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Scars Among Pigeons & Daisies

弹痕、飞鸟、雏菊

14 chapters · 1826 lines · English and Chinese below. Japanese and Korean, voices and theatre mode are in the reader.

Old Song 故俚冉曲

I do not want the children to hear, Cries of anger drowned out by cold gunshots.我不想让孩子们听到，

沙哑的怒吼淹没于冰冷的枪炮。

I do not want the children to see, Nameless flowers in white sleeping forever in a filthy trench.我不想让孩子们看到，

无名的白花永眠于肮脏的战壕。

So mother, this dove of mine might never return to its nest.所以啊，妈妈，您的白鸽可能再也无法归巢。

But do not weep,但请不要落泪哭泣，

For I know the spirit of freedom will always spread its wings in the light of daybreak.因为我知道，自由的灵魂终将振翅于和平的曙光。

—From the diary of an unknown soldier——来源于某位无名战士的日记

Chapter//Scars, Wings, Daisies...CHAPTER // 弹痕、飞鸟、雏菊 . . .

In the Oasis' lounge.绿洲休息区。

The morning sunlight pours in through the windows as Clotho enjoys a leisurely breakfast.清晨阳光从落地窗倾泻落下，洛托悠闲地享受着早餐时间。

赫尔Do you want some music to whet your appetite? Let me see, how about something jazz or blues?需不需要来首歌助助兴？我想想，来一首爵士乐还是布鲁斯？

ClothoThe light of daybreak ill-suits your clamor, Hel. The gentle sunlight, the fresh scent of grass and the vigor of life is the best depiction of the dawn.晨光与喧嚣并不契合，赫尔。柔和的阳光、清新的草香还有勃勃生机的万物，才是最贴切的清晨意象。

赫尔How about a little ditty, then?那这首小调如何？

Hel switches her neural cloud to broadcast mode. A brief silence later, her vocalizer modules begin playing a European nursery rhyme.赫尔将音频系统切换到广播模式。在短暂的沉寂后，一曲欧洲民谣小调自赫尔的发声模块响起。

The music fills the room with gentle warmth, making listeners think of snow melting and flowers blossoming across a certain little European city.歌声婉转悠扬，仿佛让人重回某座冰消雪融，繁花盛开的欧洲小城。

赫尔When you left the flowers withered, when you left summer gave way to autumn. Those who ran to the battlefield; where do you rest now?还记得你走时红衰翠减，还记得你走时夏落花败。奔赴战场的人啊，如今你身在哪里？

赫尔Whether the world is lush and green, whether the world is a stark pale white. Whether it is night or day, I will be waiting here for you to return.无论你归来时万谷绿茵，无论你归来时皑雪苍茫。纵使它昼夜阴晴，我都会在此等待。

赫尔May the gunsmoke have faded when we meet again.愿再相见时，硝烟退去。

赫尔May the fires have burned out when we meet again.愿再相见时，战火平息。

Though it is indistinct at times, the music still resonates with the memories of good old days, painting the lounge in quiet shades of melancholy.陈旧模糊的音质如记忆中那般复古美好，为整个休息区染上一抹宁静而又忧伤的色彩。

The song draws Centaureissi, who is making flower arrangements nearby, and she slowly walks over to Clotho's table.若隐若现的歌声吸引了不远处整理花卉的桑朵莱希，她缓缓走到洛托的桌前。

CentaureissiThis song...这首歌……

ClothoHehehe, do you like it, Centaureissi?呵呵呵，桑朵莱希你很中意它吗？

ClothoAh, I believe this song came from a place where you once lived...啊，我记得这首歌来自于你曾经生活过的……

CentaureissiYes, I should have heard this song before... But...是的，我应该曾经听过这首歌……但是……

Centaureissi recalls a certain war-torn town in winter, broadcasts through ancient speakers, the endless sounds of gunfire, explosions which shake the very world and the gloomy, overcast sky...桑朵莱希记忆闪回到冬日某个战火肆虐的小城内，老旧的广播、连续不断的枪声、剧烈的爆炸还有阴霾的天空……

CentaureissiIt seems so familiar... But why... Why can't I remember anything...好熟悉……可是为什么……我什么都记不起……

Countless images flit through Centaureissi's mind. The fragments of memory scatter like they were blown away, and she cannot hold onto them.桑朵莱希脑海里闪过无数画面，零散的回忆碎片像是被风吹散了，她怎么也无法握在手心。

Her core heats up. The image from her memories overlaps with the view of the lounge and her footsteps begin to wobble.核心处一阵滚烫，视野中的景象画面重叠，而自己脚步虚浮的几乎站不稳。

CentaureissiUgh... My head, it hurts...唔……头、头好痛……

Thud! Centaureissi falls to the ground like a wind-blown tree. Her eyes wander and lose their focus...咚！ 桑朵莱希无力地倒在地上，如同一棵被风吹倒的树木。双眸眼神游离，渐渐失去了焦点……

ClothoCentaureissi? Centaureissi! Centau...桑朵莱希！桑朵莱希！桑朵……

At the Oasis' Medical Department.绿洲医疗部。

Clotho looks anxiously at Centaureissi, who is lying unconscious inside a medical capsule. Beside her, Antonina is conducting an analysis of her condition.洛托焦急地注视着修复舱中的桑朵莱希沉默不语。一旁的安冬妮娜则不断地进行着当前状况的解析。

The sound of keystrokes fills everyone with a sense of powerlessness. With a sigh, Antonina shakes her head and stops typing.键盘的敲击声愈发沉重无力。随着一声叹息，安冬妮娜摇头停下了手中的工作。

ProfessorHow is she?情况如何？

AntoninaI've got good news and bad news. Which do you want to hear first?一个好消息和一个坏消息，教授考虑一下先听哪个？

ProfessorStart with the bad news. I've prepared myself for the worst.可以先说坏消息，我已经做好了最坏的心理准备。

AntoninaAlright. The bad news is that past damage to Centaureissi's body and neural cloud has created a lot of dark zones in her memories.那好。坏消息是，因为过去素体和心智的损伤影响，桑朵莱希的记忆中出现了许多暗区。

AntoninaThese dark zones can be triggered during conversation by certain pieces of key content. The neural cloud module cannot retrieve the relevant data, causing Centaureissi to crash.沟通中一旦触发暗区中的关键内容，心智模块无法调取相关记忆，桑朵莱希就会出现宕机。

ProfessorWhat's the good news, then?那好消息呢？

AntoninaThese dark zones can be fixed. We can help Centaureissi organize the relevant memories and repair the dark zones.这些暗区并不是不可修复。我们可以帮助桑朵莱希梳理相关的记忆，将暗区中的记忆修复完整。

ProfessorCan we do that?这种事情有办法做到吗？

Antonina...It'll be difficult, but it's worth trying.……很难，但有值得一试的价值。

AntoninaMemory data can be likened to a Doll's dreams. Centaureissi is currently gripped by a nightmare and cannot break free.记忆数据就像人形的梦境，桑朵莱希目前在某个梦魇中不断挣扎，难以挣脱。

AntoninaWhat we can do is simulate Centaureissi's dreams, repair and complete the memories, and then rescue her from the dark zone.我们所能做的就是模拟桑朵莱希的梦境，修复完整记忆后将她从暗区营救出来。

Clotho...So we'll be entering Centaureissi's memories and helping her defeat her nightmares, then?……进入桑朵莱希的回忆，帮她摆脱过去的噩梦吗？

ClothoI can try. I once worked with her on the battlefield. Guiding souls to where they belong is also part of my job description.我可以试试看，我曾经和她在战区共事过，引渡灵魂走向归途也是我的职责。

赫尔Yup, yup, yup. We've been through all kinds of crap together. I'm sure this bond will help in awakening her memories.对对对，我们一起经历过生死，相信这段羁绊能在唤起她的记忆方面起作用。

Professor...No. I'll think of a way to help Centaureissi.……不，桑朵莱希的事我来想办法解决。

ProfessorClotho, both you and Centaureissi are very important to me. I don't want to lose you, so you should leave a dangerous task like this to me.洛托，无论是你还是桑朵莱希对我来说都十分重要。我不想失去你们，这样危险的事情让我去执行就好。

AntoninaAre you sure you want to do this, Professor?你确定要尝试吗，教授？

AntoninaWhile you can attempt multiple connections to a memory domain, encountering a severe incident will cause a data desync.虽然记忆拟域可以多次连接，但如果遇到比较严重的变故会导致数据同步失败。

AntoninaAlso, you're a human being... If we lose your data, I might have to end up selling you off to another sector as a Diggcoin miner.而且教授你还是人类……要是数据丢失了，说不定会被我卖到其他扇区挖矿哦？

ProfessorUrgh, please don't put pressure on me at a time like this.呃……这个时候就别给我增加压力了。

ClothoThe star of destiny darkens for those who choose the wrong path.未知的歧途，命运的星辰在灰霾下暗淡。

Clotho...Professor, are you sure you want to take this risk yourself?……教授，您真的确定要亲自涉险吗？

ProfessorYes. I won't let you take this risk so long as I have the strength to protect you.嗯。我已经决定了，当我有能力庇护你们时，决不会选择让你们去承担这份风险。

ProfessorThat is why I and the Oasis exist.这才是我，也是绿洲存在的意义吧。

The people before me look at each other and smile, and then Hel's deep voice booms forth.面前的几人相视一笑，赫尔沉闷的声音响起。

赫尔Professor, if anything really does happen to your neural cloud, I'll make sure my interior temperature and humidity are properly tweaked so you may rest in peace.教授，如果您的心智真的出现问题，赫尔会为您调整好箱内的温度和湿度，让您舒适地安眠。

ProfessorEr... Thanks, I guess.呃……多谢你的好意。

ClothoHel, that's going too far. Professor, a person's dreams can be both incoherent and complex, and they may also record the saddest parts of her past.赫尔，玩笑开得太过火了。教授，一个人的梦境可能复杂荒诞，也可能是她最悲伤的过往。

ClothoNo matter what dreams may come, I hope you will return safely from them.不论是什么样的梦境，教授，我都希望您能够平安归来。

Professor...Yes, I promise.……嗯，我答应你。

Antonina quickly enters the relevant data for the memory domain and connects her computer to the medical capsule.安冬妮娜快速录入了记忆拟域的相关数据，将电脑与修复舱接通。

系统System initialization complete. Operational data normal...系统初始化已完成，各项运行数据正常……

AntoninaWe've warmed up the capsule program. You may enter when ready.修复舱设定程序已预热完毕。教授可以随时准备入舱。

ProfessorGot it. Keep an eye on Centaureissi's condition from the outside. Guiding her neural cloud to fix the dark zones will require her effort as well as mine.我明白了。你们在外面密切关注桑朵莱希的心智状况，引导她的心智修复记忆暗区不仅要靠我，还有她自己的努力。

AntoninaRelax. If I detect any abnormalities from you or Centaureissi, I'll cut the program ASAP and wake you up.放心吧，如果发现你和桑朵莱希出现异常，我肯定会第一时间终止行动将你唤醒的。

Professor...I just hope I don't end up as a Diggcoin miner card.……希望我回来之后不会变成矿卡的模样。

AntoninaOh? Are you doubting my technical skills, Professor?哦？教授是在质疑我的技术实力吗？

ProfessorHeh, I was just kidding. Take care of everyone, Antonina.哈哈，开玩笑的。记得照顾好大家，安冬妮娜。

AntoninaRelax. You've always been able to bring everyone back from even the most dire situation. I'm sure it'll be the same this time.别担心，无论是怎样的绝境，你都能将大家带回来，这次也会是一样的。

AntoninaSo come back soon. Everyone's waiting to celebrate the New Year with you.早点回来，大家还等着你过春节呢。

ProfessorI will.我会的。

I take a deep breath and then lie down in the medical capsule. The hatch slides shut, blocking off my line of sight, and my mind slowly drifts into a new, alien world.我深吸一口气，然后平躺入修复舱中。视野随着舱门关闭缓缓遮挡，意识逐渐进入一个全新的、陌生的世界。

系统Neural cloud simulation system activated. Now generating simulated memory domain. Loading consciousness carrier medium... Consciousness upload at 45%...心智模拟系统启动，记忆拟域生成中……意识载体接入……意识上传进度45%……

ProfessorIf I come back safely... I should recommend Burbank Denki's newest coffee machine to Persicaria...如果能平安无事地回来……可以给帕斯卡推荐一下伯班克中心电器城新推出的咖啡机……

系统Now generating carrier medium neural projection... 72%...正在生成载体心智投影……72%……

Professor...I'll watch Croque's backlog of anime with her... Simo's pet Sako apparently got sick recently, and I wonder how Imhotep's treatment of that group of cute little critters is going...……和克罗琦一起把她安利的动画看完……席摩的萨可最近似乎生病了，也不知道伊姆赫特帮小可怜治疗得怎么样了……

系统Successfully generated neural projection... duplicating chassis data, duplication progress... 65%...心智投影生成成功……复制各项机体数据，复制进度……65%……

ProfessorAnd then... Sol...还有……还有苏尔……

系统99%, 100%... Consciousness carrier loading complete.99%，100%……意识载体接入完成。

As the voice of the system announcement fades away, the world around me changes completely.随着系统提示音的消失，周围的场景彻底变了一副模样。

