的肩上担负着人形社区的未来，还有海伦和大家的心愿！ 我不会输的！

(Sweeper/Phaetusa facepalms.)（清道夫/翡图萨捂住了双眼。）

DushevnayaI RAISE BY ONE!!!再加一！！！

(However, there is no response from the other side this time.)（然而，这次隔壁没有了回应。）

(After a long, tense moment of held breath and silence, the sound of the falling gavel echoes through the venue.)（在一阵屏息凝神的安静过后，全场回荡起浑厚的落槌声。）

HostAnd SOLD to No. 36! Congratulations on winning the bid!让我们恭喜36号桌赢得了竞拍！

(She won? Dushevnaya is stunned. This victory feels too sudden, as though she'd skipped over the process of actually defeating the foe.)（赢了？杜莎妮有些恍惚，胜利来得很突然，好像缺少了敌人被打倒的过程。）

(Or rather, it wasn't her opponent who had lost.)（或者说，被打倒的并不是敌人。）

PhaetusaDushevnaya! That's way more than the amount we brought along!杜莎妮！那个金额已经完全超过我们带来的预算啦！

PhaetusaWhat do we do, what do we do..!怎么办怎么办！

(Dushevnaya feels a wave of dizziness wash over her, like she's lost touch with reality. Everything she sees next feels bizarre and surreal...)（杜莎妮感到一阵晕眩，对世界失去实感，那些闯入视网膜的画面全都显得光怪陆离。）

(She sees the long, long number on the main screen, the staffers heading toward her, that wicked little blondie laughing so hard that she looks like she's having a seizure...)（她看到屏幕上长长的一串成交金额，看到工作人员向自己走来，看到邪恶的小黄毛在座位上笑得发抖……）

Dushevnaya(—Dammit! I've been set up! 'Twas but a vile conspiracy! Ah, this is bad, I need to do something...)（——被算计了！是邪恶的阴谋！不行，必须要做点什么……）

(As the thought fills her, she musters all her strength and courage before lunging toward the neighboring table!)（想到这，她突然赌上了全身的力气与觉悟，一跃而起向着邻桌扑了上去！）

BastiHey!喂！

BastiThe hell are you doing? Being a sore loser?!你干什么?是不是输不起？！

StaffPlease stop! No violence is allowed on the premises!停一下！不要在会场内斗殴！

(The staffers quickly bundle Dushevnaya away while Basti revels in schadenfreude.)（工作人员迅速把杜莎妮拉开，贝丝蒂在一边幸灾乐祸。）

StaffCalm down please, dear customer. This is a place that values etiquette and regulations. Please contain your emotions.冷静一点，这里是重视礼仪和规则的场所，请控制你的情绪！

DushevnayaI'm sorry...对不起……

StaffSo, who is bidder No. 36?刚才成交的36号是哪一位？

(Dushevnaya holds up a paddle reading No. 37.)（杜莎妮举起了写着37的号码牌。）

PhaetusaHuh?咦？

(The staffer looks around and sees the paddle with the number 36 on Basti's table.)（工作人员环视了一周，然后在贝丝蒂的桌上找到了36号的牌子。）

StaffOh, No. 36 is here.哦，36号在这里。

(After seeing the paddle on the table, Basti's eyes widen. Then, she shoots Dushevnaya an approving look.)（看着桌上的号牌，贝丝蒂恍然大悟，然后对杜莎妮投去一个赞赏的眼神。）

BastiDamn, you look like a dork, but that was well-played—你这家伙看着呆傻，居然是个玩家呢——

BastiHaha, but that's what makes it fun! Fine, you got me, I'm No. 36.哈哈，这样才好玩嘛！好，我认输了，我们是36号。

StaffAlright then, please come with us to settle accounts.那么，请跟我们来付清一下款项。

BastiI didn't bring any money with me, though.可是我没有钱诶。

Staff?!？！

BastiAll I've got... is this.我只有这个。

(Basti holds up a hand. Everyone can see that she's twirling a pistol around her index finger.)（贝丝蒂把一只胳膊高高抬了起来。所有人都能看到，她正在用食指转动一把手枪。）

BastiWhat do you think? Handier than cash, no?怎么样，是不是比钱好用。

(A gunshot rings out, and then the crystal chandelier above them explodes into a cloud of sparks.)（一声枪响，头顶的水晶吊灯应声爆成飞溅的烟花。）

(It is followed by screams as the venue hall descends into chaos. Apart from money, the people here cherish one other thing—their lives.)（接着是此起彼伏的尖叫，会场内乱成一团。聚集在这里的人，除了有钱之外还有另一个共同特点——爱惜生命。）

StaffSecurity! Get security in here now!安保部队！快让安保部队过来！

Starter's Pistol 发令枪

PhaetusaOh no, everything's gone wrong. What should we do now...全都乱套了，现在该怎么办才好……

DushevnayaWe're innocent! Let's make a run for it!我们是无罪的！先溜吧！

(Suddenly, a row of bullet holes opens up at their feet.)（突然，她们脚下的地板被打出了一排弹孔。）

StaffThat's them! They're the Dolls who were causing trouble just now!就是她们！刚才闹事的那几个人形！

StaffGet them!把她们抓住！

PhaetusaEhhh?! But it wasn't us!诶？！闹事的不是我们吧！

(Phaetusa's protests fall on deaf ears as a group of security robots rush over.)（翡图萨的抗议没起作用，一群安保机器人已经冲了过来。）

SweeperShut up and run! Go get our weapons back!别解释了，快走！我们先把武器取回来！

SweeperWe can't get caught here!在这里被抓住就麻烦了！

(Dushevnaya and Phaetusa make a run for it. Without their weapons, all they can do is avoid direct confrontations and use available cover to circle around the opposition.)（杜莎妮和翡图萨开始逃窜。没有武器，她们只能避开所有正面交锋，利用掩体兜圈子。）

(Just then, the surrounding speakers suddenly spew a loud electrical crackling noise.)（就在这时，四周的广播突然发出一阵嘈杂的电流声。）

???Ahem. Hello? Hellooo? Can you hear me?咳咳。喂，喂？能听到吗？

???Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please. I have an important announcement to make.请大家的注意力都转到这边来，我有很重要的事情要说。

(The loudspeakers distort the voice. It sounds nervous, youthful, and slightly familiar.)（扬声器让声音产生了失真。它听起来有点紧张、有点稚嫩，还有点耳熟。）

???Your security system is filled with loopholes, your firewalls are outdated, and your encryption is, frankly speaking, crap.你们的安全系统存在隐患，防火墙有点过时，加密层级做得也不够深。

???In other words, it's a piece of cake for hackers to exploit.换句话说，非常容易被黑客入侵。

???Oh yes, we are the hackers in question.对了，顺便一提，我们就是黑客。

???This is the Black Utopia Gang speaking. You've been BUGged! Now then, ladies and gentlemen, I want to play a game.这里是黑色乌托邦（Black Utopia Gang），你们遇到B.U.G.s了！女士们，先生们，我们来玩游戏吧！

(Right as the words hit the air, the speakers hum with the sound of electrical systems shutting down.)（随着话音落下，扬声器中传出了电子系统临终的呜咽。）

(The power to the venue goes out, and the surroundings are plunged into darkness.)（整个会场的电源被悉数切断，四周陷入一片黑暗。）

Entropization 熵增

Head ServantI've heard that name before! These BUGs are a black hat hacker org that gave the banks quite a few headaches in the past.我听说过那个名字！B.U.G.s，一个黑客组织，之前给银行造成了不小的麻烦。

Head ServantWho the heck are they? Why are they targeting us?!他们是什么来头？为什么盯上我们？！

LydiaIt's her, it's them... it's Zoe and Basti, those little punks!是她，是她们……佐伊和贝丝蒂那两个小混蛋！

LydiaHow dare they mess up my auction! It looks like I'll need to teach them a harsh lesson!居然搅黄了我的拍卖会，看起来必须给她们一些严厉的教育！！

Head ServantIsn't that your niece? She's a hacker too?您的外甥女？她还会黑客技术？

LydiaI definitely didn't know she was into that sort of thing.我确实不知道她有这样的业余爱好。

LydiaBut I know what that greedy little molly is aiming for now.但是现在，我知道那个小馋猫盯上了什么。

LydiaSend your people to defend the warehouse! This disturbance and the power outage are all distractions. They're targeting the auction lots!立刻派人去守好仓库！骚乱、断电都是障眼法，她们的目标一定是仓库的拍卖品！

LydiaAlso, you're going up against a Tactical Doll, so don't hold anything back.对方是战术人形，千万不要留手。

KarlAlas, this is the problem with the Yellow Zone. You try to do honest business, but people like these just don't understand your ambitions. In the end, everything goes up in price.这就是黄区让人诟病之处，你试图做些正经事，然而这里的人根本无法理解你的志向。结果就是每件事都要支付额外的成本。

KarlBut you're not alone, Lady Lydia. I know what you need.但你并不是孤独的，莉迪亚女士，我知道你需要什么。

KarlMy people are all elite operators and professionals. And now, they are yours to command.我的人马，都是精英员工，专业团队，是你的了。

LydiaI appreciate your kindness, Karl. However, you're still a guest...卡尔，谢谢你的好意。不过，再怎么说你也是客人……

KarlOh, there's no need to stand on ceremony. We were supposed to be having a good time, and they've ruined it for all of us.别说这种话，太见外了。大家的雅兴都受到了叨扰，这件事不分你我。

KarlHold on, I'll assemble them now and place them at your disposal.等我一下，我这就去召集他们由你差遣。

LydiaAlright. I assume they'll need entry permits as well?好吧，我猜这需要……追加一些入场证？

KarlI do so love working with intelligent people.和聪明人说话就是让人愉快。

(Karl walks into the darkness behind him. His footsteps are hurried, and he deliberately goes a long distance away, to a place where Lydia can't hear him.)（卡尔走进身后的黑暗，他的步伐很急，似乎刻意走了很远，走到莉迪亚听不见的地方。）

(He takes out his communicator and holds it close to his mouth, his voice low and gurgly.)（他掏出通讯器紧紧贴在嘴上，喉咙里挤出一个低沉的气泡音。）

KarlHow's it going? Are you in the warehouse yet?怎么样？摸进仓库了吗？

???We did it, Boss! We're in!成功了，Boss！我们进来了！

???Fortunately, the power outage saved us a lot of trouble!多亏了这场断电，省去我们不少麻烦！

KarlThen get to work and swap the items!那就赶紧干活，把东西给调包了！

KarlLydia's people will be there soon! Don't leave behind anything incriminating!莉迪亚的人马上会过去，千万别留下把柄！

???Don't worry, Boss! I know what I'm doing!放心吧Boss，我有分寸！

(In the darkness, Dushevnaya and Phaetusa huddle together under a table, anxiously listening to the sound of the footsteps around them.)（黑暗之中，杜莎妮和翡图萨正挤在同一张桌子底下，紧张地分辨着四周的脚步声。）

DushevnayaThis is a major crisis, Strategist!军师，大危机啊！

PhaetusaYes, they think we're accomplices of those two Dolls. It feels like they set all this up...是的，我们被当成那两个人形的同伙了，总感觉这个处境也是她们算计好的……

PhaetusaDushevnaya, do you know that blonde Doll from just now? She seemed to have something against you specifically.杜莎妮，你认识那个黄头发的人形吗？她好像在刻意针对你。

DushevnayaLet me think... Looks like that region of my memories hasn't been repaired yet...我想想……好像还没有修复到那个记忆区……

SweeperForget it, you know how her memory is. No point giving her a hard time.算了，以她的记性，还是别难为她了。

SweeperLet's start by figuring out our situation. Since we're involved in this mess now, we should at least know what's in store for us.先理清现在的处境吧。我们被绑上了一条贼船，那至少要知道这条贼船在做什么。

DushevnayaOooh, I know! They're going after the auction items!我知道了！她们盯上了那批拍卖品！

DushevnayaThey clung so desperately to the hero's heels because they were also seeking the treasure that could save the world!竞价时死死咬住勇者的原因，是他们也寻求着那能挽救世界的秘宝！

SweeperIt's just a hundred Doll frames... I could have ten times that number in just a few minutes if only I could access Sangvis Ferri's resources. (Sigh) Oh, how S.F. has fallen...不过是一百个人形素体而已……如果我还能调动铁血的资源，分分钟就能找到十倍的量，唉，现在的铁血居然变得如此落魄……

Phaetusa...But they didn't try to snatch up those frames either. It feels like they were trying to disrupt the auction.……但是她们也没有去抢那些素体，我觉得，她们是故意让拍卖会进行不下去的。

PhaetusaWhich means messing with us was just a side show for them... They're probably going after something else.和我们捣蛋只像是临时起意……她们要的或许是其他东西。

DushevnayaAh, so it's here! The very first side quest of our heroic journey!出现了！英雄之旅的第一个支线任务！

DushevnayaLet's stop those dastardly knaves from stealing the treasure!我们去阻止窃取秘宝的小偷吧！

PhaetusaYup. If they get away with it, we might end up being blamed for it.嗯。一旦她们得手，偷窃的罪名搞不好会安在我们头上。

PhaetusaThe problem is that it's totally dark now and we have no idea where they are.可问题是，现在一片漆黑，根本不知道她们在哪啊。

DushevnayaThat's okay, we know where they're headed! There's only one place where all the treasure could be hidden!没关系，知道她们的目的地就够了！拍卖会结束，所有的秘宝只会在一个地方！

PhaetusaAre you talking about the warehouse for the auction lots?你是说，保存拍卖品的仓库？

DushevnayaYup! Let's pick up the pace so we can reach the treasury before the thieves do!嗯！我们加快步伐，要赶在小偷之前抵达金库啊！

SweeperActually, when you think about it, what's wrong with letting them get their way?仔细想想，其实让小偷得逞对我们也没差吧？

SweeperIf we find the frames there, we can just grab them and run. If anyone asks, we'll just say the thieves did it!在那里找到素体，我们就直接扬长而去，顺便也说是小偷干的就好了！

PhaetusaWe can't do that!不可以这样啊！

(Meanwhile, two other Dolls are also taking cover in another room, separated from Dushevnaya and her party by a single wall.)（与此同时，一墙之隔的另一个房间里，同样躲着两位人形。）

BastiHere, your rifle.给，你的步枪。

BastiHonestly, what would you do without me, Faelynn?真是的，芙铃没有我就完全不行了呢。

FaelynnThanks~谢啦~

FaelynnSpeaking of which, Zoe is really something. I can't believe she managed to hack the auction hall's systems too.话说回来，佐伊真厉害啊，连拍卖会场的系统都能黑掉。

BastiStill think of her as that kid who needs to be put to bed?还当她是那个需要哄着睡觉的小孩子吗？

BastiZoe's all grown up now. She's the leader of the BUGs, and the kids all call her Big Sis too.佐伊长大了，她现在是B.U.G.s的老大，孩子们都叫她大姐头呢。

FaelynnThen we'll have to do our part, so as not to squander the BUGs' efforts.那我们更要加油了，不能辜负B.U.G.s的努力。

BastiYup yup! Time to work hard!嗯嗯！要加油啊！

BastiAnd since you've said as much, you can come up with our next move, Faelynn!既然芙铃这样说了，那么就由你来构想下一步吧！

Faelynn...……

FaelynnWait a minute, you're asking me?等一下，你问我？

BastiYeah, didn't you say you were gonna "do your part"? Then you can start thinking right now!是啊，你不是说了要“加油”吗？现在就开始加油思考吧！

FaelynnBut you're the one who does all the planning!可是一般做计划的都是贝丝蒂啊！

FaelynnBesides, didn't you fully plan out a big heist like this?而且，这么重要的行动，你、你没做好完整的计划吗？

BastiYeah right, as if such a comprehensive and customized plan would exist. I only thought about how to sneak in. Now you decide how to do the rest!哪有那么完整又刚好的计划，我只考虑过怎么混进来，接下来就请你自由地决定吧！

FaelynnAhhhhh! It's! Too! Sudden!太——突——然——啦！

FaelynnOkay, okay, fine. Our destination is... it's the warehouse, right?我们的目的地……是仓库对吗？

BastiYup.对啊。

FaelynnSo we should head toward the warehouse now?那我们现在向仓库移动？

BastiYup-yup. What next?嗯嗯。然后呢？

FaelynnThen, uh... We'll do this and this and that and that.然后……就这样这样和那样那样吧。

BastiAh! I like that plan!啊，这个计划我喜欢！

(Meanwhile, a warehouse security guard is hiding inside a cabinet.)（仓库的保安此时正躲在柜子里。）

(Normally, he would be at his post to ensure no thieves can get in.)（按理说，这种时刻他应该守在自己的岗位上，确保没有小偷接近。）

(However, it seems like there are way too many thieves surrounding the warehouse at the moment.)（但是现在，围绕着仓库的小偷似乎有点太多了。）

Coarse VoiceHm? Who's there?!嗯？什么人在那！

Crisp VoicePassing heroes need not state their names to ordinary mobs!路过的勇者无需向旁门左道报上姓名！

(It sounds like two groups of people have encountered each other.)（听起来，似乎有两拨人遭遇了。）

Coarse VoiceI asked you first, so you answer first!我先问的，你们先回答！

Crisp VoiceWe're warehouse security! Your turn!我们是保安！到你了！

(Suddenly, the sound of intense gunfire fills the air.)（突然，一阵激烈的枪声响起。）

Coarse VoiceYou're security? I'm here to take out security!保安？老子打的就是保安！

(Upon hearing this, the guard curls up even more tightly.)（听到这，保安把身体缩得更紧了。）

DushevnayaAccursed villain! I bet you didn't expect us to not be security either!可恶的反派！没想到吧，其实我们也不是保安！

SweeperTarget hostile status confirmed, counterattacking now!确认敌对关系，立刻发起还击！

(Just then, Basti and Faelynn run into a burst of gunfire as they're sneaking along.)（与此同时，悄声走猫步的贝丝蒂和芙铃突然撞上一阵枪林弹雨。）

FaelynnWhat?! We've been spotted?什么？！我们被发现了？

BastiNo, they're not attacking us.不对，不是在攻击我们。

BastiThere are two groups of people shooting at each other!是两拨人正在交火！

FaelynnLots of gunfire from one side, they've got the numbers advantage. The other side doesn't have as many guns, but their tactics are much better.一边火力密集、人多势众；另一边火力点单薄，但战术素养优秀得多。

FaelynnCould it be those two Dolls from just now...难道是刚才那两个人形……

BastiHmph, wonder who gave them the idea to make a move now? How dare they ruin my show!哼，虽然不知道是谁授意她们行动的，居然敢搅和我的演出啊。

Coarse VoiceThere are people here too! Are you with them?!这里也有人！是同党吗！

BastiTsk, dammit! Things couldn't have possibly gotten off to a worse start!啧，讨厌，刚开始就很不顺呢！

Entropization 熵增

PhaetusaAren't there too many enemies here?!敌方的数量是不是太多了？！

DushevnayaI don't know! Darkness has shrouded my eyes, and the fog of war blinds us...不知道啊！黑暗遮蔽了我的双眼，战火在四处弥漫……

SweeperDushevnaya, cease fire!杜莎妮，先停火！

(Dushevnaya stops shooting. However, the chaotic firefight doesn't stop.)（杜莎妮停止了射击。但是，混乱的交火并没有就此停下。）

SweeperAre they shooting at someone else? Did these idiots start infighting?除了我们，还有其他人在交火？这群蠢货内讧了吗？

PhaetusaThe people just now said they weren't security guards. Does that mean there's more than one batch of thieves?刚刚和我们交战的人说自己不是安保部队的，那么，难道小偷也不止一批？

PhaetusaThe situation's got too complicated. We should withdraw for now!状况太复杂了，我们先撤退吧！

SweeperSince we're already here, we might as well finish the mission and grab the frames...来都来了，至少要达成目的，把素体……

PhaetusaYou saying to grab a hundred frames?! We can't get them all out without a vehicle!那可是一百多具素体啊？！没有车子是不可能运走的！

SweeperIf we come back empty-handed after causing all this chaos, what do you think that cruel and demonic Commander will do to us?不但无功而返，还惹出乱子，你觉得那个严苛残酷得像鬼一样的指挥官会怎么处置我们？

SweeperWe'll definitely be scrapped, right?一定会把我们报废吧？

PhaetusaThe Commander's not that kind of person!指挥官才不是这样的人！

PhaetusaBut... at this rate, things aren't looking good for us...可是……这样下去确实只有不好的结果……

DushevnayaAt the very least, we need to figure out what those dastardly knaves are up to!至少要弄清楚，小偷的目的是什么！

DushevnayaWe can't just give up without knowing what's going on!不能在一无所知的时候就放弃啊！

PhaetusaYou've got a point... Since people are fighting over it with actual guns, the target must be very important. It would be bad if it fell into the wrong hands and everyone suffered as a result.说的也对……既然爆发了这么明确的争夺战，目标必定很重要，万一是那种落在坏人手上，大家都会受苦的东西就不行了。

DushevnayaLet's go! If what Strategist says is true, we'll seize the treasure and keep the bad guys from getting it!走吧！如果真的如军师所言，我们就先夺走宝物，不能让它落到坏人手里！

SweeperHm, you do have bright thoughts from time to time, Dushevnaya.嗯，杜莎妮偶尔也是有智慧的。

SweeperI think it's a good idea.我觉得这个主意不错。

DushevnayaI know, right?对吧！

PhaetusaWait a minute, am I hearing this right? Are you two actually serious about this?不对不对，等一下，你们两个认真的？

SweeperThere's no time to hesitate! Just sit back and give me frame control authority for now!没时间犹豫了！你先下去，把素体控制权交给我！

(Elsewhere, in the middle of a dense web of gunfire, Faelynn tugs on Basti's "tail".)（另一边，火力网的正中心，芙铃拽了拽贝丝蒂的“尾巴”。）

BastiNyaaaa?!喵哇！？

FaelynnBasti! Don't get carried away. We have work to do!贝丝蒂！别打上瘾了，我们还有正事呢！

BastiRight, work. Have you found the target yet?对，正事。你找好目标了吗？

FaelynnYup! Come with me. I found one that's just right!嗯！快跟我来，有一个正合适！

(Not far away, a large group is advancing down the corridor toward the warehouse.)（不远处的走廊上，一支浩浩荡荡的队伍正在向仓库走来。）

LydiaHow's it going?怎么样了？

Head ServantIt's done! We're bringing the power back on now!好了！电力要恢复了！

(Just as the man finishes speaking, everyone hears an electrical hum.)（话音刚落，所有人就听到“嗡”的一声。）

(The lights come back on and blast the entire area in stark white light, leaving no corner untouched.)（灯亮了，整个空间被照得煞白，连影子都无处可藏。）

(The scene is surprisingly still. The strange silence of dozens of people standing around as they adjust to the light has an inexplicable air of piety to it.)（场面出奇的安静。人群在适应光亮，几十人的静立莫名显出了几分虔诚。）

(The light seems almost divine in nature as it purifies the area. It's as though the darkness, chaos, and gunfire from moments before were nothing but a fae's whimsy.)（照明灯仿若染上了神性，净化了这个空间，刚才的黑暗、混乱、枪声全都是幻觉。）

(Even the densely packed bullet holes on the walls seemed in place. Only the acrid stench of gunpowder and smoke in the air proves that the previous events had actually occurred.)（墙上密密麻麻的弹孔仿佛只是装饰，唯有浓厚的硝烟味证明一切都确实的发生过。）

LydiaDo an inventory check. See if anything's missing.清点仓库，看看有没有损失。

(Soon, Lydia receives a surprising answer.)（不一会儿，莉迪亚得到了意外的答案。）

Head ServantMa'am, nothing's missing.报告，没有任何损失。

Head ServantAll lots are present, and the quantities match up too.货品全部完整，数目也对得上。

LydiaOh?哦？

(Lydia feels relieved and puzzled at the same time.)（莉迪亚感到侥幸，又感到不可思议。）

(Basti is a cunning little minx; she knows well how to get what she wants.)（贝丝蒂是个狡猾的家伙，她懂得如何拿到自己想要的东西。）

(In fact, the entire process seemed pretty much perfect. First, she snuck a gun in to cause chaos. Then, she kept security busy by cutting the power. Following that, she fought a run-and-gun battle to the warehouse entrance.)（她的过程看起来很完美：偷偷带枪进来引发骚乱，再用断电牵制安保力量，连火并都绵延到了仓库门口。）

(But in the end, nothing happened.)（但是，结果却无事发生。）

(Lydia can't help but wonder: did Basti retreat out of caution, or does she have another scheme in mind?)（莉迪亚不禁设问：是贝丝蒂谨慎地撤退了，还是她有其他的企图……？）

KarlFortunately, our response came in time.万幸，我们的反应足够及时。

KarlWe should rejoice that nothing was lost!没有损失就是皆大欢喜的事情！

LydiaIndeed, it was most fortuitous.是啊，皆大欢喜。

(As Lydia moves through the warehouse, her fingertip grazes over the various crates.)（莉迪亚在仓库中来回走动，手指从一个个货箱上抚摸过去。）

(She needs to assess her losses ASAP and check if anything is missing... Just as she thinks that, she finds Karl standing in front of her.)（必须尽快确认损失，检查这里丢失的物品……正这么想着，她发现卡尔出现在自己跟前。）

KarlLet's carry on with the auction.我们让拍卖会继续吧。

KarlWe can finally do some proper business without those brats getting in the way.没有了搅局的小鬼，终于能做点真正的生意了。

KarlRemember what happened just now? My bid for those frames still stands.还记得刚才的事情吗？对于那批人形素体，我的出价依旧有效。

KarlLady Lydia, you wouldn't refuse a gift from a friend, would you?莉迪亚女士，你不会拒绝朋友的小礼物吧？

(Lydia smiles, quickly readjusting herself and switching back to the familiar rules of the game.)（莉迪亚笑了，她迅速调整状态，重新回到了熟悉的游戏规则里。）

LydiaOf course. I would never refuse a friend's request, much less a gift.当然。我不会拒绝朋友的请求，更何况是礼物呢？

Three-Way Junction 三岔路口

SakuraHello! You've got a delivery!您好，快递上门！

SakuraThis is an express shipment from Special District No. 3! Could you sign here, please?这是从3号特区发出的加急快件，请查收！

(Sakura unloads a huge crate from her truck and hands it to the Connexion staffer.)（樱花将一个巨大的货物箱从车上卸下，交给了链讯的工作人员。）

(Nobody notices anything amiss. After all, wasn't it perfectly natural for a crate containing Doll frames to have two Dolls within?)（没有人发现任何异常。装载人形素体的箱子里藏了两个人形，似乎是天经地义的事情。）

(Basti had gotten her way after all. Her plan had never been to take something out, but to smuggle herself in.)（贝丝蒂当然得手了。她的计划根本就不是偷东西进来，而是把自己放进去。）

BastiStay quiet, or else the people outside will spot you.别出声啊，小心被外面的人发现。

FaelynnMhm.嗯嗯。

(There isn't much room inside the crate, so it's a tight squeeze. Their faces are practically pressed against each other. Even their hair tangles into a blond mess.)（箱子里的空间不大，她们俩紧紧挤在一起，脸贴着脸，连头发都纠缠在一起。）

(Therefore, even though she can't see anything in here, Faelynn can still feel Basti secretly turn her head away.)（所以，即便什么都看不见，芙铃还是能感觉到贝丝蒂偷偷把脑袋背了过去。）

BastiThis is message no. 3752. Darling, I...这是第3752条留言。Darling，我……

FaelynnYou said to stay quiet.你说不能出声的。

BastiI AM being very quiet! I know what I'm doing!我很小声！我心里有数！

FaelynnOkay. Then I can talk too. I'll be very quiet.哦。那我也可以说话，我会很小声的。

Basti...Fine, you can talk. But be quiet for a bit. I need to finish recording this message first.……好，你可以说话，但是能不能先安静一会儿，等我录完我的留言。

FaelynnIs it for the Commander?给指挥官的吗？

BastiYup.嗯。

FaelynnI want in too.我也要一起。

BastiNo! This is a personal, private conversation between Darling and me!不行！这是我和Darling的私密对话！

FaelynnBut I miss the Commander too! Also, the Commander is my "Master", not your "Darling".明明我也思念着指挥官！而且指挥官是人家的“主人”，才不是贝丝蒂的Darling！

Basti...Ahhhhh, okay, fine. And quit pulling my tail!……真是拿你没办法，不要再拉我的尾巴了！

FaelynnZoe said that people like you are called "homewreckers"!佐伊说过，贝丝蒂这样的就叫做偷腥猫吧！

FaelynnYou've always been trying to keep Master to yourself and set me up!从以前就想尽办法独占主人，还对我使坏！

BastiAiieeeee?! Quit biting me! Ahhh, if you want to leave a message, you can do it too! Anyway, we'll be meeting Darling soon, so I'll let this slide!咿呀？！不要咬人！如果芙铃这么想留言自己也可以留吧！反正也快见到Darling了，这点小事我就容许你吧！

BastiWe've been bad friends for ten years, after all!毕竟已经有了十年的孽缘了呢！

FaelynnTen years... it's been ten years since I last saw Master...十年，有十年，没有见到主人了……

FaelynnBweeehhhh...呜呜呜……

BastiW-why are you crying? God, you're hopeless!怎，怎么突然哭了啊，真拿你没办法！

BastiYou should be angry! Angry at the people and the agreement that drove Darling away from us! That's why we can't let them get away with it!你应该要恨才对！都是那些人，是那个协议把Darling从我们身边赶走的！所以，我们绝对不让他们称心如意！

BastiI'm sure Darling is trying his best to come back to us. When the time comes, I'll let you sit on a chair and watch us from the side.Darling一定也在努力要回到我的身边才对，到时候我会让芙铃在旁边看的。

Basti—Ahhhhh, why are you STILL biting me?!——哎哟都说你不要咬人啊？！

Faelynn—Hmph!——哼！

FaelynnBut... will Master really be happy about this? Aren't the things we're doing going to cause Master trouble?可是，主人真的会高兴吗？我们在做的事情，不会给主人添麻烦吗？

Basti...You do know Darling loves me, right?……Darling是爱着我的，这一点你也知道吧？

BastiWe were all lovey-dovey back in Griffin! So I'm sure he'll welcome me back tenderly.我们在格里芬的时候就是相亲相爱的关系哦！所以绝对会温柔地接纳我的。

Faelynn...But doesn't Master love all of us?……主人不是爱着我们大家吗？

FaelynnHe's the nicest to me, though!但是他对芙铃是最温柔的！

BastiWe aren't going to get anywhere arguing about this, so let's leave it aside for now. Oh and by the way, it's totes because I'm certain I'm right and not because I can't win.这个争论起来就没底了，所以先放到一边，先说好这是因为我有着余裕而不是争不赢哦。

BastiIn any case, Darling—in other words, the Commander—would never have left us on purpose. I'm sure the brass must have threatened him or something, but even then, he used the agreement to give us our freedom. That must be part of Darling's hidden plan!总之，Darling，也就是指挥官，绝对不会是故意离开我们的，肯定是高层的那些家伙威胁了他，但就算这样也用协议让我们得到了自由，这其中就隐藏着Darling的意图了！

FaelynnMaster's... plan?主人的……意图？

BastiThere's no point just waiting for Darling to come back, like you did. That's because what Darling wants is for us to find him!像芙铃你一样只是固执地死等Darling也没用，因为Darling的意图，就是要我们自己去找他！

BastiHowever, just searching for Darling isn't enough. No, we need to pose the question: "What can we do for Darling?" After all, Darling is super popular, so there are going to be many Dolls around him apart from you and me. In that case, how can I ensure that I'm number one in Darling's heart? The answer is simple—by making contributions!但，光是去找还不够，我们能够为Darling做些什么？Darling这么受欢迎，身边肯定不会只有我和芙铃，那么要怎么确保我成为Darling最爱的人？当然就要——做出贡献！

FaelynnI don't think Master would mind. I don't care what my position is as long as I get to stay with him...我觉得主人不会介意的……只要能待在他身边，是第几名根本没关系……

BastiWell, you're right in that he probably wouldn't be bothered by that...无法否认他其实不会介意这一点……

BastiHowever! I'm sure all those homewrecker hussies like WA2000, Gd DSR-50, and 416 don't share that sentiment! They've been eyeing Darling for a long time too! So I'm sure they'll be thinking of some way to break the agreement and get close to Darling!但是！像WA2000呀，DSR50呀，还有HK416这样的偷腥猫，肯定不会这样想！她们也在很久以前就盯上Darling了！所以肯定也会想方设法破坏协议去到Darling身边的！

FaelynnTakes one to know one...偷腥猫说别人是猫了……

BastiTherefore, as a good girl, I'll have to prepare a generous dowry! That way, Darling can openly propose to me and shut all those other Dolls up!所以为了让Darling在对我求婚的时候能堂堂正正，让其他人形都闭上嘴巴，身为好女孩的人家肯定会准备好一份丰厚的嫁妆吧！

BastiDarling will be delighted and he won't find it troublesome at all, got that?Darling只会高兴，不会觉得麻烦的，懂了吧？

(Faelynn doesn't answer. However, Basti can feel her clenching her fists and nodding.)（芙铃没有回答，但是，贝丝蒂感觉到她悄悄握住了自己的拳头，点了点头。）

(Even though Faelynn's not willing to share her feelings, Basti can tell that they both feel the same way about the Commander. Gr G41—Faelynn—had desperately tried to keep her squad going as its final member, despite everyone else leaving. She had remained in a Griffin that no longer resembled those bright days, holding a lonesome vigil for the Commander. There's nobody else who better understands Basti's feelings.)（即使不愿意和对方分享，但是贝丝蒂也知道——彼此对那个人的心意是一样的，在协议之后绝望地维系着最后的小队，留在已经不再属于往昔的“格里芬”的形式下，独自等候着指挥官的G41——芙铃比谁都能理解她。）

BastiThis is message no. 3752...这是第3752条留……

Faelynn—But is it really okay to do this to Lydia?——可是，对莉迪亚下手真的好吗？

FaelynnI mean, she's Miss Della's...她是黛拉姐姐的……

(Basti rolls her eyes.)（贝丝蒂翻了个白眼。）

BastiY'know, ever since Darling left, I've been recording these messages every day. There were only two days when I didn't.我说啊，自从Darling离开后，我就持续着刚才的留言，不过有两天是例外。

FaelynnWhich days were those?哪两天？

BastiThe day Della saved me, and the day Della died.黛拉救下我的那天，还有黛拉死去的那天。

(The inside of the crate falls silent for a while.)（箱子里陷入了短暂的沉默。）

Faelynn...If I hadn't met Miss Della, neither of us would be here today.……如果没有遇到黛拉姐姐，我也好，贝丝蒂也好，都没法像现在这样了吧。

BastiYeah... Even now, the fact that she saved me still feels a little hard to believe.嗯……现在我都觉得她出手救我是一件不可思议的事。

BastiI told myself that I'd only ever be nice to Darling. That ended up with me digging around in a rubbish heap searching for scraps to keep myself running.因为人家的温柔只会展现给Darling，所以也只能在垃圾堆里找东西维持着自己的运转。

BastiBut Della said, "Just come with me. You can still hang on to the freedom that person gave you."但是黛拉却对我说“保持那个人给你的自由也没关系，跟我来吧”。

FaelynnLydia is a member of Miss Della's family, though.可是，莉迪亚和黛拉姐姐是亲人啊。

BastiYou do realize she made fun of Della, right?她嘲笑了黛拉哦？

BastiBesides, you didn't even give Della's keepsake to her, did you? You held on to it right until the end, even though you neglected your own frame maintenance...你不也没有把黛拉的遗物交给她嘛？明明守到最后一刻，你这个连自己维护素体都做不到的家伙……

Faelynn...……

FaelynnI don't plan to give it to anyone, not even Zoe, unless she grows up...那个东西，我谁也不打算给，就算是佐伊也一样，除非她长大……

FaelynnBut Zoe's growing up really quickly!不过佐伊她长得很快呢！

BastiYeah... Humans sure are interesting. I can't believe she's grown so much in just a few years' time.是啊……人类真是有意思，不过是几年的时间，就能长到这么大。

BastiZoe knows how to pickpocket, run cons, hack computers, and even be a gang leader.佐伊现在学会了手上功夫，学会了障眼法，学会了当黑客和帮派老大。

BastiThat's a far cry from you, Faelynn, considering you don't even know how to comb your own hair!比较起来，芙铃连自己给自己梳头发都梳不明白呢！

FaelynnSure I do! I just prefer the feeling when Master does it for me.我会啊，我只是更喜欢主人帮我梳头的感觉。

Basti...Then why do you ask me to do it?……那我呢？

FaelynnBecause you do a better job of it than me. Speaking of which, I keep thinking that Miss Della wouldn't have approved of how Zoe turned out.因为贝丝蒂梳得比我自己好嘛，话说回来，我总觉得黛拉姐姐是不会同意让佐伊变成现在这样的！

BastiWell, it can't be helped. She went and kicked the bucket, after all.那就没办法啦，谁让她死了。

BastiThat meant the job of raising Zoe went to a bad kitty like me. And you know there's no way I would have let her become a boring blockhead like Lydia would have wanted!交给我这样的坏猫咪，肯定不可能让佐伊在莉迪亚的管教下变成死板乏味的女人嘛！

Faelynn...While I'm sure Miss Della would have wanted Zoe to be a good girl, Zoe formed the BUGs to help all those orphanage kids.……虽然黛拉姐姐一定希望佐伊当个乖女孩，可是，佐伊也是为了帮助孤儿院的孩子们，才会结成了B.U.G.s。

FaelynnI think both Miss Della and Master would approve of that.我觉得唯独这件事，黛拉姐姐也好，主人也好，都不会不满。