I thought I'd be dropped into some European officer's garden having a cup of English tea with a slice of chiffon cake as I awaited the appearance of the maid Doll.我原本以为自己将空降到某个欧洲的军官小花园里喝喝红茶，再点一块戚风蛋糕等待人形女仆的出现。

However, the scenery before me is... a little different from what I anticipated.然而现在的场景和我的设想有……一点点差距。

Scattered Doll limbs are strewn all around me and the thick, cloying scent of rust and metal fills my mouth and nose.零乱的人形残肢散落在我的周身，黏腥的铁锈味充斥着口腔。

Electrical humming and crackling fill my ears as the dizziness and discomfort slowly fade away. All I see around me are burned-out ruins that have clearly been through war and bloodshed.在耳畔嘈杂作响的电流音中，眩晕的不适逐渐远去。目所能及之处，尽是些焚烧殆尽，历经战火屠戮的断壁残垣。

This is no officer's backyard; rather, it is a place I've known well since I was a child, a battlefield teeming with screams and despair.这压根就不是什么军官家的后花园，而是我从童年开始便最熟悉的，充斥着悲鸣与绝望的战场。

Professor(Coughs heavily and pants) Talk about a rough start... Urgh!咳咳……呼……没想到开局这么不友好……呃唔！

As I get to my feet from inside a pile of Doll corpses, the pain in my chest and left arm surge through my body.从堆成小山般的毁损人形堆中起身，胸口及左臂的疼痛像触电般蔓延全身。

未知士兵ADammit! What the hell was that! I think I saw someone standing up!他*的，见鬼了！我好像看到有人站起来！

未知士兵BWhat the heck are you talking about? Didn't you verify that pile of assholes just now? They're all corpses, aren't they!你他*的在说什么？之前不是确认过了吗？那些家伙早就已经是尸体了！

未知士兵AScrew you, it's true! Something's moving in that pile of rubble over there!不是！我是说真的！那边废墟里肯定有什么东西在动！

...I didn't expect someone to be standing guard over here.……没想到还有其他人守在这里。

Judging by their uniforms and gear, they are clearly not on the same side as the owner of this body.从他们身着的军装来看，很显然与这具身体的主人隶属于不同的阵营。

The sound of the soldiers' footsteps presses in. All I can do is lower myself and use the rubble to block the enemy's line of sight.耳边士兵的脚步声渐渐靠近，我眼下只得缓缓将头埋低，用坍塌的废墟遮挡敌人的视线。

Kachak! The sound of a round chambering is exceptionally loud in the silence of this broad street.咔哒！子弹上膛的声音在空旷的街道上分外响亮。

敌军士兵1Dang it! I see somebody over there!*！老子好像看到人了！

I quickly compile a plan for what I'll do if I'm spotted.我的脑海中飞速计划着被发现后的预案。

If the worst comes to be, I'll need to get out of the way before they open fire, use the terrain to hide, and then take their weapons from them before waiting for a chance to escape.如果发生最糟糕的情况，我需要在他们开火前起跳躲避，利用地形隐蔽身形，夺过枪支后再伺机逃走。

...The plan seems simple enough, but whether or not this beat-up body of mine can carry it out remains to be seen.……眼下计划清晰明了，但这幅破损的躯体能否执行却不得而知。

A shout from nearby interrupts my train of thought.不远处传来的怒吼将我的思考打断。

敌军士兵2Hey, over here! That bastard's running that way!喂！快过来！那家伙往那边跑了！

敌军士兵1Get him! Don't let him escape!给我追！别让他跑了！！

After the lead soldier gives his order, the men behind him ready their weapons and follow him into the alley to capture their prey. I wait for the sound of footsteps to fade away before struggling out of the rubble.为首的士兵下了命令，身后的几人拿着武器跟着他一起去巷子里搜捕。等脚步声渐远，我从废墟中艰难地爬起来。

ProfessorSo they found someone else, huh...原来是发现其他人了吗……

ProfessorNow's not the time to push myself. This body's arm is hurt, so fighting with a gun will be difficult.现在不是逞强的时候，这幅躯体手臂受伤，拿枪进行战斗恐怕会十分困难。

ProfessorSince I don't know what's going on, I should start by finding a place to hide.眼下局势不明，还是先找个地方躲起来吧。

Just as I'm about to relocate to a nearby abandoned building, I hear a shout from the alley.正当我准备向附近的废弃楼房移动时，一阵怒吼从小巷传来。

敌军士兵2Christ, it's just a goddamn kid! We spend all damn day searching for the garrison troops and intelligence personnel and all we get is this shit.*的，是个毛孩子！搜捕了半天守军和情报局的人，就找到了这么个玩意儿。

The soldiers curse as they shove a skinny boy into their midst.推搡辱骂间，一个瘦小的男孩被几个士兵团团围住。

He seems to be only eight or nine years old. He's kind of short and his hair is messy.他的模样看起来只有八九岁，个子不高，头发也乱糟糟的。

小男孩I, I...我、我……

敌军士兵1You wasted our time, you little shit! Do you know how valuable it is!浪费我们时间的小犊子！你要知道我们的时间可是很宝贵的！

敌军士兵2Forget that! Let's just do him in right now!别**在这废话！快点结束了事！

They mercilessly point their guns at the boy. Faced with this unassailable despair, all the boy can do is tremble and close his eyes.指向孩子的枪口不带一丝情感。面对这无法反抗的绝望，男孩只能颤抖着闭上眼睛。

Bang!砰！

There is a gunshot, but the pain that the boy expects does not come. The boy opens his eyes to find himself curled in warm arms, having narrowly dodged the Reaper's scythe.枪声响起，原本预料之中的疼痛感却没有降临，男孩睁开眼发现自己蜷缩在温暖的怀抱中，与死亡擦肩而过。

敌军士兵2What the heck? Where did this bastard come from?!怎么回事，哪儿来的野狗？

敌军士兵1Wait, that face... It looks kind of familiar...这张脸……有点熟悉……

敌军士兵2?! It's... It's the commander of that spec-ops intelligence team! I know you! You're dead! We killed you! We killed you!！？是……那个特种情报小组的指挥官？！他*的，竟然还没死！！

ProfessorWhew, made it.呼……赶上了。

The left side of my chest hurts from the exertion. Although my sense of reason is telling me to flee, my body has always had a habit of acting faster than my brain could keep up.左胸因为剧烈的运动传来钻心的疼痛。尽管理智告诉我要赶紧离开，但身体总是比大脑行动得更快。

Even though I barely managed to dodge that gunshot with a jump just now, I know I've never been the lucky sort.勉强通过弹跳借力躲过了刚刚的攻击，可我知道自己的运气一向没有那么好。

I can't put any strength into my left hand now. All I can do is barely hold on to the boy.如今左手完全使不上力，只能勉强维持抱住孩子的姿势。

敌军士兵1Damn, who would have thought we'd run into a jackass who'd walk right up to us... Fine then, to hell with both of you!没想到还能碰上自投罗网的……正好你们一起下地狱吧！

ProfessorHng...唔……！

In this critical moment, a silver-gleaming dagger slices through the air and neatly severs the soldier's carotid vein.危急时刻，一柄银白色的短刀横掠而过，精准地刺入士兵的颈动脉。

Before the second soldier can respond, the knife's owner is already upon him. After felling him with a side kick, she swings her knife and ends the enemy's howl of pain.还没等那士兵反应过来，刀的主人随后而至，在侧踢放倒对方的同时，横刀一抹终结了敌人痛苦的哀嚎。

敌军士兵2Aiiiieeee! Who's that?!噫！是谁？！

My gaze travels down the cramped alleyway and I spot a glint of light at the alley entrance.我的目光顺着狭窄逼仄的小路寻到了巷口的亮光。

The person standing there is a girl with blonde hair and blue eyes, elegantly dressed and glaring at the soldiers in the alley with a cold, keen look in her eyes.站在那儿的少女金发碧眼，一身戎装，凌厉威严的目光轻蔑地注视着巷子中的士兵。

No matter the situation, seeing her with a G36 rifle in hand has always been reassuring.无论何时，少女手持G36步枪的身影都是那么让人安心。

????Pardon my lateness.不好意思，我来迟了。

The girl's face matches up with my memories, but her attire is completely different from her usual elegant maid's uniform.少女的面容与我记忆中的重叠，但身上的着装却和日常优雅的女仆装相去甚远。

ProfessorThis outfit of yours...你这副模样是……

Bang-bang-bang!砰砰砰！

A hail of gunfire interrupts the girl's words. She quickly raises her rifle and counterattacks, her figure leaping swiftly through the darkness as shell casings and enemy soldiers drop to the ground at the same time.密集的枪声打断了少女刚想回答的话语。她迅速提枪反击，凌厉的身影穿梭跳跃，确保哀嚎与弹壳同时坠地。

Once the fighting is over, she looks back at me, her voice as stern and clear as I've always remembered.待战斗结束后，少女回头看向我，声音一如记忆中严肃清晰。

CentaureissiI am Centaureissi, a Doll dispatched from SIT - the special intelligence team, requesting permission to join your unit.特种情报小组临时特派人形——桑朵莱希，申请入队。

City of Danger 荒寂危城

敌军士兵1Goddamn it! It's a Doll! Call for backup! Call for backup!*的！是人形！！叫增援！叫增援!

Upon realizing the situation has turned for the worse, the other soldiers quickly summon reinforcements. Centaureissi takes off her optical camouflage module and tosses it to me while moving me behind her, shouldering her weapon.意识到情况不妙的其余士兵紧急呼叫增援。桑朵莱希解下光学迷彩装备丢给我的同时，架枪将我护在身后。

Unlike me, who blundered onto the battlefield without any preparation, Centaureissi has clearly taken measures to address the current situation.与毫无准备误入战场的我不同，桑朵莱希显然对当前的局势做好了充足的准备。

Before the enemy can put together organized resistance, she takes full advantage of her nimble body and individually picks off the soldiers who are not yet taking the current situation seriously.在敌方组织好应对手段之前，她就利用身形灵活的优势，逐一解决那些对现状轻敌大意的士兵。

敌军士兵1Dammit! Take this!该死！尝尝这个！

The soldier pulls a grenade from his belt and removes the safety pin. Using a grenade in a confined area is suicide, but the man has clearly lost his senses—he simply wants to kill the Doll in front of him.士兵取出腰间的手榴弹解除保险。在狭小的空间使用这种武器无异于同归于尽，但眼下他已丧失了理智，一心只想将眼前的人形置于死地。

CentaureissiAllow me... to put an end to everything!就让我来……终结一切！

Centaureissi pulls the trigger and her shot strikes the grenade dead on, nipping the suicide attack in the bud.桑朵莱希扣下扳机，出膛的子弹精准无误地命中手榴弹，抢先一步将这无谋之举扼杀于摇篮。

Kaboom!轰隆！

The soldiers caught in the blast crumple to the ground. Meanwhile, we use the clouds of smoke to conceal our escape from that alley of death...爆炸波及的士兵被瞬间掀翻在地。而我们则借助弥漫的灰尘烟雾，顺利地逃离了那条死亡小巷……

ProfessorHah... Hah...!呼……呼……

The long run saps my stamina, and by the time we stop, the arm that's holding the boy is as numb as dead wood.长时间的奔波令我的体能一点点枯竭，等到停下来的时候，那条抱着孩子的手臂几近麻木。

CentaureissiAre you alright, Commander?长官，您还好吗？

ProfessorI'm fine. I should be able to hold out for a while longer.没事，应该还能撑一会儿。

CentaureissiAll contact with the 12 Dolls from your special intelligence team has been lost and are considered KIA. Also, your communicator was malfunctioning since just now.您所隶属的特种情报小组12名人形均已失联，基本判断为“阵亡”。之前您的通讯器也一直处于异常状态。

CentaureissiYour contact among the garrison forces had no news of you, and for a while we feared the worst.和您接头的守军人员也没有您的消息，我们一度认为您可能已经遭遇不测。

ProfessorI thought so too.我也这么以为。

Thinking back to my condition when I awoke on the battlefield and the exchange between those enemy soldiers, I can pretty much tell that the original owner of this body... probably had a bad time.回想起之前自己初到战场的状态以及士兵们的对话，基本可以推断出这具身体的原主人……大概率凶多吉少。

CentaureissiSince you are safe, I will follow my orders from Garrison HQ and escort you to the central plaza building in the heart of the city, where you will meet personnel from the garrison forces.既然您平安无事，按照守军总部指示我将护送您到城市中心广场大楼，让您与守军军方人员会面。

ProfessorHang on. What about him... I mean, this kid?先等等，他怎么办……我是说这孩子？

Even though he's under the cover of the optical camouflage, the boy is still trembling in my arms. Fortunately, he wasn't harmed during that skirmish just now.光学迷彩的掩护下，小男孩在我的怀抱里依旧瑟瑟发抖，所幸刚刚的冲突没有让他波及受伤。

ProfessorWe can't just abandon him here like this. At the very least, we need to get the boy to a safe place. Do you know of any shelters around here?我们不能抛下他不管，起码要给他找个安全的地方，附近有没有避难所？

A strange look briefly appears on Centaureissi's face, but she soon recovers thanks to her professional maid's training.桑朵莱希露出诧异的神情，但职业女仆的专业修养很快就让她恢复常态。

ProfessorDid I say something strange?是我说了什么奇怪的话吗？

CentaureissiI was sent by HQ to support you, but this is a temporary arrangement, and thus, all I know about you is limited to rumors.我是总部临时调派来对您进行支援的人形，对您的了解仅限于传闻。

CentaureissiWhat I heard about the SIT commander was that they were a stern, impartial and unfeeling man who prioritized the mission above all else.之前听闻特种情报小组指挥官为人铁面无私，不近人情，凡事都以任务优先为准则。

CentaureissiBut ever since I met you, nothing you have done seems to correspond to the cold person mentioned in those rumors. You risked yourself to rescue this boy, and then went on to prioritize his continued safety after disengaging from battle.但从我和您相遇时，您的所作所为和传言的冷酷丝毫不沾边。您不仅奋不顾身营救这孩子，还从交战脱离后优先考虑他的安全……

ProfessorEr... really?呃……这、这样吗？

CentaureissiI apologize if I have given offense, but for a moment I found myself wondering if I had the wrong person. However, your identity seems to conform perfectly to the person mentioned in my terminal.虽然有些冒犯，但我一度怀疑自己认错人了。不过，眼下您的身份特征完全和终端记录数据吻合无误。

CentaureissiIt would seem I was biased against you. You would appear to be a kind person... Commander.看来是我对您有一定的成见。您是个温柔善良的人……长官。

Professor...Yeah. I hope we'll get along well going forward.……嗯，接下来请多关照。

小男孩Ah! Are you the SIT commander?啊！您就是特种情报小组的长官？

ProfessorI, er... I am, yes.我呃……我是。

I am briefly caught off guard as I have not yet fully adjusted to my new identity.一下子还没有适应新身份，我缓了缓神。

小男孩This is great! I found you at last!太好了！我终于找到您了！

CentaureissiYou were looking for the Commander too?你也在找长官？

小男孩Ah, yes! Hi, Commander. My name is Chris Izka.是、是的！长官您好，我叫克里斯·伊兹卡。

CentaureissiIzka? Then your father must be...伊兹卡？难道你的父亲是……

克里斯My father is First Lieutenant Andrew Izka. He's also your contact for this mission.我的父亲是安德鲁·伊兹卡中尉。也就是你们这次会面任务要找的接头人。

Contact? Mission? I don't have much information, so all I can do is work with him to learn more.接头任务？眼下掌握的信息较少，我只能尽可能配合获取更多情报。

Professor...I understand the situation. Chris, why did you come by yourself to such a dangerous place? Where's your father?……情况我了解了。克里斯，你怎么会一个人跑到这种危险的地方？你父亲呢？

克里斯Father was badly hurt by the enemy's pursuit forces and couldn't take part in the operation. He couldn't come to tell you in person that something had happened to the place where you were supposed to meet him.父亲他被敌军搜捕队追击，受了重伤无法行动，不能前来告知您接头的地点发生了变动。

克里斯I knew the mission was urgent, so I came here to pass the message on Father's behalf... But I couldn't find you anywhere, and in the end those guys caught me.我知道任务紧急，所以就跑出来替父亲传达信息……可没想到在约定地点怎么都找不到您，最后还被那群坏人给抓住了。

Things are becoming clearer and clearer. It also explains why this body's owner just so happened to be where Chris was.事件的脉络逐渐清晰，这样一来就能理解为什么这具身体的主人和克里斯恰好出现在了那里。

ProfessorThen where's your father now?那你父亲现在在哪儿？

克里斯He's at "The Hands of Venus", the hair salon in town. It used to be a dead drop for Dad and the others to pass secret messages, but right now, the only person left there is a Doll called Tony.在城内的“美神之手”理发店。那原本是爸爸他们沟通信息的隐秘据点，但现在的话，只剩下一位叫托尼的人形留守。

...Tony? A hair salon?……托尼？理发店？

A lot of hairdressers in the real world were called Tony, and there just so happens to be one such Doll on Project Neural Cloud's name list. The familiar name makes me think; what if...现实世界往往将理发师称为托尼，云图计划的名单中也有这样一位人形。如此耳熟的名字勾起了我的联想，会不会……

ProfessorHe wouldn't happen to be a pink-haired Doll that looks like a teenager, would he?是一位粉色头发的人形青年吗？

克里斯Yeah, that's him. I heard he works for Universal Anything Services and specializes in hairstyling.是啊，听说他是环球万事服务的人形，专门负责美发相关的工作呢。

...Looks like that's him. For someone who can't fight or protect himself, being in a warzone is the worst possible outcome.……那看来和我认识的是同一位了。对没有战斗和自保能力的他而言，身处战火之中无疑是最为糟糕的情况。

CentaureissiCommander, why did your expression suddenly change?长官，您的脸色怎么突然变了？

ProfessorNo, it's nothing. Chris, can you lead the way for us?不，没什么。克里斯，能请你为我们带路吗？

At "The Hands of Venus".“美神之手”发型设计工作室。

The tiny establishment is filled with the smell of blood and cordite. The soldier who's stoically enduring his wounds leans against a corner of the room. Tony occasionally glances outside, a look of worry in his eyes.血与火药的气息弥漫在狭小的店内。坚忍的军人沉默地靠在房间一角，托尼时不时看向窗外，目光中流露出担忧。

伊兹卡中尉...Don't worry, that boy's always been lucky. I'm sure he'll bring them back.……别担心，那孩子的运气一向不错，一定能将人顺利带回来的。

伊兹卡中尉Speaking of which, there's one thing I've been wondering about. Why does a salon like this have the name "Aphrodite's Hand"?话说回来，我一直很好奇，这理发店为什么要起“美神之手”这样花哨的名字？

TonyThe owner named it that way. This is a plain and tiny store; the only way to draw customers is with a name to contrast that.这是店长的兴趣，中尉。像这样朴素的小店，吸引客户就只能靠这种反差手段了。

The lieutenant's remark seems to lighten the air a little and the two of them once again look outside the salon.中尉的话题稍稍缓和了气氛，二人的目光再度从窗外回到店内。

Just like Tony said, there is nothing particularly eye-catching about this hairdresser's; it's simple and plain in appearance from its furnishings to its sign.就像托尼说的那样，这家发廊本身并无亮眼之处，从装潢到招牌都表里如一透露出朴素与节俭。

The sole reason is has a niche in this city is entirely because of Tony's outstanding hairstylist skills.它能在这座小城占据一隅，全仰仗托尼精湛出色的美发手艺。

伊兹卡中尉If we didn't have this war raging on, I'd probably have to wait about half an hour for a consultation with you, right?如果没有战乱，找你修面估计要排上个三十分钟吧？

伊兹卡中尉...Hehe, lucky me, then.……呵呵，看来今天的我还真是捡了个大便宜啊。

The lieutenant's teasing does little to dispel Tony's uneasiness.中尉的打趣并没有缓解托尼的不安。

TonyYour wounds... let's treat them a little more, Lieutenant Izka.您的伤口……还是再处理一下吧，伊兹卡中尉。

Bright red liquid oozes out from the freshly-changed bandages, flowing down toward Lieutenant Izka's fingertips which are blackened from soot. It drips on the wall he's leaning against.猩红从刚替换过的绷带上溢出，顺着伊兹卡中尉焦黑的指尖缓缓流淌，点点滴落在他背靠的墙角。

After the bandaging is complete, Tony looks at his trembling, bloodstained hands and spaces out.在包扎完毕之后，托尼盯着自己颤抖的，沾满鲜血的双手出神。

This is the first time he has felt the weight of a life. Before this, those hands did nothing but create beauty.这还是他第一次感受到生命的沉重，在此之前，这双手从来都是只为美而工作。

伊兹卡中尉...Thank you, Tony. Right now, the enemy troops within the city are going all-out against the defending forces and intelligence personnel...……谢谢你，托尼。现在城内敌军对城内守军战士和情报人员正在大肆搜捕……

伊兹卡中尉I feel ashamed (cough) of having to trouble you to take me in at a time like this...这个时候还麻烦你收留我……咳咳……真是惭愧……

TonyEr... it's nothing. Just think of it as a special service for an old customer.呃……没什么，您就当是给老主顾的特别服务吧。

伊兹卡中尉Speaking of which, where's the owner?说起来你们店长呢？

TonyI haven't heard from him for close to three days. If I still don't hear back, I should probably pack up and return to UAS.他已经失联将近三天了。如果再没消息的话，我也该收拾一下东西回环球万事服务了。

伊兹卡中尉...Not even the owner was spared, huh? You could say the leak of the intel name list was a fatal blow to us defenders.……店长也未能幸免遇难吗？这次情报人员名单泄露对守军来说简直是致命的打击。

Lieutenant Izka closes his eyes to think, but he can't keep the depression out of his voice.伊兹卡中尉闭目思考，却难掩语气中的低落。

伊兹卡中尉It's been nearly three months since the enemy took this city. The only reason why things have dragged out this long is because the defenders have been conducting guerilla attacks with the help of the Intel Bureau.敌军攻占这座城已经快三个月了，城内守军在情报部门的支持下一直在坚持游击战，才能把战局一拖再拖。

伊兹卡中尉If reinforcements don't arrive soon... We may have to abandon this city.如果援军再不能及时到位……恐怕我们只能放弃这座城镇了。

He opens his eyes, and his gaze rests on Tony's freshly-packed luggage.他睁开眼，视线落在托尼刚刚打包完成的行李之上。

伊兹卡中尉Those guys don't show mercy to humans or Dolls. They massacre civilians and even rip out Doll cores to do whatever to them...那群家伙对待人类和人形都不会手软，不但屠杀平民，甚至会强制拆除人形的核心挪为他用……

伊兹卡中尉Go now if you're going. Tony, you're a one-of-a-kind stylist Doll, the sooner you're out of this godforsaken hellhole, the better...如果要走就早点出发吧。托尼，你是独一无二的造型设计人形，早点离开这种是非之地也好……

TonyIs, is it really that bad...这、这么可怕吗……

伊兹卡中尉(Coughs) If you're trying to get back to UAS during wartime, you'll need money for transportation and power.咳咳……兵荒马乱想要回环球万事服务，一路上交通、能源都要些钱。

At this point, Lieutenant Izka takes off his watch.说到这，伊兹卡中尉将腕上的手表取下。

It's old, but it's plain to see its owner has been taking good care of it.尽管款式老旧，但可以看出它的主人一直将其悉心保养。

Tony knows that this watch was a commemorative gift the lieutenant received for 10 years of service. Much like the medals on his chest, it holds a unique meaning for him and represents an unequaled honor.托尼知道，这块手表是中尉参军十年收到的纪念品，与中尉那别在胸前的徽牌一样，具有独特意义的同时也代表了无上的荣光。

伊兹卡中尉Take this watch... It's useless to me, so think of it a tip for today's consultation.这块手表你带着吧……它对我来说也没什么用了，就当是抵了今天修面的小费吧。

Tony is at a loss for how to react to this sudden gift. Upon seeing him hesitate, Lieutenant Izka presses the watch into Tony's hands.托尼看着这份突如其来的礼物不知所措。见他犹豫，伊兹卡中尉不由分说将手表塞到托尼的手中。

伊兹卡中尉Tony, please allow me to thank you once again for saving my life.托尼，请让我再一次谢谢你的救命之恩。

伊兹卡中尉That said, it would be better if you were half as good with bandaging as you are with hairstyling. If we make it through this war, I'd like to teach you more about that side of things.……不过，你的包扎技术要是有你美发技术的一半就好了。假如我们都能活过这场战争，真想好好教你下这方面的技能。

TonyLieutenant, let me give you a makeover after everything is done. I want to make up for today's regrets...中尉，等结束之后还是先让我为您修面吧。我想弥补今天的遗憾……

Kaboom!!轰！！

Tony's words are interrupted by a sudden explosion. It is followed by a hail of gunfire and the thuggish shouts of soldiers.托尼的话语被突如其来的爆炸打断，随之而来的是一阵密集的枪声和士兵粗鲁的喊叫声。

伊兹卡中尉(Cough) We have a situation!咳……有情况！！

Lieutenant Izka uses his gun to lift his battered body to its feet, then moves to the window to see what's happening outside.伊兹卡中尉拿枪撑起伤痕累累的身体，来到窗边仔细观察着外面的动向。

Judging by their weapons and clothing, the enemy troops outside aren't from the squad that was going after him earlier. They are cursing and firing; apparently, they are trying to capture someone.根据他们的枪支和服装判断，外面的敌军并不是之前抓捕自己的队伍，此刻他们正咒骂着开枪射击，似乎是在抓捕什么目标。

伊兹卡中尉...That's Chris! And those two are... The Commander and Centaureissi?!………克里斯！还有那两位是……指挥官和桑朵莱希？！

Without any hesitation, Lieutenant Izka brings his rifle to his shoulder and lays down covering fire for them.没有丝毫的犹豫，伊兹卡中尉立刻选择架枪掩护三人。

Bang-bang-bang!砰砰砰！

敌军士兵1Argh—啊——

Despite his wounds, the lieutenant's long years of training and experience do not betray their master.即使在受伤严重的当下，常年累月的训练经验依然没有背叛它的主人。

The lieutenant's precise shooting puts a gap in the troopers' encirclement. Centaureissi does not let this opportunity slip by and darts into the momentary opening, pulling her trigger to wipe out each and every enemy trooper in tandem with the lieutenant's shooting.伊兹卡中尉的精准射击让士兵的包围露出缺口，桑朵莱希自然没有放过这转瞬即逝的空档，扣动扳机配合中尉将剩余的敌人一一清除。