FaelynnThat's because Zoe's doing what she believes in, just as they did.因为佐伊就和他们一样，在做着自己坚信的事情呢。

(The crate suddenly shakes. Someone has picked it up, and it begins moving forward.)（货箱突然传来一阵摇晃，它被人搬运了起来，开始向前运动。）

BastiThe show's about to start. How're you feeling? Excited?要开始了。怎么样，兴奋吗？

FaelynnAre we really going to do this?真的要下手吗？

FaelynnThat's a beacon, you know. It's probably one of the most valuable things in the Yellow Zone.那可是“信标”，在黄区来说，可能是最贵重的东西之一了。

BastiWe can do it. Maybe not in the past, but we can definitely do it now.能的。放在以前可能不行，但现在一定可以。

BastiMuch as I hate Lydia, an airborne beacon is really something else.虽然我很讨厌莉迪亚，但空中信标是杰作哦。

BastiOnce the BUGs hacks into its systems, they can free it from Connexion's grasp and take control of its movements. We'll have total information freedom in the Yellow Zone. We can find Darling or do whatever we want!只要让B.U.G.s黑入它的系统，操控它移动、脱离链讯的控制，就能得到在黄区的信息自由，用来寻找Darling或者做什么都可以！

FaelynnI asked just now, but Lydia's going to be really mad, right...我刚刚也问了，莉迪亚会很生气吧……

BastiWell, she deserves it. Just look at those people in town, toiling day and night. Lydia makes money off their work and squeezes them for more money on top of that.那是她应得的。你看看镇上没日没夜工作的人，莉迪亚用他们赚钱，还要再从他们身上赚钱。

BastiOnce the BUGs take control of a beacon, they'll have a chance to bridge the vast gap Connexion has in the communications field. That'll improve the lives of a lot of people.等B.U.G.s拿到信标，就有机会打破链讯在通信领域的垄断，让很多人的生活质量得到提升。

FaelynnHm... Would Miss Della be happy about that?嗯……这样的话，黛拉姐姐也会高兴吧？

BastiOf course she would!当然！

BastiSo cheer up, girl! We're going to put the finishing touches on our ten years of hard work.兴奋起来，好搭档！我们在为十年的努力画上句号。

BastiAlso, once we have the beacon, the BUGs will have fulfilled their dream of obtaining a "weapon" they can use to show their capabilities.而且，一旦我们能支配信标，B.U.G.s也就实现了梦想，拥有了施展拳脚的“武器”。

BastiThey'll take over the work Della left behind, build an intelligence network, and make enough money to feed themselves.她们会接手黛拉留下的工作，建立情报网，赚到能养活自己的钱。

BastiThey'll also be able to help Darling like we can.还能帮助Darling，和我们一样成为他的力量。

BastiAt that time, you'll have kept the promise you made to Della.到时候，你就能完成自己与黛拉的约定。

BastiAnd I... I might be able to prove to Darling that I'm still a useful Doll...而我……也许能向Darling证明，我还是有用的人形……

Faelynn...Will Master praise Faelynn?……主人，会夸奖芙铃吗？

FaelynnWill he pat my head?会不会摸摸我的头呢？

Basti...……

(Basti hesitates for a moment, though it's not because she's petty enough to get jealous of Faelynn over such a trivial thing.)（贝丝蒂迟疑了一会儿，倒不是因为连这点小事都要吃芙铃的醋。）

(Rather, it's because she knows that there's only one thing that's kept her going so far. The sole conviction that's kept her mind from completely breaking down after the Commander left is her imagination.)（而是因为她知道，迄今为止支撑着她，不让她的心灵在指挥官离开后彻底崩塌的全部的信念——都只是她的想像而已。）

(However, she wants that outcome more than anyone else. And so, she will believe in herself more than anyone else.)（但正因为她比谁都希望这样的结局，所以，她也就比谁都还要坚信着自己。）

BastiOf course.当然啦。

BastiCome on, let's leave Darling a message while we're free.来吧，趁现在没事，给Darling留个言吧。

FaelynnI can join in too?我也可以一起？

BastiYeah, let's do it together.嗯，我们一起。

BastiThis is message no. 3752. Unlike all the others, there's a super clingy person here today. Come, say hello to Darling.这是第3752条留言，今天破例，加入一个粘人的家伙。来，打个招呼。

FaelynnM-Master, can I call you Darling too?主，主人，我也可以叫您Darling吗？

BastiHell no!不许！

(In an empty room. Suddenly, the window slides open. Dushevnaya and Phaetusa climb in from the outside.)（空无一人的房间里，窗户突然被推开，杜莎妮和翡图萨从外面翻了进来。）

(Dushevnaya has a heavy-looking sack slung over her shoulder in a very suspicious manner. She heads over to the bed before putting it down.)（杜莎妮手里正拖着一个沉重的袋子，她鬼鬼祟祟地把它扛在肩头，走到床边才放下。）

PhaetusaI still think this is bad... I can't believe we actually stole the frames—我还是觉得这样不好……居然真的把素体偷回来了什么的——

SweeperIt's their fault for not guarding the warehouse.没办法，谁让当时仓库里无人把守。

SweeperPlus, the crate with the frames in it was in a super obvious place.然后装着素体的箱子又在最显眼的地方。

PhaetusaUwah, we shouldn't have done that! The Commander's definitely going to be mad at me! Bweeeeh, don't be mad at me, Commander, it was all Nyxie's fault!呜哇！不行啊！指挥官肯定会生气的，呜呜呜，指挥官不要对我生气，都是小黑干的！

SweeperShuddup! Also, he's already a wanted criminal! You think this is going to bother him?你吵死了！而且他都成通缉犯了！这点算什么！

SweeperIn any case, let's check the frames we got. I don't think we managed to get a hundred, but at least we didn't have to pay for them.总之，先检查一下到手的素体吧，虽然不觉得会有一百具这么多，但毕竟是免费的。

DushevnayaDon'tcha worry! I was super careful on the way back! I definitely didn't go bumping into stuff!放心！这一路我很小心的，绝对没有磕磕碰碰！

DushevnayaI just hope it'll make life better for the others in the Community...至少可以让社区的大家增加一点保障的话……

(The moment they open the bag, Dushevnaya and Sweeper's eyes cloud over in confusion.)（打开袋子的一刻，杜莎妮和清道夫的眼神都从期盼转化为了迷惘。）

(The items in the bag vaguely resemble ten Doll frames—but as Dolls themselves, they can immediately tell that these are ten Doll frame shells stuffed with certain "devices".)（袋子里的东西，乍一看上去，似乎是十具人形的素体——但是对人形自己来说，完全可以一眼看穿那是十具人形躯体外壳中塞入的“某种装置”。）

DushevnayaEsteemed Strategist, may I know what these items are?军师请指教……此乃何物？

PhaetusaI don't know either...人家也不知道哇。

SweeperMy frame was manufactured by S.F. and it's nothing like these. Their structure looks very weird, though...我的素体可是铁血出品，和眼前的一点也不像，但是总觉得结构很奇怪……

SweeperCould they be the latest model of Doll frames?会不会是最新型号？

DushevnayaThat's got to be it! Looks like this is what those people were trying to steal! I'm sure Supreme Leader and Helen will be delighted with this!一定是这样，看起来这就是那些人想要抢夺的目标！这样首领大人和海伦也会高兴吧！

Sweeper...……

SweeperNo, that ain't it.不对。

SweeperThe internal structure of these frames is very simple. They don't look like pieces of sophisticated machinery or anything. More importantly, they don't have any artificial muscle fiber bundles or any organic parts installed. Rather, they look more like...这些躯壳内侧的装置结构很单纯，不像是精密的仪器，最重要的是没有基本的人工肌肉和任何有机部分，反而比较像是……

Dushevnaya...Like?……像是？

SweeperLike purely mechanical frames. Oh, I get it now! The maker of these frames must have been a big fan of the Sangvis Ferri design philosophy!纯机械的素体，我懂了，制造这个素体的人一定是铁血思想的忠实拥趸！

SweeperI can't wait to see what these frames can do!真期待看到这些素体发挥威力啊！

PhaetusaHold your horses, Nyxie.别闹了啦，小黑。

PhaetusaThese aren't Doll frames at all.这根本就不是人形素体。

PhaetusaEven the external shells are imitations. These are just containers made to look like Doll frames. And what they contain are... probably bombs.连这些外壳也是仿造的，这就只是做成素体样子的容器，而内部安装的这些……恐怕，是炸弹。

Sweeper—I knew it! This was a trap set for us!——我知道了，这是针对我们的陷阱！

SweeperThe Commander's enemies did it! They set this trap for us!是指挥官的敌人针对我们所布置的！

DushevnayaEhhhh?诶！？

SweeperDammit, this has the fingerprints of a high-end predictive strategic AI all over it! The enemy knew we'd come here on behalf of the Doll Community! They knew we'd come here to acquire frames for the Commander... I mean, for our great undertaking!可恶，这一定是高明的战略级预测AI的手笔！对方早就算准了我们会代表人形社区来到这里，为了指挥官……不对，为了伟大的功业而设法获取人形！

SweeperDammit dammit dammit, looks like we've lost this clash of brains!可恶，这样一看，我们已经输掉了这场战术的博弈！

PhaetusaBut who's clashing with who here... How could an AI predict what you and Dushevnaya did... Even I didn't expect you to just bring them back here, you know!到底是谁和谁在博弈啊……怎么会有AI能算得到杜莎妮和你的行为啊……连我都没想到你们直接就把这些拿回来了啊？！

DushevnayaRight! Let's go ask Helen! She's got a lot of experience. I'm sure she'll be able to tell if they're frames or bombs!对了！我们去问海伦！她见多识广，一定能认出这是素体还是炸弹！

Phaetusa...Um, y-you're going to talk to Miss Helen?……海，海伦小姐吗？

PhaetusaBweeeehhh, it feels like we're going to get scolded... but that might be the best way to handle this... Just ask her not to tell the Commander!呜呜呜，我觉得要被她骂了，可是，这或许才是最妥当的……顺便求她不要告诉指挥官吧！

(Dushevnaya quickly makes a call.)（说着，杜莎妮迅速发起了一条通讯。）

HelenDushevnaya? Is that you?! Oh, you...是杜莎妮吗！？你这孩子……

HelenDidn't I tell you to never shut off your communicator? What happened? Are you in danger...不是说了不准关闭通讯吗！现在有什么事，有遇到危险……

DushevnayaHelen!海伦！

DushevnayaThis is an emergency SOS!紧急SOS！

HelenHah...唉……

HelenWell, seeing as you're so energetic, I doubt you caused TOO much trouble, am I wrong? What happened?看你这么有精神，应该还没闯下太大的祸吧？怎么了？

DushevnayaCould you help us to check these frames? Strategist said they were filled with bombs, while Warmaster said they were high-end S.F. frames...请你确认一下这些素体，军师说它们装了炸弹，战帅说它们是铁血出品的高级素体……

SweeperI was just kidding!我是开玩笑的！

DushevnayaWarmaster, I thought you were on my side!战帅，一开始你还认同过我呢！

SweeperYes, and I regret it now.是啊，所以我现在很后悔。

SweeperIf I'd known things would end up like this, I should have just done it myself in the auction lot warehouse...早知道这样，在拍卖会仓库就应该由我亲自动手……

Helen...What's this about auctions and warehouses?……拍卖会？仓库？

HelenSweeper! Phaetusa! What have you done with my precious Dushevnaya? You know this is an important time for the Commander. This is terribly irresponsible.清道夫！还有翡图萨！你们带着我家杜莎妮去做了什么？现在明明是指挥官的重要时期，你们也太不懂事了。

SweeperBut it was all for the good of the Doll Community. I, uh, we didn't do anything wrong.这都是为了人形社区的福祉，我，我们才没有错……

PhaetusaIt's not my fault! I tried to stop them, Miss Helen! Please don't ruin the Commander's impression of me!不是我啊！海伦小姐，我有试过阻止她们的！请不要让指挥官对我印象变差啊！

HelenThat's not important at the moment.这个先不重要了。

HelenTell me, right now: is your current situation dangerous? Is the surrounding area safe? Are you far away from large gatherings of people?立即告诉我，你们现在的处境有没有危险？所在地周围安全吗？远离人群吗？

DushevnayaUm. I guess we're safe for the moment?暂时，应该，没有危险，吧？

DushevnayaWe're currently at the inn, going through the spoils of war.我们正在宿屋里清点战利品。

HelenSpoils of war...?战利品……？

HelenHow did you get these items? What connection do they have to you?这些东西怎么来的？和你们什么关系？

DushevnayaHow should I put it... It's kind of a long story...我想想，说来话长啊……

SweeperSave it for now.先别说了。

SweeperCan you tell us what these things are?告诉我们结论，这到底是什么东西？

HelenAlright, move closer. Now reveal what's inside...离近一点，把里面的东西翻开……

HelenSTOP! Don't touch it any further!停！不要再动了！！！

DushevnayaW-what's going on? Did I infringe on some taboo?怎、怎么了？杜莎妮触碰禁忌了吗？

HelenJudging by the exposed detonators... It looks like military-grade C4 plastic explosives that've been rigged for remote detonation.看那些暴露出来的起爆雷管……这是军用的C4塑性炸药，似乎还配备了遥控装置。

HelenHow many of these fake frames are there?像这样的伪装素体一共有多少？

DushevnayaI think there's a dozen or so of them.十几具吧。

HelenThat's enough to blow an entire building sky high...那足够把一栋楼都炸飞了……

SweeperI KNEW it was a trap! I TOLD you we shouldn't have taken them.果然如我所说是陷阱吧！我就说根本不应该拿这个东西。

Phaetusa... (Don't get mad, don't get mad... We're in front of Miss Helen right now...)……（不能生气不能生气，现在可是在海伦小姐面前）。

HelenGiven the quantity of explosives here, blowing them up on-site is pretty much impossible.以目前的爆炸当量来看，就地销毁几乎是不可能的。

HelenForgive me, Phaetusa, but I might have to inform the Commander about this matter.翡图萨，虽然有些不好意思，但我可能必须让指挥官知道这件事了。

PhaetusaBweh... Alright, I understand. But since it's so serious, what should we do now?呜呜……我明白了，既然是这么严重的情况，我们应该怎么做？

HelenFor starters, I need more information. Please examine the items according to my upcoming instructions.首先，我需要更多情报，请按照我接下来的要求检查它们。

HelenMeanwhile, I need to know more details about the situation. Dushevnaya?同时，我需要知道一切细节，杜莎妮？

DushevnayaO-okay, I got it...我，我知道了……

Corporate HenchmanBoss, everything's set.Boss，事情全都办妥了。

Corporate HenchmanThe swap went off without a hitch. We swapped a crate of frames with fakes filled with C4.调包很顺利，其中一箱人形素体已经被换成了装入C4炸药的伪装版本。

Corporate HenchmanI just saw a cute little delivery girl move it into their HQ building.我看到有个可爱的快递小姐姐把那个箱子送进了园区。

Corporate HenchmanWhat now? Should we proceed with the next step?怎么样，执行下一步吗？

KarlWhat you've done so far has secured a promotion and a bright future for yourself, but what comes next is the true test.到目前为止你都确保了自己升官加薪的美好前途，不过接下来才是重要的考验。

KarlI'm going to bring you into their HQ. You know what to do next, right?我会带你进入园区，还记得要做什么吗？

Corporate HenchmanYes. Enter the beacon control center and install the generator.当然，进入信标站，然后完成发生器的安装。

KarlPore over the details. The top brass will not tolerate failure. We'll never get a chance like this again.注意细节，上头不会容忍失败，对我们来说这次的好机会不会再有了。

KarlIn particular, make sure you plant the explosives on the locations highlighted by the engineers. We need to ensure the beacon control center is completely destroyed.特别是炸药的安置，按照工程师给你的点位去装，确保信标站能炸个干净。

Corporate HenchmanGot it, Boss! I'll treat this like it's the most important thing in my life!明白！我当成人生的头等大事去做！

KarlThis IS the most important thing in your life!这就是你人生的头等大事！

KarlWhile Uncle Zimmerman can be very generous, he hates useless people. We recently lost Mokosh, and it was an important location in the Yellow Zone for us. The year's performance metrics are going to look very bad if we can't deal with Port Mica.那位大人，齐默尔曼叔叔虽然是个肚量很大的人，但是他最讨厌无能之辈，最近在黄区丢失了莫科什这个重要据点，如果不能拿下硅砂港，今年的成绩会很不好看。

Corporate HenchmanYou sure you should be telling me all that?这是我可以听的吗？

KarlIt's so you understand just how important this is. The reason Connexion can sit pretty in this chaotic world, is they have a direct line to the upper echelons of the URNC.我就是要你明白事情的紧迫性。链讯能在这混乱的交界地坐稳屁股，靠的就是手上能直通罗联上层的通信权限。

KarlIf we destroy this beacon control center and sever Port Mica's contact with the outside world, they'll be mere lambs to the slaughter.只要炸毁信标站、切断硅砂港与外界的联系，留给我们的就是一只待宰羔羊。

KarlIf Uncle Zimmerman's willing to invest in a bunch of Yellow Zone rabble, he'll treat his capable people well.齐默尔曼叔叔连黄区的小杂碎都愿意投资，自然不会亏待有能力的功臣。

KarlBut you need to do well enough that people can't ignore it. Then, I'll have some justification to put in a good word for you. Makes sense, right?当你建立了不可忽视的功绩，我才有借口提拔你，不是吗？

(Karl hangs up. Then, he adjusts his outfit before returning to the meeting room like nothing happened.)（挂断通讯，卡尔整了整衣领，若无其事地回到会场中。）

(The auction has ended, and the guests are talking in their tiny cliques. Karl makes a beeline for Lydia.)（拍卖会已经结束，宾客正在三三两两地交谈。卡尔健步如飞，直朝莉迪亚走去。）

KarlLady Lydia, if my recollection serves, we talked about how we should visit Connexion's HQ sometime.莉迪亚女士，我记得我们聊起过，有机会一定要参观下链讯的园区。

LydiaOh yes, I haven't forgotten, of course. I was waiting for your schedule to free up.哦，是的，我当然没忘。我在等你有空闲的时间。

KarlWell, now would be the perfect time, no? In fact I was wondering what to fill the rest of my day with.那不就是现在吗，我正愁找不到事做。

(Karl and Lydia exchange smiles, but they each know the other is full of it. Visiting the HQ? That topic never came up before.)（卡尔与莉迪亚笑脸相对，心里都知道对方在扯淡。参观园区？从来没提起过。）

(Given the circumstances, however, this lie has become quite convenient. And thus, it becomes the truth.)（但是此情此景之下，他们喜欢这个谎言，于是谎言变成了真话。）

LydiaPlease, come with me. I'll give you a night to remember.请跟我来吧，你会看到不一样的夜景。

Cat In A Box 盒子里的猫

BastiAlright, time to go over the plan! Make sure to take notes.现在是计划分享时间！做好笔记哦。

BastiOur objective is the beacon control center. It's Lydia's precious pearl, said to be the biggest one on earth.我们的目标是信标站，那是莉迪亚的宝贝，号称陆上最宏伟的信标中心。

BastiAs one of the major control hubs for Yellow Zone communications, getting into the beacon here requires the highest level of administrator access. Trying to crack it from the outside would require mil-spec hardware, manpower, and several months.作为黄区通讯的几大中枢之一，这里的信标拥有最高的管理权限，从外部攻破需要军队级别的人力和几个月的攻坚时间。

FaelynnSo we'll be sneaking into the beacon control center?也就是说，我们要进入那个信标站？

BastiThat's right! See this little device over here? Zoe made it beforehand. All we need to do is plug it into the beacon control center, and BUGs will be able to access it remotely.对！你看这个，佐伊提前做好的小装置。我们只管把它插入信标站，让B.U.G.s远程接入那里的设备。

BastiAs for the rest, we can leave it to Zoe!剩下的事情，交给佐伊就可以啦~

FaelynnGot it! That was a real simple plan!懂啦！听起来好像挺简单的！

BastiNon, non, non. The plan is simple, but the execution is tricky. We can't be discovered too early, so a direct assault is right out.No no no。计划简单，实施起来就不简单，特别是不能让人太早发现，所以强攻就行不通了。

BastiNow, I believe we've been dumped in a warehouse somewhere. First, we get out...首先，我们现在应该是被丢在某个仓库里，出去之后……

(Suddenly, their crate shakes. It seems someone is moving it.)（突然，她们的箱子一阵晃动，好像被人搬了起来。）

FaelynnHm? Why's the crate moving again?嗯？箱子怎么又动起来了？

BastiDarling once said that no plan survives first contact with the enemy. So we're better off calming down and resolving the issue.Darling以前说过，行动过程中有突发状况是难免的，冷静下来化解就好。

BastiShhh. Listen, there's someone talking outside.嘘，你听外面，有人在说话。

Corporate HenchmanBoss, I've got the crate.Boss，我顺利拿到箱子了。

Corporate HenchmanI've already scouted the route from here to the beacon control center. I can get there in five minutes without anyone noticing me.从仓库到信标站这条线我已经踩好了点，五分钟内可以通过，没有人会注意到我。

(The corporate henchman has successfully snuck into Connexion Corp's HQ. Because he's pretending to be "Mr. Karl's bodyguard", nobody has given him any trouble.)（借助“卡尔先生的保镖”这层身份，财团打手顺利混入了链讯园区，没有受到任何刁难。）

(He's made very thorough preparations, such as buying the guards off and finding blind spots in the security camera network. All obstacles in his way have been eliminated.)（他做好了细致的准备工作：买通保安、找准监控盲区，排除了路上的全部阻碍。）

(And now, his mission has officially begun. The henchman loads the heavy crate onto a trolley and pushes it toward the most distinctive tower on the premises.)（现在，他的行动正式开始了。财团打手一个人把沉重的箱子搬上拖车，向着视野中最显眼的高塔走去。）

(Said tower is the beacon control center, the signature structure of Connexion's HQ. For security reasons, normal employees aren't allowed to so much as approach it. However, this fact ends up playing right into the henchman's hands.)（那里是信标站，链讯园区的标志性建筑。为了安全，一般员工连靠近它都不被允许，这倒是为财团打手提供了便利。）

(Driven by visions of wealth, he exerts himself harder than ever before as he deftly maneuvers the crate past all the sensors and security cameras in his way.)（想着财富自由，他前所未有地卖力，拖着货物箱躲过了所有警报和监控。）

(Finally, he reaches a solid metal door.)（终于，他来到了一扇沉重的金属门前。）

Electronic VoiceGreetings. Your voiceprint ID, please.您好，请验证声纹密码。

(Clearly, mere picks will not work on this sophisticated electronic lock.)（显然，撬锁工具动摇不了这道精密的电子锁。）

(Going around doesn't seem practical either. It seems this is a hurdle he must overcome to get to the beacon control center.)（绕路看起来也不现实，想要进入信标站，这是他必须迈过去的一道坎。）

(With no other recourse, the thug pulls out his communicator.)（无计可施之后，财团打手掏出了他的通讯器。）

Corporate HenchmanBoss, I ran into a bit of trouble.报告，我遇到了一点麻烦。

Corporate HenchmanI can't open the door leading to the beacon control center. It needs a voiceprint ID.信标站的大门我打不开，需要验证声纹密码。

Corporate HenchmanCan you help me out, Boss?Boss，你能帮我解决吗？

(Karl snaps his fingers in what seems to be a casual gesture. However, it is a coded signal meaning "affirmative".)（卡尔看似随意地打了个响指，这是代表“肯定”的暗号。）

(He happens to be having a casual chat with Lydia at the moment. Naturally, the latter hasn't noticed the micro transceiver tucked behind Karl's ear.)（此时的他正在和莉迪亚侃侃而谈，对方当然没注意到贴在卡尔耳廓后的小小通讯装置。）

LydiaHere's to you, Mr. Karl. Thank you for your gift.敬你，卡尔先生，谢谢你的礼物。

(They clink their glasses, and Karl downs the contents of his glass in one gulp.)（酒杯相碰，卡尔将杯中的干邑一饮而尽。）

KarlA mere trifle. It's been a pleasure working with you, Lydia.一点小心意而已。与你合作非常愉快，莉迪亚。

KarlThe location services you provided last time helped me make a tidy sum. In fact, it was a critical factor in earning my superiors' trust.上一次，你为我提供的定位服务帮我赚了大钱——这成为我赢得上面信任的重要契机。

KarlI also see many opportunities in you, which is why we should continue working together. I can assure you of an ever-increasing stream of returns in the future.而我也在你身上看到了更多机会，我们要继续合作下去。我向你保证，以后会赚得越来越多。

LydiaOf course, I believe you'll keep your word.当然，我相信你的承诺。

KarlDo you believe in me, or the person behind me?是相信我，还是相信我背后的人？

(There's a slight edge to Karl's words.)（卡尔这句话语气透露出些许锋利。）

(They both know how the outside world views Karl; that he is a failed playboy, a stray dog that Mr. Zimmerman took in for old times' sake.)（他们彼此都知道外界如何评价卡尔：他是一个失败的纨绔子弟，是齐默尔曼先生念在旧情捡回来的一条丧家犬。）

LydiaMr. Karl, you were born in the White Zone, weren't you? What do you think of the Yellow Zone?卡尔先生，你是白区出身吧？你觉得黄区怎么样？

Karl...I see many opportunities here.……这里有很多机会。

LydiaHoho, but the look on your face betrays what you really think.呵呵，你嘴角的线条暴露了你对这里的观感。

LydiaIndeed; this IS a place where crude and barbaric people gather. But they are only crude and barbaric because instead of pursuing higher education and more refined goals, they spent their time finding food in the wilderness and keeping their families from freezing to death.没错，这里是粗鄙而野蛮的人聚集的地方，可那是因为他们把你和我接受高等教育、磨炼教养的时间用在了在荒野寻找食物，让家人不被冻死上。

Karl...Should I praise their tenacity, then?……我应该夸奖他们的坚韧吗？

LydiaThey don't need our praise or our table scraps.他们需要的不是贵人的赞赏，也不是我们桌边小小的面包屑。

LydiaIf they had the same network access as the people in the Green, or even the White Zones; if they had their education, they might be more pleasing to your eyes.如果他们能够得到和绿区甚至白区的人一样的信号，受到同样的教育，或许在你眼中会更加顺眼一些。

LydiaMy father once thought of working with the corporations to develop telecommunications services in the Yellow Zone, allowing its residents to enjoy basic communications free of charge. However, he was turned down. If I'm not wrong, back then he was rejected by the Girard Group, the one your father worked for.我的父亲曾经想和财团合作开拓黄区的通讯业务，让黄区可以享受免费的基础通讯。但被拒绝了，我记得当时拒绝他的人正是你的父亲所效力的吉拉尔集团。

KarlMy father... was a conservative man. I believe...家父……是个有些保守的人，我想……

LydiaI'm not saying that to put you on the spot. What I'm trying to say is that once certain people make enough money, they feel guilty and try to make amends through charity. But that's just a way to balance out their gains.我说这些话不是为了让你难堪，有些人拥有足够的财富后会因为心虚而想要行使一些善念，可那只是对自己得到一切的平衡心理。

LydiaWhat is needed to change the current state of affairs is not mere benevolence, but a true "opportunity". When such an opportunity presents itself, not even the corporations can ignore it.要改变这里所需要的并不是单纯的仁慈，而是真正的“机会”，在那样的机会面前，财团也不能视若无睹。

LydiaAlso, I must thank you for demonstrating vision and decisiveness beyond that of your father.也感谢你，展现出在令尊之上的眼光和决断力。

LydiaNot every young master of the White Zone would come to Port Mica, so I am glad to work with you, no matter who your backer might be.不是每个白区的少爷都会来硅砂港的，所以无论你背后的是谁，我都很高兴能与你合作。

Karl...!……！

(Karl stares hard into Lydia's eyes, hoping to see a crack in her noble facade.)（卡尔紧盯着莉迪亚的眼睛，期待她高贵的外壳上能够出现一丝裂纹。）

(However, Lydia's mask is impenetrable.)（可惜，莉迪亚的神情滴水不漏。）

LydiaWhat do you think of Port Mica?你觉得现在的硅砂港怎么样？

KarlIt's a nice place. It's quite prosperous for a small border town.挺不错啊，作为边陲小镇已经很繁华了。

KarlThis HQ facility, for example, already matches the standards of Green Zones, or even higher.就这个园区来说，也已经达到了绿区以上的水准。

LydiaWhen my father was in charge, this was not the case. The mayor was corrupt and pocketed a lot of tax money. He bribed the URNC commissioner and cut back on the public security budget, which led to high crime rates.在我父亲管事的时候并非如此，这里的镇长贪污亏空了不少税金，对罗联的专员行使贿赂，克扣治安预算，导致犯罪率很高。

LydiaTherefore, after I inherited my father's business, I got rid of that mayor and took control of all municipal affairs here. After that, this place became what it is now.所以，当我继承我父亲的事业后，设法罢免了那位镇长，接管了这里的全部事务，然后，这里就成为了现在的样子。

LydiaI started by solving basic issues like water, electricity, and healthcare, then security. I believe there is only one aspect that hasn't been properly dealt with.先是基本的水电与医疗，然后是治安，我想我只差一块内容还没有做好。

Karl...And what is that?……是什么？

LydiaEducation.教育。

KarlEducation?教育？

LydiaWhile I disagreed with my father on many things, I believe, as he did, that education can change people and places.虽然我和他有很多分歧，但是我和我父亲一样，认为教育才能改变一个人和一个地方。

LydiaIf this joint venture is successful, I would like to open a lifelong learning school here.如果这一次和财团的合作能够顺利展开，我希望能在这里开办一所终身制的学校。

LydiaThere are many orphans in Port Mica. There ought to be a place to take them in and turn them into useful people.硅砂港聚集了大量的野孩子，是应该有个地方好好管教他们，让他们成为有用的人。

KarlYou like children?你喜欢孩子？

LydiaI loathe them.最讨厌了。

KarlThen it seems we are of one mind. I guess I misread you; I held the impression that you liked kids very much.那我们很有共识，是我看错了，你刚刚给我的感觉就像是很喜欢小孩的样子。

Lydia...……

LydiaHehe.呵呵。

LydiaWell, it's for business reasons. Taking those brats out of circulation will lower security costs and ensure a supply of cheap workers in the future.这也是为了生意，当那群小鬼不再作恶，不但治安成本能降低，我也可以为将来储备更多的廉价员工。

KarlSuch foresight! I could stand to learn from your vision!远见！我应该向你学习这份远见！

KarlAnd now, a toast to Lydia, and to the Port Mica we shall witness!来，这杯敬莉迪亚，敬我们所见的硅砂港！

(Their glasses clink and Karl downs yet another drink. He's going through them a little too quickly.)（酒杯相碰，卡尔又干了一杯。他喝得有点快了。）

Karl—Back then, I thought I'd drown in the depths. But "that person" saved me.——当时我以为自己会在深渊溺毙，但“那个人”救回了我。

KarlNot only did that person give me a second life, but they also persuaded Uncle Zimmerman to give me a second chance...那个人不但给了我第二次生命，甚至劝说齐默尔曼叔叔给了我第二次机会……

KarlAfter meeting that person, I realized just how shallow and dissipated I was. Though they were younger than me, they shone so much more brightly... I couldn't help but bend the knee to that great leader's charisma.因为遇到那个人，我才意识到自己过去多么肤浅，多么荒废，明明比我还要年轻……却那么熠熠生辉，那份领导者的魅力，实在是让人折服。

LydiaThat is good to hear. Therein lies an implication... that all of us have the potential for a glorious future.这是个好消息，意味着……我们每个人都会有一个光辉未来。

KarlNow that I have been granted a new lease of life, I don't care what people call me. Let them label me a dog of Mr. Zimmerman or a lowly criminal; I only wish to devote myself to a greater cause.如今的我已经被赋予了新生，不管别人说我是齐默尔曼先生的走狗也好，凶手也罢，我只想为伟大的事业而奉献。

KarlThe profligate of the past is dead. I don't need to hide my wasted life with a glamorous facade.原本的那个纨绔子弟已经死了，我不再需要用光鲜亮丽去粉饰贫瘠人生。

KarlI simply want to climb ever higher and see sights I've never seen before.我只想往上爬，去看看没见过的风景。

KarlAnd I must thank you for that, Lydia. You are my second savior, an angel descending from the heavens.这都要感谢你，莉迪亚，你像是我的第二个拯救者，从云端降下的天使。

LydiaYou flatter me, Karl.你太抬举我了，卡尔。

KarlBut I mean it. Every word.这一刻我是认真的，这一刻。

KarlWhen the airborne beacon takes flight tomorrow... Lydia, you will accomplish something that even the Conglomerate could not.明天空中信标首飞……莉迪亚，你做到了财团也没能做到的事。

KarlMany companies have been working on airborne beacons. But only Connexion's has passed the URNC's rigorous trials and met the standards for use in the Yellow Zone. That is truly remarkable.这么多企业都在制造的空中信标，只有链讯通过了罗联严苛的检测，达到了黄区应用的标准，这真是太了不起了。

LydiaReally now?是吗？

KarlCome now, such modesty is unbecoming. You know better than I do that this is a great opportunity to change the face of communications in the Yellow Zone.不用谦虚了，你比我清楚，这会是重整黄区通信秩序的一次重大机遇。

KarlOn the one hand, the purification projects, frontier development companies, and various corporations are all eager to expand the boundaries of communications.一方面来说，净化工程、开拓公司乃至各集团都渴望扩展通信的边界。

KarlConnexion's signal coverage encompasses all of theirs. This flips the balance of supply and demand and places the initiative during negotiations in our hands.链讯的信号范围囊括了他们的信号范围，这意味着供求关系的反转，谈判主动权来到了我们的手上。

KarlOn the other hand, aerial beacons can create an unprecedented intelligence advantage in complex conditions. That means the military would be desperate to acquire it, just like...另一方面，空中信标能在复杂的时局下建立前所未有的情报优势，军队也会对它趋之若鹜，就好像……

KarlBy now, you know how much I need you, right?你知道我有多需要你，对吧？

LydiaJust tell me, Karl. What do you want me to do for you?卡尔，尽管说出来，你希望我为你做什么？

KarlI want you to get rich, I want you to build more signal beacons, and then I want you to build them into a worldwide system.我希望你发财，我希望你制造出更多的空中信标，并且建立一套适用于全球的体系。

LydiaThat will take time. Currently, they can only be produced at Port Mica, and we need the radiation conditions of the Yellow Zone to build and test the engine systems.那需要时间，目前只有硅砂港的生产线能够运作，而我们也需要黄区的辐射环境进行发动机的制造与测试。

LydiaThe costs to construct similar production lines in other areas will be massive.在其他地方建造类似生产线的成本是巨大的。

KarlLydia! You still don't consider me a true friend!莉迪亚！！！你还是没有把我当真正的朋友！

(Karl fills another glass, and then downs the whole thing.)（卡尔独自斟满了一杯，然后一饮而尽。）

KarlAs you know, I have ample funding and manpower that I can share with you.你知道，我有足够多的金钱可以调用，人力也是。

LydiaMoney is always useful. If you invest in me, it will help convince my shareholders to raise production and our coverage.金钱总是有用的，有投资的话，可以帮助我说服股东提高产能和覆盖范围。

KarlAnd that's why I'm here. The Conglomerate would like a share of the profits—a sizable share, to be sure, but they'll match it with an equally sizable outlay.那正是我的来意，财团希望能占据一些份额——不少，但我们出手也大方。

(Lydia smiles. This is exactly the kind of situation she's been hoping for.)（莉迪亚勾起了嘴角，眼下的局面是她早就想看到的。）

(Whoever Karl's backer is, Karl is mortally afraid of failing them—or perhaps, failing them again. That suits her just fine—Lydia needs money, and she's not picky about where it comes from.)（无论卡尔背后是谁，他都很害怕失败——或许是再次失败。正好，莉迪亚需要钱，并且也没什么洁癖。）

LydiaIt seems a great partnership is in the cards for us.看来我们要达成新的合作了。

LydiaThe climate now isn't too suitable for a deal, but we can celebrate in advance.现在的气氛好像不适合交易，不过，我们可以提前庆祝。

KarlYes, yes! Let's celebrate!对，对！来庆祝吧！

(They clink glasses again. Karl is having trouble controlling his hand, and he very nearly smashes both glasses with that gesture.)（又一次碰杯，卡尔快控制不住手劲了，两支玻璃杯险些撞得粉碎。）

(After tipping his head back and finishing the glass, he shakily rises to his feet and walks over to the wine rack by the window.)（仰头喝完杯中酒，卡尔摇摇晃晃地起身，走向落地窗旁的酒架。）

KarlI like this wine, Lydia. May I crack it open?我喜欢这一款酒，莉迪亚。我能再开一瓶吗？

LydiaOh? That's a 46% cognac. Are you sure you can handle it?哦？那是46度的干邑，你还能行吗？

KarlAre you kidding me? Do I look drunk?!开玩笑！我像是喝醉了吗？！

KarlI'm just so, so happy—我只是，太高兴，非常高兴——

(With such a view unfolding before her, Lydia finds herself relaxing for the first time in a long while.)（面对这样的卡尔，莉迪亚感到了久违的放松。）

(She can set aside all her meticulous calculations and watch a man engaging in pointless bravado, just like on the summer nights when she was but a student.)（她可以暂时放下精明的算计，只是像学生时代的仲夏夜那样，观赏男人进行着无谓的逞强。）

LydiaWell, my drinks are there to entertain my friends. I'm no scrooge.我的酒就是用来招待朋友的，怎么会吝啬呢？

LydiaGo ahead, open it.打开吧。

("Open it". Karl's ears catch that phrase. He knows his earpiece has also captured it.)（“打开吧”，卡尔的耳朵紧紧抓住了这个词，他知道耳后的通讯器也一样。）