伊兹卡中尉Commander! Hurry, over here! Urgh!指挥官！快到这里来！唔！

克里斯DAD!!父亲！！

Chris wriggles free of my arms and runs into the salon, worriedly checking on his father's condition.克里斯挣脱我的保护，跑入店内焦急查看他父亲的伤情。

CentaureissiThank you for your help, Lieutenant!感谢您的增援，中尉！

伊兹卡中尉This is no time to be standing on ceremony, Centaureissi... and also... You must be the commander of the SIT, right?这种时候就不用这么客气了，桑朵莱希……还有……这位应该就是特种情报小组的指挥官吧。

伊兹卡中尉When we lost contact with you a while back, we were all worried about you... I'm glad you're okay.之前传来您失联的消息，我们都很挂心您……幸好您平安无事。

I step forward to shake the hand of this dark-skinned titan among men and express my gratitude for his timely assistance.我上前一步和这位皮肤黝黑的铁血硬汉握手，向他的及时援助表达感谢。

ProfessorYes. Glad to meet you, Lieutenant Izka.是的。幸会了，伊兹卡中尉。

伊兹卡中尉Your reputation precedes you. Our forces have benefited greatly from the help given by your team. We've only held out as long as we have because of your aid.久闻您的大名。我军多次仰仗您手下特种情报小组的关照，多亏有您的协助，我们这些城内的守军才可以抵抗至今。

伊兹卡中尉(Groans and coughs)唔……咳咳！

Lieutenant Izka hacks up a wad of bloody phlegm as he coughs uncontrollably. Chris wants to move up to help but the lieutenant stops him with a glance, and so all Chris can do is tug on the sleeves of his clothing.伊兹卡中尉吐出一口血痰，止不住地咳嗽起来。克里斯刚想问询就被他用眼神阻止，只好别过头去紧紧拽住自己的衣角。

伊兹卡中尉...Let's get to it, Commander. I wanted to meet you because I have extremely important information to hand over to you.……事不宜迟，指挥官。这次与您会面，是有十分重要的资料要移交给您……

Lieutenant Izka extracts a bloodstained hardware cipher key from his pocket.伊兹卡中尉从怀里掏出了一个沾满血的硬件密钥。

ProfessorWhat's this?这是？

伊兹卡中尉It's the cipher key that the garrison forces use to communicate with each other. The enemy has destroyed many of our dead drop points, and there aren't many left that are still in contact with the defenders... HQ ordered me to hand this to you to ensure we can continue future operations.这是我们守军间联系的密钥。如今多处情报点已被敌军捣毁，能够与守军联系的情报站已所剩无几……为了保障今后的作战，总部命令我把这个转交给您。

伊兹卡中尉There's a small safehouse outside the city. Centaureissi knows the exact location and she can take you there.城外还有一处情报小屋，桑朵莱希知道具体位置所在可以带您过去。

伊兹卡中尉Once you unlock the encrypted intelligence gear there, you'll be able to communicate with the defenders' intel people still inside the city. As for our future operations, well, that's at your discretion, Commander.待您解锁加密情报设备后即可和城内守军的情报员通讯。至于后续的作战行动，指挥官，就交由您来判断了。

He solemnly hands me the key, his eyes blazing like torches.他郑重地将密钥递给我，目光如炬。

Without any hesitation, I clasp his hands, which are stained with mud and blood.我没有犹豫，紧紧握住那双沾满血与泥的手。

Professor...I understand. You have faithfully completed your mission, Lieutenant Izka.……我明白了。您忠实地完成了任务，伊兹卡中尉。

CentaureissiOnce again, thank you for your help, Lieutenant. I will escort the Commander to the safe house.再次感谢您的协助，中尉，我会确保长官安全抵达小屋的。

CentaureissiAnd you must be Tony from Universal Anything, right? Do you happen to have any ammunition, or can you provide any other aid?那边的那位是环球万事服务的托尼，对吧？请问你这里能补给弹药或者给予其他援助吗？

TonyMy lovely customer, this is a hairdresser's. What do you take this place to be...美丽的客人啊，你把这理发店当成什么地方了……

TonyWait a minute, are you the Butler-36? The domestic services Doll equipped with combat modules?等一下，你是Butler-36？！是那位集成了战斗模块的家政服务人形？

CentaureissiIs there a problem?有什么问题吗？

TonyIf I'm not wrong, those guys are turning the entire city upside down searching for you...如果我没记错的话，现在那帮家伙正在满城搜捕你的动向……

TonyAw hell, I'd better get going! If I'd known this would happen, I would have...唉，饶了我吧，我还赶着逃命呢！早知道会发生这样的事，还不如……

CentaureissiShhh!嘘！

Centaureissi shushes Tony. After that, the sound of disciplined footsteps draws closer, coming to a halt not far outside the hairdresser's.桑朵莱希阻止托尼继续言语，随后，训练有素的脚步声从巷尾逐渐靠近，停驻在距理发店不远处的位置。

CentaureissiCommander, looks like we haven't fully dealt with the dregs chasing us.长官，看来追击我们的杂碎还没有清理干净。

伊兹卡中尉No, they're a different lot... Judging by their gear, they're from the hunter teams; they're probably looking for me.不，不是那群人……看军装的样式，这些家伙应该隶属于搜捕队，多半是冲着我来的。

敌军士兵ANDREW IZKA! GET OUT HERE!安德鲁·伊兹卡给我滚出来！！！

The enemy's shout verifies Lieutenant Izka's guess.敌人的怒吼佐证了伊兹卡中尉的猜想。

伊兹卡中尉Sorry for causing you such trouble.实在抱歉，让你们惹上这样的麻烦。

伊兹卡中尉Still, if they're only here for me, then why not barge in or blow the entire building up?不过，他们如果只是找我的话为什么不直接选择破门而入或是直接炸了这里？

ProfessorHm... My guess is they saw the signs of battle Centaureissi left in her wake. They won't act rashly because they're worried about ambushes.嗯……多半是看到之前桑朵莱希留下的战斗痕迹，担心会有埋伏而不敢轻举妄动吧。

伊兹卡中尉I see. What you say makes sense. In that case, we can turn that around on them...原来如此，您说的很有道理。既然这样的话，我们也可以反过来利用他们……

Lieutenant Izka shows me several bundles of explosives strapped to his back.伊兹卡中尉向我展示藏在身后的数捆炸弹。

ProfessorDON'T DO ANYTHING STUPID, LIEUTENANT IZKA! THAT'S AN ORDER!你不要做傻事，伊兹卡中尉！这是命令！

伊兹卡中尉...With all due respect, Commander, I cannot comply with that order.……恕难从命，指挥官。

伊兹卡中尉You're an intelligent leader; you're nothing like us grunts who only know how to fight. I can't let you be exposed to danger... urgh!您是拥有谋略才智的将才，与我们这种只会在前线打仗的粗人不同。我不能让您陷入危险……唔！

He wobbles, and his remaining vitality oozes out of him along with his blood.他的身形晃荡，仅剩的生命力随着鲜血的咳出不断流逝。

ProfessorLieutenant Izka, you...伊兹卡中尉，你……

伊兹卡中尉As you can see, I don't have much time left... Oh yes, Tony, I have to impose on you.如您所见，我的时间不多了……对了，托尼，我有个不情之请。

Tony...Go ahead.……您说。

伊兹卡中尉If you can, please take care of Chris after this.如果可以的话，克里斯后续就麻烦你帮忙照顾了。

TonyM-Me? What are you saying, Lieutenant Izka... I'm just a hairstylist, I can't...我、我？您在说什么伊兹卡中尉……我只是一个小小的造型师，我没有能力……

伊兹卡中尉As a soldier, I want my child to inherit my will and fight on.身为一个军人，我希望我的孩子能够继承我的意志战斗下去。

伊兹卡中尉But as a father, I want him as far from this goddamn war as possible... So please, when you escape, take Chris with you! Please!但身为一个父亲，我希望他能够远离战火……请你在逃走的时候把克里斯也带上吧！拜托了！

克里斯Dad! What are you saying, Dad? I don't want to go! Dad!父亲！你在说什么啊父亲！我不要离开你！不！

Chris hugs the lieutenant tightly, the tears sparkling in his eyes.克里斯紧紧抱住中尉的腰，泪花在他的双眼之中不断闪烁。

伊兹卡中尉Don't cry, Chris! Remember, your father is Andrew Izka!不要哭，克里斯！要记住，你是安德鲁·伊兹卡的孩子！

克里斯Dad... (sob) Dad...父亲……呜呜……父亲……

伊兹卡中尉...I'm sorry. I won't be able to keep my promise of viewing the daisies with you.……抱歉，陪你去看雏菊的约定不能实现了。

Lieutenant Izka ruffles Chris' head. After that moment of tenderness, the steel and determination return to his face.伊兹卡中尉摸了摸克里斯的头，在片刻的温情后，坚毅和决绝再度回到他的脸上。

For the last time, he adjusts the medals on his chest, and then salutes us, one by one.他最后一次摆正胸前徽牌的位置，向我们一一敬礼告别。

The salon door closes before our eyes. After that, we hear a haunting song.理发店的门在我们的眼前合上。随后，我们听到了悠扬的歌声传来。

CentaureissiIs that... A song from Vayne's hometown?这是……薇茵故乡的歌曲？

伊兹卡中尉...Whether it is night or day, I will be waiting here for you to return.……纵使它昼夜阴晴，我都会在此等待。

伊兹卡中尉May the gunsmoke have faded when we meet again.愿再相见时，硝烟退去。

伊兹卡中尉May the fires have burned out...愿再相见时……

BOOM—轰隆——

That day, we took part in a funeral without flowers.那一天，我们参加了一场没有鲜花的葬礼。

Grave Travelers 同忧偕行

At "The Hands of Venus".“美神之手”理发店。

克里斯Dad! Dad...爸爸！爸爸……

Centaureissi grabs him until his voice grows hoarse. He stops struggling, and the shooting outside the salon dies down.克里斯想要冲出理发店寻找伊兹卡中尉的身影，却被桑朵莱希紧紧拦住，直至声音嘶哑，失去力气，店外的枪声才渐渐平息。

There is a look of sorrow in everyone's eyes. The wordless pain hangs over us all like a shadow.众人眼神中闪烁着深深的哀伤，无言的痛楚如阴影般将整个理发店笼罩。

TonyLieutenant Izka... He's dead... What... what should we do now?伊兹卡中尉……牺牲了，我们……我们该怎么办？

CentaureissiThe enemy will send people to investigate the explosion soon. We should go before their reinforcements show up.敌人应该不久之后就会注意到这里的爆炸，必须在增援到来之前尽快撤离。

CentaureissiCommander, I recommend we head to the safehouse now with the cipher comms key.长官，我建议现在就带着通讯设备密钥前往情报小屋。

TonyWait! Then, then what about me? What should I do?!不是！那、那我呢？我该怎么办？！

ProfessorThere's fighting everywhere in the city. Having you and Chris stay on the battlefield will be very dangerous... Tony, do you think you can use your status as a UAS Doll to leave this city?现在城内战火四起，你和克里斯继续待在战场将会十分危险……托尼，你可以利用环球万事服务人形的身份离开这座城市吗？

TonyIf I were alone, I might be able to pass their checkpoints, but now...如果只有我一人的话还可以通过盘查离开，但眼下……

Tony glances over to Chris, who is still sobbing quietly, and he is silent for a while.托尼的目光瞟向小声啜泣的克里斯，一时无言。

Centaureissi kneels down in front of Chris and gently dabs away the blood and grime on his face.桑朵莱希来到克里斯的面前蹲下，拿出手绢小心翼翼地为他擦拭脸上的血渍和污泥。

She doesn't try to comfort him. Instead, she gently scoops him into her arms and lets him cry as much as he wants.她没有出声说什么安慰的话语，而是轻柔地将克里斯拥入怀中，任由他放声哭泣。

Professor...Indeed, we can't let his determination go to waste.……是啊，我们不能辜负中尉他的觉悟。

ProfessorAs such, Centaureissi will carry out the mission once we escort the two of you out of this place.这样，为了保障你们平安无事，我和桑朵莱希将护送你们离开之后再去执行任务。

克里斯...No need to go to that trouble, Commander.……不用那么麻烦，长官。

克里斯I know a route that will take us out of the city. It's in the same direction as the safehouse, Commander.我知道一条可以从城内撤离的路。长官，那和你们去情报小屋的路线是相同方向。

Professor...Centaureissi, do you have any information about this route?……桑朵莱希，你有关于这条路线的情报吗？

CentaureissiNo. I am not familiar with it. I have never heard of it before...不，我对此并不了解，在此之前从未听说……

克里斯But it really exists! Please believe me, Commander!真、真的有这样一条路！长官，请你相信我！

克里斯Also... I, I also know a few shortcuts leading to the safehouse! Please, Commander, take me with you!而且……而且我知道一些前往情报小屋的捷径！长官，求求你带上我吧！

Chris' little fists tremble as he clenches them, and the tears well up in his eyes.克里斯的拳头因为紧握而颤抖，泪水在他的眼眶中不住地打转。