(Did he do it? He can hear cheering and the sounds of fireworks. The sound of women squealing in delight, the sound of his father applauding him from the stage.)（做到了吗？哦，他听到了欢呼声，礼炮声，女人在高声欢呼，父亲在讲台上鼓掌。）

(He pops a bottle of champagne, and foam bursts from the brim. He celebrates with all his might, celebrating his cruise liner weighing anchor at sea.)（他开始摇动香槟，酒花四溅，他在用力庆祝，庆祝自己的游轮在海上拔锚。）

(He's starting to get tired. The ceiling spins overhead like helicopter blades. Then, he closes his eyes and lets himself fall into darkness...)（有点累了。天花板像螺旋桨一般离他而去，然后他闭上双眼，任由自己坠入黑暗……）

(The corporate henchman presses the communicator against the code lock, and then he finally hears those words.)（财团打手把通讯器紧紧贴在密码锁上，他终于等到了那个声音。）

LydiaOpen it.打开吧。

(The metal door flashes a green light and opens.)（金属门闪起绿灯，然后应声开启。）

(The henchman breathes a sigh of relief. He's done it!)（财团打手长出了一口气，成功了！）

Corporate HenchmanWe did it, Boss! The door's open!行了老大，门打开了！

(There's no response from the other side of the communicator, only a barely audible glug-glug sound.)（通讯器另一边没再传出任何回应，只有若有若无的“吨吨吨”的声音。）

(It seems Karl has given his all to achieve his aims.)（看样子，卡尔为了开门已经豁出去了。）

(A tragic determination wells up in the henchman's heart. There, he makes a solemn vow to succeed.)（一丝丝悲壮激励着财团打手，他发誓一定要成功。）

(And so, the henchman pries the crate open—)（于是，财团打手一把揭开了货物箱——）

BastiSurprise!Surprise！

(With a melodious exclamation, the two Tactical Dolls spring out of the crate!)（随着一声甜美的宣告，两个战术人形从货物箱里蹦了出来！）

Cat In A Box 盒子里的猫

FaelynnSo, what kind of problems did you say we might face?你刚才说，我们有些什么麻烦来着？

BastiLet me see—Ah, there's none at all!我回忆一下——啊，一个都没有了！

BastiThanks for bringing us in, you right dumbass~感谢这个傻瓜蛋把我们送进来~

(Basti kicks the unconscious corporate henchman aside, then heads over to the densely packed machinery inside the beacon control center.)（贝丝蒂把昏迷的财团打手踹到一边，然后走向信标站里密密麻麻的机器。）

BastiHello? Zoe, are you there? Did you fall asleep?喂喂喂，佐伊在吗？没睡着吧？

ZoeI'm here! The BUGs are ready and waiting!我在！B.U.G.s全员准备就绪！

BastiThe rest is up to you, so hurry and make your steps, twinkletoes.接下来到你咯，打起精神来。

BastiIt's just hacking the firewall of the Yellow Zone's biggest telecom provider. You'll be fine!只是黑掉黄区第一大通信服务商的防火墙，这点小事你肯定能做到吧！

HelenGiven what we've gathered, you've probably been caught up in a terrorist attack. Contrary to Sweeper's claim, it's not targeted at the Doll Community or the Commander.从目前的情报来看，你们应该是被卷入了一场恐怖袭击——而非如清道夫所说，是针对社区和指挥官的。

HelenDo you have any guesses as to who the attacker might be?对于袭击者的身份，你们有什么猜测吗？

DushevnayaUm—It was probably those two Dolls who sat opposite us!唔——应该是坐我们隔壁的两个人形吧！

DushevnayaThat wicked little blondie is probably capable of any and all manner of evil deeds!那个邪恶的小黄毛，她什么坏事都做得出来！

SweeperDoesn't seem like it to me. They're too high profile. If you ask me, that pickpocketing brat from yesterday is a more likely suspect.不像，她们太高调了。要我说，昨天那个偷东西的坏小孩嫌疑更大。

SweeperI heard her voice over the loudspeakers before the power cut out.断电之前，广播里出现的就是她的声音。

PhaetusaZoe would never do bad things like that!佐伊才不会做这种坏事！

SweeperYou're even calling her by name. Are you friends with her or something?连名字都叫上了，你跟她很熟吗？

PhaetusaI just know, okay! And besides, it would be really hard for a kid to get explosives like this.我就是知道！再怎么说，小孩子也是很难搞到这种爆炸物的。

PhaetusaLet's try to think more simply. We stole these items from the auction lot warehouse. Isn't the auction organizer the most likely suspect?不如简单点想，我们是从拍卖会仓库偷到的这件东西，那嫌疑最大的不就是主办方吗？

DushevnayaLydia? But she's already the sovereign of Port Mica. Who would she want to attack...莉迪亚？可是，她已经是硅砂港的统治者了，她又会袭击谁呢……

HelenAlright, stop fighting. I have a new clue here.好了，你们先不要争了，我这里有新的线索。

HelenI checked the logistics movement info for Port Mica. Most of the goods have complete documentation from their points of origin, so mixing contraband in is difficult. While the small scale makes managing things easier, the fact that the security here is on the level of Green Zones is quite remarkable.我检索了硅砂港的物流出入信息。绝大多数从来源开始都有着完备的记录，很难混入违禁品，虽然规模小或许比较容易管理，但这里的安保达到绿区水准确属不易。

HelenHowever, there is one exception to this. Last night, a vehicle from the outside entered Port Mica without any form of vetting or inspection.不过，昨天出现了例外。有一辆未经任何审核的外部车辆进入了硅砂港。

HelenMy guess is that's the source of those explosives.据我判断，这是违禁爆炸物最有可能的来源。

DushevnayaOh? A shining beacon has appeared to pave a brave new world!哦？指引前路的明灯出现了！

DushevnayaIf we can determine the origins of that vehicle, we'll be able to learn the true identity of the forces of darkness!只要查明那辆车的来历，不就能知道邪恶势力的真面目了吗！

HelenMhm, that's what I was thinking.嗯，我就是这样想的。

HelenHowever, we didn't manage to learn much. All we know is that it was a delivery truck registered to Molniya Logistics.现在能查到的信息有限，只知道那是一辆登记在摩尔尼亚物流公司名下的物流车。

HelenThe owner's name is... Sakura.车主的名字是：樱花。

Dushevnaya...……

Sweeper...……

SakuraAh-choo!阿嚏！

Truck-senpai...It's not often that you see a Doll sneezing.……人形打喷嚏这种事，真少见啊。

SakuraI heard that people sneeze when others talk behind their backs. Could the Commander be missing me? Ehehehe...我听说有人在背后说起自己的时候就会打喷嚏，是不是指挥官在思念我了呢？诶嘿嘿嘿……

Truck-senpaiOr maybe someone's putting your name on a wanted list.也有可能是有人在往通缉榜上写你的名字。

SakuraAhahahaha, how could that be? Senpai, you're such a kidder, and a bad one at that!怎么可能啦哈哈哈，前辈你就是爱开这种讨厌的玩笑！

Sakura...You ARE kidding, right?……是玩笑对吧？

Truck-senpaiWho knows? I am fully prepared for you to get struck by any and all kinds of bad luck.谁知道呢，什么倒霉的事情落在你的头上我都有心理准备。

SakuraWell, it's true that this mission was very sudden, but all the packages we've delivered so far have been perfectly normal!这次的任务确实很突然，但目前运送的都是些没问题的货物吧！

SakuraLet's wrap this up quick and head back to the Commander's place!快点完成工作，就可以回到指挥官那里了！

DushevnayaDon't bother looking for her.不用找了。

DushevnayaThe two of us... well, the three of us came to Port Mica on Sakura's truck.跟着樱花的货车一起来硅砂港的，是我们俩……哦，我们三个。

(There is a long, long silence from the other side of the line.)（通讯另一端传来一个长长的沉默。）

Helen...So you're saying Sakura is an ex-Griffin Doll?……也就是说，樱花是以前格里芬的人形吗？

HelenNow that you mention it... I think Springfield mentioned this before.这么说起来……春田好像提起过这件事。

HelenThat poor, poor girl.真是对那孩子很抱歉。

Sweeper(I've never heard Helen sound so tired before.)（第一次听见海伦的声音这么累的。）

HelenAlright, I'm going to place my trust that you didn't take some kind of "Blow Up Port Mica" mission.好吧，我也愿意相信你们没有私下承接某种“引爆硅砂港”的任务。

HelenLooks like the real criminal didn't leave any obvious incriminating evidence behind. In that case, it means they must have their own avenues for bringing items in. Apart from government channels, the only other ways are through Cecht FABN and Connexion.看样子真凶没有在明面上留下任何破绽，那么，显然他拥有自己的运输渠道——目前除去官方，只有“赛诺菲与法本集团”以及“链讯集团”这两家企业有此特权。

Helen...……

HelenNo, you can't get involved any further with this matter.不行，你们不能再介入了。

HelenI think the best way to handle the situation, is to alert the local administration and then return to the Community now.我觉得，现在最好的处理方式是警醒当地的管理人，然后你们马上回社区。

PhaetusaSo we'll be contacting Lydia?我们去联络莉迪亚？

HelenYes. She can do much more than you. You need her help.对，她能做的事情比你们多，必须要取得她的帮助。

HelenBut... if she reacts badly, if she doesn't want to help solve the problem...不过假如……假如她的反应古怪，她并不想解决你们的问题……

HelenThen things might be worse than we imagined.那么，事情可能比想象中更加严重。

HelenIf that happens, you need to get away immediately and destroy the explosives in the wilderness. Bear in mind that these explosives can cause tremendous damage, so you need to be careful.你们要立刻脱离，把爆炸物在荒野中销毁——注意，这是能够引发极大灾害的炸弹，所以千万要小心。

HelenI'm going to inform the Commander now and have him send some help over, so keep the comms channel clear.我现在就去通知指挥官，为你们派去援助，注意保持通讯畅通。

(After Helen hangs up, Dushevnaya looks down at the communicator in her hand, unsure what to do next.)（中断了与海伦的通讯，杜莎妮捧着通讯器，有点不知所措。）

SweeperThis kind of pisses me off. So he's sending someone over? What, he doesn't think we can handle it ourselves?我觉得有点不爽呢，还要派人来？难道是不相信我们的能力？

Phaetusa...We can't, can we?……没办法吧？

Dushevnaya...Looks like we'll have to inconvenience Helen and the Commander.……还是给海伦和指挥官添了麻烦。

DushevnayaI'm no hero. I'm just a great big dork!我才不是勇者，是大笨蛋！

PhaetusaDon't think that way, Dushevnaya! Thanks to us, they have a chance to stop something terrible from happening. Doesn't that count as a hero's work too?别这样想啊，杜莎妮！如今可是因为我们的关系，有了阻止一件重大灾难的机会，这不也是勇者的功劳吗？

PhaetusaActually, I think the Commander might praise us now!我现在觉得，指挥官会夸奖我们的！

Dushevnaya...Yeah!……对！

DushevnayaLet's go contact that Lydia lady right now! That way we'll be able to resolve this crisis!现在我们马上联络那个叫莉迪亚的女士，就能平息危机了！

DushevnayaBut how can we contact her? I don't think we have her number or anything.不过，怎么联络呢？我们好像没有她的电话。

PhaetusaI think she said she was in charge of all of Port Mica.她说过，整座硅砂港都归她管。

PhaetusaIn other words, we should be able to reach her eventually no matter who we contact.也就是说，我们随便联络谁都能向上追溯到她。

DushevnayaThat makes sense, Strategist!有道理啊，军师！

(Dushevnaya takes out the services brochure that the hotel gave them. There's an emergency contact number on it.)（杜莎妮翻出了旅馆提供的服务手册，上面有一些紧急联络电话。）

(Dushevnaya starts by calling the emergency hotline.)（杜莎妮先拨通了火警。）

Emergency ServicesHello?! Is something the matter?喂！？发生什么事了吗？

DushevnayaHello! I'd like to speak to Lydia, please!你好，我想找一下莉迪亚！

Emergency Services...Lady Lydia? If you want a job, you can just call Connexion.……莉迪亚女士？找工作的话，直接联系链讯去。

(The other side hangs up on her. Dushevnaya soon finds the customer service hotline for Connexion.)（电话被挂了，杜莎妮很快又找到了链讯的客服电话。）

Connexion Customer ServiceGreetings, how can I help you today?您好，很高兴为您服务。

DushevnayaI'm looking for Lydia! Can you put me through to Lydia?我找莉迪亚！请问能帮我联系到莉迪亚吗？

Connexion Customer ServiceI apologize, but we cannot provide such services.非常抱歉，我们无法提供这种服务。

Connexion Customer ServiceIf you would like to arrange a meeting with the CEO, please file an official meeting request through the business department. Once it is approved, you will need to provide a complete list of assets and identification. After that, you will have to wait for the CEO's secretary to contact you to discuss the details of the meeting...想要约见总裁的话，您需要先通过商务部门提交正式的约见申请，通过之后需要准备完备的财产证明和身份证明，等待总裁秘书与您沟通，商议约见的时间和地点……

DushevnayaWait a minute! That's too many steps! I can't remember all that! What was the first step again?等一下！太多了我记不住！？第一步是什么来着？

Connexion Customer ServiceThat would be filing an official meeting request through the business department...通过商务部门提交正式的……

DushevnayaHow do I contact them?商务部门怎么联系？

Connexion Customer ServiceOh, they're off work now. You'll have to wait until tomorrow and try again.哦，他们现在下班了，您只能明天再联系。

DushevnayaThat's no good! We can't wait that long!不行，我们等不了那么久！

DushevnayaWho else is still around? Give me all the reachable numbers you have!谁还没下班？把能联系的电话都告诉我！

Under the Undercurrents 暗流之下

(Karl is awakened by the sunlight shining into his eyes.)（卡尔是被直射到眼睛的阳光弄醒的。）

(His head hurts. After getting up from where he's lying on the ground, he realizes that someone has thrown a wool rug over him.)（他的头很痛。堪堪从地板上爬起来之后，发现身上盖的是一张羊毛地毯。）

(He recognizes his surroundings. This is Lydia's office. Apparently, he got blackout drunk last night.)（他认出来了，这里是莉迪亚的总裁室。他昨晚喝断片了。）

(The room is completely unfamiliar, and he doesn't remember coming here. The only thing he remembers is the half-finished bottle of cognac on the desk.)（房间很陌生，他几乎不记得自己来过，犹有印象的只有桌上摆的半瓶干邑。）

(There is a note next to it: "You look cute while asleep. Don't get up too late. See you at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.")（酒瓶旁留了张纸条：睡相不错，希望你别起太晚，我们剪彩仪式上见。）

(Karl makes a sudden realization: this is probably the biggest embarrassment of his life as a proper businessman.)（卡尔意识到，作为一位体面的商人，他大概出了这辈子最大的一次洋相。）

(Still, he doesn't mind. Embarrassing himself in front of Lydia doesn't mean anything, because she won't be in a position to mock him for it much longer.)（不过他不介意，在莉迪亚面前丢人不算什么，因为她再也没有嘲笑自己的机会了。）

(Since his henchman has opened the door to the beacon control center, the explosives are probably set by now...)（他的打手打开了信标站的大门，炸药一定早就安设完毕……）

(Hm?)（嗯？）

(Karl turns on his communicator, but he doesn't see the "mission accomplished" message he was hoping for.)（打开通讯器，卡尔没有找到“任务完成”的字眼。）

KarlHello? How did it turn out?喂，事情怎么样了？

(He makes a call, but there's no answer.)（他发出通讯，但是没有收到任何回应。）

KarlHello? Hello?!喂，喂！！！

(Karl senses something went terribly wrong, and his heart lurches.)（卡尔嗅到了不祥的味道，他的心脏开始剧烈搏动。）

(He keeps telling himself to stop, calm down, and think rationally. There's no way he'd be sleeping peacefully in Lydia's office if his scheme was exposed.)（他不断劝慰自己：先别急，冷静思考。如果事情败露了，我不可能安然躺在总裁室里。）

(In short, the situation's not great, but it's not terrible either.)（情况也许还没有太糟，但绝对算不上乐观。）

(Karl sprints toward the beacon control center.)（卡尔发足狂奔，直朝着信标站冲去。）

PhaetusaI just finished talking with Miss Mayling. She found a place for us to dispose of the explosives. I also memorized how to detonate them remotely.我和美玲小姐联系完了，她替我们找到了适合销毁炸弹的位置，远程销毁方式我也记住了。

PhaetusaDushevnaya, let's blow up the explosives first.杜莎妮，我们先把炸弹销毁了吧。

DushevnayaJust one more call! I've almost gotten through to Lydia!不行，我要再打一通电话，马上就能找到莉迪亚了！

SweeperZzzzzz...……zzzZZ

PhaetusaThat's what you said three hours ago... See, even Nyxie's fallen asleep.三个小时之前你就是这样说的……小黑都睡着了啦。

DushevnayaBut it's really happening this time!这次是真的！

(Dushevnaya has been making calls all night. Right now, she is dialing the last number on her list.)（杜莎妮已经接连不断地打了一整晚电话。现在，她拨通了便签上记录的最后一个号码。）

DushevnayaHello? I'd like to speak to Lydia, please!喂！我要找莉迪亚！

???...……

???Who is this?请问，您是谁？

???How did you get this number?从哪里得到的这个号码？

DushevnayaI don't remember. It was probably from the business department's secretary's cousin or that retired granny from marketing.我不记得了，是链讯商务部秘书的表哥或者退休的市场部老奶奶吧。

DushevnayaIn any case, I'm sure you can help us contact Lydia!总而言之，你一定是能联系上莉迪亚的人！

???I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you. In Port Mica, everyone wants Lady Lydia to do something for them, but not everyone deserves the right to make direct contact with her.很抱歉，在硅砂港，所有人都有求于莉迪亚大人，但并不是每个人都有资格与她直接联系。

???While she does care for everybody, she is not a saint who will help people for free. Her time is linked to everyone's prosperity and it is not to be casually used on prank calls from unknown numbers.虽然那位大人照顾着大家，但她并不是无偿助人的圣母，她的时间关系到这里每个人的福祉，不是能轻易挥霍在不知名的骚扰电话上的。

DushevnayaWait! I have something important to tell her! Port Mica is currently in great danger!等一下！我的话很重要！硅砂港正处在巨大的危险之中啊！

???Danger? Apart from a gang of mischievous kids playing pranks on others, Port Mica has not had any serious criminals in a long time.危险？硅砂港除去一群顽劣青少年的恶作剧之外，已经很久没有严重的犯罪了。

???If you ask me, you're the danger here.我看你才是危险。

DushevnayaHow can you say that when you don't know anything?!你什么都不知道，凭什么说这种话！

Head ServantYou say I don't know anything? I was the sheriff of this town 15 years ago. Lady Lydia now employs me as one of her servants, but I'm still fully aware of every single movement made in Port Mica.我不知道？我告诉你，十五年前我就是这座城镇的治安官。现在，莉迪亚大人雇佣我做她的侍从，但硅砂港的任何一点风吹草动依然逃不过我的眼睛。

Head ServantShe isn't just a businesswoman. She truly intends to turn this messy little town into a cutting edge technology park!她可不只是一个商人，她是真的将这里从混乱的小镇变成尖端的技术乐园！

DushevnayaIs that so? Then I'm sure you know about the C4.是吗？那你见过C4炸弹没有。

SoundOnly(There is a deep sigh from the other end of the line.)（通讯器对面传来一声沉吟。）

Head ServantThere is nothing dangerous of the sort in Port Mica.硅砂港没有这种危险物品。

DushevnayaYeah no! I have some right now! There's enough to blow half the town sky high!错了吧，我手里就有哦，足够把半个城镇炸上天！

Head Servant—Say what?!——什么？！

Head ServantRight, I understand. State your terms. I'll let Lady Lydia know.我知道了，说出你的条件，我会转告莉迪亚大人。

Head ServantWhat's your aim? Intimidation? Blackmail? How much do you want?你到底有什么目的？威胁？勒索？要多少钱？

DushevnayaIt's none of that! I'm just trying to do a good deed by reporting a crime!不是！我是来报案的好人！

DushevnayaYou have to believe me. Port Mica really is in great danger!你相信我，硅砂港真的面临着巨大的危险！

Head Servant...Alright, then. In that case, I'll give you an address. Head there right now with the dangerous items you described.……好。既然如此，我给你们一个地址，现在立刻带着你描述的危险物品过来。

Head ServantWe'll discuss the rest when we meet.剩下的，我们见面再谈。

ZoeAlright! We did it!成了！我们做到了！

(Zoe excitedly bounces in her chair. There is a long string of characters in the center of the screen.)（佐伊激动地跳上了椅子。在她的屏幕上，一行长长的文字定格在了正中间。）

(This is the cipher key for the beacon control center's command systems.)（那是信标站指令系统的密钥。）

Worried LackeyYou're awesome, Big Sis! You really did it!太强了大姐头！你真的做到了！

Worried LackeyThis is the cipher key for the beacon control center! It's the most complex thing on the planet!这可是信标站的密钥啊，世界上没有比它更复杂的东西了！

Carbolic SoapDoes this mean we can broadcast commands to the entire network?我们是不是能向整个网络发号施令了？

Carbolic SoapFor example, sending the BUGs' logo to everyone?比如说，把B.U.G.s的Logo传给所有人。

Worried LackeyI think sending out Big Sis' sleeptalking would be better.那我觉得换成大姐头的梦话更好。

(Zoe pants heavily and slumps back into her chair.)（佐伊喘着粗气，慢慢瘫坐在椅子上。）

(She's been up all night working on this, but after the excitement passes, she is left completely drained.)（她熬了一整夜都没觉得累，但现在兴奋花光了她的力气。）

(It wasn't just excitement over a hard-won victory that filled her, but also heart-pounding palpitations and a feeling close to dread.)（不止是苦尽甘来的兴奋，还有溢出胸膛的悸动，以及某种接近恐惧的情感。）

(It's just like the first time she grabbed Faelynn's gun to fool around.)（就像她第一次抢芙铃姐姐的枪玩一样。）

(She feels like she's grasped something beyond her control.)（她握住了某种，超出自己掌控的东西。）

BastiThanks for the hard work, Zoe~佐伊，辛苦你啦~

ZoeHow is it? Can we transfer control permissions over the airborne beacon now?怎么样？我们可以转移空中信标的指令权限了吗？

BastiHm... Not just yet, but leave that part to me.嗯……还差一点，不过交给我解决就行！

BastiRight now, what you need to do is rest. Don't burn yourself out.现在，你最重要的事情就是去休息一会儿，不要把自己累垮了。

(Zoe is as meek as a lamb in front of Basti, because it was Basti that taught her how to be defiant in the first place.)（在贝丝蒂面前，佐伊一向是个听话的乖宝宝，因为她连叛逆都是跟贝丝蒂学的。）

(She stands up from her chair and stretches herself while looking around. It is then that she realizes just how terrible her living space is.)（从椅子上站起来，舒展了一下四肢，佐伊这才觉得她的生存空间很糟糕。）

ZoeAhhhh, It's so damn hot and the room's a mess...啊，好热，屋里好乱……

ZoeOne, two, three, four... seven. Looks like I finished seven cans of coffee. I'm all out.一、二、三、四……七，咖啡喝掉了七罐。没存货了。

ZoeRight, since everything went well, there might be a celebration party later.对了，既然一切顺利，晚点大家说不定会聚在这开庆功宴吧。

ZoeCan't leave all this crap lying around. I need to tidy up...不能这副样子，要收拾一下才行……

(Several minutes later, Zoe leaves the house with a big bag of trash in hand.)（几分钟后，佐伊拎着一大袋垃圾走出了屋子。）

(The morning sunlight is warm, the breeze is cool, and this walk is a comfort that surpasses all words.)（清晨的阳光暖暖的，微风凉凉的，走在街上有股说不尽的舒适。）

(Zoe's in a great mood. Just about everything she sees is pleasing to her eye. Be it the scattered houses, the people moving back and forth...)（佐伊心情很好，她现在看什么都很顺眼。错落的房屋，来往的人群……）

(Hm? Suddenly, something very annoying comes into view.)（嗯？突然，她发现有碍眼的东西闯进了视线。）

(A pair of figures, one white and one black, are weaving through the crowd. The one in front seems to have a heavy sack over her shoulder.)（一白、一黑，两个鬼鬼祟祟的身影穿行在人群之间，其中一个肩头似乎扛着一大袋沉重的东西。）

(It's the two Dolls who caught her yesterday!)（是昨天抓住她的那两个人形！）

(The corner of Zoe's mouth curls up in a smile. She quickens her pace and catches up with them.)（佐伊不自觉地勾起嘴角，加快步伐跟了上去。）

(She recites her two principles in her heart: first, any elements of chance must be eliminated before the plan can succeed.)（她在心里默念着两条原则：第一，在计划即将成功的前夕，一切不可靠因素都应该排除。）

(Second, she always remembers a grudge and she hates to lose out.)（第二，她记仇，她不爱吃亏。）

ZoeHello? It's me. I've got a message for all BUGs. Those two dorks who busted me last time just showed up...喂喂？是我，有个任务要下给全体的B.U.G.s，上次追捕我的那两个家伙又出现了……

DushevnayaWhy are there so many people on the street... We've been waiting at every intersection.街上怎么这么多人啊……每个路口都要等。

PhaetusaIt's probably people going to work.应该都是去上班的工人吧。

PhaetusaI've heard of a thing called the "morning peak". It seems very similar to what we're seeing now.我听说过一个叫“早高峰”的现象，和这里非常相似。

DushevnayaWhew, I've been carrying this sack since yesterday. My waist is getting a little sore!呼，从昨天开始就一直都是我在背，腰稍微有点酸了呢！

PhaetusaIs, uh, is that so? Then let me give you a quick checkup.是，是吗？那我给你维护一下吧。

PhaetusaJust put the sack down for now—先把袋子放下——

DushevnayaWhy don't you just carry it for me?我觉得你直接替我分担重量就可以了吧？

PhaetusaI'll take the sack from you later.一会儿我替你拿就是啦。

(As the two of them talk, neither of them notice several small figures pushing a cart over to them. The cart contains a sack that looks just like the one by Dushevnaya's feet.)（两个人形彼此交谈着，丝毫没有注意到，有几个小小的身影正推着一辆小车接近，车上装着的，是一个和杜莎妮脚边的口袋十分相似的袋子。）

Head ServantSo you're the ones who made the call?打电话来的就是您们？

Head ServantI didn't expect this self-proclaimed "Hero" to be such a... unique Doll.自称“勇者”的……没想到是……这么有个性的人形小姐啊。

Head ServantAnd here I thought names like "Hero" and "Strategist" were codenames in an organization or something...我还以为什么勇者军师是你们的组织代号……

DushevnayaThe situation is really bad! Port Mica is under threat from the forces of evil!出大事了，硅砂港正在面临邪恶力量的威胁！

DushevnayaBehold! The dangerous explosives in this bag are our proof!你看，这一包危险的爆炸物就是证据！

Head ServantSo you're saying that somebody wants to use these explosives to attack Port Mica.您的意思是，有人要用这包爆炸物袭击硅砂港。

Head ServantBut how did they end up in your hands?但是此时此刻，它为什么会出现在你们手里？

DushevnayaWe got them from the auction lot warehouse last night.这个是我们昨天从拍卖会仓库里拿到的。

Head Servant...Are you talking about the warehouse for Lady Lydia's auction?……莉迪亚大人的拍卖会仓库？

Head ServantThe warehouse is strictly forbidden to unauthorized personnel. Are you aware that your actions constitute unlawful entry?仓库可是严禁外人入内的地方，你们知道自己的行为构成非法闯入了吧？

DushevnayaWe, uh, we didn't touch anything! This is the only thing we took!我、我们什么都没乱动，只偷走了这一件东西！

Head ServantAnd that... would be theft.这是……偷窃行为。

DushevnayaNo, it's not! Things back then were really complicated and we fought with the guards and we had no choice, so...不是！当时情况很复杂，我们跟安保人员打起来了，没办法才……

Head ServantHm, and that's "assaulting a police officer with a deadly weapon".嗯，还有持械袭警。

SweeperAhhh, don't worry about unimportant stuff like that! The most important thing right now is the explosives!行了，别管那些无关紧要的小事了，现在爆炸物才是关键！

SweeperWho's the mastermind? Are there any more explosives? You need to look into this right away and deal with it!幕后黑手是谁？还有没有其他炸药？你们必须立刻调查清楚，然后做出应对！

Head Servant"Unimportant", you say?“无关紧要”吗？

Head ServantFine, just show me the explosives.好，先把爆炸物给我看看吧。

(Dushevnaya hands the sack over.)（杜莎妮把拖车递了过去。）

(The servant opens it. He takes a look at the contents, then lets out a cold chuckle.)（侍从打开袋子，只看了一眼就发出冷笑。）

Head ServantI see. So you're from the BUGs then, ladies?原来如此，小姐，你们是B.U.G.s的人吧？

Head ServantI didn't expect their numbers to grow, certainly not by welcoming Dolls.没想到又增加了呢，让人头疼的人形。

Head ServantArrest them.抓住她们。

DushevnayaWait, what?什么意思？

SweeperLook out, they're moving in!小心！他们要动手了！

Under the Undercurrents 暗流之下

DushevnayaThis is bad... Warmaster, the worst has come to pass...坏了，战帅，最糟糕的局势发生了……

SweeperYeah, I noticed.嗯，我明白。

(They had a discussion before they came here. If Lydia's people started acting strange, that would mean they were the real masterminds.)（来之前她们就讨论过。假如莉迪亚的人态度古怪，就说明他们才是真正的幕后黑手。）

(In other words, there would be nobody they could trust in Port Mica, so they'd have to stop the conspiracy by themselves.)（那意味着硅砂港不再有任何值得信赖的人，想阻止阴谋只能靠她们自己了。）

SweeperWe need to seize the initiative. Let's start by taking all the enemies down and then capturing this building!我们要抢占先机，打倒所有敌人然后占领这栋建筑！

PhaetusaNo, wait, weren't we supposed to contact Helen...不，不是说要和海伦取得联络吗……

SweeperWe can't let them look down on us anymore!不能让她们再小看我们了！

DushevnayaI'd feel bad if I bothered Helen about everything!什么事都麻烦海伦的话，我也会过意不去的！

SweeperThere was no way out for us from the moment we uncovered her conspiracy. Do it!从撞破她阴谋的那一刻起，我们就没有退路了。动手！

(Lydia's servants are completely unprepared for the two Dolls' all-out attack.)（面对两位战术人形的全力进攻，莉迪亚的侍从根本没做好准备。）

Head ServantHow unruly!你们真是太不听话了！

Head ServantThis is a critical period for this town and Lady Lydia. Would it kill you to rein yourselves in a little?!莉迪亚大人和这座镇子正在关键时刻，拜托你们收敛一点！

SweeperShe's not even here! Who do you think you're trying to scare by mentioning her?莉迪亚人都不在，拿她的名字吓唬谁呢。

Head ServantDammit! How can mere Dolls be so—可恶！区区人形居然这么——

(In the blink of an eye, the jet-black Tactical Doll is in the man's face. She slams the hilt of her sword into the bridge of his nose.)（一眨眼的功夫，漆黑的战术人形已经来到侍从面前，刀柄重重地敲在他的鼻梁上。）

(He's still trying to persuade them right up until the moment he passes out.)（直到昏迷的前一刻，侍从仍然嘀哩咕噜地试图说服她们。）

ZoeAre these... Doll frames?这是……人形的素体？

(They must be really valuable if those two Dolls were protecting them like treasure, right? Could they be super high-end Doll frames?)（被那两位人形当个宝贝一样护着，应该是很值钱的东西吧？说不定是高级的素体？）

(Zoe puts on her earpiece and begins talking excitedly.)（佐伊戴上耳机，兴冲冲地讲起话来。）

Worried LackeyGreat news, Big Sis! We found something good for Big Sis Basti and Big Sis Faelynn!太好啦，大姐头，这样贝丝蒂和芙铃大姐姐她们也能得到好处了吧！

ZoeBig Sis Faelynn's body has been a real pain to maintain, but she might not have to worry about that anymore!芙铃姐姐的素体一向很难维护，以后或许都不用发愁了呢！

ZoeWell done, you guys!这次你们干得不错！

ZoeOh yeah, what did you swap them with?话说回来，你们是用什么调包的？

Carbolic SoapEhehehehe.咦嘻嘻嘻。

Carbolic SoapYou remember that monument that got demolished because we wrote "Lydia is a pig!" all over it?还记得因为被我们涂满了“莉迪亚是猪！”而被销毁的那块纪念碑嘛——

Carbolic SoapWe saved the best parts of it!我们把精华的部分保留下来啦！

Electronic VoiceCipher key authenticated.密钥验证已通过。

Electronic VoiceTo access administrator privileges, please provide voiceprint verification.如需接入管理员权限，请继续验证声纹密码。

BastiTwo-factor authentication, huh... Well, I expected that much.双重加密啊……不过这也是当然的。

BastiUnfortunately, neither of us is good at electronic warfare.可惜我和芙铃都不太擅长电子战呢。

(Basti has a grave expression on her face.)（贝丝蒂难得露出凝重的神色。）

FaelynnCan't we get the BUGs to handle the voiceprint thing?声纹密码不能通过B.U.G.s搞定吗？

BastiThe only way is if Zoe can learn how to talk like Lydia. Do you think they sound alike?除非佐伊能学莉迪亚说话，你觉得她们俩声音像吗？

FaelynnHeck no.完全不像。

FaelynnBut then what should we do?那现在该怎么办？

BastiHm... If only we'd recorded her earlier. Voiceprint locks are easy to crack...嗯……当初要是录音就好了，声纹锁明明很容易破解……

(After a moment of deliberation, Basti brings her hands together in realization.)（沉思了一会儿，贝丝蒂突然双手一拍。）

BastiWell, looks like there's only one thing we can do!事到如今只有一种办法了！

FaelynnOh! What is it?嗯！是什么？

BastiWe're going to kidnap Lydia!我们去绑架莉迪亚！

FaelynnHah?啊？

Tears of the Thorn 荆棘泪

(Karl hurries over, looking worn out from his journey.)（卡尔风尘仆仆地赶了过来。）

(His heart rate of 140 compounds the headache from his hangover, but it's suppressed by his surging adrenaline.)（140的心率加重了宿醉的痛苦，但肾上腺素又将它压了下去。）

(Currently, he is looking at a very strange sight.)（现在，他看到了一幅诡异的场景。）

(The door to the beacon control center is wide open. There is nothing inside except for his henchman, who lies unconscious against a nearby wall.)（信标站的门大开着，里面空空如也，只有他派来的打手歪着身子在墙边安睡。）

KarlWake up, wake up!醒醒，醒醒！

(Karl smacks him a few times.)（卡尔上去就扇了他几个巴掌。）

(The henchman blearily blinks his eyes as he comes to. Then, he shudders upon recognizing Karl.)（打手悠悠转醒，在看清卡尔之后立刻一个哆嗦。）

Corporate HenchmanBad news, Boss! Something happened!坏了，Boss！出事了！

KarlI KNOW something happened! Tell me what it was already!我当然知道出事了，告诉我发生了什么！

Corporate HenchmanThe stuff wasn't right! There wasn't C4 in the crate! Just Dolls!东西不对！箱子里不是C4炸弹，是人形！

KarlSon of a bitch! Didn't you say you swapped the contents of the crate already?混账！你不是说已经调包换掉人形了吗？

Corporate HenchmanI did! But it wasn't Doll frames in there! It was fully activated Tactical Dolls!调包是成功了，那不是人形素体，是活蹦乱跳的战术人形！

Corporate HenchmanSomeone must have taken them away after I put the explosives in and had the Dolls hide in there!一定是在我把炸弹放进去之后，有人拿走了它们，然后让这两个人形潜伏在里面！

(So it was Tactical Dolls? Something comes to Karl's mind.)（战术人形？卡尔好像想到了什么。）

(He turns to a nearby computer screen. It's displaying a strange logo—)（他走向旁边的电子设备，在屏幕上找到了一个异样的标志——）

("BUG".)（“B.U.G.s”。）

(He understands now. The disturbance at the auction didn't end there.)（他懂了，拍卖会上那场骚乱并没有结束。）

(Both he and Lydia had been careless. Those thieves' patience and greed were far beyond what he had imagined.)（莉迪亚和他都大意了，那个小偷的耐心和胃口远比想象中要大。）

(And now, the "bandits" and "thieves" have raided the same household.)（现在，“强盗”和“小偷”闯进了同一户家里。）

Corporate HenchmanWhat should we do now, Boss? Is our cover blown?Boss，现在该怎么办，我们暴露了吗？

(Karl ignores him. His attention is focused on an unassuming little device.)（卡尔没有理会，他正在汇集视线，聚焦于一个不起眼的小玩意。）

(It's roughly the size of his thumb and it's plugged into an access port on an operating terminal. The cute little kitty design on it looks completely out of place with the rest of the beacon control center.)（它大约拇指大小，插在操作台的端口上，上面刻画的小猫图案和信标站格格不入。）

KarlA transceiver and a hacking chip, huh...收发器和黑客芯片吗……

(He begins contemplating the possibilities it implies. For starters, perhaps the opposition had their eyes on this place like he did. Hacking this place from the outside would be impossible.)（他的思路开始延展。首先，对方或许和自己一样，盯上了这里，而从外部入侵是绝无可能的。）

(His own plan was to physically destroy the beacon control center. However, the other group had decided to find a way around that impassable, invincible defense.)（自己想到的方法是在物理上摧毁这个信标站，而另一群人则决定自己搭一座桥梁，绕过那坚固无比的防卫。）

(At this point, Karl's eyes suddenly light up.)（想到这，卡尔的眼睛突然亮了。）

KarlI need you to trace the signal source for this device.给我反向追踪它的信号源。

Corporate HenchmanIt's technically possible, but we might not be able to narrow down the exact position in time.技术上可以做到，但需要筛选目标，时间可能来不及啊。

KarlWe have money.我们有钱。

KarlCan't we just buy the intel?直接买情报不就好了？

Corporate HenchmanThat's a brilliant idea!英明！

KarlOnce you find whoever's behind this, make sure you take them alive. Do NOT let them die.追到之后先把人抓住，千万别弄死。

KarlInteresting... I can't believe those brats are so good at being bad. It's like they were born to be punks.真有趣……这些小鬼，办坏事居然这么优雅，真是天生的坏胚子。

KarlThey might not need your lifelong learning academy, Lady Lydia.她们恐怕不需要你的学校喽，莉迪亚女士。

DushevnayaWarmaster! We've locked all the servants into the dining room.报告战帅！所有侍从和佣人都关进了餐厅。

DushevnayaThis mansion is ours now!现在这栋豪宅是我们的了！

SweeperWell done, Hero. You were born to be a prison guard...很好哦，勇者，你很适合做狱卒呢……

SweeperIn any case, we don't have much time. We need to find proof about this conspiracy before Lydia comes back.总之抓紧时间，趁莉迪亚回来之前，我们必须找到阴谋的真相。

(The two Dolls stride unopposed through the mansion. Soon, they reach Lydia's study.)（两位人形在豪宅中畅行无阻。没过多久，她们摸索到了莉迪亚的书房。）

(Dushevnaya runs to the bookcase. The sight of the hundreds of books on its shelves leaves her at a loss for what to do next.)（杜莎妮奔向了书柜，面对着上百本大部头书籍，她实在有一些迷茫。）

(Phaetusa connects to the room's internal network. Her electronic warfare skills have improved with the help of decryption tools from the Elmo.)（翡图萨则是接入了这里的内部网络，依靠从艾莫号上获取的破解工具，她的电子战能力也在不知不觉间获得了提升。）

PhaetusaHmm... Take a look at this. Who's this "Della" person?嗯……你们看。这个叫“黛拉”的人是谁？

PhaetusaConnexion's internal data indicates that this Della has all the authorizations in the enterprise system that Lydia does.链讯的内部资料显示，莉迪亚在企业系统中生效的所有权限，这个黛拉全部拥有。

PhaetusaIt's like she's a copy of Lydia...简直就像莉迪亚的翻版……

SweeperNo, Lydia's the copy of Della. Look at the permission issue dates. All of Della's entries are earlier.不，莉迪亚才是黛拉的翻版。你们看权限的生效时间，每一项都是黛拉更早。

SweeperSo... is this Della an alternate personality of Lydia's?所以……这个黛拉是莉迪亚的另外一个人格吗？

PhaetusaUm... You mean, like you and I, Nyxie?咦——就像我和小黑那样？

Phaetusa—That can't be, right? It's just someone else on equal terms with Lydia, right?——不可能吧，只是另外一个和莉迪亚平起平坐的人吧？

SweeperHumans don't share power. I'm sure they must be deadly rivals.人类是不会分享权力的，这两个人一定是死敌。

SweeperThink about it, Lydia owns all of Port Mica. She can give orders to everyone. There's no need for her to play games like this or hide explosives away.你想，莉迪亚已经拥有硅砂港的一切了，她可以向所有人发号施令，不需要耍阴谋诡计，更用不着私藏炸药。

SweeperUnless... Unless there were someone who was more experienced, with greater authority than Lydia, keeping her down... And she's using these explosives to defeat her opponent.除非，有一个资历更老、权限更高的人物压在莉迪亚头上……她为了打倒对方，就需要借助那些炸药。

DushevnayaYou mean Della?你是说黛拉？

SweeperThat's right! This is the true, ugly face of human society!没错！这就是丑恶的人类社会的写照！

SweeperFrom what I can tell, Lydia's been gradually amassing power, but she's never been able to get out from under the thumb of her rival. So now, she's just one step away from realizing her ambition...就目前我们的局面来看，莉迪亚后来者居上，逐渐掌控了更多实权，但始终无法彻底摆脱对方。所以现在，她距离自己的野心只差最后一着……

DushevnayaThis is evil! Pure evil!邪恶，太邪恶了！

DushevnayaI can't believe she's planning to blow up the city she ought to be protecting...居然会用炸弹对付自己本来应该保护的城市……

DushevnayaSo, should we do as Helen said and notify this Della, then wake up the guards from earlier?所以按照海伦的说法，我们应该去通知这个黛拉，把之前的守卫再叫醒吗？

SweeperHmph. It's none of my business, but since we've been given this responsibility, we'll just go with that for now...哼，虽然不关我事，但既然交给我们来负责，就先这样做吧……

(Just then, the sound of talking comes from outside the study.)（就在这时，书房外突然传来了说话声。）

(Dushevnaya and Phaetusa jump in fright, since they never noticed anyone approaching.)（杜莎妮、翡图萨被吓了一跳，因为她们根本没察觉到有人接近。）

???Let's make a bet, Faelynn.芙铃，我们来打个赌吧。

???I bet there's someone in this room, and it's not Lydia.我赌这间书房里有人，并且还不是莉迪亚。

(Right after that, the door suddenly caves in. Fragments of the metal hinges fly through the air like bullets.)（话音刚落，书房门轰然倒塌，金属合页的残片像子弹般崩飞出去。）

(A pair of menacing gun barrels protrude through the now-empty door frame.)（空空如也的门框底下，取代房门的是两支冰冷的枪管。）

BastiSee, it's my victory.你看，我赢了。

FaelynnWow, it's true. But how did you know?真的欸，你是怎么知道的？

BastiNobody knows Lydia better than I do.没有人比人家更懂莉迪亚。

BastiThere were no guards on the way here. If this wasn't a trap, it means someone else already took care of them.一路上没有任何守备，不是布有陷阱，就是他们已经被人制服了。

DushevnayaIt's you! You're the two blondies from the auction!是你们！拍卖会上的两个小黄毛！

BastiAh yes, I certainly didn't expect to meet you again so soon.是啊，没想到这么快又见面了。

BastiSo, who are you two? Why are you in Lydia's home?告诉我，你们两个是什么身份？来莉迪亚家想做什么！

BastiYou especially, the one with the sword. You're from Sangvis Ferri, aren't you? I can smell it!特别是持刀的家伙，你是“铁血”吧？我能嗅出来哦！

(Dushevnaya and Phaetusa can sense the hostility radiating from Basti.)（杜莎妮和翡图萨都能感觉到，贝丝蒂正散发出强烈的敌意。）

(Their opponent has the upper hand, and the situation is very unfavorable for them.)（对方占尽先机，情况对她们非常不利。）

DushevnayaWe, uh, we're here to investigate some secret intel!我、我们是来调查机密情报的！

BastiInvestigate? More like rob this place blind, I think!“调查”？我看是“窃取”吧！

BastiDid you get Lydia's permission to conduct your investigation?你们经过莉迪亚同意了吗？

DushevnayaAh... Her servants invited us here!那个……是她的侍从邀请我们来的！

BastiThen where are they? All the security guards in this place are gone, and there are signs of a fight downstairs.侍从人呢？这栋房子的安保人员全消失了，楼下还留着打斗痕迹。

BastiKind of a barbaric way to pay a visit, don't you think?你们上门拜访的方式挺野蛮嘛。

DushevnayaThat's because...那是因为……

SweeperWho the hell are YOU? What right do you have to ask us those questions?你们又是什么身份？有什么资格问这些问题？

DushevnayaYeah! At least say why you came here first!!对哦！先说出你们来这里的目的！

BastiOh, we're intruders and we're here to kidnap Lydia~哦，我们是入侵者，来绑架莉迪亚的~

DushevnayaThe fact that you're so blatantly confessing to your sins indicates you must be a truly heinous villain!如此明目张胆地自承恶行，你这家伙已经是了不得的恶党了！

BastiThat's right. Also, I hate it when people cut in line right in front of me.对，而且我不喜欢被人抢在前面。

(A gunshot thunders through the air. Basti attacks so fast one might think her gun had misfired.)（紧接着枪响了。贝丝蒂的进攻非常突然，简直像武器走火了一样。）

(Dushevnaya dodges the bullet by turning her head to the side. The two of them scramble to return fire, but they're soon forced into a corner.)（杜莎妮侧头避开子弹，两人仓皇迎击，却很快被逼入角落。）

BastiWhere's Lydia?莉迪亚在哪？

DushevnayaI don't know either!我也不知道啊！

BastiYou're lying. You're here for Lydia!骗人，你们是为了莉迪亚来的。

DushevnayaNo! We're here for the bombs!不是！我们为的是炸弹！

Basti...What bombs?……炸弹？

SweeperForget it. There's no point wasting more time.行了，我们不要再浪费时间了。

SweeperYou must be Della's dogs, aren't you?你们是黛拉的走狗吧！

Faelynn—?!——？！

(Faelynn's pupils contract sharply upon hearing the name "Della". It's as though she's suffered some unbearable provocation, because her previously half-hearted movements suddenly fill with purpose and speed.)（听到“黛拉”这个名字，芙铃的瞳孔骤然收缩，仿佛受到了绝无法容忍的挑衅，原本有些敷衍的动作瞬间凌厉起来。）

(Basti reaches out to grab her, as though she knew the other Doll would get mad.)（贝丝蒂伸手拦住了她，就好像提前知道她会生气。）

(Then, she smiles. However, it is a wicked smile that sends chills down the spines of onlookers.)（接着，贝丝蒂露出了笑容，那是让人毛骨悚然的凶恶冷笑。）

BastiYou know about Della?你们知道黛拉？

SweeperThat's right. There's no point hiding it. We know about her relationship with Lydia.没错，隐瞒也没用。我们知道她和莉迪亚的关系了。

BastiThen what's your role in all this? Since you're all Dolls, someone must be giving you orders, right?那你们在这件事里扮演着什么角色？既然你们都是人形，应该有人指使吧？

SweeperHmph, we just want to get all this crap over with.哼，只是想尽快结束这件无聊的破事。

PhaetusaYeah... Wouldn't things be settled easily if Della could just meet with Lydia?是呢……如果黛拉和莉迪亚能见面的话，事情就可以解决了吧？

(Upon hearing this, Basti stops holding Faelynn back.)（听到这，贝丝蒂松开了拦着芙铃的手。）

BastiGet them.动手。

SweeperTsk, looks like Della's no better than Lydia.啧，看起来黛拉也不是什么好东西——就和莉迪亚一样呢。

BastiYou are courting death!是你们自己找死！

(Basti and Faelynn suddenly launch an attack that's far more ferocious than before. It's as though they've switched to some kind of "total annihilation" combat mode.)（贝丝蒂和芙铃突然就发起了突袭，攻势远比刚才要猛烈，仿佛进入了不计任何后果的毁灭模式。）

DushevnayaWait! We don't want to fight!等一下，我们并不想和你们战斗！

BastiThat's too bad, because we do.这由不得你。

(Dushevnaya and Phaetusa are caught completely off guard by this. They thought that mentioning "Della" would calm them down, but they never expected it to have the completely opposite effect.)（杜莎妮和翡图萨完全没做好战斗准备，本以为搬出“黛拉”这个名字能让对方冷静，没想到适得其反。）

(Of particular note is the fact that while Dushevnaya doesn't recognize the two Dolls before her, she feels a strange sense of familiarity with them.)（特别是杜莎妮，虽然不认识眼前的两个人形少女，她内心却又始终觉得对方身上有某种亲切感。）

SweeperThe terrain here is bad for us! To the hallway!这里的地形不利，到走廊去！

(Sweeper bursts through the window behind her, planning to move the battlefield from the study to the hallway.)（清道夫砸开了身后的通风窗户，想把战场从书房转移到走廊。）

(However, the moment she touches down outside the window, she hears a "click" from beneath her feet.)（然而穿过窗口的下一秒，她听到脚下传来“咔哒”一声。）

SweeperOh fu—!糟——！

(A powerful electrical current runs through Phaetusa's body, almost paralyzing her.)（剧烈的电流迅速穿过翡图萨的素体，让她丧失了大半行动能力。）

(Basti had planted this landmine outside beforehand. For them, the battle had started long before they entered the room. Every single move and all the preparations Basti made were calculated to secure dominance over the battlefield.)（这是贝丝蒂提前在外面安置好的地雷。战斗从她们进入房间之前就已经开始了，贝丝蒂的走位压制全都是刻意为之，她精心设计了眼下的局面。）

DushevnayaWarmaster! Are you alright?战帅！你没事吧！

BastiYou should worry about yourself first.还是关心下自己吧。

DushevnayaUgh! Dammit, of all the underhanded—!唔！可恶，竟用这种卑鄙的手段——！

(While Dushevnaya's frame has the advantage in power output, Basti's movements are more agile.)（虽然素体的出力是杜莎妮占优势，但贝丝蒂的动作更加轻盈。）

(She nimbly evades and circles around behind Dushevnaya before firing at close range, accurately striking her frame's weak points.)（她灵活地闪避到杜莎妮身后，近距离扣下了扳机，炸开了素体的薄弱点。）

DushevnayaOh no—糟糕——

(The wound isn't fatal, but the shot crippled one of her arms and one of her legs, driving Dushevnaya to her knees.)（没有受到致命损伤，一只手和一条腿已经因为子弹冲击而无法使用，杜莎妮不自觉地跪倒。）

BastiDon't speak unless you're spoken to, or I'll rip out your voice module.安静哦，否则我就把你的传声模块拆了。

(Basti pins Dushevnaya securely to the ground. Meanwhile, Faelynn has also subdued Phaetusa.)（贝丝蒂用力制服了杜莎妮，把她死死地按在地上。另一边，芙铃也控制住了踩中陷阱的翡图萨。）

FaelynnWho are you? How do you know about Miss Della?你们是什么人？为什么会知道黛拉姐姐的事情！

BastiI should have known all this was going to play out again.我早该想到，一切都会重演。

BastiYou were going to deal with Lydia the way you dealt with Della back then.你们要用当年对付黛拉的手段来对付莉迪亚。

DushevnayaWhat are you talking about? I've lost my memories. I don't remember things from too far back!什么手段！我的记忆区还在修复中，太远的事我可记不住！

BastiOh? You poor thing. Things aren't going to end well for you today, no matter who sent you.哦？那你真是个可怜的孩子啊，不管是谁派你来的，你都要倒霉了——

BastiThat is, unless you tell us who's behind all this right now!除非，现在你就供出幕后的主使者！

DushevnayaNobody's behind this! We just want to resolve the crisis facing this town!才没有什么主使者！我们只是想要解决这里的危机而已！

BastiIs that so? You're not going to talk even if I scrap this patchwork frame of yours?是吗？就算摧毁你这具七拼八凑的素体你也不会说吧？

BastiWhat a sad little puppet you are, thrown away like a tool the moment you're no longer of use.真是可悲的人偶，被当做工具一样用完就丢了呢。

(Basti jams her handgun into Dushevnaya's frame.)（贝丝蒂把手枪用力地压在杜莎妮的素体表面。）

(Judging from its condition, the Doll before her is being used as a temporary catspaw.)（从杜莎妮的素体看来，眼前的人形，无疑是被当做了临时的工具。）

(In all fairness, Basti's frame isn't much better, but she's done her best to stay clean, soft, and pretty. It's partially because she thinks of herself as a "girl" and because she wants to always be ready for her reunion with her beloved.)（贝丝蒂自己的素体状态也不怎么样，但是，她尽量维持着外观的整洁、柔软与美丽，因为那是作为“女孩子”的矜持，也为了时刻做好准备与心爱的那个人重逢。）

(However, while the frame before her seems to have good performance, there are no signs of a similar "love" in it.)（但是，眼前的素体虽然性能似乎不错，外观上却完全不像是有这样的“爱”存在。）

DushevnayaThat's not true! This frame is my pride and joy! Mayling helped me tune it up!才没有这样的事！这可是我引以为傲的优秀素体！是美玲帮我好好调整过的！

DushevnayaI won't let you badmouth it!你不准说它的坏话！

BastiThen give your master a call, right now.给我立刻联络你效忠的那个目标。

BastiOtherwise, there's no telling what kind of accident might just so happen to your "pride and joy".不然的话，我可能要不小心把你的这具“引以为傲”的素体给弄坏了。

(Dushevnaya realizes that the situation has escalated beyond her and Phaetusa's control. The only way to keep herself in one piece is to obey.)（杜莎妮明白，事态已经超出自己和翡图萨的控制范畴，想保住素体就只能乖乖照做。）

(Even so, she has no intention of giving in. Exposing the Commander's location or identity is completely off limits. She would rather blow herself up than do it.)（但是即使如此，她也不打算屈服，任何时候暴露指挥官都是严禁事项，如果可能的话，现在的杜莎妮只会选择自爆。）

(However, that function was not installed into her. All she can do is close her eyes, but just then—)（但因为她没有安装这样的功能，只能痛苦地闭上了眼睛，然而，就在这个时候——）

(A call from Helen comes in.)（海伦的通讯传来了。）

HelenDushevnaya, what's your situation now—What happened to your frame? Why is it damaged?杜莎妮，现在的情况怎么样——为什么素体受损了？

(Upon hearing a female voice from Dushevnaya's communicator, Basti snatches it from her.)（听到通讯器里传出来一个女声，贝丝蒂一把抢过了通讯器。）

(She activates a voice changer. Her enemy is clearly very dangerous, and she must treat them with the utmost caution.)（她对声音进行了失真处理。面对这个危险的敌人，她必须保持十足的谨慎。）

BastiWhat a shame.真是遗憾呢。

BastiYour little Miss Pinocchio got her strings cut.你们的匹诺曹小姐，已经被我击溃了。

DushevnayaGueh, Helen, I'm sorry...呜咕，海伦，对不起……

Helen—!——！

Helen...Who are you?……您是谁？

HelenAre you the person who's trying to destroy Port Mica?就是那个要摧毁硅砂港的人吗？

BastiLet's go with that. Your Dolls not only got in our way but insulted something that shouldn't have been insulted. Rest assured, you will pay dearly for this.就当是这样吧，你们的人形不仅妨碍了我们，还侮辱了不应该侮辱的东西，这笔账我们必须要好好算算。

Helen—There can be no terms for negotiation if Dushevnaya or Phaetusa are harmed.——杜莎妮，还有翡图萨，如果受到了损害，交涉就不能成立。

HelenCan we agree on that?这一点共识能否达成？

BastiSo they're Dushevnaya and Phaetusa, is it? Oh yes, she's got a friend with a very unique hair ornament.杜莎妮和翡图萨是吧？的确，旁边还有另一位发饰很别致的同伴。

BastiTsk, you people are all the same, hiding safely in the back and barking orders while others die to carry them out.嘁，你们这种人就是这样，整天躲在安逸的后方指使人形卖命。

BastiBut I guess the only thing that motivates you is numbers going down. After all, you gave them trash-tier frames that look like they were dug out of some Yellow Zone junkyard. Am I wrong?只有损失数字能触动你们干枯的神经，明明给她们使用的都是在黄区挖出来的废物素体吧？

BastiStill, don't worry. I won't make life hard for your Dolls.不过放心，我不会为难人形的。

BastiAfter all, it's the people behind them who deserve to die—don't you agree?该死的是人形背后的人——不是吗？

Helen...I think there has been some kind of misunderstanding.……也许，其中存在着某种误会。

HelenThese two kids were accidentally caught up in Port Mica's affairs. We can pull out at any time.这两个孩子只是无意中卷入了硅砂港的骚乱，我们随时可以退出。

BastiOh, NOW you want to pull out? Do you remember the name "Della Sable"?现在就想退出了吗？你们，还记得“黛拉·塞布尔”这个名字吗？

(Basti can hear another indistinct voice from the other side of the line. It seems to be discussing something with the woman she's talking to.)（贝丝蒂听到通讯器对面传出另一个影影绰绰的声音，好像在和接电话的女声商量着什么。）

(Soon, she gets an answer.)（没过多久，她收到了回应。）

HelenWas she an underground broker?是暗区的商人吗……？

HelenOur records state that she lost her life several years ago. We've worked with her in the past... though just for a single resupply. Apparently, she was quite well-regarded by the people around her.根据记录在几年前不幸遇害，确实曾有与我方的合作……但是只有一次补给……似乎是个口碑很不错的人呢。

Basti"Worked with her", oh, you're one to talk! That's just how your kind loves to cover up all the things you did!合作？真好意思说啊，你们最喜欢用这个词欲盖弥彰！

BastiDella was deceived and murdered!黛拉是被人诱骗后杀害的！

(Basti pours out a decade's worth of pent-up emotions with those words. They seethe with wrath, resentment, and a rising urge to destroy everything.)（贝丝蒂一口气喷吐出了压抑十年的情感，那里面有她的愤怒、不甘，有她蠢蠢欲动的破坏欲。）

(She hears more whispering through the communicator. She instantly realizes that this person who's not willing to reveal themselves is the one behind everything.)（她听到通讯器对面那两个人又窃窃私语起来。她明白了，那个不愿意露面的人就是幕后黑手。）

(Basti's anger burns brighter still. She hates the cowardice of those in power more than anything else.)（贝丝蒂的愤怒愈发高涨，她最看不惯上位者的懦弱。）

HelenSo... is that why you want to destroy Connexion and Port Mica?所以……这就是您想要破坏链讯集团和硅砂港的动机吗？

HelenNo matter what aim you might have, involving the innocent in your schemes is wrong. You're going too far by using C4 explosives.无论有怎样的目的，牵连无辜的行为总是不对的，使用C4炸弹还是太过分了。

HelenWe can understand how you feel, and we might be able to help. Why not think about it?我们也理解您的心情，为此也可以提供帮助，您不妨考虑一下？

FaelynnC4 explosives?!C4炸弹？！

FaelynnBas—贝——

(Basti holds up a hand to shush Faelynn.)（贝丝蒂抬起手，阻止了芙铃的疑惑。）

BastiTrying to stall for time? That's not going to work.想要拖延时间吧？没用的。

BastiWe'd never resort to crude methods like bombs. You're the ones trying to take over Connexion, aren't you?我们根本不会准备炸弹这种低级的手段，是你们想要吞并链讯吧？

Basti...You're the ones trying to take over Connexion, aren't you?……是你们想要吞并链讯吧？

HelenCommander... I think the person on the other side is on the verge of a nervous breakdown.指挥官……对方似乎濒临失控了。

HelenAt this rate, Dushevnaya might be in danger.这样下去，杜莎妮的素体会有危险。

LoreleyConnexion, Port Mica... I believe they're having a launch ceremony for their airborne beacons.链讯，硅砂港，正有盛大的空中信标首飞仪式。

LoreleyThere'll be a lot of corporate representatives and observers present. The URNC will be watching very closely.这一趟各企业的代表和观察员之类的可不少，在罗联内部关注度很高。

LoreleyPlease be careful when handling this situation, Commander. There is potential for a massive social disaster here.指挥官，请小心应对，否则很容易引发重大的社会灾难。

CommanderFirst, we need to ensure Dushevnaya and Phaetusa are safe and avoid creating further threats.首先确保杜莎妮和翡图萨的安全，并且避免造成危害。

CommanderWhat do we know about Della?关于黛拉我们知道什么？

HelenAfter combining the information Phaetusa sent us and the intel we've collected so far, it appears Della Sable and Lydia Sable were fighting for control over Connexion. However, Della is already dead, so are these people trying to get revenge for her?翡图萨给我传来了迄今为止收集的信息——黛拉·塞布尔和莉迪亚·塞布尔似乎在争夺链讯内部的主导权，而既然黛拉已经死了，这些人是想要为她复仇吗？

CommanderSomething about those people bothers me. Are they Dolls too?我有些在意对方的身份，她们也是人形？

HelenShe said she was...她说是的……

CommanderWell, she's got an abnormal amount of bloodlust. She doesn't sound like she's taking action because she was ordered to. Rather, she seems motivated by her feelings and her will.那她的杀气真异常呢……不太像是基于命令，而像是在基于自身的情感和意志采取行动。

HelenYes.是。

HelenWhile I believe there is a misunderstanding here, the fact that she was so rough with Dushevnaya is a good indicator that she was raised poorly.虽然我觉得其中存在误会，但是对杜莎妮她们这样粗暴，肯定也是没什么教养的孩子。

BastiYou know, I'm getting really tired of talking to you lot. You've got a boss, right? Put his bitch ass on the line right now!我啊，已经厌倦和你说话了——反正你后面还有其他人吧？快让那个人滚出来！

Helen—Please show some respect.——请你放尊重一些。

BastiOho? Quit hiding! I know you're there!嚯？别躲了！我知道你在那！

BastiYou give the dirty work to your Dolls and get people to take your calls. Now that Della's dead, you want to kill Lydia too?脏事交给人形去做、通讯交给别人去接，黛拉死后，还要莉迪亚的命吗？

BastiWhat gives you the right to act like it's none of your business while reaping all the benefits?!凭什么你坐享其成，还妄想置身事外呢！

BastiThings aren't going to end so simply now that I've got you. I'm going to rip off your mask!既然落到了我的手里，事情就没这么简单，我一定会揭穿你的真面目！

Helen...Commander, Phaetusa and I need one more minute.……指挥官，我和翡图萨还需要1分钟。

CommanderGot it.我知道了。

(Basti pulls out the boxcutter she carries on her at all times and runs the flat of the blade over Dushevnaya's frame.)（贝丝蒂掏出随身的美工刀，用刀面摩挲着杜莎妮的素体。）

DushevnayaHmph, torture, is it? But heroes never give in!哼，拷问吗？勇者才不会屈服！

BastiWhat's the point in torturing a Doll? Do you know how much information a Doll's body contains?拷问人形有什么意义？你知不知道，人形身上保留着很多信息。

BastiThings like manufacturing dates, repair logs, operational history... They're all engraved into your frame like rings on a tree.出厂日期、维修记录、行动轨迹……就像年轮一样刻在你身上。

BastiWhile your frame looks like a patch job, I'm sure I'll be able to find the origin of all your parts. If you want to blame someone for it, blame that "master" of yours.虽然你的素体看起来很临时，但一定也能追查到部件，要怪，就怪你背后的“主人”吧。

(As she says this, Basti's knife stops over Dushevnaya's wrist.)（说着，贝丝蒂的美工刀停在了杜莎妮的手腕上。）

BastiDid you hear that, you coward? You're screwed!喂！幕后的胆小鬼，你完蛋了！

BastiI'm going to take your little toy apart and find out who you are!我会肢解你的玩具，从她身上找到你存在的证据！

BastiAfter that, you'll never know another moment of peace! Sometime, someplace, when you aren't expecting it, I'll find you!然后你的好日子就到头了，我会在某个时间、某个地点，某个你意想不到的关头找上你！

BastiI'll fill your days with misery and regret, and offer up your despair as a wreath on Della's grave!我要让你饱尝痛苦与悔恨，用你的绝望给黛拉吊唁！

HelenThat's en—适可而止——

(Just then, another voice cuts in over the transmission.)（就在这时，通讯器中突然传来另一个声音。）

(It is calm, composed, and filled with strength. For some reason, just hearing it sends frissons through Basti, mild shocks that span across her frame.)（沉稳，从容，铿锵有力，不知为何，让贝丝蒂的身体像是被电流击中般有着轻微的酥麻。）

???Forgive me. I did not originally intend to reveal myself, as I am a wanted criminal.抱歉，因为被通缉的缘故，我原本是不想出面的。

???But things being what they are now, it seems we will need to speak with one another.但是现在，我们必须谈一谈了。

(Upon hearing that voice, Dushevnaya begins thrashing around.)（听到这个声音，杜莎妮一下子激动起来。）

DushevnayaForget about me, Com—不用管我！指——

(Just as she's about to shout that name, Basti covers her mouth.)（她刚要挣扎着喊出什么，就被贝丝蒂捂住了嘴。）

BastiHmph, so you finally got off your ass. Panicking because your identity's going to be leaked?哼，信息泄露终于让你坐不住了吗？

???No, I simply don't want my Dolls to get hurt.不，我只是不想让我的人形受伤。

(Basti laughs coldly in her heart. He doesn't want his Dolls to get hurt? That's just a high-sounding excuse. Dolls are nothing more than tools for humans.)（贝丝蒂心中冷笑一声。不想让人形受伤？真是一句冠冕堂皇的话，人形不过是人类的工具而已。）

(The only one who would actually think like that is...)（能真心这样想的，只有……）

(Wait a minute. This voice sounds kind of familiar.)（等一下，这个声音有些熟悉。）

BastiYou're...你是……

CommanderWell then, I'm here, like you asked. You have no reason to harm my Dolls now.怎么样，我已经现身了，你没有理由再去伤害我的人形。

CommanderDella's death has nothing to do with us. Believe it or not, I am deeply saddened by it, just as you must be.黛拉的死与我们无关。无论你相不相信，我和你一样深感遗憾。

CommanderI didn't want to interfere in the affairs of Port Mica or Connexion either. But what you've done has gone too far, and now I can't stand idly by any more.我也不想插手链讯和硅砂港的事，但是你们做得太过火了，让我没办法袖手旁观。

(As they hear this, even Faelynn, who's standing off to the side, starts to feel the same sense of familiarity.)（听到现在，连一旁的芙铃都捕捉到了熟悉的感觉。）

Faelynn—H-hey, Basti, is, is he... is he Mas...——贝，贝丝蒂，他，他是不是……是不是主……

(His tone, his way of speaking... everything adds up!)（语气、说话方式……一切的一切都能对上！）

(Basti unconsciously presses the communicator to her ear, making sure not a single syllable of his voice escapes her.)（贝丝蒂不自觉地把通讯器放到耳边，想细细捕捉每一个音节。）

CommanderIf you release Dushevnaya and Phaetusa right now, we might still be able to help you.现在，立刻释放杜莎妮和翡图萨，我也许还能帮助你们。

CommanderBut if you continue being stubborn, then I will have to step in and fight for them!如果再执迷不悟下去，我会出手为她们主持公道！

(It's him! It's got to be him! Everything else goes out of Basti's mind as she calls out his name!)（是他！一定是他！贝丝蒂什么都顾不得了，她张嘴就要叫出那个名字！）

BastiDar...Dar……

(Basti's voice trails off, as though she can't bring herself to speak the name of the person she's been longing for all this time.)（贝丝蒂的声音断了，好像没法将那个朝思暮想的称呼喊出口。）

(How did things end up like this? If the person on the other side of the line is the Commander—)（为什么会变成这样，如果对面的那个人是就是指挥官——）

(Then what is he talking about? Isn't she the most important Doll in his heart?)（他在说什么？他心中最重要的那个人形，不是自己吗？）

(Why does he have other Dolls around him? Why is he...)（为什么有了其他的人形，为什么，自己会……）

BastiNo...不要……

Basti(No, no, no, why did they have to meet again like this...)（不要啊，居然是，这样的相遇……）

Basti(She's been longing to see him again for ten long years, but why, under these circumstances...)（十年份的思念，居然是在这样的场合……）

FaelynnBasti!贝丝蒂！

(Basti feels like the ground is giving out from under her feet. She searches desperately for a lifeline, some proof that she is still loved.)（贝丝蒂感到整个世界都在身边下沉，她迫切地寻求一根救命稻草，一个坐实她仍旧被爱的证据。）

(Could it be that in the Commander's heart, she's less important than the Doll in front of her?)（难道在指挥官心中，她还不如眼前这个人形重要吗？）

(Without thinking, she raises her boxcutter.)（下意识地，她举起了手中的美工刀。）

BastiNOOOOOOOO—!不要啊——！

DushevnayaAiieeeee! She's gone berserk!唔！这家伙突然狂战士化了！

PhaetusaCommander, she's going after Dushevnaya!指挥官！她要对杜莎妮动手了！

CommanderI see... What a disappointment you turned out to be.这样……我很失望。

(Suddenly, Basti's vision blurs, as though someone had hit her in the head with a club.)（突然贝丝蒂眼前一花，好像被一柄重锤击中了脑袋。）

(It's an electronic attack! The powerful signal slams into Basti's neural cloud—the opposition was hacking her since just now, and her firewall was no match for it at all.)（电子战！强烈的信号流骤然袭击了贝丝蒂的心智——从刚才开始对方就在侵入自己的心智，而自己的防火墙根本无法抵抗。）

(She can't react in time; she has no thoughts, her head is empty.)（她来不及反应，思维能力好像在一瞬间被抽空。）

(Empty, except for a single sentence that echoes in her mind—)（空荡荡的脑海中只回荡着一句话——）

CommanderWhat a disappointment you turned out to be.我很失望。

(Before Faelynn's eyes, everything suddenly descends into chaos.)（在芙铃眼中，一切突然间乱套了。）

DushevnayaThis is it! Time to fight back!趁现在，反击！

(What's going on? Faelynn thought she heard the Commander's voice. Was that really the Commander?)（到底发生了什么事情？芙铃好像听到了指挥官的声音，那真的是指挥官吗？）

(Basti seems to have suffered some kind of attack, because she's frozen solid. Below her, Dushevnaya grabs her wrist—even with one arm and one leg disabled, she's still strong enough to ragdoll Basti—and sends her flying.)（贝丝蒂也不知道受到了什么攻击，突然整个人愣在原地，在她身下的杜莎妮抓住了她的手腕——即使暂时无法使用一条手臂和一条腿，她的力量依然足以将贝丝蒂的身体像洋娃娃一样甩飞。）

(With Helen's help, Phaetusa's frame returns to normal. After disrupting Faelynn's movements with an electronic attack, Phaetusa strikes at her. Faelynn instinctively gives battle, but she was also shaken by the voice she just heard.)（翡图萨素体也在海伦的协助下恢复正常，她用电子战干扰了芙铃的行动后发起了反击，芙铃条件反射般地投入战斗，但她也同样被刚刚听到的声音所影响。）

FaelynnM-Master... Why, why did Master...主，主人……为什么，我们会被主人……

PhaetusaThe Commander told us to withdraw ASAP and not to harm them.指挥官要求我们尽快撤退——不要伤害她们。

PhaetusaRecover the bombs and destroy them immediately!回收炸弹后立即销毁！

DushevnayaGot it!知道了！

(Faelynn quickly restores her normal mobility after Phaetusa kicks her into a nearby wall. Until then, all she can do is watch as the two Dolls she and Basti subdued make a run for it.)（被翡图萨一脚踢到了墙里，快速修正着素体的失控。芙铃只能眼睁睁看着那两个之前才被自己和贝丝蒂压制的人形扬长而去。）

(Meanwhile, Basti lies motionless where the Doll called "Dushevnaya" smashed her face into the ground.)（而贝丝蒂，被那个叫做“杜莎妮”的人形把脸撞进了地板，以一种让人同情的姿态一动不动。）

FaelynnUrgh... We got our butts kicked.唔……完全输了。

FaelynnCan't win in close combat... Master, Master gives orders from behind...近身战，赢不了……主人，主人在背后指挥……

FaelynnBasti! Wake up! Are you alright?贝丝蒂！醒醒！你没事吧！

FaelynnBASTI!贝丝蒂！

(After much shouting from Faelynn, Basti finally comes to her senses.)（在芙铃的呼唤声中，贝丝蒂终于醒了过来。）

(Her eyes open, but they are full of tears.)（她睁开眼睛，眼眶里早已噙满了泪水。）

Basti...The Commander... It's Darling!……指挥官……是Darling！

BastiIt's Darling! Darling's voice... It's Darling!!!是Darling啊！Darling的声音……是Darling啊！！！

FaelynnOhhhh! So that person talking just now really was Master!哦！刚才说话的果然是主人呢！

FaelynnThat's great! That's wonderful...太好了！太好了啊……

FaelynnEr, I guess?呃，还好吗？

FaelynnSay, Basti, are you alright?你、你没事吧，贝丝蒂？

(Faelynn suddenly realizes that this might not be the best time to celebrate.)（芙铃发现她的兴奋好像并不合时宜。）

(Basti doesn't seem happy at all. In fact, she looks so fragile that she would shatter into pieces with the slightest touch.)（贝丝蒂看起来一点都不高兴。相反，她好像一碰就要碎了。）

BastiHe said I was a disappointment... He even ordered his Dolls to attack me...他说对我失望了……他还让人形攻击我……

BastiHE PROTECTED ANOTHER WOMAN IN FRONT OF ME!!!他在我面前袒护其他女人！！！

FaelynnThat's just a misunderstanding... It's not Master's fault...那只是误会……不是主人的错……

FaelynnI mean, uh, we DID take Master's Dolls prisoner.因，因为我们抓住了主人的同伴。

BastiHis Dolls... so... so we're not his Dolls anymore.同伴……所以……我们已经不是同伴了啊。

BastiDarling... The Commander doesn't need me anymore.Darling……指挥官已经，不需要我了。

BastiBut that makes sense. I can't blame him for this. I ruined everything, after all!说的也没错呢，我当然不能责怪他，是我毁了这一切啊！

BastiI was waiting for ten years... Waiting to meet him again... But I, I didn't do anything during that time... I didn't try to become prettier for him, or become a cuter and more obedient girl for him...说是自己等了十年……等待与他重逢的时刻……可是我，什么都没有做……没有努力变得漂亮，也没有变成温柔乖巧的女孩子……

BastiI've only done bad things over the past ten years, right?这十年来，我做的只有坏事吧？

FaelynnThat's not true! You saved me, Basti! You saved Zoe and a lot of other people too!不是这样的！贝丝蒂你救了我，也救了佐伊和很多人啊！