I choose not to point out his lie. Instead, I ruffle his hair and smooth out the creases in his clothes.我没有选择戳破他的谎言，只是蹲下身来摸了摸他的头，替他拂去衣服上的皱褶。

ProfessorI believe you, Chris. Take care of us, okay?我相信你说的话。克里斯，接下来请你多多指教了。

克里斯...A-Alright! No... I mean, yes, Commander!……好、好的！不对……是，长官！

Chris smiles, and then he bows awkwardly to me.克里斯的脸上绽放出微笑，随后动作生涩地向我行了个礼。

ProfessorWell, that's Chris taken care of. What do you plan to do next, Tony?克里斯的安排就这么定了。托尼，接下来你打算怎么办？

TonyI... As for me...我……我的话……

Tony seems a little zoned out as he stares at the bloodstained watch. Then he shakes his head and smiles bitterly.托尼看着那块沾着血污的手表出神，在摇了摇头之后，露出苦笑。

TonyI don't want to disappoint Lieutenant Izka either, so I'll go with you... Even though I can't really do anything to help.我也不想辜负伊兹卡中尉，所以决定和你们一起走……虽然我可能帮不上什么忙就是了。

CentaureissiIndeed, you cannot fight as you have no combat modules. Thus, I shall entrust the task of taking care of Chris to you.的确，你没有安装战斗模块无法正面作战，只能把保护克里斯的任务交给你。

TonyWhile it may be true... hearing that straight up kind of hurts my feelings.虽然这是事实，但是被你这么直白地指出多少还是有点难受。

Professor...You're as kind as I remember, Tony.……你还是和在云端时一样善良啊，托尼。

TonyHm? Did you say something, Commander?嗯？长官你刚刚说了什么吗？

ProfessorNo, it's nothing... Welcome aboard, Tony.不，没事……欢迎你的加入，托尼。

ProfessorTime is tight. Everyone, get your things together and then we'll set out for the safehouse outside the city!眼下时间紧迫，各位，在收拾好后立刻向城外的情报小屋出发！

众人Yes, Commander!是，长官！

ProfessorIs this the safehouse the Lieutenant was talking about?这里就是中尉所说的情报小屋吗？

If nobody had told me beforehand, I wouldn't have believed this unassuming little shack was a vital communications point for the defending troops.若非指引，没有人会想到这座毫不起眼的破旧木屋会是守军用于通讯的重要场所。

From the surroundings, we seem to be on the cusp of winter turning to spring. The heavy snowfall on the mountains is a form of natural protection for us, silently and cleverly concealing our trail.眼下正值凛冬初春，山上盘踞的皑皑白雪此时成为最为天然的保护，无声而又巧妙地隐藏了我们的行踪。

The flying snow enters the safehouse as we push open the heavy, frigid wooden door. After a brief period of fumbling around in the darkness, the lightbulb and hearth flare to life, once again awakening the warriors standing watch in these lonely mountains.风雪随我们一同推开厚重冰冷的木门。短暂的摸索过后，孤灯与炉火升起，重新唤醒了这位坚守于孤山中的战士。

TonyWhew... Hopefully nobody will be pursuing us for the time being...呼……暂时不会有人追来了吧……

克里斯Ah choo!阿嚏！

ProfessorGuess it's a little chilly in here...果然屋子里的温度还是有点低啊……

ProfessorTony, help me close the door. Chris is lightly dressed, so don't let the cold in.托尼，来帮我一把一起顶上木门。克里斯的衣服单薄，别让外面的寒冷溜进来了。

TonyI might be a little clumsy at this sort of work, so I hope you don't mind... Ah! What happened to your arms?!这类工作我可能干得笨手笨脚的，长官，希望您不要嫌弃……啊！您的手怎么了！

I've been trying to hide it, but Tony can still see the darkened skin.即使我有意隐藏，但终究还是让托尼看到了浮于手臂上的青紫。

It felt a little strange while I was rescuing Chris, but with the cold added to the equation, my wounds are starting to show signs of necrosis.之前在救克里斯时就感觉到了异样，如今在寒冷的影响下，伤口处已开始出现坏死的迹象。

ProfessorIt's okay, it's nothing.不要紧，没什么大碍。

CentaureissiLet me help you with that.我帮您临时处理一下。

Centaureissi opens the first aid kit in the safehouse and takes out some bandages and basic medication.桑朵莱希打开情报站角落的急救箱，取出了绷带和一些基础的药物。

As a maid, her movements are deft and precise, but her long-sightedness hampers her.身为女仆的她动作高效精准，但仍被远视眼的问题所困扰。

In order to properly assess my wounds, she occasionally leans back a little and squints, trying to ensure she hasn't missed anywhere out in her applications.为了更好地看清楚我的伤势，她时不时会身体向后倾斜几分，眯起眼睛，努力确保自己涂抹的患处没有遗漏。

This familiar yet adorable sequence amuses and draws a laugh from me, which I immediately hide with coughing when Centaureissi questions it.这份熟悉而又可爱的动作让我忍不住笑出声来，见桑朵莱希疑惑，我只好赶紧用咳嗽掩饰过去。

Professor...Thank you for your help, Centaureissi. Your bandaging technique is excellent; were you professionally trained?……感谢你的帮助，桑朵莱希。你的包扎手法十分出色，是有经过专门的学习吗？

CentaureissiYes, Vayne taught me... she is my beloved little sister.是啊，是薇茵教我的……她是我十分重要的妹妹。

ProfessorVayne?薇茵？

That name seems vaguely familiar...这个名字我似乎在哪里听过……

TonyThat's a nice name. I wish I could have met her.这可真是个优雅的名字，真想有机会见上一面啊。

Tony...Although, you're a civilian Doll just like me, aren't you? What's all this about a little sister, then?……不过你不是和我一样都是民用人形吗？所谓的妹妹究竟是怎么一回事？

The logs in the fireplace crackle. A moment later, the glacier of memory begins to melt with the rising warmth.壁炉中的木头在火中作响。沉默片刻后，记忆的冰山随温暖一同融化。

CentaureissiVayne was a human, but I have always thought of her as a little sister.薇茵她虽然是个人类，但我一直将她当作妹妹看待。

CentaureissiLong ago, I was employed by a military household, and I was responsible for taking care of their daughter. This was how I came to know Vayne.在很久之前，我曾经受雇于一个军人家庭，负责照顾他们女儿的起居日常——这也是我和薇茵认识的契机。

CentaureissiShe was a kind and sympathetic girl, and she always treated me as part of the family, even going so far as to call me her big sister.她是个善良且富有同情心的孩子，在日常的点滴相处中一直将我当作家人对待，亲切地称呼我为姐姐。

CentaureissiVayne loved... she loved drawing. She would drag me to art exhibitions from a young age, where she would enjoy works from various artists.薇茵她……很喜欢画画。从很小的时候我就带着她逛画展，欣赏各个流派的艺术画作。

克里斯Ah, I like drawing too.啊，克里斯也喜欢画画。

ProfessorHehe, sounds like you and Vayne would have become friends if you'd met.呵呵，如果薇茵在的话一定能跟克里斯成为好朋友。

The snow on Centaureissi's blonde hair melts and falls into her palm.桑朵莱希金发上的雪融化滴落，落在她摊开的掌心之中。

Centaureissi...Come to think of it, Vayne liked dressing up as a boy. Apparently her father got her into the habit. She had something that looked almost like what Chris is wearing now.……说起来，薇茵她还很喜欢穿男装，似乎是她父亲培养的习惯。像克里斯这身，她几乎有件一模一样的。

克里斯I think I get what Big Sis Vayne was thinking.我大概能理解薇茵姐姐的想法。

Chris' words subconsciously draw Centaureissi's attention.克里斯下意识的言语吸引了桑朵莱希的注意。

CentaureissiHm?嗯？

克里斯No, no, that's it! So where is Big Sis Vayne right now?不、不，就是那个！那薇茵姐姐现在人在哪里？

Centaureissi...Vayne ended up following in the footsteps of her parents in order to put an end to the war.……薇茵她为了结束战争，选择了和她父母相同的道路。

CentaureissiAfter graduating from officer school, she was determined to head to the frontline...在从军校毕业之后，她毅然决然地奔赴前线……

CentaureissiWe kept in touch at first, but as the fighting spread, I couldn't even contact her any more.早些年间我们还维持着联系，但随着战火的蔓延，我最终还是失去了她的音讯。

There is a hint of sadness and confusion in her tone.她的语气中带着遗憾，也有些不解的迷茫。

CentaureissiI believe that Vayne is still alive. As long as I keep looking for her, I'll be reunited with her again someday...我相信薇茵她还活着。只要我不停下寻找的脚步，终有一天能和她团聚……

CentaureissiI hope that when that day comes, gunsmoke will no longer hang above our heads.希望那时我们脚下的土地不再被硝烟遮蔽。

TonyI don't get it... Why would Vayne do something so dangerous?我不明白……薇茵她为什么要做这么危险的举动？

TonySomeone like her could have easily taken refuge somewhere safe and waited out the war, right?像她这样身份的人，就不能躲起来等待战争结束吗？

ProfessorNowhere is safe now that the war's come this far.在战争肆虐的当下，已经没有可以称为安全的地方了。

ProfessorShe chose to actively intervene to prevent more senseless tragedies from taking place.躬身入局，是为了阻止更多无奈的悲剧发生。

Tony frowns. Clearly, he still does not understand why the girl before him chose as she did.托尼紧皱眉头，依然对眼前少女做出的选择感到不解。

TonyIs that why you're on the battlefield, Centaureissi? But we're still ultimately civilian-use service Dolls. How can we survive a clash with tough guys like the military?难道你就是为此踏上战场的吗，桑朵莱希？但我们终究是民用服务型人形，怎么可能和那些军方的真家伙们硬碰硬？

TonyIf... If you get hit by an EMP or something, you'll probably die without even knowing what hit you!要是……要是一不小心遇到电磁脉冲之类的，你连还手的机会都没有！

CentaureissiEven so, I still have to do it... How about you, Tony? Why are you here?即使这样，我还是要去做……托尼，你又是为了什么站在这里？

TonyI...我……

TonyI have something I want to do too.我也有想要去做的事啊。

The sound of the wind and snow drowns out the rest of Tony's words. He walks over to the window, gently wipes the condensation away, and quietly studies the countenance of hurt staring right back at him.风雪声隐去了托尼话语之后的呢喃。他只好走到窗前将上面的雾气缓缓擦去，安静地注视着反光中那张哀伤的脸。

On Silent Wings 隐羽传讯

In the safehouse outside the city.城外郊区情报小屋。

Tony takes Chris some distance away so as not to disturb us while I begin studying the cipher key that Lieutenant Izka gave me.为了不打扰我们，托尼带着克里斯站到离我们稍远的地方，而我则开始研究伊兹卡中尉之前交给我的密钥。

The key uses encryption technology that was widespread several years ago, and the radio set it fits in is fairly old as well.密钥用到了早些年非常通用的硬件加密技术，因此对应的通讯装置也比较陈旧。

ProfessorSo it's an IEC13 encrypted radio set... If I'm not wrong, it's a military-grade piece of comms equipment that was popular in certain regions.IEC13通讯加密装置啊……在少数地区作战中流行的军队加密设施。

ProfessorIts encryption is a little dated, but it's still hard to break, which makes it quite reliable.加密方法有些陈旧但破译并不容易，算是相当可靠的加密方式了。

CentaureissiThe SIT uses communicators that prioritize portability over security.特种情报小组内部使用的通讯器贵在机动性强，但保密性差。

CentaureissiOur communications with the garrison troops require more secrecy, and as such we use encrypted radio sets from fixed safehouses to speak to the defenders in order to prevent comms from being intercepted by the enemy.我们和守军的联系交流的情报对保密性要求更高，为了不被敌军截获只能通过固定情报点的加密情报设施进行交流。

CentaureissiPlease activate the encryption key with your fingerprint and then insert it into the radio set to activate it.请长官用指纹激活权限密钥，再接入通讯装置即可启动。

Centaureissi patiently gives me a suggestion on what I should do next after she discovers that I've been struggling with the key.桑朵莱希发现我一直在摆弄密钥，耐心地给予提示。

ProfessorAh, so that's how you do it...啊，这样啊……

CentaureissiYou might be too used to normal communicators, so please allow me to handle this.日常的通讯设备接入您可能不熟悉，这些交给我就好。

With Centaureissi's help, the radio set is soon up and running. She doesn't seem to notice any abnormality on my part, and even enters her own 26-character code when needed.有了桑朵莱希的协助，情报通讯装置很快恢复了运行。她似乎并没有注意到我的异常，在需要输入通讯密码时，将自己的26位密码一一录入。

If I had had to figure it out by trial and error, the set would probably have locked up from multiple wrong entries.如果真让我多试几次，通讯设备恐怕就要因为连续输错密码被锁了。

无线电This is Public Search Channel 8766, a lighthouse pointing the way home for lost exiles in times of war. Leave the information of the missing person and we will spread it over the channel for you. May you be reunited with your loved ones soon. Please leave your message after the beep.8766公共寻人频道，为战乱中的流亡者提供回家的灯塔。留下失踪者相关信息，我们将在频道为您发布，愿您的亲人能早日与您团聚。请在嘀声后留言。

The system's automatic broadcast plays, delivering a heartfelt blessing in cold, unfeeling tones.系统自动播报的电子音响起，用毫无感情的声线送上最为诚挚的祝福。