BastiAnd I said all those awful things to Darling.我还对Darling说了很多难听的话。

BastiI didn't know anything about the pain he's been through during those ten years. And in the end, he had other Dolls by his side. I don't belong around him anymore!明明对他在十年间的苦痛也一无所知，结果，有其他人形陪着他走到了现在，现在他的身边已经完全没有我的位置了！

(Faelynn has never seen Basti like this before.)（芙铃从没见过这样的贝丝蒂。）

(The rebellious, stubborn, and cunning Basti seems to have suffered a complete nervous breakdown. The only thing that's keeping her going at this point is a fleeting dream.)（那个叛逆、顽强、鬼头鬼脑的贝丝蒂好像崩塌了，维持这具素体的只剩一个稍纵即逝的泡沫。）

BastiAnd he's still as kind and cool as ever. He did his best to protect his Dolls, and he had the ability to back his words up.他还是那么温柔，那么帅气，他会用尽手段保护自己的人形，他有说到做到的行动力。

BastiI'm the bad one... I've turned bad. I've become the Commander's enemy!不好的是我……我变坏了，我把自己变成了指挥官的敌人！

FaelynnNo! It's all a mistake! I'm, uh, I'm sure Master will listen to us if we try to explain things!不是的！这一切都是误会啊！主人，主人肯定会听我们解释的！

FaelynnLet's go find him, okay, Basti? ...I miss him.我们去找主人好不好，贝丝蒂……我好想他。

Basti(Sigh) Never mind. When you think about it, it's not really a big deal, after all.哎，算了，仔细想想也没什么大不了的。

FaelynnYeah, it's not a big deal. We just need to explain ourselves and...对啊！没什么大不了的，只要我们好好解释……

BastiI'll just kill myself and be done with it.反正我死掉就是了。

FaelynnHah?啊？

BastiDarling doesn't need me anymore... and without Darling, I don't need to exist anymore.Darling都不要我了吧……没有Darling的话，我也没有存在的必要。

BastiMy neural cloud hasn't been backed up ever since I left Griffin, and my frame's been a write-off for a long time now.离开格里芬以来，心智也没有备份了……素体也早就不行了。

BastiYeah, I should have died long ago. Why did I even live this long, anyway?嗯，我本就该死掉的，干嘛要活到现在呢。

(Faelynn doesn't know what to do, but she knows she has to do something.)（芙铃不知道该怎么做，但是又觉得必须得做点什么。）

(So she quietly squeezes Basti's hand, hoping it'll help.)（于是她默默牵住了贝丝蒂的手，希望能起到一点作用。）

(Just then, a hurried ringtone breaks the brief silence!)（就在这时，一连串急促的通讯提示音打破了短暂的宁静！）

(It's coming from the BUGs' emergency channel.)（消息来自B.U.G.s搭建的紧急通讯频道。）

Worried LackeyRed alert! Red alert!红色警报！红色警报！

Worried LackeyPlease pick up! C'mon, pick up if you hear me!请回复我！求你们了，请立刻回复我！

FaelynnWhat's wrong? Did something happen?怎么了？发生什么事了？

Worried LackeyIt's Big Sis! Something happened to Big Sis! She got kidnapped!是大姐头！大姐头出事了，她被人绑架走了！

(Faelynn and Basti look at each other, and their eyes go wide. Without a word, they take off running.)（芙铃和贝丝蒂同时瞪大了眼睛。她们一句话没说，起身就飞奔起来。）

Sudden Silence 霎时静默

SakuraHello! You've got a delivery!您好，快递上门！

SakuraHm? Why's the door open? Helloooo? Anyone there—!咦？门怎么开着？有人吗——！

SakuraThere's no answer... Is everyone busy with work in this town?没反应呢……这个小镇的大家工作都很忙吗？

SakuraIt would be rude to just barge in, so I'll just leave it in the doorway.随便进别人家不礼貌，还是放在门口吧。

Sakura(Sigh) My work here is almost done. I hope I can go back and see the Commander soon...哈啊，这里的工作快完成了，早一点回到指挥官那里就好了……

(Basti and Faelynn arrive just after Sakura leaves.)（送货的樱花刚刚离开，贝丝蒂和芙铃就匆匆忙忙赶了过来。）

FaelynnZoe...佐伊……

(They see the main door ajar and the mess inside the house.)（她们看到了敞开的大门和一地狼藉。）

(There are footprints all over Zoe's room. Both she and her computer are gone.)（佐伊的房间里满是脚印，她不在了，她的电脑也不在了。）

FaelynnThose corpo scum did it!是财团干的！

FaelynnJust look at these identical footprints! They're from the mass-produced Dolls that the Conglomerate uses!你看这些完全相同的脚印，是财团使用的量产人形！

FaelynnWhat should we do now, Basti?贝丝蒂，我们现在该怎么办？

(Faelynn's used to deferring to her partner for help. Basti has always been the brains of the duo, the brains of the BUGs, in fact, and she's always been an inexhaustible wellspring of ideas.)（芙铃习惯性地求助于搭档，贝丝蒂就像她的大脑，B.U.G.s的大脑，她总是有用不完的主意。）

(But right now, at this critical moment, that brain has blue-screened.)（但是现在，这个大脑在最关键的时刻宕机了。）

BastiWhat should we do...该怎么办呢……

BastiWe didn't get the voiceprint, the plan to steal the beacon failed, and now even Zoe's gone...声纹密码没有拿到，盗窃信标的计划失败，现在连佐伊都丢了……

BastiBut even if everything worked out... Darling doesn't want me anymore... Darling's abandoned me... Even if I get the beacon... Ahahahaha... What a joke. I'm such a joke...可是，就算一切都很正常的话也……Darling已经不要我了，我都被Darling抛弃了……就算得到了信标也……啊哈哈哈……好好笑，我真好笑呢……

FaelynnWe can still turn this around! We just need to save Zoe, beat those corpo goons up, ask Lydia for help...我们还有机会！现在应该去解救佐伊，去攻击财团，求莉迪亚帮忙……

FaelynnOr, um, maybe we could ask Master for help?或者，或者，向主人求助呢？

BastiOkay.好。

FaelynnWhat do you mean "okay"? I suggested four plans! Which one is "okay"?什么叫“好”？我说了四种方案诶！“好”的是哪一个啊！

(Basti is clearly out of it. She can't focus herself as her thoughts drift from one to another, much like quantum fluctuations.)（贝丝蒂有点出神，她现在集中不了精力，漫无目的的思维像是在量子跃迁。）

(How old is Zoe this year? 12? 13? How old was she when we first met? She was 9 when Della died, or was it when...)（佐伊今年多大了？12岁？13岁？认识她的时候几岁来着？黛拉在她9岁的时候离开还是……）

(Ahhh, I want to eat something sweet. There should be some pudding cups here, right? I'll just go steal a couple and pay her back some other time.)（啊，想吃甜食了，这里应该有吧。偷佐伊两个布丁吃，下回再补给她。）

(Hm? What's this?)（咦？这是什么东西？）

(Basti finds a heavy sack in Zoe's cabinet. It's filled with dark metallic objects.)（贝丝蒂从佐伊的柜子里翻出一个沉重的袋子，里面装满了黑黢黢的金属。）

(To her knowledge, Zoe isn't in the habit of hoarding scrap metal.)（据她所知，佐伊应该没有囤积废铁的习惯。）

(No, this doesn't belong to Zoe. This belongs to someone else—Basti can see through the crude camouflage at a glance. There are bombs of some kind hidden inside.)（不对，这不是佐伊的东西，这是其他人的——拙劣的伪装，对贝丝蒂来说，一眼就能识破其内部藏着的是某种炸弹。）

(Suddenly, the words Dushevnaya mentioned come to mind.)（突然，一个不久之前出现在杜莎妮口中的词跃入了贝丝蒂脑海。）

(Bombs.)（C4炸弹。）

(Dushevnaya had been incomprehensible, but the other Doll had mentioned "C4 explosives" and she remembered that clearly enough.)（杜莎妮说的话贝丝蒂听不懂，但“C4炸弹”是另外一个人形说的，她记得很清楚。）

(She had thought it was just a trick, but since that Doll was one of the Commander's people, she's inclined to believe what she said.)（原本以为是骗术，可既然对方是指挥官身边的人形，那贝丝蒂相信对方甚于自己。）

(The moment she makes the connection between those words and the objects before her, Basti's eyes light up.)（在将这个词与面前的事物联系在一起的瞬间，贝丝蒂的眼睛一下子亮了起来。）

(It's like seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.)（她仿佛看到了黑暗中迸发出的另一束光。）

BastiGo save Zoe!去救佐伊！

FaelynnAlright, we'll...好啊！那我们……

BastiThere's no "we" here. Go do it yourself.没有“我们”，你自己去。

FaelynnHuh?诶？

BastiI know you can do it, Faelynn. Protecting others is your specialty, and Zoe needs you right now.芙铃你一定可以做到的，保护别人就是你最擅长的事情，佐伊现在需要你。

BastiAnd if that doesn't work, ask Dar... I mean, the Commander for help.如果实在不行，就向Dar……向指挥官求助。

BastiEverything that weird Doll said was right. They're heroes, so once you save Zoe, remember to have them take her and the kids from the BUGs far away from Connexion HQ.那些古怪人形说的都是真的，她们是英雄，你救出佐伊后，记得让她和B.U.G.s的孩子都远离链讯园区。

FaelynnBut what about you?那你呢？

BastiI'm going to put an end to everything else.我去解决除此之外的一切。

(Basti picks up the bag and jumps out the window.)（贝丝蒂拎起袋子，转眼就消失在窗外。）

(On the other side of the street from Zoe's home, two pairs of gloomy eyes peer out from behind a dumpster.)（佐伊家对面，垃圾桶旁边伸出两双阴暗的视线。）

DushevnayaWe just barely managed to escape, so what are we doing here?好不容易跑掉了，我们在这里做什么来着？

(Dushevnaya is holding repair tools, which she is using to slowly swap out her damaged parts.)（杜莎妮手中拿着维修工具，慢慢将之前受损的零件进行了替换——）

PhaetusaBecause someone stole the C4!因为C4炸弹被人调包了啊！

PhaetusaThat's why Lydia's people didn't believe us!所以莉迪亚家的侍从才会不相信我们吧！

PhaetusaSince we've got no clues about what to do next, our only choice was to chase them here. Considering they're not the culprits who planted the bombs, I'm sure they've got some intelligence of their own.在没有头绪的情况下，只能追着她们来了，即使不是安装炸弹的元凶，这两人也一定有自己的情报。

PhaetusaListen closely, they mentioned "Zoe".仔细听，她们提到了“佐伊”。

DushevnayaIsn't she the girl who stole your stuff yesterday? Is this her home?昨天偷你东西的女孩？这里是她的家吗？

DushevnayaDid she do it again this time?难道这次又是她干的？

SweeperI went to sleep for a bit and you ended up getting robbed AGAIN by the same brat?!我不过睡了一会儿，你居然能被同一个小鬼偷两次！

SweeperWhat a disgrace!真是太丢人了！

PhaetusaThere's something more important than that—Zoe's been kidnapped?!比起这个有更严重的事发生了——佐伊被绑架了？！

SweeperThat brat did always love to steal and cheat. Serves her right.那个小鬼本来就喜欢偷鸡摸狗的，活该受点教训。

PhaetusaEven if she did something wrong, she needs to be punished by law. Vigilante justice is wrong. And besides, what if the person who did it was worse?如果是犯罪的话也应该接受法律的制裁，私刑是不对的。何况对方说不定是更坏的家伙呢？

DushevnayaLook! That evil blondie just left the house! And are those the bombs we lost in that bag?你们看！邪恶小黄毛出来了！而且那袋子里就是我们弄丢的炸弹吧？

PhaetusaSo it was Zoe who did it. Was that also the reason why she was kidnapped...果然是佐伊她们做的，难道被抓走也是因为这个……

DushevnayaNo! That's the key to unraveling this evil conspiracy!不行啊，那可是开启邪恶阴谋的钥匙！

DushevnayaQuick, we need to go get them back!我、我得去拿回来！

(Dushevnaya emerges from hiding, but Phaetusa's movements suddenly turn sluggish.)（杜莎妮钻出了掩蔽处，但是翡图萨的身体却突然有些僵硬。）

PhaetusaNyxie? Why aren't you letting me move...小黑——？为什么不让我动……

SweeperI'm not going.我才不去。

PhaetusaEh?!咦？！

SweeperWe went through all that trouble because that brat swapped our stuff.都是那个小鬼敢调包我们的东西，才会让我们费这么多功夫。

SweeperAnd besides, these Della and Lydia humans aren't connected to the Commander in any way. Not my circus, not my monkeys.再说这里的两方，叫做黛拉和莉迪亚的人类和指挥官也没关系，我没有出手的义务。

PhaetusaBut is that really okay?可是，这样好吗？

PhaetusaI mean, Zoe did play us like fiddles.佐伊可是把我们耍得团团转哦。

PhaetusaIf we don't pay her back for it, what's going to happen to Sangvis Ferri's reputation?如果不能报复回来的话，“铁血”的面子要怎么办？

SweeperHrk—!唔——！

SweeperYou're... you're right. But doesn't that mean we'll be helping her?你说的也对……可是，这样不是帮了她吗？

SweeperSo we're paying her back by helping her?为了报复结果要帮忙？

DushevnayaStrategist is right. There's more than one way to get back at people!军师说的对，而且报复不是只有一种方式！

DushevnayaFirst we save her. Then, we have our revenge on her!先把她救回来再狠狠报复！

Sweeper—Sangvis Ferri's reputation...——铁血的，面子……

SweeperYou're right!没错！

SweeperThere's no way we'd take this lying down! We went too easy on her last time!当然咽不下！上次给她的教训还是太轻了！

PhaetusaThat's right! Justice yearns to be met!就是！我们要伸张正义！

PhaetusaLet's go! Time to settle the score!走，找她算账去！

Corporate HenchmanYou'd better behave. Don't try anything smart.你最好老实一点，不要耍小聪明。

Corporate HenchmanPiss me off and I'll kill you.如果惹我不爽，我随时会崩了你。

Zoe...You're going to kill me in the end anyway, so what difference does it make?……反正你最后都会杀我，有什么区别。

Corporate HenchmanDon't think too highly of yourself, brat.小鬼，别太拿自己当回事。

Corporate HenchmanEach bullet in this gun costs 15 bucks per shot. That's 15 bucks more than you'll ever be worth.我的子弹15块钱一发，你没那么值钱。

(Much as Zoe is unwilling to perform this hack, the cold gun barrel pressed against the back of her head compels her compliance.)（冰冷的枪口顶在佐伊后脑上，她被强迫着进行一次不情愿的骇入。）

Corporate HenchmanHurry up. Stop dragging your feet.快点，别磨磨蹭蹭。

Corporate HenchmanI know you've cracked the cipher already, so give me administrator access!我知道你已经破解了密钥，给我接入管理员权限！

(While these guys look dumb, they know quite a bit about the beacon control center and the network—enough to ensure Zoe isn't tricking them, at least.)（虽然看着不怎么聪明，但他们对于信标站和网络有着相当的理解——起码能看出来佐伊有没有欺骗自己。）

(And so, Zoe has no choice but to reluctantly enter the cipher, handing over the painstakingly-cultivated fruit of the BUGs' labor over the course of the night.)（佐伊只能心有不甘地输入密钥，将B.U.G.s一整晚的努力拱手相让。）

Corporate HenchmanGood. Now shut down the beacon control center.好，接下来把整个主信标站关停。

ZoeShut it down?! But why? That'll instantly disable all network services to this place and the entire surrounding region!关停？！为什么要做这种事情？那样一瞬间就会让这里，乃至周边地区的网络全部停摆！

Corporate HenchmanDon't ask too many questions about adult business and just do as you're told. That way, you can play in the street with your little friends later.大人的事情你少问，乖乖照做，以后还可以和小朋友们一起在街上玩垃圾。

Corporate HenchmanI haven't been told to kill you yet, so don't push it.我没有接到必须要杀你的指示，别逼我。

(Zoe realizes that the situation is more serious than she imagined. The beacon control center is critically important to Port Mica. It is the bedrock of this remote little town's prosperity, the door that leads to civilization.)（佐伊意识到事情比想象中更加严重。主信标站对于硅砂港太重要了，它是这座偏远小镇繁荣的基石，通往文明世界的门扉。）

(Nobody would want to shut it down. Unless, of course, the person doing it wasn't planning to play by the rules of civilized society.)（没有人会想关停它。除非，那个人不想遵守文明世界的规则。）

ZoeI can't do it. That would require authentication by an administrator's voiceprint.我做不到，进行那种操作需要验证管理员的声纹密码。

Corporate HenchmanNo problem. I knew this would happen.没关系，我早就知道有这一步。

(The henchman picks up his communicator.)（财团打手拿起了通讯器。）

Corporate HenchmanBoss, we'll need your acting skills again. It's another voiceprint passcode.Boss，到你表演了，又是声纹密码。

Corporate HenchmanLooks like we'll need to get that rich bitch's permission.看样子我们要征得富婆的同意才行。

(Zoe realizes that they're planning to use Lydia's voice for their nefarious purposes—but at this point, even screaming about it won't help.)（佐伊很快领悟到，这些人打算利用莉迪亚的声音——但是就算她此时尖叫也已经无济于事。）

(There's nothing she can do now but pray that Lydia smells a rat.)（现在她什么都做不了，只能在心中默默祈祷着另外一端的莉迪亚能够发现端倪。）

KarlLydia, what did I miss?莉迪亚，我错过什么了吗？

(This place is livelier than yesterday. Karl has to put real effort into getting through the crowd and reach Lydia.)（这里比昨天更加热闹，卡尔费了一番力气才穿过人群，挤到了莉迪亚面前。）

(In the past, he would have cared little about the guests here. Now, however, he realizes that top figures from all the neighboring satellite cities are gathered in this place, as well as elites from the White Zone.)（在过去他对这里聚集的宾客不屑一顾，可如今他也意识到，这里确实云集了附近几个卫星城的头面人物，也有白区来的精英。）

(He is no longer someone who can look down on the masses. And yet, he believes he can climb higher than before.)（如今的他已经不是那种可以俯瞰众人的身份——可他相信，迟早自己会爬得比以前更高。）

LydiaKarl! I'm so glad you could come. My, you look so presentable.卡尔！很高兴你能过来，你看起来非常得体。

(Lydia teases the young man before her while scanning him for traces of his drunken binge from last night.)（莉迪亚略带戏谑地打量着面前的青年，想从他身上找出昨晚那个醉汉的痕迹。）

KarlWell, this is your ribbon-cutting ceremony, after all. Of course I'd put my best foot forward.这可是你的剪彩仪式，我当然要拿出最好的面貌。

(The truth is that his head is killing him, but he forces himself to put on his sunniest smile.)（实际上卡尔现在头痛得要命，但他仍然要摆出最阳光的微笑。）

(Just a little more... The adrenaline of excitement helps him ignore the pain. In fact, he even feels somewhat detached from what's happening in front of him.)（还差一点，亢奋的肾上腺素让他能够忽略一切痛苦，甚至有些超然之感。）

KarlOh yes, do you remember what we were talking about last night?对了，还记得昨天谈好的事情吗？

KarlI was serious about what I said, so I prepared a contract.为了让它看起来不像个玩笑，我已经准备好了合同。

LydiaDo we have to do it right now? As you can see, I'm very busy at the moment, Karl.非得现在吗？卡尔，你也看到了，我现在很忙。

LydiaThis isn't the time or the place.如今不是正确的时机，也不是正确的地点。

LydiaOnce the ceremony is over...等仪式结束了……

KarlNo problem! I can read it out to you.没关系！我可以读给你听。

KarlTo be efficient, of course. Our time is precious, so getting your permission is very important to me.你知道的，只是为了增加效率，我们的时间多么宝贵，征得你同意对我很重要。

(His request is a little strange, but Lydia doesn't have the time to think further about it. There are many things she has to do, and her focus instead makes her ignore details that should have made her suspicious.)（他的要求有些奇怪，但此时的莉迪亚现在无暇思考那么多，她要处理很多事情，专注反而让她忽略了本应起疑的细节。）

(If she can get rid of him by listening to his prattle, Lydia is more than happy to oblige.)（如果只是听他念经就能打发这个男人，那莉迪亚乐意至极。）

KarlAlright, that was the first clause. What do you think...好了，刚才是第一条条款，那么你觉得……

LydiaI agree, it's fine.我同意，没有问题。

KarlAnd the second clause...那么第二条……

LydiaAgreed as well, but we need to limit the voting scope of the corporate representatives.我也同意，但是我们必须限制财团代表的表决范围。

KarlThe third clause...第三条……

LydiaI agree.同意。

(Lydia answers without really thinking about it. Her attention is focused on the ribbon-cutting.)（莉迪亚心不在焉地打发着卡尔，她更关注自己的剪彩仪式。）

(Her assistant sends a message that preparations are ready. She mentally reviews her prepared speech and heads over to the lectern.)（助理发来准备完毕的消息，她心中暗暗过着腹稿，脚下向演讲台走去。）

KarlAlright, those are the contract terms. Thanks for your help!好了，合同条款就是这些，感谢你的配合！

(At last, he's done. Lydia responds with a fake smile.)（终于完事了，莉迪亚回以一个廉价的微笑。）

LydiaHere's to jolly cooperation.预祝我们合作愉快。

(Saying so, she takes her place on the lectern and clears her throat to get everyone's attention.)（说完她走上演讲台，轻咳了一声引起所有人注意。）

(The room immediately goes quiet. This instant response is much appreciated.)（场面顿时安静下来，这种即时的反馈让她非常受用。）

(She's used to basking in attention, and so she savors the feeling of standing beneath the spotlight.)（她享受站在聚光灯下的感觉，她善于利用所有人的关注。）

(She's going to make this a day to remember.)（她要把今天变成一个值得纪念的日子。）

LydiaLadies and gentlemen, thank you for your patience.让各位久等了。

LydiaFirst, I'd like to thank everyone who made it here...首先，我感谢所有人的到场……

(And then, something strange happens. Halfway through her opening speech, the loudspeakers suddenly go silent.)（就在此刻，异样发生了，扬声器里的开场白断在了一半。）

(It's not because Lydia isn't saying anything, but because the microphone isn't conveying her words.)（并非莉迪亚没有往下说，而是麦克风没有把她的声音传递出去。）

(In addition, the massive projection on the screen behind her, streamed to the world via the communications network that is Connexion's pride and joy, has also frozen up.)（不仅如此，在她身后巨大的写实投影，那依靠链讯引以为豪的通讯阵列，向全世界实况转播的画面也在同时凝固、停止了。）

(This sudden, unexpected faux pas makes Lydia's face go pale. She tries to contact her assistant, but there is no answer.)（这种意想不到的失态现场让莉迪亚脸色苍白，她立即联络助手，却没有收到任何回信。）

(She is left hanging out to dry on the stage, a scenario she never imagined possible.)（她被晾在了演讲台上，这是她从未设想过的局面。）

(The members of the audience sense her unease and begin whispering among themselves. Lydia cannot bear the way they're looking at her.)（台下的观众们也察觉到了不安，他们开始窃窃私语，而那目光让莉迪亚无法承受。）

LydiaWhat's going on?!怎么回事？！

(She shouts as loudly as she can while still maintaining her dignity.)（她在不失体面的情况下，用尽可能大的声音喊话。）

(However, nobody answers her. Her voice has no power here.)（然而，仍旧没有人回应她，她的声音突然失去了效力。）

(Despite standing in the middle of a crowd, she is completely isolated.)（明明站在人群中心，她却仿佛置身于孤岛。）

KarlWe seem to be experiencing technical difficulties, dear guests. I'll have it sorted in a bit.有一些技术故障，诸位尊敬的客人，请稍等片刻，我来解决。

(Karl suddenly steps onto the stage. His voice is strong and resonant, like he was born for this.)（卡尔突然走上了演讲台，他的声音雄厚有力，好像天生就该在这种场面发言。）

KarlCome, Lady Lydia.来吧，莉迪亚女士。

(He suddenly grabs her hand and drags her backstage, giving her no room to refuse.)（他突兀地抓住了莉迪亚的手，走向了厚重幔布隔出的后台，似乎不容许她拒绝。）

(This brutish behavior makes Lydia's eyes go wide. She tries to struggle free, but the savage look in Karl's eyes silences her and clears her thoughts.)（这种粗暴的待遇让莉迪亚睁大了双眼，她试图挣脱，但卡尔眼中异样的凶狠封住了她的声音，促使她开始更加灵活地思考。）

KarlI'm sure you must be dying to know what's going on, so I'll tell you.你一定想知道发生了什么，让我来告诉你吧。

KarlYour beacon control center was shut down just now.就在刚刚，你的信标站停机了。

(The beacon control center was shut down?! So that's why this place lost network access, why the microphone didn't work, why her assistant couldn't contact her...)（信标站停机？！所以这里失去了网络，所以麦克风无法传声，所以助手才联络不上……）

(But why would it shut down? That massive machine is Connexion's crown jewel. It's never been shut down ever since it was built, just like a human's heartbeat can't stop without them dying.)（可是，信标站怎么会停机呢？那庞大的机械是链讯的骄傲，它自从建成以来就从未停下，就像人类不能停下心跳一样。）

(Lydia looks at Karl, and she realizes that she's facing her true enemy, one who has just bared his fangs. All she can do is grit her teeth and shut out her weakness and fear, trying to identify his vulnerabilities.)（莉迪亚看向卡尔，她知道自己如今面对着露出毒牙的真正敌人，她只能咬紧牙关摒弃软弱与恐惧，专注于寻找他的任何破绽。）

KarlTo the Conglomerate, Connexion has always been a gold mine.对财团来说，链讯一直是一笔好生意。

KarlBut you kept such a tight hold on the shares that we couldn't extract any real profit from it—可是你们在股权上咬得太死，让我们无法获取真正的利益——

KarlMissing out on exploiting you can be considered one of my father's biggest failures. I guess this counts as salvaging the family reputation.而当初错过了你们，如今也被视为家父工作上的败笔之一，我想这也算某种程度上挽回了家族的名誉吧。

KarlStill, I have to admit: you're an outstanding CEO. I feel like I've learned a lot from you.不过我承认，你确实是个很出色的经营者，我想我从你身上学到了不少。

Lydia...Looks like you're really deep in the red for this fiscal year.……看起来，你们今年的赤字确实很严重呢。

KarlHahaha, not at all. Who told you that?哈哈哈，没有这样的事，你从哪听来的？

LydiaAre you in such a hurry to get this done because you want to cover up for that disastrous failure a while ago?你这么急着动手，是想给前阵子那场惨烈的失败补窟窿吗？

LydiaI heard there was a vegetable peddler who sparked a revolution in Mokosh and torpedoed your finances, while also driving out all the security forces in the surrounding area.听说一个卖蔬菜的小贩推动了莫科什的革命，把你们的产业给砸了，并且驱逐了周围的所有安保部队。

KarlHmph, you sure are a sore loser to be spouting such nonsense.哼，你可真输不起，居然胡说八道。

LydiaDo you think I don't know about your past? Poor little Karl, the drowned puppy.你以为我不知道你之前的履历吗？小小的，可怜的落水狗卡尔。

LydiaSo desperate to win the approval of the adults that you wound up doing such reprehensible work.急切地想要得到大人的肯定，结果却做着这么恶心的工作。

(Smack! A ringing slap interrupts Lydia's words.)（“啪！”，一个响亮的巴掌打断了莉迪亚的话。）

LydiaUrgh!呜……！

KarlHow's that? Ever had a taste of that before, young miss?怎么样，是不是从来没尝过这种滋味啊，大小姐？

(Lydia doesn't cower from her first exposure to physical violence in a long time, but it confirms one thing for her—)（莉迪亚没有因为多年来首次体验到的暴力而畏缩，但是她再度确认了一件事——）

(As Karl dragged her backstage, she felt a vague unease—she had issued too many access permits to Karl.)（在卡尔把她拖到后台的时候，她就隐隐感到不安——是自己给卡尔多发了不少通行证。）

(She's also certain that as Karl took the stage, there were plenty of corporate mercs in the audience, flashing their weapons. Even if anyone objected to Karl's actions, they probably would not dare to protest.)（而她可以确信的是，卡尔走上来的时候，在观众席已经站了不少有着明显武装痕迹的财团佣兵，就算有人对卡尔的行为感到不妥，想来也不敢提出任何非议。）

KarlI've had enough of your nagging, so let's be level with each other.我受够你的唠叨了，让我们彼此都直接一点。

KarlHere's what's going to happen next. We are going to make a deal. A big, beautiful deal.我来告诉你接下来会发生的事。我们会谈一桩生意，非常大的生意。

KarlI am going to acquire Connexion from you at a price that is "mutually satisfactory".我会用一个让彼此“满意”的价格，把你的链讯收购下来。

LydiaYou're going to buy out Connexion? Dream on!收购链讯？你在做梦！

LydiaThe Sable family has backing in the URNC. You think you can snatch Connexion away like a Varjager knocking over a hawker stand?塞布尔家族在罗联有着自己的根基，你以为只靠暴力就能像瓦良格帮抢小贩一样夺走它？！

KarlYou're absolutely right. Doing this sort of thing in the White Zone would be very costly and very obvious. It would demand a price so great that even the massive profits from Connexion couldn't make it worthwhile.你说的很对，在白区要办成这件事需要很多周章，太多眼睛了——代价大到连你们庞大的潜在利润都显得不那么值得。

KarlBut here's the thing... We're on the Yellow Zone border, Lydia.但这里……几乎已经是黄区了，莉迪亚。

KarlDidn't you tell me that before? This place has its own rules...这不是你曾教我的吗？这里有自己的规则……

LydiaYou... What are you thinking?你……你想做什么？

KarlRelax, let's take it one step at a time.别急，让我们一步步来。

KarlYou definitely deserve the title of "iron lady", but I doubt your employees are as strong-willed as you are. I hear over 90% of Port Mica's population work for you, am I wrong?你确实是个顽固如钢铁的女士，但你的员工可未必。听说硅砂港9成以上的人都为你工作？

LydiaWhat are you trying to say?这是什么意思？

KarlYou mentioned Mokosh just now, didn't you?你刚刚提到了莫科什，不是吗？

KarlThe people there rebelled against the company, took over the factories, and looted the place clean... That was quite the failure.那里的人反抗财团，占领了工厂，把当地掠夺一空……这确实是一桩损失。

KarlStill, it made us think: what if it happened somewhere else?可是，这也因此提醒了我们——如果这件事发生在其他地方呢？

KarlDo you know how many people in this city hate and envy you? Do you know how many people want those pretty clothes and that warm house of yours?这座城市里有多少人憎恨你，嫉妒你？有多少人渴望你美丽的衣服和温暖的宅邸？

KarlIf they rioted and it led to a tragedy taking place... Well, Port Mica would need someone to enforce order and keep production going, no?如果他们暴动起来，酿成了一些悲剧的结果……那硅砂港总需要一些人来重新维护秩序，整顿产业吧？

KarlPerhaps the other members of your family might end up interested in our offer then?也许那时候你家族的其他人，会对我们的收购案子产生兴趣呢？

(Lydia feels her blood running cold. Karl's methods have truly opened her eyes to the true ramifications of the situation.)（莉迪亚感觉浑身的血液在缓缓冻结，卡尔的手段初次更新了她的认知。）

(This is both cutting the ground from under their feet and using a surrogate to do the dirty work. It will dismantle Connexion from the ground up, and innocent people will be framed for that.)（这是釜底抽薪，也是借刀杀人，一边从基层瓦解了链讯的结构，一边把罪行嫁祸于无辜之人。）

(Once the network goes back up, outsiders will only see that Connexion's employees have overthrown their corporate overlords, and that Karl is cleaning up the mess.)（等网络恢复，外人只会看到链讯的员工与企业反目成仇，最后由卡尔收下烂摊子。）

(Meanwhile, this will be just one Yellow Zone "revolution" among many. It might even wipe away the stain of the failure in Mokosh, and thus allow him to reap far greater benefits amidst the chaos.)（而这不过是黄区动乱的又一次“革命”，这甚至可能抹消财团在莫科什的那次失败造成的影响，进而在更大的“混乱”之中，谋取到远比失败更多的利益。）

KarlStill, we can both learn from this experience. All the problems you're facing today were caused by your lenience.不过，我们也应该吸取教训，今天遭遇的所有麻烦，全都是由你的宽容造成的。

KarlThese terrorists calling themselves "BUGs" have a long list of crimes to their name. In fact, they're the most severe symptom of what's wrong with Port Mica.那群叫做B.U.G.s的恐怖分子，她们的罪状远远不止一条。这是扎根于硅砂港最深的病症。

KarlBut you may rejoice, because I will get rid of that thorn in its side at last.值得庆幸的是，我最终会拔出这样的钉子。

KarlSadly, they will be removed too late—too late to prevent a tragic murder from taking place.而遗憾的是，可能会拔得太晚——以至于悲惨的凶案还是发生了。

LydiaThey're just kids... just a bunch of kids who are vying for attention.她们，还只是小孩子……只是，想要赢取他人注意的孩子。

LydiaCouldn't you find anyone with the guts to do this dirty work? Do you only have cowards on your payroll?你手下的孬种们，连有胆子干脏活的人都找不出来？

Karl(Sigh) I can't believe you're actually defending them.唉，你居然还为她们开脱。

KarlPort Mica is a great town. It shouldn't have given rise to this kind of evil.硅砂港是一座美好的城镇，本不该滋生出这样的罪恶。

KarlIt's all because you were too kind and too lenient. Sometimes, being too lenient is the same as committing a crime. Mokosh was a lesson for us, and Port Mica will be another. We will make the URNC agree to our increased use of military force in controlling the Yellow Zone.是你们太温良了，太纵容了。有时候，过度的纵容就等同于犯罪——莫科什是一个教训，硅砂港也是，罗联必须要同意我们对黄区做出更进一步的军事掌控。

Lydia...Or else this sort of thing will keep happening?……否则这种事就会一直发生下去？

KarlWhat do you think, Lady Lydia?莉迪亚女士，你觉得呢？

(Lydia's only response is a cold smile. Now that things have reached this point, it's the only thing she can do.)（莉迪亚回以一个冷笑。都已经到了这个局面，她确实只能露出这样的表情。）

KarlHaha, don't get mad. I know, I know, I'm just an outsider, at least for now.哈哈，别生气啊。我当然明白，至少到现在为止，我只不过是个外人而已。

KarlI shan't question the situation in Port Mica and its practices.硅砂港的做法、硅砂港的事情，我不该过问。

KarlBy the way, the identity of that gang's leader is right out of a TV drama.对了，这支队伍的领袖的身份，也实在是颇富戏剧性。

KarlApparently she's your niece? I think she's the ideal candidate for a job I have in mind. She's capable and has a good background. I'm sure everyone will place their trust in her.听说那是你的外甥女？我觉得她很合适，既有能力又有背景，大家会信服她的。

KarlA young lady who acted rashly and impulsively because she blindly imitated a radical leader, leading to a tragic accident... How's that for a scenario?一个年轻人因为盲目追捧激进的领袖而贸然冲动行事，结果酿成惨烈的悲剧……你觉得这个剧本怎么样？

LydiaAre you talking about Zoe?!佐伊？！

LydiaAs if! She would never obey someone like you!做梦去吧，她绝不可能听你使唤！

KarlLet's not speak too soon.话别说那么满。

KarlTake a guess; who do you think helped me shut down the beacon control center?你猜，谁是那个帮我关停信标站的大功臣呢？

Bad Guy Fireworks 坏蛋礼花

Corporate HenchmanHeard that? The Boss wants to give you a job!听到了吗？Boss要给你一份好工作呢！

Zoe...……

(Zoe doesn't answer. Her hands are trembling, like she's just stabbed someone.)（佐伊一言不发，她的双手在剧烈颤抖，就好像刚刚刺破了活人的血肉。）

Corporate HenchmanWhat a shame. Still, I'll put a good word in for you with the Boss. Truth is, your skills are pretty good, even compared to the Conglomerate staff... But you'd have been caught long ago if Lydia hadn't tolerated your stunts for so long.真是遗憾啊，不过我会对Boss求情的，你知道，你的技术确实在财团内也属于不错的……可是，如果不是莉迪亚对你的纵容，你早就被抓住了。

Corporate HenchmanLike, the records of your hacks are everywhere. We hardly had to look for them.随随便便就能找出你每次的骇入记录。

ZoeYou...你们……

Corporate HenchmanAll these traces are the proof that you've been plotting against Lydia and planning to take over Port Mica for a long time.这些痕迹，会是你们长期反抗莉迪亚，意图占领硅砂港的铁证。

Corporate HenchmanStill, you don't have to worry. In just a few hours, the BUGs or whatever your little gang is called will become more famous than you could possibly imagine.你放心，叫做什么什么B.U.G.s的组织，在接下来的十几个小时里会扩张到前所未有的辉煌阶段。

Corporate HenchmanYou're going to rank up there with the other most wanted criminals of the URNC, and become celebrities in the underworld.你们会和罗联头号的通缉犯齐名，享受那份地下世界的荣耀。

(Zoe finally realizes that she's set something terrible in motion with her own two hands.)（佐伊终于意识到，她亲手铸成了非常可怕的后果。）

(What has she done? She's ruined Lydia and doomed Port Mica!)（她刚刚做了什么？她害惨了莉迪亚，她害惨了整个硅砂港！）

(The corporate henchmen whoop and yell in celebration, reveling in the most primal fashion.)（财团的人庆祝起来，他们大吼大叫，以最原始的方式宣泄兴奋。）

(Meanwhile, Zoe's been cast aside, shifting uneasily in her seat. Their joy grates on her ears like the most awful condemnation.)（佐伊被扔在一边，坐立难安，他们的欢呼听上去就像最难听的斥责。）

ZoeI...我才……

Zoe(I didn't want this! Big Sis Basti, Big Sis Faelynn, Mama... Help me...)（我才不要！怎么办，贝丝蒂姐姐，芙铃姐姐，妈妈……救救我……）

Zoe(Please help Port Mica... help everyone... help...)（救救硅砂港……救救大家……救救……）

Zoe(Help... Lydia...)（救救……莉迪亚……）

BastiRunning away is always your best option! You know what to do now, right?逃跑永远是第一位的！你知道该怎么做吧？

ZoeAh, ohhhh, hurrrg—啊，呜呜，呕——

(Zoe suddenly throws up and collapses on the ground.)（突然呕吐起来，少女直挺挺地倒在了地上。）

Corporate HenchmanWhat happened? Was the stress too much for that little brat... Shit, someone go check on her—怎么回事？压力太大了嘛，这小丫头……找人来给她看看——

(As the man draws closer, Zoe grabs the handgun from his belt.)（就在对方靠近自己的同时，佐伊解开了他腰带里插着的手枪。）

ZoeFreeze!不要动！

Corporate HenchmanWhy you little...!你这……！

ZoeStay back!不要过来！

(Zoe pulls the trigger. One good thing about hanging out with Basti and Faelynn is that she definitely knows her way around a gun.)（佐伊扣下扳机——和贝丝蒂与芙铃相处的优点，就是自己对于如何开枪绝对不会陌生。）

(The bullet punches a hole in the ground in front of the henchman, and he freezes in his tracks.)（子弹打在了财团打手脚前的地板上，阻止了对方的动作。）

Corporate HenchmanDon't be stupid, you little bitch. You think you can take on all of us?小丫头，你别犯蠢了，难道你觉得自己能够打得中这么多人？

Corporate HenchmanHell, can you even shoot another human being in the first place?而且说到底，你敢对人开枪吗？

Zoe...……

Zoe(I'm sorry, Big Sis Basti, but I can't run away... and more importantly, I'm tired of running.)（对不起，贝丝蒂姐姐，我还是逃不掉……而且，也不想逃了。）

ZoeThere's one person I'm sure I can hit.有一个人，我知道自己肯定打得中。

Corporate HenchmanHey, stop—喂你别——

(At this point, perhaps she can ruin their plan if she dies.)（事到如今，如果自己死亡的话，或许就能破坏他们的计划了。）

(Utterly despondent, Zoe turns the gun on her chest. But just as her trembling finger is about to pull the trigger—)（佐伊万念俱灰，将手枪转向自己的胸口，颤抖的手指扣上了扳机，而就在这个时候——）

(Something slices a circular hole in the truck's roof. A Doll descends amidst the fragments, landing between Zoe and the corporate henchmen.)（货车的天花板突然被切下一块圆形的破口，一个人形踩着碎片落了下来，正巧站在佐伊和财团众人之间。）

???Oi, you damn brat! Who were you going to shoot just now?小鬼，你刚刚在对谁开枪呢？

Zoe—!——！

SweeperI'm here to give you a spanking.我来打你的屁股了。

Corporate HenchmanWhat?! Is that one of those Dolls?!什么，是那些人形中的一个！？

SweeperThe hell you mean, "one of those Dolls"?谁是“那些人形”啊？

SweeperI am me.我就是我。

SweeperFear me, for I am your apocalypse.是你们的末日。

FaelynnFound her...找到了……

(Faelynn spots a big truck in the distance.)（芙铃远远看到了一辆大货车。）

(She's been following its tracks all the way here, and she's sure that Zoe was taken into that truck.)（一路追踪车辙印记，确认佐伊就是被劫持到了那辆车上。）

(The opposition seems to value Zoe very highly, because there are many mass-produced Dolls stationed around the truck.)（对方似乎很重视佐伊，大货车外围布置了不少量产人形。）

(Faelynn stares at the truck. Della's last request plays back in her mind once again.)（芙铃凝视着那辆车，脑海中回忆起黛拉拜托自己的最后一件事。）

(Her emotions, her fear, and her hesitation all fade from her mind.)（情绪、胆怯和犹豫从她的意识中消失了。）

(She is more focused now than she has ever been in her life. It drives her artificial sensory organs to a level of efficiency they haven't reached in a long time. Faelynn attacks with swiftness and violence of action, headshotting two of the mass-produced Dolls in rapid succession.)（无与伦比的专注让仿生感官以久违的高效率开始运作，芙铃果断出击，迅速打穿两台人形的头部。）

Corporate Doll TrooperEnemy attack detected!侦测到敌袭！

Corporate Doll TrooperTarget identified as secondary threat. Initiating containment formation.判定为次级威胁对象，使用牵制阵型。

(What's going on? Is someone else attacking them too?)（怎么回事，还有其他人在发起进攻吗？）

(While she has her doubts about the situation, Faelynn pays them no further heed.)（虽然对此保持疑问，但芙铃并未多做思考。）

(Her frame joints are overheating from her rapid movements. Her clothing rubs against them so quickly the resulting friction produces smoke. She evades all the shots fired her way, and while her frame's performance has been deteriorating over time, she seems more relaxed and composed than ever before.)（素体的关节因为高速而过热，摩擦衣物发出白烟，躲开所有的弹道，虽然素体的性能这段时间每况愈下，自己却似乎比过去更加游刃有余。）

FaelynnGet lost.滚开。

(Several Dolls swarm her, trying to pin her down. She sees the openings in their formation and uses their bodies to block incoming shots from their compatriots. At the same time, she returns fire through the gaps between her opponents.)（几具人形聚拢上来，想要抓住她的身体，她却乘机抓住破绽，利用它们阻隔了多余的火力，再从量产人形身体的空隙射击。）

(Faelynn wipes out all the Dolls blocking her in an instant. Then, she kicks the truck's door in.)（转瞬间打翻了所有阻挡自己的人形后，芙铃一脚踢开车门。）

FaelynnZoe! I'm here to save you!佐伊！我来救你了。

Corporate HenchmanAiiiiiieeeee help meeeee—!救命啊——！

Faelynn...The hell are you?……谁？

Bad Guy Fireworks 坏蛋礼花

Corporate HenchmanDammit, what is with those Dolls? Are they those third-gen Dolls they keep talking about?!可恶！这两个人形怎么这么诡异，难道是传说中的三代人形吗！？

Corporate HenchmanHurry up and save me—!快过来救我啊——！

(The henchman barks orders to his Doll underlings.)（财团打手疯狂向人形部队下令。）

(However, he is trapped between Faelynn and Sweeper. All he can do is beg for help from Dolls that are already littering the ground.)（被芙铃和清道夫一前一后堵在中间，他只能徒劳地对地上躺着的人形求救。）

Faelynn...……

(Faelynn stands there without saying a word. Her fighting instincts have sheared away all her tender emotions, turning her into a deadly weapon.)（芙铃只是安静地站着，战争本能驱退了她所有柔软的情感，让她化作一柄锋锐的武器。）

(Right now, her focus is not on the trembling human in front of her, but on the Doll who's standing behind him.)（而此刻，她的注意力并不在眼前颤抖的人类身上，而仅仅只是聚焦于他身后的另外一个人形。）

FaelynnYou didn't go all out back then.你没有使出真本事呢。

SweeperDid you?你不也没有吗？

Corporate Henchman...Uh, well, since you guys know each other, I'm sure you're just dying to catch up. Don't mind me, I'll just take my leave now, excuse me please—你们两个……既然早就认识，我就不打扰了，麻烦让一让——

Sweeper...Shut up.……吵死了。

(Sweeper silences him in a flash of razor-edged light.)（清道夫手起刀落，凌厉的刀光斩断了他的声音。）

(While she only used the back of her blade, the impact is still enough to give the man a concussion. The henchman goes limp and slumps against the wall, sinking into dreams of grandeur.)（虽然是用刀背，但也足够造成脑震荡，打手身体一软，倚着墙迅速沉入出人头地的甜梦里。）

(The only people left in the truck now are Zoe and the two Dolls.)（现在，车里只剩下了佐伊和两位人形。）

(Zoe can sense two pairs of eyes locking onto her at the same time.)（佐伊能感觉到，两道“炽热”的目光同时盯上了她。）

SweeperI already said I was going to give this brat a spanking.我已经说了要打这个小鬼的屁股了。

FaelynnWhile Zoe IS a bad girl—佐伊的确是个坏孩子——

ZoeBig Sis?!芙铃姐姐？！

Faelynn—She's still family, so I can't let you hit her.可她是我们家的人，不能让你打她。

SweeperI see. I'd like to see how you plan to stop me.是哦，那么我也要看看，你打算怎么阻止我？

ZoeIt's all my fault, Big Sis! Please don't fight anymore!芙铃姐姐，都是我不好，你们，你们不要再打啦！

(Zoe's words fall on deaf ears. They close the gap between them faster than the eye can see. Sweeper is the first one to strike, her shining blade deflecting the bullets from Faelynn's gun. It leaves gleaming arcs in the air, forcing the animal-eared Doll back.)（佐伊的抗议完全没有传达到两个人形的耳中，她们之间的距离在她肉眼无法捕捉到的瞬息拉近，先动的是清道夫，她的刀光弹开了从芙铃的枪口中射出的弹幕，在空气中留下数道光轨迫使兽耳的人形后退。）

SweeperGot more traps in store?这次还有陷阱吗？

Faelynn(She's good— With my current frame, I can't—)（厉害——凭现在的素体，赶不及——）

PhaetusaNyxie, that's enough!别闹啦！小黑！

SweeperWait I'm not done yet stoooooooppppp—等一下我还没打够你你你——————

(Sweeper's frame suddenly freezes up at a strange angle, as though she's at war with herself. Then, a mighty force seizes control of her frame.)（清道夫的素体突然以怪异的角度绷直，似乎在与什么激烈对抗，随后，一股强硬的力量夺取了这具素体的控制权。）

PhaetusaThanks for your hard work, Nyxie. Time for a nap~辛苦你了小黑，下去休息一会儿吧~

Faelynn...……

SweeperPhaetusa!!! You treacherous little witch!!!翡图萨！！！你这个吃里扒外的家伙！！！

SweeperThis girl backstabbed us twice already! Are you STILL going to suck up to her?! Do you even have a shred of pride in you?!这人类女孩算计了我们两次，你还要讨好她？！你没有尊严吗！！！

(Phaetusa ignores Sweeper as she screams internally. Instead, she kneels down in front of Zoe in a gentle manner.)（无视了清道夫在内心的呐喊，翡图萨温柔地蹲在佐伊面前。）

PhaetusaIt's okay, Zoe. I'm here to help you.别害怕佐伊，我是来帮你的。

FaelynnActually...请问……

PhaetusaHm?嗯？

FaelynnDo... Do you... Do you know a "Commander"?你……你们……认识“指挥官”吗？

PhaetusaOf course I do. In fact, you could say he's my "Master", teehee~当然认识啦，他可以说是人家的“主人”呢~呵呵。

FaelynnGrrrrrrr!!呣！！！

PhaetusaAiieeeee—! Look, we're not enemies, so could you please put the gun down?噫——！我都说不是敌人了，把枪放下好吗……？

ReceptionistWhat's going on? Aren't they having the airborne beacon's launch ceremony today? Why did they gather us all here?怎么回事，今天不是重要的空中信标首飞仪式吗，为什么要把我们都召集过来……

(Under coercion from Karl, Lydia has ordered all of Connexion's employees that are still in the HQ compound to gather for an all-hands meeting.)（在卡尔的胁迫下，莉迪亚将尚在园区内的链讯员工们以员工大会的名义召集过来。）

(Clearly, his aim is to have them serve as witnesses for the imminent "riot".)（很显然，他的目的就是让他们成为即将到来的“暴动”的目击证人。）

(The most important part is for them to watch how she is "murdered", as the climax to Karl's clumsy attempt at theater.)（最重要的部分，就是目击她如何被“杀害”，那会是卡尔这出蹩脚戏剧中的最高峰吧。）

KarlDid you know, Lady Lydia?你知道吗？莉迪亚女士。

KarlI actually like you quite a bit.我其实对你很有好感。

KarlIf you try your best to explain the benefits of keeping you alive, I might reconsider.如果你现在开始努力自救，向我阐述让你活下来的好处，我也不是不能考虑。

LydiaDo you now? Have I triggered your Oedipus complex in some way, dear little Karl?是吗？我有什么地方激发了你的恋母情结呢？卡尔小弟弟？

Karl...My mother isn't a heartless woman like you!……我的母亲可不是你这么刻薄的女人！

LydiaYour dad should have given you the belt more often as a kid. Small wonder you turned out to be such a failure of an adult.小时候揍挨得不够，所以你的教育这么失败。

KarlThat's enough!够了！

KarlTell me, do you have an elder sister called "Della"?我问你，你有个叫做“黛拉”的姐姐吧？

(A numbing emotion seizes control of Lydia's body. It slows her thoughts to a standstill, but it also wipes away her fear.)（莉迪亚感到一阵麻木的情绪主宰了自己的神经，这多少迟钝了思考，却也抵消了恐惧。）

(Perhaps it was but a simple stress response, but it allows her to preserve her basic dignity.)（或许，这只是一种身体的应激反应，却让她能维持基本的体面。）

Lydia...You know about Della?你知道……黛拉的事情？

KarlI don't care about her. I simply heard she died in the Yellow Zone like a squashed lizard.我本不感兴趣，只是听说她像只被压扁的蜥蜴一样死在了黄区。

KarlHowever, she did some interesting things before she died. Namely, she gathered quite a bit of information in the Yellow Zone during her years as an underground broker. Some of it was rather troublesome.不过，她在死前曾做了一些有趣的事——那是她作为暗商的那些年，在黄区搜集的一些情报，其中有一些不太好的事情。

KarlDo you have it?那在你这里吧？

Lydia...What?……什么？

KarlInteresting. So you don't?有意思，你不知道？

(Indeed, Lydia does not have that information. She never once considered Della's life in the Yellow Zone to have yielded anything of value.)（莉迪亚的确不知道，她从没有觉得黛拉在黄区的生活产生过什么价值。）

(While she was studying hard to inherit Connexion, her sister was risking radiation exposure to run water to isolated settlements. While she was working hard to make Port Mica a better place, her sister gave birth to a mischievous daughter instead.)（在她为了继承链讯这家庞大企业而拼命学习的时候，姐姐却在黄区冒着辐射给聚落运水；在她为硅砂港争得了繁荣的时候，姐姐却生下了一个顽劣的女儿。）

(But now, her delusions of grandeur have been popped like a party balloon.)（但是现在，她自以为是的繁荣被戳穿了，就像派对上炸开的气球。）

(And Della...)（而黛拉……）

LydiaSo it's something connected to you lot. And you think I have it?那是和“你们”有关的东西，而你们觉得，在我手上？

KarlThat woman used some tricks to make us believe that she left certain... secrets embedded in Connexion before she died.那女人确实用了一些手段，让我们相信她死前给链讯公司留下了一些……秘密。

KarlThat was why we were so cautious in handling you all this time. However... It seems she merely made the Conglomerate believe that you possessed that information.所以我们才一直对你们采取谨慎的对策，不过，原来如此……看起来她只是让财团“以为”那东西在你们手上。

KarlNo matter. I will investigate it myself. I will either find it or prove it never existed.没关系，我会亲自调查的，无论是找到它们，还是证明它们本来就不存在。

(Lydia feels like she's beginning to understand the reason why Della died. Had she gathered some important information, information which led to her murder?)（莉迪亚觉得自己有些明白了黛拉的死因——她是不是收集到了什么重要的信息，结果因此被害呢？）

(Karl thinks Della left it for her, but Lydia is certain that she never received anything like that from Della. But apart from herself...)（卡尔认为她把那些东西留给了自己，但莉迪亚确信自己没有从黛拉那里收到这样的东西，而除了自己之外……）

Lydia—!——！

Lydia(Could it be those two Dolls, or Zoe...?)（那两个人形，或者佐伊……？）

KarlThe contract is ready, Lydia.给你的合同也准备好了，莉迪亚。

KarlDon't worry, it's not an acquisition contract. However, it gives us a legal justification to take control of Port Mica in extraordinary circumstances.你放心，这不是收购合同，但可以让我们名正言顺地在非常情况下接管链讯在硅砂港的运作。

(Lydia looks at the absurd sum on the contract.)（莉迪亚看到合同上写着一个滑稽的数字。）

(Truly, it's absurd. Every bit as absurd as her current circumstances.)（是的，滑稽，就像她现在的处境一样滑稽。）

(It isn't anywhere close to Connexion's net worth, not even a fraction of it.)（那绝不是一个足以衡量链讯价值的数字，简直连零头都不够。）

(This is a humiliation ritual, designed to mock her. The irony is that right now, Lydia feels that she deserves to be mocked.)（那是用来嘲笑她的；讽刺的是，莉迪亚此时觉得自己本就应该被嘲笑。）

Lydia(Is this what your life was like, Della... Were you always fighting these people?)（是这样吗，黛拉……你一直都在和这些人周旋和对抗吗？）

Lydia(Where did you get all that courage from?)（你到底从哪里得到这样的勇气。）

KarlWell? If you're done gawking, hurry up and sign it.怎么样，看够了的话，就快签吧。

???Hello, hello, testing—喂，喂——

(Suddenly, a loud and shrill screech echoes through the plaza.)（突然，一个巨大而尖锐的声音在会场中心响起。）

(It's coming from a handheld megaphone, a piece of equipment that's been obsolete for many years. However, it proves its worth in the face of a full network shutdown.)（那是一个手提式扩音器。这种设备已经被淘汰了很多年，但是在这个网络全面失效的关头，它重新成为了一件可靠的工具。）

BastiWowie, there's so many people here. Y'all working for that Lydia woman?哇，这么多人啊，大家都是为莉迪亚那个女人工作的吗？

BastiWhy so glum? Shouldn't you be happy? Your stock price is going to soar today. You've been working here for so long, so you'll get plenty of dividends from it, won't you?怎么这么沉闷啊，今天不是你们的好日子吗？股票一定会涨，大家给这里打工了这么久，肯定有很多收益了吧？

(Lydia recognizes the arrogant voice speaking through the megaphone. It's Basti!)（莉迪亚分辨出了这个嚣张的声音，是贝丝蒂！）

(Normally, she would feel extremely annoyed, but things are different right now—she actually feels a modicum of hope.)（放在平时她一定会感到厌烦，但是此时此刻不同，她竟然有所期待。）

(She abruptly pushes Karl aside and walks up to Basti.)（她突然推开卡尔，向着贝丝蒂的方向迈出一步。）

LydiaWhat are you doing here? Don't you think this place is in enough of a mess?你来干什么？这里还不够乱吗？

BastiWell, you see, I'm heartbroken.我啊，失恋了。

LydiaHah?啊？

BastiBut that's just a personal thing. I'm here because I realized that Port Mica is a totally rotten place.不过那是我个人的事情，我来，只是因为发现硅砂港已经烂透了。

BastiSo much for being a prosperous town. This place isn't that great at all.什么富裕的城镇，这里才没有那么开心。

BastiThere's only one decent person who came from this place, and her name was Della Sable.这个城镇只有一个好人，她叫黛拉·塞布尔。

Karl...What?……什么？

BastiDella built an orphanage here that took in lots of homeless kids. It also took care of all those children that never got any love from their parents, because said parents were too busy working.黛拉在这里建造了孤儿院，收留了很多无家可归的孩子，也照料那些因为父母都要工作而得不到任何关爱的孩子。

BastiBut she was always short on money. Meanwhile, her little sister—and I'm talking about you, Lydia—never helped her, not even once.可是她根本没有足够的钱，而你，莉迪亚，你身为她的妹妹，一点也不曾帮助过她。

Lydia...……

BastiBut that's only to be expected, right? That's just how you are. All you care about is making money. You dragged everyone else into making money with you. And then you took all their money away.当然啦，这就是你的本性，你只知道赚钱，你拉着所有人一起赚钱，然后又赚走了所有人的钱。

BastiPort Mica never really prospered. You're the only one who prospered.硅砂港从来都没有繁荣，繁荣的只是你自己而已。

BastiAnd then we have the corpos. Somehow, they're even bigger villains than she is. Not only do they want to make money, they screw others over too. They screwed Della, they screwed Zoe, they screwed Lydia...然后是财团，更大的坏蛋。你们不止赚钱还要害人，害了黛拉，害了佐伊，害了莉迪亚……

BastiWell, I don't really mind that last part.其实害莉迪亚我是没意见的。

BastiThing is, you got too greedy. You just had to get the common people involved. While I don't know what your game is, I think I've got a rough idea of your scheme. You're going to do something awful and then blame it on everyone, aren't you?但是你们太贪心了，非要把普通人卷进来，虽然我不知道你打算做什么，不过大体也能猜出来——又是想要做坏事然后说是大家做的对吧？

BastiIt's because of people like you that the man I love can't rest, and I can't stay by his side.就是因为有你们这样的人存在，我爱的那个人才没法休息，我才没法厮守在他的身边。

BastiAnd finally, I'm a villain too. I've known that all along.最后，我也是坏蛋，我一早就知道了。

BastiI wanted to live for the sake of my love, to dedicate every moment of my existence to him. I wanted my soul to belong entirely to him, just like I promised. But in the end, I turned out to be a disappointment to him.我只想为了爱而活着，为了他而奉献自己存在的每一分每一秒，就如缔结约定时所说的那样，让自己的灵魂完全属于对方，可是，我却让他失望了。

BastiI became a villain, and I disappointed my Darling.我成为了坏蛋，没能回应任何人的期待。

BastiIf you ask me, I think the world doesn't need all these villains in it.我觉得，世界不需要这么多坏蛋。

BastiAnd the reason why all these villains exist is right here.而会产生坏蛋的原因，就是这里。

BastiThat's why I'm going to blow this place to pieces.所以接下来，这一切都会被炸掉。

(The plaza erupts into chaos.)（会场内掀起一阵轩然大波。）

(Several guards raise their guns, but Basti sends them flying with a few quick moves. Then, she holds up her megaphone and continues speaking.)（几个守卫举起了枪，但是却被贝丝蒂干脆利落地全部击飞，她抓住扩音器继续着宣称。）

BastiHowever, killing innocent people would make him mad, and I don't want my Darling to hate me any more than he already does.不过，如果死了人的话，他会生气的，我不想让Darling继续讨厌我了。

BastiThat's why I'm going to give you all some time to run.所以，我给你们时间。

BastiThis HQ compound will be blasted sky-high in 3752 seconds.这个园区在接下来的3752秒后就会被炸上天。

BastiGot that?你们听到了吗？

BastiThat's 3752 seconds, starting... now.3752秒，现在，开始。

KarlThat's bullshit! She's bluffing!她在胡扯！在虚张声势！

KarlYou want to blow up the entire compound? Do you even know how much explosives you'd need for that? It's impossible!炸毁整座园区？那需要多少炸弹！根本不可能！

(Karl turns to Lydia. His eyes are twitching.)（说完卡尔就看向了莉迪亚，瞳孔仿佛正在抽搐。）

(He's the one who's bluffing. He's desperately seeking validation, some sign that the situation is still under his control.)（他才是那个虚张声势的人，他想要寻求认同，想证明现在的处境仍然在掌控之中。）

KarlShe can't blow this place up, right? Can she?这座园区是不会被炸毁的，对吧？

Lydia...Not in theory.……理论上讲是不会的。

KarlWhat do you mean, "not in theory"?!什么叫理论上？！

LydiaYou know how our airborne beacons work, right?你知道我们在研究的空中信标吧？

LydiaThe key to keeping them aloft for decades at a time, and the power source for their self-maintenance mechanisms is Collapse energy. That means we've got lots of fuel storage tanks underground. If THOSE blew up, that would be something else entirely.让这些信标能够在空中持续飞行几十年而不落地，并且驱动一切自我维护设备的关键是坍塌能量——所以我们在地下安置了大量的储能罐，如果那些爆炸的话就不好说了。

LydiaHowever, the safety measures we took for them are very comprehensive, so normal weapons and explosives shouldn't be able to set them off.但是那里的安全措施非常完善，一般的武器和炸药是不会引发殉爆的。

LydiaUnless...除非……

Karl...……

KarlIs... is there a way to detonate those tanks?什……什么样的方法才可能引爆？

LydiaWell, you could if you had a lot of C4. But to my knowledge, Port Mica doesn't have any of that in stock. I don't think that Doll would be able to get some either.除非是大量的C4炸弹，但据我所知整个硅砂港都没有这样的东西，那人形应该也没办法搞到吧？

(All the blood drains from Karl's face.)（卡尔的脸色一下子变得煞白。）

(The reaction from the others is even more dramatic. They clearly know just what this Basti Doll can do.)（而其他人的反应更加剧烈——显然，他们对贝丝蒂这个人形能做出什么十分清楚。）

KarlStop them! This is bad, we need witnesses, otherwise my plan...拦住他们，不行，必须要有人在，我的计划……

KarlCome back!别跑啊！？

Butterfly's Interment 花海葬蝶

DushevnayaWhere's that blondie gone? This place is...那个小黄毛到底跑到哪里去了，这里是……

DushevnayaEh?咦？

DushevnayaEhhhhhhhhh?!咦咦咦？

(This is the first time she's ever seen so many people fleeing in despair.)（杜莎妮第一次看到这么多人绝望地夺路奔逃的样子。）

(People are streaming out of the Connexion HQ, yelling things to each other like "It's gonna blow!")（“要爆炸啦！”——人群这样交相传递着消息，用一切手段从那个园区里涌了出来。）

DushevnayaWhere the commonfolk scatter, the Demon King abides.众人四散之所，便是魔王的来处。

DushevnayaYou there! The one at their head! You are a worthy opponent for a hero! Here I come!领头那个，你是配得上“勇者”的对手，我来了！

KarlMove! Hurry up and move your ass!快点！你给我快点走！

KarlYou have your own place to die! Don't make me move up my timetable!你有你要死的地方，可别逼我提早下手！

(Karl beats a miserable retreat out of the meeting hall. He's no different from the ordinary citizens of Port Mica as he flees.)（卡尔狼狈地跑出会场。在逃命的路上，他和硅砂港平民没什么两样。）

(His original plan—to have people disguised as rioters from Port Mica attack this place and kill Lydia in the process—is a lost cause. Everyone heard what that Doll said about blowing up Connexion HQ. If Lydia dies now, people will merely write her off as an unfortunate casualty of the uprising.)（原本的布置——让一群伪装成硅砂港暴动者的人袭击这里，然后杀死莉迪亚的计划已经失去了意义——所有人都听到了那个人形的爆破宣言，如果莉迪亚死去，也只会被认为是动乱引发的不幸。）

(And if the HQ really does blow up, not only will Connexion lose all its value, the URNC will most likely step in to investigate. That entails the very real risk that he will be sacrificed to cover things up.)（万一园区真的爆炸，不但链讯会失去应有的价值，罗联也可能会介入调查，他随时有被牺牲掉的风险。）

(Keeping Lydia alive now might lead to her becoming a crucial bargaining chip later on.)（眼下，保住莉迪亚的生命，或许还能在之后成为关键的筹码。）

(He tightens his grip on Lydia's hand as the latter struggles against him with all her might. She fights him every step of the way, a faint determination burning in her eyes.)（他用力抓着莉迪亚的手，而后者极力与他对抗着，脚步踉跄，眼中燃烧着某种隐藏的决意。）

KarlContact the Doll forces. Have them head over to the fuel tanks.通知人形部队，立刻前往储能罐所在的位置。

KarlStop the detonation at all costs! Stop that crazy bitch of a Doll!给我不惜一切代价地阻止爆炸，阻止那个发狂的人形！

DushevnayaWhat fuel tanks?储能罐？

DushevnayaWhere are they?在哪里？

LydiaIt's you!是你——！

KarlUwaaaaaah! It's a Doll! Keep her away from me! Kill her!哇啊啊啊！人形！别让她靠近我！打死她！

DushevnayaYeeart!拓——！

(Dushevnaya jumps over the Dolls' heads and sends them flying with a kick.)（杜莎妮跳过人形们的头顶，一脚将她们踢飞出去。）

DushevnayaWhat the heck!干什么！

DushevnayaI'm a hero who's here to stop this calamity, not some villain.我是来阻止灾难的勇者大人，可不是恶徒啊。

LydiaHey!喂！

Dushevnaya...Hm?……嗯？

DushevnayaAre you... Liege-Lady Lydia?你是，莉迪亚……女领主？

LydiaYes, the passing hero or whatever, I need your help—这位路过的勇者什么的，请帮帮我——

LydiaI'll tell you how to put an end to all this.我会告诉你如何结束这一切。

PhaetusaPort Mica's residents are fleeing to the outskirts of town!硅砂港居民们开始向城镇外逃跑了！

PhaetusaLook, the streets are full of people!你们看，街上到处都是人！

FaelynnDid... Did Basti do something? Oh yeah, she told me to stay away from Connexion HQ after rescuing Zoe!难道是……贝丝蒂做了什么？对了，她要我救出佐伊后就不要靠近园区！

PhaetusaShe's just making a bigger mess of things!真是把事情弄得越来越乱了呢……！

PhaetusaZoe, is there a way to restart the beacon control center and restore network service?佐伊，没办法重启信标，恢复网络吗？

PhaetusaOtherwise, even if the Commander sends people over, we won't be able to contact them.这样下去就算指挥官派人来，我们也没法取得联络。

ZoeDammit! Even if I use the vehicle's equipment to set up a temporary beacon to access the control center...可恶！就算用这辆车上的设备搭建临时的信标访问主站……

ZoeThey've already removed the dongle that Basti and Faelynn planted, so remote access will be denied.贝丝蒂和芙铃姐帮我设置的物理锚点被拔出了，远程权限一概会被拒绝。

ZoeWe'll need to go to the beacon control center and physically access it.只有直接用物理操控了，我们要到主信标站去。

FaelynnBut we can't do that, right? From what I know about Basti, she's definitely going to do something insane. That's why she wanted to keep you away from it.不行啊，就我的理解，贝丝蒂肯定要做什么疯狂的事，所以才不会让佐伊靠近吧

FaelynnThings being what they are now, I need to put your safety first, so we need to get as far away from this place as we can.事到如今，我要以你的安全为第一优先，我们要远离这里才行。

PhaetusaIs she going to use those bombs... Surely she wouldn't do something so extreme... right? She wouldn't, right?难道要用那些炸弹……就算是她也不会做这么极端的事情吧……不会吧？不会的对吧……

Zoe...Big Sis Faelynn, no matter what Big Sis Basti's plan is, we need to restore network access to the outside world.……芙铃姐姐，不管贝丝蒂姐姐要做什么，现在要先恢复对外界的网络才行。

ZoeWe're the only ones who can do it right now.现在只有我们才能做到这件事了！

PhaetusaAccording to Nyxie's tactical predictions, we'll be going up against way more defenders than we can hope to deal with if we assault the beacon control center—如果要攻入信标站，根据小黑的战术预测，那里的守备兵力会极大限度地超过我们可以应付的数量——

Faelynn—But once we take care of that, we'll be able to talk to Master.但只要越过那些阻碍，就可以找到主人。

Phaetusa...Got it. We'll try and come up with something together!……我知道了，这里就由我们一起来想办法吧！

Zoe...……

Zoe(Actually, there's another way... But it isn't possible now, is it?)（其实，还有一个方法……但现在是不可能了吧？）

ZoeAuntie... Lydia.莉迪亚……小姨妈。

SakuraHello! You've got a delivery!您好，快递上门！

SakuraThis is a birthday cake for your child's second birthday! Could you sign here, please?这是庆祝您的孩子两周岁生日的蛋糕，请查收！

SakuraHm? That's strange, how come the streets are deserted today?咦？真奇怪，街道上怎么一个人都没有？

Truck-senpaiIsn't it better if there's nobody around? Now you can make all your deliveries on time. Alright, less talk, more work!没有人不是更好吗？今天的单都可以准时了呢，好了，快工作！

SakuraOkay, okay~知道啦知道啦~

SakuraSakura's going to work hard to earn her way back into the Commander's arms!为了回到指挥官的怀抱，樱花要努力！

DushevnayaLook out!小心！

LydiaAiieeeee!呀啊！

(Dushevnaya knocks back the Doll beside Lydia with a roundhouse kick. She follows up by shooting through her opponent's joints, which completely immobilizes it.)（杜莎妮旋身一踢，将瞄准莉迪亚的人形击退，随即点射破坏对方的重要关节，使之完全瘫痪。）

LydiaI can't believe you're getting such good performance out of your mess of a body.你这乱七八糟的素体，性能居然这么好。

DushevnayaThe Commander praised me for it too. Everyone in the Community worked hard to help piece my body together, so don't judge it by its looks alone!这是指挥官也夸奖的，社区里大家为我精心凑出来的素体，不要只靠外观来评价它！

Lydia...I think I heard Basti and Faelynn mention a "Commander" too.……好像贝丝蒂和芙铃那两个和你一样乱七八糟的人形也说起过“指挥官”这个词。

LydiaAre you all from the League of Unreasonable Dolls or something?你们这些不讲道理的人形是不是都有个组织啊？

DushevnayaIn the past, the Commander was our beloved leader. But then all kinds of things happened and some of our friends... Hm?! Oh yes! Basti apparently knows the Commander! Could she be someone I forgot too, like good 'ol Sakura-chan?从过去到现在，指挥官是我们所有人都拥戴的领袖，但是经过了很多事，所以有些同伴……咦？！对了！贝丝蒂也认识指挥官！难道她和小樱花一样，是我忘记了的人？

Dushevnaya...Speaking of which, where are we headed, Liege-Lady?……话说，我们到底要去哪里啊，女领主？

Lydia...Not "we". Just me.……不是我们，是我。

LydiaThere shouldn't be any more Dolls in my way up ahead, right?前面应该没有阻拦的人形了吧？

LydiaIn that case, you don't have to keep escorting me. Go and stop Basti.到这里就可以了，你去阻止贝丝蒂吧。

LydiaWhile I don't think she'd let Zoe get hurt, I've never heard of a heartbroken Doll before. She might actually go that far.虽然我不觉得她会让佐伊也遇到危险，但人形失恋闻所未闻，说不定真的会走极端呢。

DushevnayaSo what are you going to do next?那你接下来要怎么办？

LydiaI... I'm going to do my duty as an aunt.我要……尽一个小姨妈应尽的义务。

LydiaAnd I'm going to give my niece a present she'll love.给侄女一件她会喜欢的礼物。

(Lydia points into the distance, at a decorated control terminal. The moment Dushevnaya sees it, understanding dawns on her.)（莉迪亚抬起手，指向了远处被装饰过的控制台，杜莎妮的目光一触，顷刻间恍然大悟。）

(The original plan was for Lydia to launch twelve of these airborne beacons as part of the final stage of the ceremony.)（原本，莉迪亚会来到这里完成仪式的最后一步，让十二台空中信标起飞。）

DushevnayaYou really are a friend of justice after all, Liege-Lady.果然你是正义的伙伴呢，女领主。

LydiaNo, I'm just a crooked merchant.不，是邪恶的商人。

LydiaAlright, scurry along now. And if you see Zoe, just tell her this: she doesn't have to worry about my survival from now on.好了，你快去吧，如果见到佐伊，替我带句话——接下来，不用管我的死活。

LydiaIt's what she always wanted.正如她一向所愿的那样。

(Just as Sweeper predicted, the number of Dolls standing guard around their objective—the beacon control center—far exceeds the amount she and Faelynn can handle with their firepower. While they have the upper hand in combat skills, it can't make up for being massively outnumbered.)（正如清道夫预测的，驻守在第一优先目标——信标站的人形数量远远不是她与芙铃的火力可以应付的，即使战斗素养有着绝对的优势，但终究无法掩盖数量上的劣势。）

(Moreover, the minor damage they've accumulated through all this continuous fighting has begun to add up, and it's slowing their movements.)（何况，连续战斗至今，两人的素体积累的微小损伤逐渐扩大，行动也开始越来越迟钝。）

FaelynnI think our frames can last eight more minutes, tops.素体——最多还能坚持8分钟了。

SweeperCan't be helped, then. We'll just need to thin their ranks slowly and pray we don't get hit by stray shots.没办法，只能慢慢削减数量，祈祷自己不会被流弹击中吧。

FaelynnHuh. So even S.F. dorks know what it means to pray.铁血也会祈祷啊。

SweeperYou truly are one of the Commander's subordinates, judging by how good you are at pissing me off.你真不愧是那个讨厌的指挥官的部下，特别能让我不爽呢。

SweeperHey brat! Got any other ideas?喂，小鬼，还有其他办法吗！

ZoeI'm working on it!我在试啦！

(Zoe's fingers fly across the keyboard. The sounds of keystrokes almost drown out her voice.)（佐伊的手指敲得飞快，键盘的噪音几乎盖过了她说话的声音。）

ZoeNope, nope, nope— I can't do it with my current equipment, but I can't give up now! Port Mica's our home... It might be a crappy place, but it's still our home!不行，不行——以手头的设备我做不到，可是绝对不可以放弃，硅砂港是我们的家……再烂也是家啊！

ZoeI just, I just—Got it! Cover me! If I can get close enough, I can try to hack them through their electrical circuits!只有，只有——我知道了……掩护我！只要足够靠近的话，我试试用电路途径入侵！

FaelynnAbsolutely not! I won't expose Miss Della's daughter to that kind of risk!不行不行！我可不会让黛拉姐姐的女儿冒这种险！

FaelynnMaster wouldn't approve either!主人也不会同意的！

ZoeBut... but if we don't, at this rate...——可是，可是这样下去的话……

ZoeAt this rate, it's going to be just like when Mama left me. I'm going to be completely useless again! I—!这样下去的话，我又要和妈妈离开的那天一样，什么也做不到了，我——！