Beep.嘀——

CentaureissiThe letters and wine for the soldiers must be packed separately, because the letters might not necessarily find their recipients, but the wine will.寄给士兵的信和酒要分开装。因为信不一定能找到它的主人，但酒一定能。

无线电Message received. Now transferring you to an assistant.已收到您的留言。为您转接专员服务。

CentaureissiThe highlight of this communication is the exact meeting time with the defenders and the next step of the operation, Commander.这次通讯的重点是和守军对接具体行动时间及下一步行动计划，长官。

ProfessorMhm. Got it.嗯，明白。

(Crackle)滋滋滋……

There is a burst of static, and then I hear a girl over the encrypted radio set. Her voice is youthful, but her tone is stern and professional.一阵电磁干扰音过后，加密通讯器中突然出现了一位少女的声音，声音稚嫩但语气专业严肃。

??Order acknowledged by Messenger Pigeon 36...36号信鸽收到指令……

Centaureissi(This voice is...!)（！这个声音是……）

The speaker's voice surprises Centaureissi's. She's not sure if it sounds so familiar because of a fault in her memory module, or if it's a figment of her imagination caused by thinking of that person.突然出现的声音令桑朵莱希感到意外。她不确定这份熟悉是自己记忆模块出现的偏差，还是对家人的思念引起的错觉。

She wants to speak up and ask for confirmation, but the Commander is interacting with the speaker now, and she has no right to interrupt.她很想立刻出声确认，但眼下是长官和对方的交流时间，自己无权直接插嘴两人的对话。

More to the point, if the speaker really is Vayne, then rashly blurting out her real name will only increase the risk of her being exposed.更何况假如对方真的是薇茵，自己鲁莽的说出真名只会增加暴露她身份的风险。

Centaureissi(What should I do...)（我应该怎么办才好……）

As Centaureissi frets and hesitates, bits and pieces of her past interactions with Vayne begin surfacing from her memories.随着桑朵莱希的思考犹豫，过去与薇茵相处的点滴重新从她的记忆模块中唤醒。

薇茵Reissi... your skin's scratched...莱希……你的皮肤擦破了……

薇茵Did the kids from next door throw rocks at you again? I'll go yell at them!隔壁的小孩又拿石头丢你了吗？我去找他们理论！！！

薇茵Huh? It doesn't hurt you? But how could it not hurt...呃？你不痛？怎么会不痛呢……

薇茵...You shouldn't have to bear this hatred. You don't deserve it.……这种无端的恶意，不该你来承受才对。

薇茵Reissi, thank you for your hands-on tuition. My friends managed to pass with flying colors, and we're throwing a party for you...莱希，感谢你的实战辅导，我的几个朋友都高分顺利通过了考试，大家为你准备了一场派对……

薇茵Ah! There's no need for that. You're the guest of honor, so all you need to do is show up when the time comes.啊！不用你来筹办，作为本次活动的主角，你只需要到时候赏脸光临就好。

薇茵Some of the girls wouldn't even have passed if it wasn't for your help! Yay for pre-exam cram school!如果没有你的帮助，有几个姑娘可能连及格都做不到！耶，考前特训大成功呢！

薇茵"This is a contract with Universal Anything Services. Mother and Father left me a sum of money, which I've used to purchase long-term maintenance services for you. After you return, ownership will remain in my name, but you don't need to continue to work. You are free to pursue what you want to do."“这是和环球万事签订的接收合同。爸爸妈妈事先给我留了一笔钱，我用它们购买了你的长期维护服务。你回去以后，所有权仍挂在我的名下，但可以不必再继续工作了，做自己想做的事情。”

薇茵"I have enlisted and am going to go searching for mother and father. Do not follow me, Reissi. Don't come to the battlefield. This is my last command to you as your Master. I'm sorry that I was unable to say this to you face-to-face. I didn't dare... I'm sorry."“我入伍了，我要去找爸爸妈妈他们。不要跟来，莱希，不要来战场——这是我作为主人对你下的最后一个命令。对不起，这个命令没有当面传达给你，我不敢……对不起。”

薇茵"Please take care of yourself."“照顾好自己，姐姐。”

I sense something strange going on with Centaureissi, but time is precious and I have to focus on the task in front of me.我注意到了桑朵莱希的异样，但是眼下通讯的时间格外宝贵，我只好优先专注于眼前的事项。

ProfessorThis is the commander of the special intelligence team.这里是特种情报小组的指挥官。

36号信鸽Greetings, Commander. This is Messenger Pigeon 36. I am glad to be able to make contact with you again. I believe Lieutenant Izka has already met you and you already know of the status of the garrison troops.您好，指挥官，这里是36号信鸽，很高兴再次与您取得联系，我想伊兹卡中尉已经和您进行过会面，目前城内守军的情况您也有所耳闻。

ProfessorAh, yes. We just escaped capture by the enemy. Currently, we are approaching the enemy listening post on the outskirts of the city. Awaiting further instructions.嗯，是的。我们刚刚躲过敌人的搜捕，现在在靠近敌军军营的城郊情报站等待进一步作战指示。

36号信鸽...We apologize for placing you in danger. Our forces outside the city were ambushed by the enemy and it is difficult for us to dispatch reinforcements in a timely manner.……很抱歉让您涉险。城外援军不久之前遭到敌军伏击，很难及时进行支援。

36号信鸽The majority of our forces inside the city are currently occupied with holding their position, so the original arrangement to launch a counterattack with our reinforcements will have to be delayed.城内守军主力目前只能继续坚持作战，原定与援军汇合发动反攻计划将面临延期。

36号信鸽From the clues you have supplied us thus far, the enemy seems to be preparing for something big soon, but we require you to further investigate their timing and operational details.根据之前贵机构提供给我们的线索来看，敌军可能会在近期有大的动作，但行动的具体时间及行动方式还需要您进一步探明。

36号信鸽HQ knows you have lost most of the Dolls under your command and has sent a new Doll to assist in your activities. In addition, Lieutenant Izka will assist you to the best of his abilities.总部知道您手下的人形折损大半，已经调派了新的人形对您的活动支援。此外，伊兹卡中尉也会全力配合您的行动。

Upon hearing his father's name, Chris can't hold his tears back anymore and sobs quietly.意外听到父亲名字的克里斯没有忍住泪水，小声地啜泣起来。

ProfessorActually, I have some news to pass on regarding that subject...关于这点，我有一个重要的消息要向您传达……

The other party clearly heard the crying and also understands the sorrow hidden behind my words.很显然对方听到了哭声，同时也理解了我话语背后的悲伤。

36号信鸽Is that so... Lieutenant Izka...是吗……伊兹卡中尉他……

The person on the other side of the line falls silent for a while before sighing heavily.通讯器对面的人陷入了沉默，良久之后叹息一声。

36号信鸽Lieutenant Izka was a noble, upright man. He gave his effort and his time to fighting for peace and protecting his nation.伊兹卡中尉是一个正直伟大的人，他一生戎马，有一半的时间献给了争取和平，保家卫国的事业。

36号信鸽As I recall, he had a son... Is he with you now?我记得他还有个孩子……现在他是在你们身边吗？

ProfessorYes. If I send him out of the city, can you ensure his safety?是的。如果我们将他护送出城，你们可以保障他的安全吗？

36号信鸽...My apologies, Commander. All the main traffic routes outside the city are closely monitored and we cannot spare anyone to assist you.……很抱歉，指挥官。现在城外的交通要道都被敌军严密把守，我们没办法派出人手来接应你们。

ProfessorI see...这样啊……

As I am thinking, a pair of small hands tugs on my sleeve. Even as he tries to put on a show of strength while pleading with me, he is trembling in fear.在我思考的时候，一双小手轻轻地拽了拽我的衣袖，它倔强祈求的同时，也因为害怕而不断颤抖。

In the end, I choose to squeeze them in my palm.我最终选择将它握在手心。

Professor...Understood. We'll keep him safe, then.……明白了，那就由我方确保他的人身安全。

36号信鸽I believe that is the best solution, Commander.这应该是最好的方法了，长官。

36号信鸽In order to prevent more identities and information from being leaked, all we can do is quicken our pace and learn more about the enemy plan in order to minimize the number of casualties.为了避免更多的身份和情报暴露，我们只能加紧脚步，探查清敌军的行动计划，以免出现大规模的军队伤亡。

Messenger Pigeon 36 goes from her prior sadness to stating the upcoming plan.36号信鸽一转之前的悲伤，向我宣布接下来的行动计划。

36号信鸽Commander, I will now convey the latest orders from HQ.指挥官，现在向您传达总部的最新命令。

36号信鸽Please infiltrate the enemy camp before midnight in two days' time to learn about and sabotage their upcoming plans.后天午夜前，请您务必展开行动潜入敌军营地刺探情报，提前摧毁他们的后续计划。

ProfessorWill do. I'll insert ahead of time and complete the mission.嗯，我会提前部署，保证完成任务。

36号信鸽The safehouse you're at is equipped with a miniature radar and sensors. Hopefully they will aid you in gathering information.您所在的情报站配备了微型雷达以及对应的监测器，希望它能够为您的情报收集提供有益的帮助。

36号信鸽Good luck. In that case...祝您好运，那么……

CentaureissiWait...等……

Seeing as the speaker is about to hang up, Centaureissi reflexively calls out to stop her.眼看对方即将挂断通讯，桑朵莱希下意识想要出声阻止。

ProfessorOh yes, I have one more question. Are you familiar with this song?对了，我还有件事想问。你对这首歌有印象吗？

Professor"When you left the flowers withered, when you left summer gave way to autumn. Those who ran to the battlefield, where do you rest now?"“还记得你走时红衰翠减，还记得你走时夏落花败。奔赴战场的人啊，如今你身在哪里？”

36号信鸽This song is...这首歌是……

ProfessorAnd the next line is... er...接下来的是……呃……

I glance to Centaureissi, indicating that she should continue. She freezes for a moment as she looks at me, but soon casts aside her doubts and supplies the rest of the tune.我用眼神示意桑朵莱希继续。她先是看着我愣了一下，但很快便抛下疑惑衔接上我哼唱的曲调。

Centaureissi"Whether the world is lush and green, whether the world is a stark pale white. Whether it is night or day, I will be waiting here for you to return."“无论你归来时万谷绿茵，无论你归来时皑雪苍茫。纵使它昼夜阴晴，我都会在此等待。”

Centaureissi"May the gunsmoke have faded when we meet again."“愿再相见时，硝烟退去。”

Centaureissi"May the fires have burned out when we meet again."“愿再相见时，战火平息。”

Her song is like a spring breeze, gentle and warm, and it feels like sweet morning dew to the dried-out husk of my soul.她的歌声如同轻柔的春风，轻盈而温暖，仿佛让人干涸枯萎的心灵得到甘霖的滋润。

The song ends, taking with it the cold and sadness inside the little shack.一曲终了，轻柔的歌声短暂地驱散了木屋内的悲伤与寒冷。

36号信鸽It is a lovely song, is it not?很美好的曲子，不是吗?

36号信鸽In the past, someone dear to me sang this song to me as well... I didn't expect you to have someone by your side who knew it too, Commander.过去曾经有位很重要的人也常为我唱这首歌曲……没想到指挥官的身边也有了解它的人。

36号信鸽She liked to change the descending tone at the end to a rising one instead, supposedly to raise the spirits of the listener.她喜欢把最后的降调改为升调，说那样更加让人斗志昂扬。

36号信鸽You sing it like she did...你和她的唱法很像……

Centaureissi(This person... This person is...)（这个人……这个人是……）

Centaureissi's core shudders like a drum and a familiar name escapes her lips.桑朵莱希核心震动如擂鼓，一个熟悉的名字呼之欲出。

(Crackle)滋滋滋——

A powerful burst of static interrupts the transmission. Although Centaureissi tries her best to tune the radio set's frequency, the other side has already hung up.强烈的信号干扰打断了通话，桑朵莱希再次调整通讯器频段，可对面已经挂断。

Her body wobbles. It seems her neural cloud is scrambled. I put a hand on her shoulder to try and comfort her.她的身体摇晃，看样子是心智出现了紊乱。我扶着她的肩膀希望能传递一丝安慰。

CentaureissiThank you, Commander. I didn't expect her to notice that rise at the end... Could it be that she really is...谢谢您，长官。没想到她注意到了最后的升调……难道说，她真的是……

TonyShe showed up right as we talked about her... Do such coincidences actually happen?我们刚聊到她你就遇到了……天底下不会真的有这么巧的事情吧？

TonyAre you sure you heard right?你确定你没有听错吗？

Centaureissi...I can't be sure, but I feel like this is the closest I've ever gotten to her.……我不能确定，但我感觉这是离她最近的一次。

CentaureissiAfter looking for all these years, I've found you at last, Vayne...辗转各地这么多年，终于找到你了吗，薇茵……

Chris has fallen asleep. Tony scoops him up and lays him on the bed in the other room.托尼将熟睡的克里斯抱回另一侧房间的床上。

Said room is little more than a space partitioned off by a curtain and a shabby door that is barely big enough to hold a folding bed.说是房间，不过是由窗帘和破门简单隔开的地方，勉强能容下一张折叠床的大小。

It might be too small for an adult, but it's just right for the 10-year-old Chris.对成年人来说这空间太过狭小，但对10岁的克里斯来说却刚好合适。

TonyWhy... did he have a look like that on his face...为什么……会露出那样的表情……

Tony recalls the smile on Centaureissi's face just now and lapses into thought. He saw an expression very much like that not long ago...托尼回忆起桑朵莱希刚刚脸上的欣喜陷入思考。在不久前，自己才见到过与那十分相似的表情……

TonySir, let me bind your wounds. Be patient and wait for Chris. I'm sure he'll bring a doctor back!长官，您的伤口再包扎一下吧。您耐心点等克里斯回来，他一定能找来医生的！

伊兹卡中尉...Sorry for bluffing you, Tony. I didn't actually send Chris off to find a doctor. Instead, I had him go pick up the Commander I was supposed to meet.……抱歉骗了你啊，托尼。其实我并没有让克里斯去找医生，而是拜托他去寻找找对接的指挥官。

TonyWhat, what kind of bad joke is that, sir? At this rate your wounds...!开、开什么玩笑，长官！这样下去的话你的伤……！

Izka doesn't say a thing. He simply moves his hand to tiredly peel open his uniform tunic, revealing the gore-stained vest below.伊兹卡中尉没有说话，他只是摆了摆手，费力地揭开被血牢牢粘住的衣服内衬展示给托尼。

TonyHng!唔！

Even though Tony doesn't have any medical knowledge, he knows the wounds under the Lieutenant's uniform are not the kind that can be treated.即使托尼没有医疗相关的知识，但他也清楚地意识到军装下的伤绝非可以通过治疗所挽回的存在。

伊兹卡中尉There aren't any more medical Dolls in the city... And all the friends who helped us before have all been shot or blown to bits.这座城早就没有医疗人形了……那些曾经帮助过我们的朋友，如今也倒在了炮火之中。

伊兹卡中尉...Therefore, rather than waste more time on a dying dog like me I'd rather find the Commander ASAP and make sure no more innocent lives get drawn into the conflict.……所以，与其在我这个垂死的家伙身上浪费时间，不如尽快找到指挥官，确保不让更多无辜的人卷入战争。

Lieutenant Izka tries to get up and look out the window, but his legs wobble and in the end he slumps weakly against the wall.伊兹卡中尉试图起身查看窗外，但一阵踉跄后最终还是无力地靠在了墙角。

As he looks at himself reflected in the glass, he laughs bitterly. The fighting and its toll have made a mockery of his severity.他看向镜中的自己不禁哑然失笑，战火与硝烟已经让他俨然变成了另一幅模样。

伊兹卡中尉Speaking of which... I haven't had you give me a shave for a while now.说起来……我已经很久没有让你帮我修过脸了啊。

伊兹卡中尉Are you still on the clock, Tony?托尼，现在还在你的工作时间内吗？

Tony...Only VIPs get 24/7 service. But for you, I can make an exception.……我只为VIP顾客提供全天候的服务。但如果是您的话，我愿意破一次例。

伊兹卡中尉Heh... lucky me, then.那还……真是令人感到高兴啊。

Tony opens up his bags and takes out the implements of his trade which he spent several hours packing, then heads over to the wall where the lieutenant is and begins to work with practiced skill.托尼将花了数个小时打包好的工具一一取出，来到墙角的中尉身旁，熟练地开始自己的工作。

TonySupplies of shaving foam were cut off during the early stages of the fighting... I hope you can understand.剃须泡早就在战争的初期就被切断了供给……关于这点还请您多担待。

As he begins carefully working on the lieutenant's face, Tony suddenly realizes that he hasn't looked closely at Izka for a long time.在为中尉一点点修整面容的时候，托尼忽然意识到自己已经很久没有认真看过伊兹卡的脸了。

The kid who was whining about being a soldier and asking for a shave is long gone, replaced by a stalwart soldier who's been through all kinds of fighting to defend his nation.那个嚷嚷着当上兵来找自己修面的毛头小子消失不见，取而代之出现在自己面前的是一位饱经战火捍卫国家的铁血军人。

As the thought crosses his mind, the hand holding his razor trembles, and he accidentally nicks Izka's face.想到这，他拿着刀片的手微微颤抖，一不小心划破了伊兹卡的面颊。

TonyMy apologies, sir! I hope I didn't hurt you!啊，对不起没弄疼您吧！

伊兹卡中尉Don't worry about it. Actually, this is the first time I've seen you mess up like that... Got something on your mind?不用在意。说起来，这还是我第一次遇到你失误啊……是有什么心事吗？

TonyI...我……

After seeing Tony clam up, Lieutenant Izka quickly changes the subject.见托尼沉默不语，伊兹卡中尉很快转换了话题。

伊兹卡中尉Oh yeah, Chris is a big fan of your skills... Once the fighting is over, could you give him a haircut?对了，克里斯他一直很憧憬你的手艺……等战争结束之后，能麻烦你帮他剪个头发吗？

Tony...Yeah, leave it to me.……嗯，交给我好了。

伊兹卡中尉I'll be counting on you... Maestro Tony.那就麻烦你了啊……托尼老师。

Lieutenant Izka's determined grin overlaps with Chris' innocent sleeping face, until they blend into the reality before his eyes.伊兹卡中尉那张刚毅的脸和克里斯天真的睡颜重叠，最终融为眼前的实景。

TonyChris... I haven't had the chance to keep my promise to your father...克里斯……我还没有机会实现和你父亲的约定呢……

TonyBut how do you see him now...不过，你又是怎么看待你父亲的呢……

克里斯Zzzzzz...呼、呼……

TonyForget it, I won't disturb your rest anymore.算了，不打扰你的休息了。

TonySweet dreams, kid.做个好梦，小家伙。

Tony gently pulls the blanket over Chris, then prepares himself to discuss Chris' safety with the Commander.托尼轻轻地为克里斯盖上毯子，转换心情准备去和指挥官聊克里斯的安危事宜。

What he does not know is that his muttering will receive a response soon enough.他不知道的是，自己的这份呢喃在片刻后得到了回答。

In the darkness, Chris opens his eyes and looks outside, at the roaring blizzard.一片黑暗之中，克里斯睁开了眼睛，看向窗外怒吼的风雪。

克里斯Dad... is a hero... He's a hero who gave his life to protect me...爸爸他……是个英雄……是为了保护我们献出生命的英雄……

克里斯Dad... Are you feeling cold now?爸爸……现在的你会冷吗……

Chris thinks of how his father ruffled his hair one last time before saying farewell, and the tears slowly roll down his cheek again.他想起父亲最后与自己摸头道别的模样，泪水再一次从眼角缓缓流下。

When nobody is looking, Chris quietly opens a window and sneaks out of the safehouse in the night.在无人注意的角落，克里斯悄悄打开了窗户，借着夜色从情报小屋溜了出去。

Hatred, resentment, longing... all kinds of emotions blend in his heart and help him forget the cold as he runs toward the city that echoes with sporadic gunfire...悔恨，不甘，思念……涌上心头的种种情感让他忘记了寒冷，奔向不时传来枪声的城中……

Professor(Clears throat) Well, time is getting short. We'd best contact the defenders' intelligence department ASAP.咳咳……时间不早了，我们需要尽快和守军的情报局取得联系。

CentaureissiIt's alright, Vayne. It doesn't hurt me.不用了薇茵，我不痛的。

CentaureissiI see... Then allow me to make the party preparations.这样吗……那派对的筹办事宜交给我。

Formless Hazard 未形之患

In the safehouse outside the city.城郊情报小屋。

The storm outside gets heavier and the chill gusts from outside seep into the safehouse through gaps in the window.窗外的风雪越来越大，呼啸的寒风从窗缝中渗进来。

Centaureissi is tuning the radar detector and her fingers are frozen solid.桑朵莱希正在调试雷达检测器，手指被冻得僵硬。

CentaureissiRegistering low indoor temperatures, Commander. Your jacket is thin. Please use mine to stay warm.屋内气温低，长官，您的外套单薄，可以披上我的外套保暖。

ProfessorI'm alright. Go check on Chris; kids are fragile and get sick easily.我不要紧，去看看克里斯吧，孩子身体弱容易生病。

CentaureissiYes, I'll go get him an extra blanket.嗯，我去给他加条毯子。

Centaureissi takes an old, threadbare blanket from a nearby closet and gently pushes open the door to the neighboring room.桑朵莱希从储物柜里拿出了一条陈旧的毛毯，小心翼翼推开隔壁房门。

Upon hearing the frantic movement and pacing from next door, a frisson of worry shoots through my heart.紧接着隔壁传来悉悉索索的响动和焦急的踱步声，我的心中升起一丝警觉。

Crash!哐当！

The door flies open and the girl with a blanket in her arms stands there, her face filled with panic.门被大力推开，怀抱毛毯的人形少女满脸焦急。

CentaureissiCommander, Chris is gone!长官，克里斯他不见了！

ProfessorWasn't he sleeping next door?克里斯不是在隔壁的小屋睡觉吗？

TonyYes! I put him to bed myself. He was sleeping soundly when I left him... Where did he go all of a sudden...是啊！我亲手把他抱到床铺上的，那个时候他还睡的很香……怎么一下子就不见了……

CentaureissiI looked in and around the safehouse, but there's no sign of him anywhere.隔壁小屋和屋外附近都找过了，根本没有人影。

CentaureissiI wanted to follow his footsteps, but the blizzard covered up everything and there's no way to tell which way he went.我本想根据脚印追踪调查，但风雪掩盖了他的踪迹，没办法确认他离开的方向。

ProfessorWhere would he go in this storm?这么大的风雪他会去哪里呢？

TonyCould the enemy have found this place and taken Chris away?是敌人发现了这里，偷偷把克里斯带走了？！

ProfessorThat's not too likely. If they knew where we were hiding, they could have just sent a force out to capture us. There'd be no need to kidnap a 10-year old boy.可能性不大。如果知道我们藏身于此，可以派遣部队直接搜捕，没有必要专门带走一个十岁的孩子。

Centaureissi recalls the hurt look on Chris' face when he heard his father's name while they were talking to Messenger Pigeon. She immediately thinks of the hair salon in the ruins.桑朵莱希回忆起先前与信鸽沟通情报时，克里斯听到父亲名字后悲伤啜泣的面孔。她的脑海中立刻联想起废墟中的理发店。

CentaureissiThe city...城内……

CentaureissiCommander, could Chris have gone back to "The Hands of Venus"?长官，克里斯他会不会回了“美神之手”？

ProfessorYou're saying... He went back to look for Lieutenant Izka?你的意思是……他回去找伊兹卡中尉？

CentaureissiThe lieutenant was his father, his only kin, the very last person in the world he'd want to leave behind... I can understand how he might feel.那是他的亲人，是他最割舍不下的存在……这种心情，我可以理解。

ProfessorLooks like we'll be heading back into the city, then.看来我们有必要回一趟城内了。

CentaureissiThat's too much of a risk for you. Allow me to search the city for Chris on your behalf.这样对您来说太冒险了，还是我代替您去城内搜寻克里斯的下落吧。

TonyWait, we went to such lengths to escape the city, and now we're serving ourselves up to the enemy on a platter?我们好不容易从城内逃了出来，再这么回去岂不是自投罗网？

The room goes silent. A moment later, Tony begins to speak.气氛突然沉寂了下来，半晌之后，托尼缓缓开口。

TonyLet me do it, Commander. You and Centaureissi should stay here and continue your infiltration.长官，还是我来吧，您和桑朵莱希继续留在这里执行潜入作战行动。

Professor...So you're saying you'll be going back into the city by yourself?……你的意思是要一个人返回城里？

CentaureissiThat's too risky. You're a civilian Doll, you don't have any combat modules and if you run into a capture squad in the city...这样风险太高了。你是民用人形，没有装载任何的战斗模块，真的和城里的搜捕队发生冲突的话……

TonyLike you said, I'm a civilian Doll. They won't be on guard against me.就像你说的，我是民用人形，他们对我不会那么警惕。

TonyIf I pretend to be a hairstylist returning from abroad and stick some hairdresser's tools in my suitcase, those soldiers should believe me.伪装成刚刚从外地回来的造型师，行李箱里装上一些理发器具，那些士兵总会相信的。

CentaureissiYou know how the military treats Dolls in wartime better than I do.你比我们更清楚战时军队对人形的态度。

CentaureissiEven if you're a civilian Doll, there's no telling what they might do to you in the name of "making full use of what's at hand".本着物尽其用的原则，就算你是民用人形可能也会遭遇不测。

Tony is not daunted by Centaureissi's words.托尼并没有因为桑朵莱希的话语而退却。

TonyThen... give me some of the ether from the first aid kit. I'll use it to protect myself.那……医疗箱的乙醚能给我一些吗，我带着它防身。

ProfessorThis is an actual combat zone you're walking into. Are you ready to fight?那可是真枪实弹的战斗。你真的做好应战的准备了吗？

TonyI... Please let me give it a try, Commander. Lieutenant Izka was an old customer of mine, and before he died, he entrusted his son to me...我……长官，请让我尝试一下。伊兹卡中尉是我的老顾客，他临终前把孩子托付给我……

TonyI couldn't keep my earlier promise to him. At the very least, I need to get this right.之前的约定我没能实现，不能连这最后一件事都做不好。

His eyes are sincere; I don't reply. Instead, I take off the communicator I'm carrying and place it in his palm.他的目光真诚恳切。我没有多说什么，只是解下自己随身携带的通讯器，放在他的手心里。