(A notification suddenly pops up on the screen of her laptop. Zoe furiously wipes her tears away, and then her eyes go wide as she stares at the message in disbelief.)（手中的电脑终端忽然跳出了一个信号，佐伊摩挲的泪眼猛然睁大了，不可思议地看着那条讯息。）

([... Connection failed— Connection failed— New accessible beacon detected, attempting connection— Connection successful— Name:])（【……接失败——连接失败——检测到新的可用信标，尝试连接——连接成功——名称：】）

([—"You See, Stupid Big Sis? We're Really Flying."])（【——《看呀，笨蛋姐姐，我们真的飞起来了》】）

Zoe...……

ZoeSon of a bitch...王八蛋……

ZoeShe actually did it.干得太好了。

(Through her tears, the sky looks exceptionally blue.)（透过模糊的泪帘，今天的天空格外的湛蓝。）

(In the distance, a distinct aircraft soars high into the sky, tracing a graceful arc through the heavens as it hovers high above the land. Upon closer inspection it appears to be a high-performance aerodyne, a technological marvel with a 12-meter wingspan.)（一台醒目的飞行器从远处冲入高空，轻柔而优雅地划出一个弧线，在高天之上盘旋着——如果近距离观看，那应该是翼展12米，宛如高性能飞机的科技结晶。）

(But right now, it looks just like a little paper plane. A plaything for children.)（但是在此时看来，就像是孩子们都会抛着玩的，一片小小的纸飞机。）

Lydia...Hyah!……嘿！

Lydia...Haaaahh!……哈啊！

Lydia—Yeeaaart!!!!——哈啊啊啊！！！！

KarlOh no, my lady. Such menial labor ill suits you.哦哦哦，女士，这种粗活可不怎么适合你啊。

(As Karl and his minions arrive, they are treated to an interesting sight.)（在他和自己的随从赶到时，卡尔确认自己看到了十分新鲜的一幕。）

(Lydia did not flee upon seeing them. Instead, she picked up a dropped rifle and shot the astronomically expensive control terminal before her to pieces. Once she ran out of bullets, she began bashing the wreckage with the rifle's butt.)（莉迪亚看到他们向自己走来时没有逃跑，而是用捡到的步枪对眼前天文数字造价的控制台扫射到子弹用尽后，正挥舞着枪托，一下下敲打。）

(His henchmen easily subdue her and take the broken rifle away, but the control terminal is no longer usable.)（在打手们轻易制服了她并且夺走破损的步枪后，控制台已经被破坏得无法使用了。）

KarlYou think you can stop me like this?你以为这样就能阻止我们吗？

KarlThat drone will need at least 10 minutes to reach broadcast altitude. Nobody besides you is authorized to change the airborne beacons' settings.飞行器至少还需要10分钟才能抵达能够转送信号的高度，除了你以外，根本没有人有权限改写空中信标的设置。

KarlSo if I control you, this place will still be isolated.只要控制了你，这里就依旧是孤岛。

LydiaKarl.卡尔。

KarlWhat now? Planning to beg for your life? Isn't it a bit late for that?事到如今，你开始想求饶了？太晚了一点吧？

(Karl frowns as he speaks.)（卡尔一边说一边皱起了眉头。）

(This is because he noticed that Lydia has the sweetest and most cheerful smile on her face that he's ever seen. It's as though her age has physically reversed to when she was an innocent and carefree girl.)（因为他注意到，莉迪亚的脸上浮现出的，是迄今为止最甜美和愉快的笑容，甚至连年龄都仿佛回到了无忧无虑的少女时光。）

LydiaYou're a miserable little shit, but you're not irredeemable.你虽然是个小混蛋，但还没有坏到极限。

LydiaRun. That's my advice to you.逃吧，这是我给你的忠告。

KarlYour advice? Are you trying to make me laugh myself to death? All you did was launch a single drone! It doesn't change anything! I'm still going to win!忠告？你是要让我笑死吗？只是一台无人机起飞了，根本无法改变任何事情，我还会是赢家！

LydiaYou made two mistakes. First, you didn't read the brochure. Drones like that can cover an area with a radius of 400 km across in just five minutes.你犯了两个错误，第一，你根本没看我们的宣传手册，只需要5分钟，那样的一台空中信标就足以覆盖400公里的半径。

LydiaSecondly, if parents trust their children, they can leave everything to them with peace of mind.父母如果相信自己的孩子，就可以安心把身后事都交给他们。

KarlDon't forget that you're my prisoner. I have ways to make you do what I want. Also, you don't have children, do you?别忘记你还在我手上，总有办法让你和我们达成协议，而且你哪里来的孩子？

LydiaYeah, you're right.是啊。

LydiaI guess that's my biggest regret to date?事到如今，我猜这好像是我最大的遗憾了？

KarlI suppose.是啊。

(Karl points his gun at Lydia, who slowly closes her eyes.)（卡尔将枪口指向了莉迪亚，后者慢慢闭上了眼睛。）

(His eyebrows twitch as he sees the serene look on her face, as well as her faint victorious smile.)（女人脸上释然与安宁的神情、以及隐隐因为胜利感而向上勾起的唇角，让卡尔的眉毛在无法抑制的怒意下跳动着。）

Lydia(So that's how it feels, Della.)（原来是这样子的感觉啊……黛拉。）

Lydia(I think I get it now, Big Sis.)（我有点明白了，姐姐。）

(Bang—)（砰——）

(The gunshot blasts through Lydia's hair, and her face is scorched by a powder burn.)（一发子弹穿过了莉迪亚的头发，炙烫着她的脸庞。）

Lydia———

KarlThis isn't over yet, Lydia.事情没有那么简单就结束的，莉迪亚。

KarlYou still have your uses.你还有用。

Corporate HenchmanBoss, I spotted one of our trucks. Those two Dolls got that brat back, and they're in the HQ compound. We're trying to get the situation under control.报告，BOSS，发现咱们的车了——两个人形劫走了那个小丫头，她们还在园区内，现在我们正在设法控制住现场。

Lydia(Zoe...)（佐伊……）

KarlCome, Lydia. Time for a family reunion.来吧，莉迪亚，我让你们一家团聚。

KarlThis is to repay you for what you said just now—I'm not irredeemable, am I?这是为了回报你刚刚说我的——我不那么坏，对吗？

(A veritable tide of mass-produced Dolls pours in toward Phaetusa and Faelynn.)（潮水般的量产人形向翡图萨与芙铃不断围了上来。）

(Their movements are smooth, but gradually slowing down, and their range of activity is gradually shrinking.)（她们的攻势虽然流畅，但终究只会越来越慢，活动的圈子也逐步缩小。）

(Meanwhile, Zoe is hard at work inside the truck.)（而在大货车内，佐伊依旧在拼命进行着最后的工作。）

FaelynnThis is bad, we need to get Zoe out of here...不行，必须要带佐伊离开……

SweeperNot possible. There are Conglomerate forces all around us. We're trapped.做不到。周围全都是财团的人马，我们被困住了。

SweeperLooks like we've got no choice but to hold the line and believe in the brat, no?守住阵地，相信那个小鬼——也没其他办法了吧？

ZoeI've done it! I've cracked the cipher key!密钥！我解开了！

(Even she is surprised by what she's done. It's the same decryption process as before, but it's several times smoother than how it went last night.)（连她自己都觉得不可思议。同样的破解过程，这次比昨天晚上顺利了无数倍。）

(Is she getting better at this? Was Mom really helping her? Or...)（是她变熟练了吗？还是妈妈真的在帮助她？又或者说……）

(Has she become as familiar with this security system as her own home?)（如她所想的，这套保全系统，她已经熟悉得就像是自家的后门一样？）

Electronic VoiceCipher key authenticated.密钥验证已通过。

Electronic VoiceTo access administrator privileges, please provide voiceprint verification.如需接入管理员权限，请继续验证声纹密码。

ZoeVoiceprint verification... Dammit, looks like we still need Lydia after all. If only we had a recording of her voice...声纹密码……还是必须找到莉迪亚……可恶！如果有办法搞到录音……

PhaetusaNo, Zoe.不对，佐伊。

PhaetusaLydia isn't the only one with the administrator access. Della Sable has it too.拥有最高权限的不仅仅是莉迪亚，还有黛拉·塞布尔。

PhaetusaDo you have her voiceprint?你有她的声纹记录吗？

ZoeMama?妈妈……？

ZoeBut why would Lydia keep Mama's access until now? She...为什么莉迪亚会保留妈妈的权限到现在，她……

Zoe...Was she... was she really not the person I thought she was?……她……真的不是我以为的那样么？

(Zoe takes out her cell phone. It contains a recording of her mother's voice. Perhaps...)（佐伊拿出手机，上面确实记录着母亲黛拉的声音，或许……）

(Her eyes suddenly go wide.)（她忽然睁大了眼睛。）

(Lydia Sable. Della Sable. But after them is a third account with the highest access permissions, registered just a few minutes ago.)（莉迪亚·塞布尔，黛拉·塞布尔，这两个账号的后面，仅仅在几分钟前，登录上了第三个拥有最高权限的账号。）

(Zoe Sable.)（佐伊·塞布尔。）

Zoe...……

Electronic VoiceCipher key authenticated.密钥验证已通过。

Electronic VoiceTo access administrator privileges, please provide voiceprint verification.如需接入管理员权限，请继续验证声纹密码。

Zoe"I agree."“我同意。”

SakuraEhhhhh? Why can't I sign for the deliveries I made? They're going to be flagged as late!咦咦咦？为什么无法签收，这样不就超时了嘛！

Truck-senpaiThere was a widespread network outage. I can't even connect to any external networks.发生了大范围的网络宕机，我也连接不上任何外部网络了。

SakuraBut I was supposed to finish by today so I could go back and see the Commander! What's going to happen to my schedule now?!明明今天就能完成工作回去见指挥官的！这样的话我的工期会变成怎样啊！

(Just as Sakura wails in despair, a series of beeps draws her attention.)（就在樱花悲痛呼喊的同时，一连串噪音吸引了她的注意力。）

(Ding! Beep beep beep— Ring~)（“叮咚！”“滴、滴、滴——”“铃~”）

(One, two, three... a rapid-fire series of electronic notifications suddenly rings out from all around her.)（一个、两个、三个……连续而密集的电子提示音突然从四面八方响起。）

(There's nothing strange about these sounds. They're merely message received notifications.)（这些声音本不足为奇，它们只是收到新消息的提示。）

(However, the fact that she's hearing so many of them at once implies something big has happened—)（然而此刻，它们的集中出现却意味着一件大事——）

SakuraWe're back online?! Yatta!网络恢复了？！好耶！

Truck-senpaiSakura, look at the Connexion compound!樱花，看园区那边！

(As Sakura watches in awe, eleven more drones like the one which took flight earlier all take off from the courtyard. They are the airborne beacons that should have been launched in today's ceremony.)（在樱花叹为观止的惊呼下，十一架和之前起飞同款的无人机从园区升起，那是本该在今天起飞的空中信标。）

(Sakura takes out her communicator and sees countless notifications that have been piling up all this while. Most of them are reminders of deliveries that are about to be overdue.)（樱花掏出了通讯器，同时迎来了积压已久的无数条消息，大多都是催促警告和超时提醒。）

SakuraBweeeehhhhh... If the network had remained down, I could have run from reality for a little longer.呜诶诶诶…………不要恢复的话，还能逃避一下现实。

(In her dejection, Sakura misses something.)（因为沮丧而心灰意冷的她没能注意到。）

(Unlike before, there is a strange line of text at the top of her screen.)（和过去有所不同的是，屏幕上有一行异样的文字。）

("Services provided by the BUGs.")（「B.U.G.s正在为您提供服务」。）

HelenCommander, we've got signal.指挥官，有信号了。

HelenI don't know who activated a new beacon, and the signal quality's not very good. However, it's enough for us to build a D2D channel and establish communications with Dushevnaya!不知道是谁启动了一个新的信标——虽然信号不算很好，但已经足够让我们借助其搭建点对点的D2D渠道，与杜莎妮她们建立通讯！

CommanderSo we don't need to trouble Dandelion to step in? Excellent. Contact them ASAP.不用丹德莱再费力了？很好，尽快与她们取得联系。

HelenWill do!是！

(Not long after we started thinking of ways to help Dushevnaya and Phaetusa with their problems, and told them to dispose of the explosives, the Elmo lost contact with the two of them.)（在设法帮助杜莎妮她们摆脱困境后，让她们去处理炸弹没多久，两个人就和艾莫号失联了。）

(We received news from various regions about the beacon control center shutdown in Port Mica. Since such regional network outages were fairly common, we couldn't simply conclude that something bad had happened to them.)（因为从各地都能搜集到“硅砂镇”的信标站停摆的消息，地区性的信号沦陷也不是从未发生过，所以至少不能单方面认定是两人遭遇了什么不测。）

(However, both Helen and Ullrid were very worried about them.)（然而，海伦和乌尔丽德却十分焦急。）

(Helen's concern was more like that of a parent for a child. Ullrid, on the other hand, was scared that she wouldn't be able to pay for the beacon control center if it got blown up.)（海伦是家长式的担心，乌尔丽德则是害怕炸掉了信标站赔不起。）

CommanderSpeaking of which, Helen. There's something very strange about all this.说起来，海伦，有件事我还是觉得很奇怪。

CommanderThe Doll who took Dushevnaya hostage felt oddly familiar.当时挟持杜莎妮的人形，我总觉得有种熟悉的感觉。

HelenThat does seem quite noteworthy. I think your instincts are quite accurate, Commander.我也觉得很值得在意，指挥官的直觉很准确呢。

HelenAlthough her voice was processed, when I hacked her neural cloud, I saw...虽然声音经过处理，可是在侵入她心智的那一瞬间，我看到了……

CommanderWhat did you see?什么？

HelenI saw you, Commander.我看到了，指挥官您。

HelenTherefore, I didn't do any further damage to her neural cloud.所以，我没有进一步伤害对方的心智。

CommanderSo you're saying... she's an ex-Griffin Doll?你是说……她也曾是服役于格里芬的人形？

HelenI'm inclined to believe so. That would also explain why she had a complete breakdown after hearing what you said.我会这么认定，这也可以解释指挥官你的声音为什么能让对方完全失控。

HelenIt would have been a massive mental blow, like instantly melting her neural cloud down. I think the only person on earth who could do that with just a few words would be you, Commander.简直就像是瞬间就把她的心智融毁了一样，造成了巨大的冲击，能靠几个字就做到这一点的，世界上也只有指挥官了。

(Perhaps I'm imagining things, but there seems to be a playful undercurrent to Helen's words.)（不知道是不是我的错觉，海伦的声音有些娇嗔的样子。）

Commander...Understood. Let's get Dushevnaya on the line ASAP.……明白了，尽快联系上杜莎妮吧。

CommanderI have an idea.我有一个想法。

BastiThis is message no. 3753. It's also going to be the last one.这是第3753条留言，也是最后一条。

BastiI'm sorry, Darling... I couldn't come back to your side in the end.对不起，Darling，最终我还是……没能回到你的身边。

(Basti is planting the explosives around the fuel tanks.)（贝丝蒂正在向储能罐上布置炸药。）

(She tenderly arranges the cold metal, like she's decorating for her own wedding.)（她用充满温情的手势摆弄着冰冷的金属，就像在布置自己的婚礼。）

BastiAt first, I think I pushed myself too hard. All I wanted was to return to your side. I didn't give a damn about the agreement or the political situation or whatever. To me, all those stupid rules weren't supposed to prevent two hearts from speaking to each other.一开始，我好像努力过头了。我只想回到你的身边，什么协议、什么局势我全不在乎，那些规则并不是用来阻碍心和心的交流的，我这样以为。

BastiMy soul is yours. Didn't we promise each other that when we made our oath?我的灵魂是属于你的，当我对你起誓的时候，我们就说好了不是吗？

BastiAnd because of that, I was always fighting. I fought the people who tried to stop me, I fought the people who spoke ill of you, I fought those hazy, insubstantial rules...为此我总在战斗，和阻止我的人战斗、和说你坏话的人战斗、和虚无缥缈的规则战斗……

BastiBut it seems I grew weaker without my Darling by my side. I caused lots of trouble and I made everyone hate me. In fact, I very nearly ended up as scrap.可是，没有Darling在身边，我似乎变弱了，惹了好多麻烦，变成了所有人讨厌的家伙，差点被拆成废铁。

BastiFortunately, I met Della. She was a romantic and an idealist, which made her resemble you, in a way.幸好我遇到了黛拉，她和你有点相似，也是个浪漫的理想主义者。

BastiShe saved me, and for a while I thought things were going to get better.她救了我，让我一度以为事情会慢慢好起来。

BastiBut as you know, the world is never good to good people, and she passed away not long after that. She was murdered by those people because she collected too much information that could reveal their true nature.然而世界总是对好人很坏。没过多久她就去世了，是被那些家伙杀死的……因为她收集了太多能够揭露他们本性的东西。

BastiDella's death changed lots of things. She left behind a whole bunch of orphans that nobody would care for, and her own daughter became an orphan too.黛拉的死改变了很多事情。她留下了一帮没人照顾的孤儿，她的女儿也变成了孤儿。

BastiI even met Faelynn! I'm talking about Gr G41. She was waiting like a dork for you, all by herself, trying to protect the Griffin she knew, until she collapsed because of a lack of frame maintenance.我还遇到了芙铃哦！就是G41啦，她一个人傻乎乎地等待着你，想要守住她自己的格里芬，结果因为素体得不到维护而倒下了。

BastiIf Della hadn't saved her, she'd have ended up like me too... Which is why we couldn't abandon Della's kids.如果不是遇到了黛拉，得到她的救助，她也会和我一样……所以，我们没法丢下黛拉的孩子们不管。

BastiAfterwards, Faelynn and I became partners. And then... I realized I'd become a troublesome girl.后来，芙铃当了我的搭档。而我……意识到自己变成了一个“沉重”的女人。

BastiI didn't dare to push myself anymore. I began to fear coming back to your side.我不敢再努力了，我开始畏惧回到你身边这件事。

BastiBut I didn't know how to live without you.可是，没有你我又不知道该为何而活。

BastiSo I had a wicked idea. It's the proof that I became a bad person.于是我动起了歪脑筋，这是我变坏的证据。

BastiI used Della's kids.我利用了黛拉的孩子。

BastiI brainwashed them about how good the Commander was. I told them that the best thing they could do in their lives was to become useful to the Commander.我给她们洗脑，告诉她们“指挥官”有多好，世界上最光明的未来，就是成为对指挥官有用的人才。

BastiI turned my desires into children's dreams.我，把自己的欲望变成了孩子的梦想。

BastiWith that in mind, I could work hard again, using others to fulfill my desires.于是我又能心安理得地开始努力，利用别人来完成我的欲望。

BastiI don't think I can be forgiven for that.我想，这是无法被原谅的事。

BastiI know that's the kind of thing you hate the most.我知道，这是你最讨厌的事。

BastiI should have died long ago. I should have died the day you left.我早就该死去，从离开你的那天就应该死去。

BastiAt the very least, there would have been some value in my death.反倒是我的死亡，还能挽回一点点价值。

BastiI'm ready to put an end to everything. I'll destroy myself, Lydia's company, and the Conglomerate's schemes.我已经准备好结束一切了。毁灭自己，毁灭莉迪亚的公司，毁灭财团的阴谋。

BastiWhile I don't know what exactly is going on, the Conglomerate is going to take this place over sooner or later. They're going to take this town that grew prosperous thanks to Della's death and eat it all up.虽然不知道具体的情况，但是财团迟早会占据这个地方，因为黛拉的牺牲而繁荣起来的这个地方的血肉，会被啃食殆尽。

BastiSay, Darling... The Conglomerate... is the enemy, right?呐，Darling，财团是……敌人吧？

BastiIt's YOUR enemy, right?是你的敌人吧？

BastiIf they get their hands on Connexion, they'll be able to control all communications in the Yellow Zone. And that would be really inconvenient for you, right?如果他们得到了链讯，黄区的所有通讯都在他们手中——对你而言，会很不方便吧？

BastiSo this is my last wish, Commander.这是我最后的愿望，指挥官——

BastiThis selfish little kitty of yours just wants to die while loving you.你的小小的任性的猫儿，只想要带着对你的爱死去。

BastiPlease forgive me, Darling.请原谅我，Darling。

Dushevnaya—I've got no idea what you're muttering about, but this is the end for you, Little Demon King.——虽然不知道你在说什么，但是小魔王啊，一切就到此为止了。

(Dushevnaya is taking aim at her target. This shot is the key to putting an end to this whole incident.)（杜莎妮正在全心全意地瞄准，这一枪正是了结这次所有事件的关键。）

(She needs to hit Basti in the head while not striking the surrounding bombs.)（必须准确击中贝丝蒂的头部，同时避开周围的所有炸弹——）

(Yet, for some reason, she doesn't really hate this Doll. At the very least, the sorrow and shock when she heard the Commander's voice didn't seem fake to her.)（不知为什么，她并不真的讨厌这个人形——对方在听到指挥官的声音时，脸上悲戚与震撼的神情，并不像是伪装的。）

(However, she doesn't have a choice. If those bombs go off, it will be too late for anything...)（可是如今她已经别无选择，一旦那些炸弹爆炸，一切都将万劫不复……）

(And so, Dushevnaya must solemnly carry out a hero's duty.)（杜莎妮今天，要履行勇者的责任。）

???Are we connected? Du.. shev... naya, can you hear me?接通了吗？杜莎……妮……能听到吗？

(Just as she's about to pull the trigger, Dushevnaya suddenly picks up a choppy audio transmission.)（就在手指要扣下扳机前，杜莎妮突然收到了一条断断续续的通讯。）

(She immediately recognizes the garbled voice.)（她一下就认出了这个模糊的声音。）

DushevnayaCommander?指挥官？

CommanderThank goodness, it worked.太好了，这招有效。

CommanderDushevnaya, I had Helen use the new airborne beacon as a relay to establish a point-to-point connection with you.杜莎妮，我是让海伦运用新的信标中转，点对点联系到你的。

DushevnayaPoint-to-point... ah yes, that's...点对点，啊，是那个啊……

CommanderSeveral hours ago, the Port Mica sector you're in went completely offline and became a network dead zone. Service hasn't been fully restored yet.你所在的硅砂港区域，在之前几个小时里已彻底脱离了网络，成为了网络上的一个窟窿，现在也没有完全恢复。

CommanderDo you know what happened?你知道发生了什么事情吗？

(It went offline? Could this be part of the wicked conspiracy too?)（断网？难道这也是邪恶阴谋的一部分吗？）

(Still, that's not important. Dushevnaya lowers her voice and replies confidently.)（不过这些都不重要了。杜莎妮压低声音，自信满满地做出回复。）

DushevnayaDon't worry, Commander. I'll take care of everything.放心吧指挥官，我会解决一切的。

CommanderCan I... really not worry?我、我能放心吗？

CommanderTell me what you're doing right now.你先告诉我你在做什么事情。

DushevnayaI'm aiming at the target.我在瞄准。

CommanderAiming at who?瞄准谁？

DushevnayaThe master of the disaster, the evil demon king, that wicked blondie...罪魁祸首，邪恶的魔王，小黄毛……

CommanderShe's a Doll.那是一名人形。

CommanderAnd she used to be from Griffin. Am I right?曾经属于格里芬的——对吧？

(Dushevnaya is making the final adjustments for her shot. She is completely focused on her target. The world has been reduced to nothing more than the picture of her scope and her crosshairs.)（杜莎妮在进行最后的校准。她的精力高度集中，世界被抽象成瞄准镜里的点和线。）

(However, the Commander just had to ask a very tricky question at that very moment.)（可是，指挥官偏偏在这时候问了个非常复杂的问题。）

(What's the fastest way for her to describe Basti to the Commander?)（该怎么快速向指挥官解释贝丝蒂是谁呢？）

(She's the person who inflated the bidding price at the auction, who stole the auction lot, who attacked us...)（她是在拍卖会胡乱竞价的人，她是想偷走拍卖品的人，她是不久前袭击了我们的人……）

(No, that won't cut it. The subject is just too complicated to quickly explain regardless of which incident she wants to begin with. More to the point, she doesn't have the mental energy to put her thoughts into words right now.)（不行啊，无论从哪件事开始讲都太过复杂，她现在没有组织语言的精力。）

(Wait, that's it! A lightbulb goes off over her head, and a term pops out of the depths of her mind. It's short and perfectly describes that Doll's identity—)（对了！灵光乍现一般，记忆深处的一个标签蹦了出来，它够短，也足够描述那个人形的身份——）

DushevnayaHer name is Gr Mk23.她是Mk23。

(Basti picks up the last bomb. She caresses it gently, wipes it, and plants a light kiss on its surface.)（贝丝蒂拿起了最后一块炸药。她抚摸、擦拭，在表面留下一个浅浅的吻。）

(This will be the initiating explosion and the carefully chosen endpoint of her life.)（这将是她引爆炸弹的起点，也是她精心挑选的生命终点。）

BastiOh yes, Darling, I need to apologize to you.对了，Darling，还要和你说句对不起。

BastiEven though we finally managed to meet each other again after ten years, I... I yelled at you.明明是阔别十年的重逢，今天我却……凶了你。

BastiWell, you were mean to me too, but that's okay.虽然你也凶了我一顿啦，不过没关系的。

BastiYou don't have to apologize...你不需要道歉……

???I'm sorry.对不起。

BastiWho's that?!谁？！

(Basti's tail suddenly shoots up in response to that sudden voice.)（突如其来的声响让贝丝蒂猛地竖起了尾巴。）

(The voice is close by! It's coming from right behind her!)（这声音好近！就来自于她的背后！）

(She instinctively raises her gun, but then that same instinct makes her lower it right away.)（条件反射式的本能让她第一时间举起了武器。然而，同样是本能让她把武器放了下来。）

(Is she dreaming? Have the bombs already gone off? If this isn't her life flashing past her eyes, like it's supposed to just before you die... then why is she hearing the Commander's voice?)（她在做梦吗？难道炸弹已经爆炸了？如果不是死亡前的走马灯……她怎么会听到指挥官的声音？）

CommanderIt was my fault. I should have known it was you sooner.是我不好，我早该发现是你的。

CommanderGr Mk23.MK23。

CommanderAlthough, I think your name is "Basti" now, isn't it?不过，现在的你，叫做“贝丝蒂”吧？

CommanderIt's a lovely name. I hope to use it in the future.这是个很美的名字，希望以后我也能用它来叫你。

CommanderCould you find it in your heart to forgive me?可以和我和好吗？

BastiAh... Ahhhhhhhh...啊……啊啊…………

(Basti stands stock still. She doesn't even realize that tears are streaming down her face.)（贝丝蒂呆立在原地，不知不觉眼泪已经流了下来。）

(She doesn't give any thought to whether this is real life or just fantasy. Just being able to hear the Commander's voice again makes her happier than she's ever been.)（她不再思考是否真实，能像这样聆听已经是前所未有的幸福。）

CommanderI want to make up for all this. For hurting your feelings, and for the ten years that we've been apart.我想要做出补偿。补偿我对你的伤害，补偿你我之间停滞的十年时光。

CommanderTherefore, I'd like you to take care of yourself.为此，我希望你能好好地保重自己。

CommanderCan you do that for me... Basti?贝丝蒂……听话？

(Hearing this drives Basti over the edge. She throws the bomb aside, discards all considerations of reality, and runs toward the voice.)（听到这贝丝蒂再也控制不住，她抛下炸药、抛下所有现实，奋力朝声音来源跑去。）

BastiDARLING! Uwaaaaaahhhhhh!!!!Darling————呜哇啊啊啊啊！！！！

(She rounds the corner and glomps the "Commander".)（转过一个墙角，她一把朝“指挥官”抱了上去。）

(However, the "Commander" doesn't seem ready to handle Basti's burning love.)（面对如此强烈的热情，“指挥官”似乎没做好准备。）

DushevnayaEh? Ehhhhhhhh?诶……诶？！

(The Commander's soothing voice is coming from a speaker on her frame.)（指挥官温情的语音正从她素体上的通讯器外放出来。）

Love And Punishment 爱与罚

BastiDarling, Darling, Darling!!Darling，Darling，Darling！！

BastiI missed you so, so much! It hurt so bad, each and every day, I wanted to see you. I wanted to kill everyone who suggested that agreement... Uweeehhhh...我好想你，我好想你啊！每天每天都，很痛苦，想见你，想要把提出协议的人都杀掉……呜呜呜……

CommanderAh... Yes, I wanted to see you too. It must have been hard.啊啊，我也很想见你，确实很难熬呢。

BastiI have soooooo many things I want to tell you!我有好多、好多、好多的话想跟你说！

CommanderI will listen to all of it and make sure I memorize every single word.我会听完的，我会一字不落地全部记住。

DushevnayaAck... quit... rubbing up on me...咳……不要……蹭……了……

BastiBut, but, butbutbut!可是，可是，可是可是可是！

BastiHave you been okay when I wasn't with you, Darling? Have you been eating well? Have you been overworking yourself?我不在Darling身边的时候，Darling有过得好吗？有没有好好吃饭，会不会勉强自己过度工作了？

BastiAhhhhh, Darling, nobody did anything to you, did they? You haven't fallen for anyone else, have you?啊啊，Darling，没有被怎么样吧？没有变心吧！

BastiYou still love me, right? RIGHT?!?还是喜欢我的吧？喜欢的吧！？！

CommanderYes.嗯。

CommanderVery much.非常喜欢。

DushevnayaKoffkoffkoff...咳咳咳……

(Dushevnaya feels utterly helpless. Basti is hugging her tightly, and a stream of sweet words keeps pouring into her ears.)（杜莎妮现在十分的无助。她被贝丝蒂紧紧拥抱着，耳边不断传来柔情蜜意的话语。）

(She is a complete outsider to the situation, but she is essentially a walking radio handset.)（而她是这场对话的局外人，是一个巨大的传声筒。）

BastiIs life on the Elmo interesting?艾莫号上的生活有趣吗？

CommanderIt's pretty good. We've got lots of entertainment facilities on board.还不错，现在车上有不少娱乐设施。

CommanderWe have arcade machines, a cafe, a hot spring...可以打电玩，可以喝咖啡，可以泡温泉……

BastiHot springs! I love hot springs!温泉！我喜欢温泉！

BastiI want to be the first to soak in one with you, Darling!我要成为第一个和Darling一起泡温泉的人形！

DushevnayaAhem. I've actually been there with the Commander already.咳咳咳，我和指挥官一起泡过了。

BastiBitch, who asked you?!谁问你了？！

(Basti finally remembers that she's not hugging the Commander and shoves Dushevnaya away.)（贝丝蒂终于想起来抱着的不是指挥官，她一把将杜莎妮推开。）

BastiDarling, who is this interfering woman?!Darling，这个碍事的女人是谁啊？！

CommanderIt's K...是K……

DushevnayaOh, NOW I'm in the way, am I? Just who was hugging me so tightly just now?!现在又嫌我碍事了！刚才是谁抱那么紧啊！

(Their argument seems to have triggered some kind of chain reaction, because a series of rapid footsteps suddenly echoes through the air.)（她们的吵闹似乎引起了连锁反应，一连串密集的脚步声突然响起。）

(Right after that, mass-produced Conglomerate Dolls begin arriving one after another.)（接着，从四面八方，财团的量产人形一个个冒了出来。）

Corporate Doll TrooperTarget sighted! Seize them!找到目标！抓捕她们！

BastiTch, learn to read the room. How dare you interrupt my lovey-dovey world for two!切，不解风情的家伙们，干嘛来打扰我的二人世界啊！

DushevnayaHey, I'm standing right here! It was never just a "world for two"!还有我呢！从来就不是“二人世界”啊！

BastiEh, forget it, I'll show you all—算了，让你们见识下吧。

BastiI'm unstoppable when I have my Darling!只要有Darling在，我就是无敌的哦！

Love And Punishment 爱与罚

BastiHey! Where the hell are you aiming?!喂，你在朝哪边射击？！

DushevnayaHm? I was shooting the enemy.嗯？我打中敌人了啊。

BastiYou should have shot the ones on the other side! The OTHER side!应该打另一边啊，另一边！

DushevnayaThen you should have told me! How was I supposed to know!那你说啊！你不说我怎么知道！

BastiDo I even need to spell that out too?这种事还用说吗？

BastiThese enemies would all be gone by now if Faelynn were here!如果是芙铃，我们早就把敌人消灭完了！

DushevnayaHmph, with Strategist and Warmaster around, the enemy wouldn't even have managed to draw their guns!哼，如果是军师和战帅在，敌人连枪都开不出来！

(Basti and Dushevnaya do not work well together. In fact, they end up getting in each other's way.)（贝丝蒂和杜莎妮的配合并不理想，甚至在互相拖后腿。）

CommanderBasti, Dushevnaya.杜莎妮，贝丝蒂。

CommanderThe situation is looking bad. Listen to my orders from now on.战况不利，接下来听从我的指挥。

BastiKyaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!咿呀————！！

CommanderBasti, what happened?贝丝蒂，怎么了？

CommanderAre you hurt?受伤了吗？

DushevnayaNo, she's just rolling around on the ground.没有，她突然就在地上打滚了……

BastiIt's just... I heard Darling's lovely voice all of a sudden... Darling's going to make me obey him... it's all a bit too much for me.Dar，Darling的美妙的声音突然……突然就要被Darling指挥什么的……人家有点受不了了呢。

BastiThis reunion is progressing way too fast, Darling...!Darling，重逢的进展太，太快了啦……！

Commander...……

MaylingEr, should I be listening to this?呃……这是我可以听的？

HelenShe really is a spirited girl. I didn't expect her to be Gr Mk23.是个有精神的孩子，没想到她是MK23。

Helen...Ah, it does mean there'll be yet another person to lead Dushevnaya astray.……就是，杜莎妮又要被多一个人带坏了。

GrozaPlease give your orders, Commander. We have other matters to handle afterwards.指挥官，请下令，后面还有安排呢。

CommanderDushevnaya, Basti.杜莎妮，贝丝蒂。

CommanderRight now, we have three objectives: Keep Phaetusa, Gr G41, and other important people safe. Dispose of the C4 explosives. Capture the corporate mastermind.现在要务有三项： 翡图萨与G41和其他相关人员安危。 C4炸弹的处置。 以及拿下财团主犯。

CommanderProceed according to the following plan. Got that?按照以下战术推进，收到了吗？

DushevnayaAffirmative!是！

BastiI understand, Darling.明白了，Darling。

CommanderVery well.很好。

CommanderLet's wrap this day up.让我们结束这一天吧。

CommanderThe tomato wagon is coming.收购番茄的货车快到了。

Basti...Tomato?……番茄？

BastiWhy did Darling mention tomatoes?Darling为什么会提到番茄？

DushevnayaDidn't you know?你不知道了吧？

DushevnayaThe Commander's developing the Yellow Zone with us, which means planting tomatoes and—uwahhh?!指挥官和我们正在黄区开拓，一起栽种番茄和——唔哇！？

(Basti suddenly points her gun at Dushevnaya. It is only by great force of will that she resists the urge to pull the trigger.)（贝丝蒂突然掏枪对准杜莎妮，勉强才忍住没有扣下扳机。）

BastiYou, you plowed the fields with Darling, and planted your seeds with him, and turned the fertile soil, and watered the plots... I, I haven't even done that with him yet, but you, you you you...和，和我的Darling一起在田地里播种，翻土，浇水……我，我都没有做过这样的事，你你你……

BastiAfterwards, I'm going to have you explain just what kind of relationship you have with Darling!待会儿，待会儿要老老实实对我交代，你和Darling到底是什么关系！

BastiAlso, who else is on the Elmo? Don't tell me those interfering hussies like 416, WA2000, and Springfield are already on board!还有，艾莫号上都已经有谁了？像碍事的HK416和WA2000还有春田她们，应该还没上车吧！

DushevnayaThey are, actually.都上车了啊。

DushevnayaAlong with PA-15, Gd DSR-50, and some others.还有PA15和DSR50，等等。

Basti...……

DushevnayaO friend of yore and demon king of today, please, uh, please put the bomb down...昔日的战友，今日的魔王啊……你，你把炸弹先放下——

Final Signal 终场信号

KarlHonestly, you wasted all my efforts.真是的，让我白费了这么多功夫。

KarlStill, I have to admit that you're capable Dolls. So capable, it's making me recall a less than pleasant experience.但是，我承认，你们都是很优秀的人形，优秀到让我回忆起不怎么愉快的经历。

(Despite their dogged resistance, Phaetusa and Faelynn both know that this is the end.)（虽然依旧在顽强地抵抗，但是翡图萨和芙铃都明白，这里就是终点了。）

(Doll corpses are piled up at their feet, but the enemy numbers still aren't thinning out. If Karl ordered them to fire indiscriminately, the two Dolls wouldn't be able to protect Zoe.)（即使脚下的人形残骸可以堆成掩体，对方的人数依旧没有减少，而如果卡尔下令不顾代价地开火，两个人形无法保护佐伊。）

(Moreover, Karl has a hostage.)（更何况，卡尔还有人质。）

(He forces Lydia to her knees in front of him and points the gun at her head.)（他让莉迪亚跪在了面前，指着她的头。）

KarlIsn't it time you came out, Miss Zoe?佐伊小姐，你不出来吗？

Lydia———

(Lydia is about to say something, but Karl kicks her in the ribs. She grits her teeth and bites back a whimper.)（莉迪亚想开口说些什么，但是侧腹却被踢了一脚，她痛苦地抿住了双唇，忍住不呻吟出来。）

(After seeing this, Zoe opens the truck door.)（但是佐伊完全看在了眼里，她推开了货车的车门。）

ZoeLet go of her!放开她！

LydiaStop it, you idiot! Don't come out—笨蛋！别，不要出来——

KarlSo you're Zoe Sable. You have a very low-class look to you. It suits your Yellow Zone blood perfectly.你就是佐伊·塞布尔啊，一脸下层人的相貌，确实很适合黄区的血统。

KarlBecause of you, my plan is in shambles. I'll need to thank you both for that.因为你的关系，我的计划没法顺利推进了，还真是要感谢你们呢。

ZoeAuntie... Auntie Lydia...莉迪亚……小姨妈。

LydiaYou dummy... You're just like your mother.傻瓜……和你妈妈一样。

ZoeYou're the dummy, you super tsundere.你才是傻瓜，你这傲娇大妈。

LydiaW-what did you say?什，什么！？

ZoeI don't need your protection. I'll protect all of you!我才不要你们保护呢，我会保护你们的！

(Zoe turns to Karl and holds up her laptop.)（佐伊转向卡尔，高高举起了手里的电脑终端。）

KarlWhat's this? Are you trying to threaten me?什么意思？你想反过来威胁我？

ZoeI want to make a deal.做个交易。

ZoeI can't give you Connexion, but the control authorizations for the airborne beacons are all here.链讯不能给你，但是，空中信标的控制权都在这里了。

LydiaZoe! Don't be stupid, people like him—佐伊！别犯傻，他这种人——

KarlShut up!你闭嘴！

KarlI see. Indeed, there's no point in trying to take Connexion by force now. It would cause too much trouble later.原来如此，的确，事到如今再强行去夺取链讯也没什么意思，后续麻烦太多了。

KarlBut the airborne beacon prototypes would be worth the losses and the disturbances incurred during this trip. So yes, that's a good offer.空中信标原型机的价值值得这趟骚动和损失，你想的不错。

(It seems Zoe managed to convince Karl. He leans forward and verifies the status of the twelve airborne beacons.)（卡尔似乎被他自己说服，向前微微倾身，确认了一眼十二架空中信标的状态。）

(And then, he laughs. There is an undercurrent of berserk malice under the despair-filled smile on his face.)（但旋即他又笑了起来，凄惨的笑容中，流露出一股失控的怨毒。）

KarlBut unfortunately, you have no right to tell me what to do!可惜，你们没有那个资格告诉我该做什么——

(He pulls the trigger, but a Doll that was standing beside him suddenly steps forward and in front of Lydia. Karl's bullet bounces off the Doll's mid-section.)（他扣下了扳机，可是，原本站在他身边的一具人形却突然向旁一步，挡在了莉迪亚身前，任凭子弹撕开了素体的腹部。）

KarlWhat?!什么！？

PhaetusaYou really are a hopeless human being, aren't you, mister?这位先生，您还真是个无可救药的人类呢。

PhaetusaNow that network access is back online, you shouldn't have shown your face in front of us with those low-level Dolls.既然网络已经恢复了，你就不应该带着低级的人形出现在我们的面前。

(Before Karl can react, the Dolls around him begin falling one after another. It seems someone—or some Doll—is picking them off with extremely precise sniping.)（不等卡尔反应过来，他身边的人形一具具地开始倒下，从远处似乎有人或者人形正在进行极其精准的狙击。）

(Meanwhile, a nimble figure jumps down from the shipping crates behind him. She swiftly takes down the three Dolls that are scrambling to protect him and watches as Karl tries to scamper away like a rat.)（而一个矫健的身影却从他身后的集装箱上跃了下来，打倒了扑上来保护他的三具人形，看着连滚带爬逃离的卡尔。）

BastiDarling said that if you took the laptop, there might've been room for negotiation.Darling说过了，如果你接过电脑，或许还能有个谈判的余地。

BastiBut since you're such a damn blockhead, I'll just have to show you how the Black Utopia Gang does things!既然这么冥顽不灵，就让你瞧瞧B.U.G.s的做法！

Final Signal 终场信号

KarlHurry up! What the hell are you lot doing?快点啊！你们在干什么呢？

KarlThey're just a few Dolls—她们不过只有几个人而已——

BastiHuh. Is this your idea of leadership?呃，你就是这样指挥部队的吗？

(There is a pitying look on Basti's face. While the Conglomerate Dolls are mass-produced and don't have full neural clouds, their frames and weaponry are still excellent.)（贝丝蒂替对面感到惋惜，财团的人形部队虽然是量产体，没有完整的心智，但是素体与武装依然堪称优秀。）

(In fact, these mass-produced frames all have better performance compared to hers.)（和自己比较，这些量产素体的性能都比较好。）

(Unfortunately, they are being commanded by Karl. All these Dolls can do is follow their preset combat logic and attack mindlessly without any regard for strategy. Naturally, this is the kind of opponent that the Commander is best at fighting.)（可惜落在卡尔的手里，人形们只能根据预设的战术逻辑一股脑进攻，没有任何章法——而这恰好是指挥官最擅长应付的类型。）

(As the thought crosses Basti's mind, her heart pounds and burns.)（贝丝蒂想到这里，内心就感到一股火热的悸动。）

BastiAh, my Darling really is the best after all...果然，Darling是最出色的……

SweeperDushevnaya, are you listening?杜莎妮，你有在听吗？

DushevnayaWhat is it, Warmaster?什么事？战帅？

SweeperI've been trying to avoid wrecking these frames. You should pay attention to that too.从最开始，我就有在避免完全破坏这些素体，你也注意一下吧。

SweeperWhile they're not fully compatible with us, most of their parts can be reused. Damaging their motive cortices through the neck can put them down with minimal damage.虽然不是全部，但大部分零件都是能派上用处的——所以从颈侧侵入破坏传动中枢就可以以最小限度损害停止其活动。

DushevnayaI see! That means we can cut down on our expenses!原来如此！可以节约经费！

BastiHm? Come to think of it, this weird Doll had a pretty good idea.嗯……？仔细一想，这个古怪的人形的想法好像挺不错啊。

BastiBut more importantly... What relationship do you have with Darling?!不过，比起这个……你和Darling是什么关系？！

SweeperHuh? Dar—who?咦，达，达什么？

BastiDarling is the Commander!Darling，就是指挥官！

Sweeper...A master-slave relationship. Naturally, I'm the master.……是上下级的关系，我在上。

BastiI'll kill you, bitch!宰了你！

SweeperOh? Looks like you've got guts. I'd be happy to aaaahhhhhh Phaetusaaaaa!哦？还真是个带种的人形啊，之后我就和你交——咦啊啊啊——翡图萨！

PhaetusaSorry about that, Nyxie loves running her mouth.对不起对不起，小黑喜欢乱说话。

PhaetusaActually, we both like lying on the Commander's lap and being spoiled by him.我们其实都是喜欢躺在指挥官的膝盖上接受宠爱的。

Basti...……

Basti(Sigh)嘿欸……

PhaetusaIs, um, is something wrong?哪，哪里不对吗？

BastiHmph, it's nothing. Just remember that you only got the chance to do that because I wasn't with Darling.哼，没关系，不过是因为我不在Darling身边，你们才会有机会的。

BastiFaelynn! Go easy on them.芙铃！待会下手轻点。

FaelynnOkay, I guess... Ah, is this to upgrade the BUGs' auto-thugs?虽然是可以……啊，是为了让B.U.G.s的“自动打手”做升级吗？

BastiAlso, it seems Darling needs more frames, so I need to score more points with him!而且，Darling好像也需要这些素体呢，我要在Darling面前增加更多分数才行！

(As she says this, Basti whips out a can of spray paint and sprays the Dolls in front of her.)（说着，贝丝蒂掏出油漆罐向人形部队身上喷去。）

BastiListen up, Elmo Dolls!听好了，“艾莫号”的！

BastiAll the tagged ones are mine!这些带涂鸦的都是我的！

Karl(Dammit... I have no choice but to retreat.)（可恶……只能先撤退了。）

KarlRemove all targeting restrictions! Eliminate anyone who tries to pursue me!解禁全部杀伤性选项，给我全力消灭所有追击过来的对象！

(Karl's last order makes Basti and Faelynn's faces turn ice cold. Escorted by his last few bodyguards, Karl turns and gets on the nearest jeep.)（卡尔下达了最后一条让贝丝蒂和芙铃脸上笼罩寒霜的命令后，转身在最后几个部下的护卫下，逃向了最近的一辆吉普车。）

(Apparently, Basti drove it here, but Karl can't be picky at this point.)（虽然那辆车似乎就是贝丝蒂开来的，但事到如今根本也顾不上挑剔了。）

LydiaRun! Find a safe place to hide!快跑！找安全的地方躲起来！

LydiaIf you don't have anywhere to go, then go to my place for now!没地方去的跟着我，先躲到我的家里！

(The streets of Port Mica are in chaos.)（硅砂港的街道上一片混乱。）

(The firefights between the Conglomerate Dolls and Port Mica's security forces are intense. It's only a matter of time before civilians get caught up in it.)（财团的人形与硅砂港的安保系统激烈交火，不可避免地牵连到了平民。）

(Lydia's voice regains its strength.)（莉迪亚的声音恢复了分量。）

(The people begin rallying around Lydia, and order is restored, slowly but surely.)（人们重新聚集在莉迪亚周围，如同缓慢恢复的秩序。）

Head ServantLady Lydia, we've gathered all our combat-capable personnel. What do we do now?莉迪亚女士，我们集结了全部武装力量，现在需要做什么？

LydiaDo you even need to ask? We're going to save people! Start by rescuing the trapped citizens!还用说嘛？救人啊！把受困的镇民先救出来！

LydiaMoney can always be made again, but lost employees aren't so easily replaced! Evacuate them and their families!财产这种东西只要再赚就有了，但是员工丢失的话可不能轻易补充到，快把他们和家属一起救出来！

Port Mica GirlWhat's going on here? Where's Big Sis?这里是怎么回事……大姐头在哪里！？

Port Mica BoyI don't know, but those Dolls... Look out!不知道，不过那些人形……小心！

(Thanks to Karl's imprecise directions, his Dolls are indiscriminately attacking everyone within the general vicinity of his route of retreat.)（由于卡尔含糊的指示，人形们几乎将所有接近他逃生路线的人视为了敌对目标。）

(Thus, when the kids turn up looking for Zoe, the Dolls lock onto them as well.)（跟随佐伊的少年少女们赶到现场时，也自然地被其锁定。）

LydiaTake them to my mansion.把他们带去我的宅邸。

(Lydia's guard squad manages to pull them out of harm's way just barely in the nick of time.)（千钧一发之际，莉迪亚带领着安保部队把正被追击的小孩子拖到身后。）

Port Mica GirlNo! I have something to do!不！我还有事情要做！

LydiaWhat is it? Do you know you nearly died just now?干嘛？你不知道自己差点死了吗？

Port Mica GirlI need to help Big Sis!我要去给大姐头帮忙！

LydiaOh, so you're part of the BUGs?哦，你是B.U.G.s的人？

Port Mica GirlN-no...不、不是啊……

LydiaYou mean your Big Sis isn't Zoe?大姐头是不是佐伊？

Port Mica GirlWho's Zoe? I've never heard of her before. In fact, who are you, auntie? I don't recognize you.什么佐伊？没听过，阿姨你谁啊，完全不认识。

(The girl looks away guiltily, not daring to meet Lydia's eyes.)（女孩心虚地别开目光，不敢看莉迪亚的眼睛。）

LydiaAlright then. Arrest them all.好。把他们全都抓起来。

Port Mica GirlWhat are you doing? Let go of me! Stop getting in my way!你干嘛？！放我下来！别碍事了！

Port Mica GirlI'm going to fight! I'm going to save you guys!我是去战斗、是去拯救你们的啊！

LydiaBased on what I know, the BUGs are better at causing mischief.据我了解，B.U.G.s更擅长捣乱一点。

Port Mica GirlYou don't know anything about the BUGs!你对B.U.G.s一无所知！！！

LydiaNot necessarily. I actually know quite a bit about you lot.未必吧，其实我了解很多事情。

LydiaFor example, I know how most of the money Basti spent on raising you was stolen from me.比如贝丝蒂养你们的钱一大半是从我这偷的。

(Lydia waves and gestures to her men to take them away.)（莉迪亚摆了摆手，示意手下把孩子们带走。）

LydiaDon't worry, your Big Sis is really capable. She doesn't need your help.安心吧，你们的大姐头很强，用不着你们帮忙。

LydiaGo hang around my mansion for a bit. Perhaps you'll come to appreciate a different way of life.去我的宅邸逛逛。也许，你们会喜欢上另一种生活。

(The sound of gunfire slowly fades away. However, this does not reassure Karl.)（交火声逐渐远离。不过，卡尔已经无力感到安心。）

(For him, it feels like he's returned to that day, using the last of his strength to contemplate his defeats and what hope he still has.)（此刻的他，又仿佛回到了那一天，正竭尽最后的力气思索着自己的挫败和希望。）

KarlDammit, foiled by a bunch of pesky Dolls again.可恶，又只是因为区区几个人形。

KarlThere should be more forces nearby! Contact them and have them suppress this place!附近应该还有部队！给我联系他们，镇压这里！

KarlI haven't lost yet! I'm definitely going to win this time!我还没有输，这次我绝对要做赢的那一边！

(Ever since she was a child, the word "wealthy" was never something that could be associated with Zoe.)（从小到大，“富裕”这个词一直是与佐伊无缘的。）

(She's used to scrimping, saving, and even stealing, using what doesn't belong to her to achieve her goals.)（她习惯于精打细算，甚至偷鸡摸狗，用不属于自己的东西去达成目标。）

(But right now, perhaps for the first time in her life, she has legitimate control over the airborne beacons.)（但是此刻，或许是有生以来，她名正言顺地支配着名为“空中信标”的庞大力量。）

(In this day and age, the power of the internet has reached all the way down to the smallest cogs of society. To command this digital world implies she has tremendous self-assurance.)（在这个时代，网络的力量已经深入了社会哪怕最小单位的分子，而支配这个数字的世界，让她有了自己并不弱小的自信。）

BastiZoe.佐伊。

BastiHave you found him yet?找到了吗？

ZoeGot him, Big Sis Basti.抓到了哦，贝丝蒂姐姐。

BastiGood. Hand me the phone.很好，电话给我。

(Just as Karl is frantically trying to contact reinforcements, he finds that all his transmissions have been jammed.)（就在卡尔到处打电话求援筹措友军的时候，他却发现自己的所有信号都被屏蔽了。）

(Before he can think about whether this is the work of that hacker brat, his phone rings. With no other option, Karl picks it up.)（来不及细想是不是那个黑客小鬼搞的花样，电话却在同时响了起来，卡尔别无选择，只能接通了它。）

BastiHello, Mr. Bad Guy.你好呀，坏蛋先生。

KarlWhat do you want?你想怎么样？

BastiI just want to thank you. Things probably wouldn't have gone this well if it wasn't for you scheming here and there. Do you want 3% of the profits? I mean it, by the way.只是想来对你道一声谢，如果不是你这个敌人忙里忙外，事情或许就不会进展得如此顺利，要分给你3%的利润吗？真心的哟。

KarlGo to hell, you garbage Doll! How dare a piece of abandoned trash like you speak to me? I'm not pathetic enough to care about a payout from a bunch of orphans like you!你这个该死的废物人形，被遗弃的垃圾，你敢这么对我说话？我还没落魄到在乎你们这群小孤儿的利润！

BastiWhoopsies, you almost stepped on a mine!哦哟，你差一点就踩雷了呢！

BastiAs punishment, I'm cutting your time down to 30 seconds.作为惩罚，就给你缩短到30秒吧。

KarlWhat are you talking about?你在说什么？

KarlListen up, I don't care who's behind you, but you've pissed off the wrong person. I'll be back, and next time, I'll have more people with me!听好了，不管你背后的是谁，他都惹错了人，下次我会带更多人来！

BastiWhat a horrific attitude. 15 seconds, then.这话还是不中听，15秒。

BastiFriendly reminder: did you check what was in the trunk of the jeep you stole?友情提示——你们上车的时候，有没有检查后备箱啊？

KarlWhat are you—什么后——

(A chill runs down his spine. He understands.)（一阵恶寒刺激着他的脊椎，他明白了。）

BastiDarling said to detonate the bombs safely, so we decided to perform remote demolition on them. Thanks for driving them all the way out there, by the way.Darling说要安全地销毁，所以我们决定远程爆破，感谢你帮我们开到这里。

BastiNow then, 10—那么，10——

KarlNo, nonononono—不，不不不不——

KarlYou can't!你不能！

Basti7—7——

KarlGet out! Everyone out of the vehicle, NOW!跳车！跳车！

Corporate HenchmanBoss?! It's not safe right—头儿！？现在的速度不安全啊——

KarlJUST JUMP!跳！

Basti...0.……0。

FaelynnWow...哇……

DushevnayaWhoa...哇哦——

PhaetusaWhat just happened?!发生了什么？！

BastiHm, I think I can guess...呃，我好像猜到了……

(The four Dolls stand in a row, admiring the magnificent explosion in the distance.)（四位人形站成一排，欣赏着不远处壮观的爆炸。）

(A small mushroom cloud slowly blooms into the sky, searing another scar on a world that has already been ravaged by Collapse Radiation.)（一朵小小的蘑菇云于远处绽放开来，为已经饱受坍塌辐射折磨的世界又平添了一道划痕。）

BastiSay, Zoe.喂，佐伊。

BastiI gave him 10 seconds more than we agreed on.比我们说好的时间，多给了10秒钟啊。

BastiHe ought to be able to survive with that, right?这样大概都能捡回一条命吧？

ZoeI'm sorry...对不起……

BastiThere you go, apologizing right out of the gate.一上来就道歉啊。

ZoeThat's because I think I messed up...因为我好像做错事了……

BastiWell, whether or not you messed up lies in this question: did you want him alive, or dead?对与错，取决于你到底是想要他活着，还是想要他死呢？

Zoe...……

ZoeI... I don't know.我也……不知道。

Basti...Really?……是吗？

BastiWell, go on and think about it, then.那么，你就慢慢想吧。

BastiThat's your rightful privilege as a kid. You get to reflect on your mistakes and grow from them... And you also get to keep trying and learning until next time.这是小孩子的特权，犯错之后的反思和成长……以及到下次之前为止的尝试与学习。

Zoe...Big Sis.……贝丝蒂姐姐。

ZoeAre... are you leaving us?你，要走了吗？

Basti...……

(Basti looks at Zoe. She notes the girl's reddened eyes and her forced smile. She's watched this girl grow up, and she suddenly realizes that Zoe's almost as tall as her now.)（贝丝蒂看向了佐伊，看到了她微微发红的眼睛，和故作坚强的笑容。这个她从小看着长大的女孩，不知不觉，已经和她一样高了。）

(How much taller will she grow, and how much further will she be able to see in the days to come? Unlike Dolls, time always leaves its mark on humans.)（在以后的岁月里，她还会长得更高，看得更远吧？和人形不一样，时间在人类身上，总是能够刻下最鲜明的痕迹。）

Basti...I have to. Because this time, I want to catch up to him.……因为这一次，我想要追上他。

BastiThat's why I need to grow up too, just like you did.所以，我也要长大，和你一样。

BastiWhen I was with you and the BUGs, I realized that I was just a child.和佐伊还有B.U.G.s在一起的时候，让我明白了，自己还只是个孩子。

BastiBut what Darling wants is a mature woman who can support him!但是Darling想要的……是成熟的，能够支持自己的女人啊！

(Somewhere closer to the explosion, Karl's ears are still ringing.)（在距离爆炸更近的地方，卡尔还没有从耳鸣中缓过神来。）

(...)（……）

(Where are the others? Actually, he doesn't care.)（其他人呢？他顾不上他们。）

(Everything that happened is beyond his comprehension.)（眼前发生的一切，超过了他自身的理解。）

(Did I lose again? How did I lose this time?)（我又输了吗？这次，到底是怎么输的？）

(I clearly had the advantage.)（优势明明在我这边啊。）

(Am I really just a whiny brat, a selfish and reckless kid who needs his father to protect him?)（难道说，自己终究不过是个小鬼，还是那个只会仰赖父亲的荫庇，任性妄为的小家伙吗？）

(Karl slowly begins to move. He starts to flee, even though he doesn't know where he's going. Though he can't stand up, he works his arms and legs, crawling forward.)（卡尔木讷地动了起来，他开始逃跑，即便不知道要逃向何方，即使无法站起身，只是向前划动手脚，爬行着前进。）

(It's as though he's returned to the day when the liner sank, being dragged down by the seawater and abandoned by everything.)（他好像回到了游轮沉没的那天，海水将他向深渊拖拽，一切都离他而去。）

(Back then, he kicked with all his might, because only his legs would obey his will.)（他奋力蹬腿，因为只剩双腿还听他使唤。）

(He rose above the water, then sank below it. He broke the surface again, then sank again...)（他会浮出海面，沉没；再一次浮出海面，然后又是沉没……）

(Back then, "that person" and Mr. Zimmerman had saved him. But what about this time? Would they save him again?)（那一次，是“那个人”和齐默尔曼先生救了他。这次呢？这次还会一样吗？）

(Eventually, Karl can't crawl any further. He rises to his knees, planning to rest for a bit, but then the setting sun is suddenly blocked by a line of shadows.)（卡尔逐渐爬不动了，他撑着地面想要歇一会儿，而面前的夕阳突然被一排影子挡住了。）

(He looks up and sees a group of soldiers standing before him.)（他抬起头，看到面前站着一整排士兵。）

(Is this a chance? Does he still have hope? Karl reaches out and grabs one of their trouser legs.)（是机会吗？他仍然有希望吗？卡尔伸出颤抖的手，拉住了一个人的裤腿。）

KarlUncle... Zimmerman's...齐默尔曼……叔叔的……

Mangi Security MemberThat name shall not be uttered by your mouth ever again.你不许再提那个名字。

Ideal Reborn 理想的重生

LydiaYes, like I said, we are terminating our cooperation.是的，我说过了，中止合作。

LydiaConnexion will no longer do any business with the Orlog Conglomerate.链讯不会再和奥尔劳格财团做任何生意。

(Lydia puts the phone down. She's lost count of how many calls it's been today.)（莉迪亚撂下电话，她数不清这是今天的第几通了。）

(Two days have passed since the incident. "The Silence of Port Mica" has been making the rounds on the internet and has become the subject of heated discussions.)（那场动乱已经过去了两天，现在它正以“硅砂港静默”这个名字，被整个网络津津乐道。）

(The town has been engulfed by a wave of excitement. Everyone is eager to share details, rumors, and feedback online, as people who were actually there.)（小镇被包裹在一股热度里，大家乐于以当事人的身份，在网上分享细节、传闻和后续。）

(In contrast to them, Lydia has chosen to remain silent. She doesn't have the free time for such things; she still has countless messes to clean up.)（而莉迪亚反倒在这种时候保持了安静，她没那么闲，她有无数的烂摊子需要收拾。）

(Yet another call comes in.)（又一通电话打了进来。）

LydiaHello. Have you finished tallying the losses up yet?喂，损失统计出来了吗？

LydiaRight, just send me the final amount.行，把账目发给我就可以了。

LydiaJust do your job and don't worry about the rest.做好你分内的事情，其他用不着你担心。

LydiaConnexion will be better off without the Conglomerate.没了财团，链讯只会过得更好。

LydiaOh yes, did our new partner reply yet? I'm talking about that Tomato Emperor. Yes, the one who's been the talk of the Yellow Zone lately.对了，新的合作人有回信吗？就是那位在黄区成为话题的番茄大王。

LydiaOf course I know he's dangerous. But you should also know that I've never shied away from danger.我当然知道他是危险人物。但你也知道，我从不抗拒风险。

(Suddenly, there is a disturbance from outside her study.)（突然，书房外传来一阵骚动。）

(Soon, a servant worriedly pushes the door open.)（没过多久，一位侍从慌张地推开了房门。）

Wary ServantMadam, there's an intruder—主人，有入侵者……

(Lydia doesn't even look at him and waves him away.)（莉迪亚头都没抬，直接摆了摆手。）

LydiaDon't worry about it. Just go back to your work.不用管，忙正事去吧。

(Despite his confusion, the servant leaves as he is told. Lydia leans back into her chair.)（侍从疑惑地退了出去，莉迪亚将身体靠在了椅背上。）

LydiaYou know, the front door exists for a reason.下次走正门就行。

BastiEh, I'm not used to it.算了，我不习惯。

(Basti nimbly clambers through the curtains and into the room.)（窗帘背后，贝丝蒂灵巧地钻了出来。）

LydiaPardon me for not getting up. Besides, you'll just take whatever you want anyway.我就不招待你了，反正你想要什么会自己拿。

BastiYup, already did. Today's desserts kind of suck. The caneles were overbaked.嗯，已经拿过了，今天的点心有点差，可露丽烤过火了。

LydiaOur previous chef is laid up in the hospital, so we had to use an intern. Please understand.理解一下，之前的厨子住院了，现在用的是实习生。

LydiaOh yes, since you're here, help me run an errand.哦，正好你来了，那就帮我跑个腿吧。

(Lydia pulls a stack of documents out of a drawer as she says this.)（说着，莉迪亚从抽屉里拿出了一沓文件。）

LydiaCould you hand these contracts to your... what's he called, your "Commander"?帮我把这份合同带给你的……是叫“指挥官”吗？

LydiaI was looking through his file. I didn't expect the Yellow Zone to be hiding such an interesting gem for the past ten years...我看了一下那个人的资料，10年间黄区里还藏着这样有意思的“宝物”啊……

BastiWhat the hell! Don't you dare lay your grubby paws on the Commander!你干嘛？不许你打指挥官的主意！

LydiaRelax. I'm a businesswoman, at least for now. My interest in him is strictly professional.放心吧，我是生意人，至少目前还是，我对那个人的兴趣仅止于合作伙伴。

LydiaThis is an honest contract, by the way. It should score you lots of points with him.这是份诚意十足的合同，可以给你加不少分哦。

LydiaYou see, I'm not THAT heartless, Basti. I know who it was that helped me.贝丝蒂，我并没有那么不近人情，我知道是谁帮了我。

BastiYou do?你知道吗？

LydiaOf course I do. It was those two Dolls from the Elmo. They didn't know me, but they were working hard to save Port Mica.当然，是从叫做“艾莫号”的基地车来的那两个人形，她们虽然不认识我，但一直都在努力挽救硅砂港。

LydiaMeanwhile, all you and Zoe know how to do is cause problems for me.你和佐伊两个小混蛋只会给我添乱。

LydiaIn short, I owe the Commander. And I hate owing people.所以，我欠那个指挥官一份，而我不喜欢欠人。

BastiWhat you're saying... isn't exactly wrong.你这么说……好像也没错。

BastiBut strictly speaking, all this was your own damn fault. If you hadn't been so heartless and approached the Conglomerate to do business with them, then...但本来这一切也是你自己活该，如果你不是那么不近人情，还有为了做生意和财团接触的话，这一切就……

LydiaAre you saying you would have just stolen the airborne beacons instead and turned the BUGs into wanted fugitives?你是想说那样你们就会偷走空中信标然后全员都变成流窜的通缉犯？

Basti...……

BastiThat's such an ugly way to phrase it. I prefer "a great revolution to overthrow a corrupt ruler".请你把这理解为推翻腐朽统治者的伟大革命。

LydiaThat was what your Commander did in Mokosh. What YOU did was just breaking the law.你的那位指挥官倒确实是在莫科什做出了这样的事，但你们做的不过是犯罪而已。

LydiaDoing something like bringing down Connexion isn't necessarily a heroic upheaval. Sometimes, that's the sort of thing that ends up enriching other corporations instead.打倒了链讯，并不一定是英雄的崛起，有时候也会是财团得利。

LydiaThe world of adults is never simple, Basti.贝丝蒂，大人的世界没有那么简单。

Lydia—But that's not to say kids are always wrong.——不过，小孩子，也不总是错的。

(Lydia's tone shifts, surprising Basti with its gentleness. The latter turns to look at her.)（莉迪亚的语气转变为贝丝蒂意料外的柔软，人形意外地看向了她。）

BastiDoes saying such things mean you're still in touch with your inner child?你说出这样的话，算不算童心未泯？

LydiaIt just made me think of my good-for-nothing big sister. While I'll never become her, being like her from time to time... that isn't so bad.只是想起了我那个不成器的姐姐，虽然我不会变成她，但偶尔的话……好像也没什么不好。

LydiaAfter all, I don't want to become a rotten adult.毕竟，我也不想变成太讨厌的大人。

(Lydia remembers Karl, that detestable young man. She remembers how she saw hints of her past self in him.)（莉迪亚回忆着卡尔，那个让人厌恶的年轻人——自己却在他身上看到了些许曾经自己的影子。）

(He used any and all means to achieve his victory, but in the end his desires were thwarted.)（为了取得所谓的“胜利”而不择手段，最后却被欲望绊住了手脚。）

BastiI see. I only realized that just now too. So that's why you never deleted her access.原来如此，我也是现在才知道。原来……你一直没注销她的权限。

(Lydia's eye twitches.)（莉迪亚眼眶震动了一下。）

LydiaDella's access?你是说黛拉？

LydiaEh, I just couldn't be bothered to delete it. Removing an admin account is a huge pain in the ass.我只是懒得删除而已，去除一位管理者是需要很多手续的。

BastiSo why did you give Zoe access, then?那么，你在那个时候，为什么要把权限交给佐伊？

LydiaSame answer as the previous question.答案和前面的一样。

LydiaBecause I'm an adult.因为我是大人。

LydiaWhen adults can't handle their problems, they dump them on their kids and say "Hey, it's your era now!"大人在没办法的时候，就会把责任丢给孩子们……再加上一句：已经是你们的时代了！

BastiYou really are a rotten adult after all.果然是个讨厌的大人。

LydiaI just think that unlike me, someone's definitely going to save Zoe.我只是觉得比起我，佐伊一定会得救的。

LydiaI keep people around me with money and contracts, but Della was different. She had lots of friends ever since she was a kid. Sure, some of them just wanted to use her kindness, but there were also others who were drawn to her kindness... True friends, in other words.因为和总是依靠金钱和契约才能把人留在身边的我不同，黛拉从小就有很多朋友——有些人是利用她的善良，有些……却是被她的善良所吸引的，真正的朋友。

LydiaZoe's like her. She's an annoying little brat, for sure, but she can win the hearts of people... and Dolls.佐伊也和她一样，虽然是个死小鬼，却能得到人类……还有人形的真心相待。

LydiaRelationships like that can better survive crises.在关键的时候，这样的关系更加经得住考验。

BastiThis is why I came to visit you.这就是我今天来找你的原因。

BastiDella left a will behind. I didn't want to give it to you at first, but after things turned out like they did... I changed my mind.其实黛拉留下过一条遗言。本来不想交给你的，但是事到如今后……我改主意了。

(As she says this, an audio file arrives in Lydia's inbox.)（说着，一个音频文件被传到了莉迪亚的设备上。）

BastiRight, that's a stone off my chest.好了，这下就一身轻松了。

BastiI think this is the last time we'll be meeting. I'll be leaving Port Mica after this.这应该是我们最后一次碰面。然后呢，我就要离开硅砂港了。

LydiaThat's good to hear. I should congratulate you.这是好事啊，我应该恭喜你。

BastiAny more scores you want to settle? If you've got anything to say, make it quick.还有要算的账吗？有的话赶快算个清楚。

BastiIf you don't speak up now, you might have to forever hold your peace~现在不说，就过期不候了哦~

LydiaActually, now that you mention it, there IS one more thing.这么说的话，确实还有一件。

LydiaI was supposed to have twelve aerial beacons in the air, but one of them hasn't gone online for a long time... Do you know anything about it?我的空中信标……本来应该有12架，但是有一架迟迟没有上线……你有头绪吗？

BastiNope, not at all!那个我不知道！

BastiNever seen it! Don't know anything about it! Didn't pay attention to it!没见过！不了解！不关注！

Lydia...……

LydiaFine. Anyway, just help me tell Zoe—行，那你帮我转告佐伊……

BastiI'm not helping!不帮！

LydiaTell her to keep it at a higher altitude!让她操控的时候飞高一点！

LydiaMake sure she memorizes the operation manual! And DO NOT lose it! There are over 120 patented technologies on it which haven't been made public yet!必须把操作手册背熟，而且绝对不能弄丢了，上面可是有120多项还未公开的专利技术呢！

LydiaIf it breaks, do not fix it on your own and absolutely do not let the Conglomerate get it!如果发生损坏千万不要自己修，绝对不要让财团的人得到它。

BastiOh! Ohhhh, I see!哦，哦，这么回事啊！

BastiSure, no problem, I'll let her know~行，放心吧，一定转达~

(Basti takes Lydia's contracts and leaves her mansion. This time, she goes through the front door.)（贝丝蒂拿着合同离开了莉迪亚的豪宅，这次她走的是正门。）

(Inside her study, Lydia stares hard at the audio file on her screen. She spaces out for a very long time.)（书房里，莉迪亚盯着屏幕上的那个文件，怔怔地发了很久呆。）

(In the end, she hits the play key.)（终于，她还是点下了播放键。）

(A nostalgic voice fills the room, taking her back to a long, long time ago.)（一个令她怀念的声音充斥在房间里，把她带回很久很久以前。）

(She's talked and laughed with the owner of that voice before. She's poured out her feelings to that person. But for the most part, they just argued.)（她和这个声音嬉笑过，倾诉过，不过更多是在争吵。）

(It seems like they never really understood each other, just like how Lydia still doesn't understand if there was any meaning to Della's death. Did it end up bringing someone salvation?)（她们好像从来没理解过彼此，就像莉迪亚至今也无法理解黛拉的死——是否具有意义？是否，为某人带来了救赎呢？）

DylaI hope that when I die, it's quick and without fanfare.我希望我的死亡轻松一点，廉价一点。

DylaI don't want people to be sad for me. I don't want people to end up being judged because of me.不要有人为我难过，不要有事情因我分出对错。

DylaLydia always said I was an idealist. And I am. That's hardly a big deal.莉迪亚总说我是个理想主义者，我是的，这不是什么大不了的事情。

DylaThe sun will rise tomorrow. It will always continue to do so.明天，太阳会照常升起，一切都会继续发生下去。

DylaAnd I already know that idealists will eventually die, but their ideals never will.因为我早就知道，理想主义者迟早会死，但理想永远不会。

Port Mica GirlHow did it go? Did he reply? Are you okay, Big Sis?怎么样了？有反应吗？大姐头你行不行啊？

Port Mica BoyDid you pick the right frequency? Are the parameters correct?你的频道选择对吗？有没有设置好参数？

ZoeShut up, I'm working!别吵！我在操作！

ZoeUm... Okay! We're through!嗯……好了！接通了！

(A transmission channel lights up as everyone watches intently.)（在万众期待的目光下，一道通讯亮了起来。）

CommanderHello. I am the Commander of the Elmo.你们好，我是艾莫号的指挥官。

Port Mica GirlAwright! We did it!成功了！我们做到了！！！

Port Mica BoyIt's really him! The legendary hero! The legendary Commander! The man with the biggest bounty of them all!真的是他，传说中的英雄，传说中的指挥官！悬赏金最高的人！

CommanderEr... just what exactly have you all heard about me...呃……你们都听说了一些什么……

Port Mica BoyBig Sis Basti told us all about your heroic deeds!贝丝蒂姐姐给我们讲过您的英勇事迹！

Port Mica GirlAnd we've seen the recent news too!我们也看了最近的新闻！

ZoeAlright, quiet down, all of you! It's time to talk business!好了，安静一点，要谈正事了！

ZoeCommander, we're the Black Utopia Gang, or BUGs for short, a team of about a dozen people.指挥官，我们是B.U.G.s，一个十几人的小帮派。

ZoeWe're good at, uh... data security manipulation!我们善于进行一些……呃……信息安全方面的操作！

ZoeRight now, we have control permissions over an airborne beacon! We're preparing to use it to build a powerful intelligence network!现在，我们掌握着一座空中信标的使用权，准备用它来构建一个强大的情报网络！

ZoeI, uh, I've already compiled what the BUGs can do into a demonstration document! We've just sent it over!我、我已经把B.U.G.s能做的事情写成演示文档，全部发给您了！

ZoeAre we, um, are we qualified to help you? Can we follow you and work with you?请问，我们够资格了吗？我们可以跟随您，与您合作吗！

(All the kids hold their breath. These few seconds will forever be engraved into their memories.)（全场的孩子们屏息凝神，这短短的几秒钟是他们注定会铭记的时刻。）

(Finally, the Commander speaks again.)（终于，指挥官的声音再次传来。）

CommanderI've read the document. The BUGs are definitely a very capable organization.我已经看到了，B.U.G.s是一个非常有实力的组织。

CommanderYour intelligence network is very comprehensive, and the demonstration document clearly shows that you are geniuses when it comes to networks and communications.你们的情报网络十分有竞争力，演示文档也充分展现了你们是网络与通讯方面的天才。

CommanderHowever, I must apologize.不过，很遗憾。

CommanderFor safety reasons, I cannot work with you.出于安全考虑，我无法与你们合作。

Port Mica GirlW-what?什，什么——

Port Mica BoyOh no, are we going to have to spend the rest of our lives turning screws in an electronics plant...完蛋，难道以后还是只能进电子厂打螺丝……

ZoeHehe.……呵呵。

ZoeBasti and Faelynn told us you'd be like that.您的这一点，也像是贝丝蒂和芙铃所说的那样。

ZoeYou really are a tricky and stubborn person.是个难搞又顽固的人呢。

CommanderI'm not looking down on you. I simply have my convictions.我有我的坚持，并非是小看你们。