TonyThis is...这是……

ProfessorIt's a SIT communications terminal, suitable for long-range real-time transmissions. It's not secure like military intelligence communicators, but it's portable and easy to use.特种情报小组的通讯终端，适用于远程即时通讯，保密性没有军队专用的情报通讯设备那么强。胜在轻巧灵便可以随时沟通。

TonyYou're giving this to me? But then you...通讯器给我吗？那你们……

ProfessorCentaureissi has one more. This way, you can keep in contact with the safehouse.桑朵莱希手上还有一个，通过它你可以随时和情报屋联系。

ProfessorPlease focus on keeping yourself safe and contact us immediately if there's an emergency.请优先保证你自己的安全，遇到紧急情况务必第一时间向我们求援。

TonyYeah, I understand.嗯，我明白了。

The blizzard halts briefly, and the light of dawn shines through it. Both the land and sky are an expanse of white.大雪渐停，晨曦初现。天地一片苍茫的白色。

Tony leaves the safehouse with his tool case in hand. This time, he does not take the hidden alleyways, but picks the main roads where the capture squads are commonly sighted.托尼带着工具箱从情报屋出发，这次他没有选择隐蔽的小路，而是挑了搜捕队经常出没的街道前往城内。

That makes him easy to spot; if those madmen catch him, he'll have a hard time escaping.这么做很容易暴露自己，一旦那些疯子上来找茬就难以脱身。

TonyHowever, if there are more people around... There's a higher chance I'll find Chris, and I might even get to gather other information too.不过，人多的话……看到克里斯的可能性也更大，说不定还能搜集到其他的军机情报。

The snowstorm seems to have put out the fires of war within the city, and everything has ground to a halt with it. Barren and exposed rubble, blackened scorch marks, and the corpses of men lying on the ground bear mute testimony to the brutality that the enemy forces have inflicted on this place.城内的战火被大雪扑灭，似乎一切就此停歇。可颓败的废墟、焦黑的烧痕、将士们躺在地上的尸体依旧在控诉着敌军对这座城镇犯下的暴行。

Tony has lived in this little city for many years. He knows what it looked like in its heyday, which is why seeing it like this fills him with sorrow.托尼在这座小镇生活了多年，他清楚这里往昔繁荣的模样，也为现在的荒凉神伤。

In the distance, he spots a group of people approaching. The young man narrows his eyes and studies the uniforms of the newcomers.远处，一行人影相向而来，青年眯起眼睛看清了来人所穿的军装。

TonyHeh, why am I even trying to see who they are? The only people who'd walk proudly down the main roads are either stray animals or enemy forces.呵，倒也不用看得那么仔细，现在能大摇大摆走在街道上的除了流浪猫狗就只剩下敌方的军队了。

Worried that someone will follow his footprints back to the safehouse, he quickly stamps out his trail on the snowy ground before ducking into a nearby ruin.人形青年怕有人循着脚印锁定情报屋，连忙把自己留在雪地里的脚印踩乱。就近闪身躲入一处废楼。

????Oi oi oi, what happened to Baldy's squad? Weren't they supposed to be on patrol today? Only damn thing they know is how to slack off while we work ourselves to the bone...哎哎哎，秃子那个队今天又没来巡逻？真是会偷懒啊，不像我们每天累死累活……

They're an enemy patrol. Tony is close enough that he can hear them talking to each other.是敌军的搜查兵。由于距离很近，托尼可以听到他们的对话声。

敌军士兵1I heard they caught a kid today and just got done sending him off to the MPs.哪儿啊，他们队今天抓了个孩子，刚刚送回军营审讯去了吧。

敌军士兵2A kid? Hah, they're catching kids now that they can't catch spies.小孩……呵呵，现在是抓不到情报要员开始抓小孩邀功了。

敌军士兵1You think that's just an ordinary kid they caught? That brat's special.一般小孩能抓吗？这个小崽子可不一般。

敌军士兵2He's still crying for his mom and dad like all the others, right? Not like he's got six eyes and eight legs or something.还不是一样哇哇大哭，哭爹喊娘？也没见多长几个眼睛几条腿。

敌军士兵1That fucking brat is the son of Andrew Izka.那他*的可是那个安德鲁·伊兹卡中尉的崽子。

The revelation hits Tony like a thunderbolt. He trembles, then leans in closer to learn more.敌军交谈的内容犹如一道惊雷，托尼身体一怔，探身侧耳想听得更清楚一些。

敌军士兵1He ran over to his daddy's corpse to cry over him and even tried to fight us.他一个人在城里跑到他老爹的尸体前哭丧，还非要和我们拼命。

敌军士兵1Well, he's in for it now that he's been turned over to the interrogator. Hopefully he's got some sense, or he's going to have a really hard time.现在交给审讯官，有那个小崽子好受的。希望他能有点眼色，不然可就要受苦了。

敌军士兵2That guy could get confessions out of a stone. How much trouble could a kid give him?审讯官手段狠辣没什么他问不出来的，再说了一个毛孩子嘴能多硬。

Tony(Chris...)（克里斯……）

Tony(He's been captured and brought back to the enemy base... And he's going to be questioned too?)（克里斯被抓回敌营了……还要接受审讯？）

The capture squad slowly moves off into the distance. Tony does not bother following them.搜捕队渐渐走远，托尼没再跟上去。

TonyI need to contact the Commander ASAP and get them to rescue Chris. But...得赶快和长官联系，让他们营救克里斯。可是……

TonyAccording to those soldiers, Chris seems to have been taken for questioning.听刚刚那几个士兵的对话，克里斯貌似是被送去审讯了。

TonyHe's just a 10-year-old boy; there's no way he can take a beating from an interrogator.他只是个十岁的孩子，哪里能受得了残暴的严刑拷打。

TonyAnd besides, the enemy base is so big, there's no way the Commander and Centaureissi can tell where a tiny little questioning room is, so how could they even rescue Chris?再说了敌营那么大，长官他们怎么可能知道一个小小的审讯室在哪里，那又要怎么营救呢？

A bold plan hatches in Tony's mind...托尼脑海中冒出一个大胆的念头……

At the enemy camp on the outskirts of the city.城郊敌军军营。

Despite the clear skies, the air is still as chilly as ever. The soldiers manning the watchtowers spot an unknown object approaching from the distance and alert the sentries at the gate.天空放晴可寒意依旧不减。哨塔上的敌军士兵发现远处有不明物体接近，提醒门口巡逻的哨兵警惕。

The sentries think it's an attack from the city's defenders, but it turns out to be a pink-haired Doll that looks like a young man with an innocent, harmless smile on his face.哨兵原以为是守军来人袭击，不料远处走来的竟是一位粉发青年人形，他脸上挂着人畜无害的微笑。

敌军士兵1Halt! Who goes there?喂！站住！你是什么人？

TonyHello, Sir. My name is Tony Anthony, a hairstylist employed by your unit's colonel, here to help with his personal grooming.您好，长官，我是托尼·安东尼，贵军上校的御用发型设计师，过来帮上校修面。

敌军士兵1The Colonel asked you to come here? Do you have an entry permit?是上校叫你来的？有准入指令吗？

TonyEr... I had one... You know how things are, the Colonel's busy and doesn't have the time to worry about small fry like us.呃……之前有过……您知道的，上校最近忙于战事，没工夫理我们这些小人物。

敌军士兵1You had one? Which means you don't have one now? Then back the hell off! Where the blazes did you even come from, thinking you can get into our camp?!之前有过？那就是现在没有了，滚滚滚！哪儿来的杂碎，也想进军营？！

TonyBut, but sir!长、长官！

The enemy sentry is annoyed and shoves Tony, who stumbles to the ground with a pile of hairstyling tools.敌军哨兵眉头一皱狠狠推了托尼一把，托尼提着一堆理发工具失去平衡踉跄倒地。

Clatter...哗啦啦啦……

Bottles end up breaking in the fall and all manner of instruments are scattered over the snowy ground.瓶瓶罐罐碎了一地，各式各样的剪刀七零八落地散落在雪地里。

For the first time, Tony realizes just how kind the Commander from the safehouse was, compared to these vicious sentinels.托尼第一次感觉到，和门口这些巡逻的牛鬼蛇神比起来，情报屋的那位长官温文儒雅得多。

TonyLooks like not everyone is as nice as the Commander is.看来不是所有的“长官”都有好脾气。

Grumbling aside, it would seem he had been too naive. The original plan had been to sneak into the camp and find out where the interrogation room was, and maybe rescue Chris if he was lucky, but now, he has fallen at the very first fence.埋怨归埋怨，看来还是自己想得太单纯了。原本打算自己先混进军营打探审讯室的位置，运气好或许还能溜进审讯室保全克里斯，可现在计划的第一步就以失败告终。

Thunk!啪嗒！

A watch falls from his pocket and into the snow.一块手表从衣兜里滑落坠入白雪之中。

伊兹卡中尉(Coughs) If you're trying to get back to UAS during wartime, you'll need money for transportation and power.咳咳……兵荒马乱想要回环球万事服务，一路上交通、能源都要些钱。

伊兹卡中尉Take this watch... It's useless to me, so think of it a tip for today's consultation.这块手表你带着吧……它对我来说也没什么用了，就当是抵了今天修面的小费吧。

伊兹卡中尉Tony, please allow me to thank you once again for saving my life.托尼，请让我再一次谢谢你的救命之恩。

TonyThat's Lieutenant Izka's watch...伊兹卡中尉的手表……

TonyHeh, I can give the sentries the watch and bribe my way in... No, wait!呵呵，把它交给哨兵，能贿赂成功放我进去吗……等等！

敌军士兵1What the fuck are you still doing here, asshole? Are you deaf?怎么？还不快滚，聋了吗？

TonyActually, I had something to report directly to the Colonel... But since you don't want me around, it can't be helped.本来还有一些情报想要和上校直接汇报……既然长官不欢迎，那我也没办法了。

敌军士兵1Cheh... What the hell do you mean by that?啧……什么意思？

Tony gathers up his fallen bottles and dusts the snow off himself before slipping the sentry the watch.托尼把地上的瓶瓶罐罐捡起来，拍了拍身上的积雪。顺手递给哨兵那块手表。

TonyI got this off a defender officer's body.我之前从一个守军军官那里搞到了这个。

TonyHe was an old customer of my salon, and I learned some things about the defender's safehouses from him.他是我理发店的老顾客了，从他口中我听到了一些关于守军情报站的消息。

TonyNaturally, I want to tell the Colonel this myself. I'd be worried about it going through someone else.当然我需要亲口告诉上校这些消息，其他人代传的话我并不放心。

The sentry carefully studies the watch. Its carvings and designs are too complex for him to understand, but he recognizes the inscription on the back which states when its owner joined the army.哨兵仔细盯着手表看了一阵，太深奥的徽章、纹路他不懂，不过手表背后有关于参军纪念的描述文字他看得很清楚。

After verifying that Tony is just an ordinary civilian Doll, the soldier thinks carefully about it for a long time before annoyedly tossing the watch to Tony.在确认托尼确实只是普通的民用人形后，士兵来来回回思考了半天，终于不耐烦地一挥手把手表扔给了托尼。

敌军士兵1Fine, fine, fine, get your ass inside.行行行，进去吧。

TonyThank you, sir.多谢长官。

Tony smiles and tucks the watch into a pocket before entering the camp with case in hand...托尼笑眯眯地把手表揣进衣兜，提着手提箱走进了军营……

Once More Unto The Breach 履险蹈危

Some time ago.一段时间前。

Some of them are young, some of them are old. Some of them have faces filled with anger and indignance at their death, while others are merely resentful at their painful expiration.他们有的年轻，有的年老，脸上有血气方刚死而不屈的怒吼，也有悲痛悔恨无奈留下的不甘。

Chris' heart aches as he runs past these silent gravestones.克里斯怀着哀伤的心情从这些无声墓碑前跑过。

克里斯Dad... Dad...父亲……父亲……

Tears fill Chris' eyes. After circling around mounds of debris and evading pursuit, he finally finds himself in front of the hairdresser's.泪水在克里斯的眼中打转。在绕过层层障碍与追捕之后，他终于来到了理发店的门前。

克里斯DAD! (wails)父亲！呜呜呜呜！

Lieutenant Izka's face is unrecognizable, but the medals adorning his chest still shine defiantly.伊兹卡中尉的面容已无法辨认，但那胸前熟悉的徽牌仍散发着不屈的光辉。

Chris carefully removes the medal, then throws himself onto the blackened half-torso, unable to hold back his sorrow.克里斯小心翼翼地将它取下，随后猛地扑到那具焦黑的半截残躯之上，再也无法抑制住自己的悲伤。

Suddenly, a pair of strong hands grab him.就在这时，一双大手猛地将其擒住。

敌军士兵1Got you at last, you damn brat!臭小鬼，蹲了那么久终于*的蹲到你了！

敌军士兵2Shut the hell up and get him back to the base! My balls are freezing off!*！赶紧收工回去交差！**冻死我了！

敌军士兵1Why do we even have to capture this brat, anyway? We should just give him two in the back of the head and be done with it!这样一个臭小鬼有什么值得抓回去审问的必要吗？干脆直接毙了他得了！

敌军士兵2Hell if I know what the brass is thinking! Anyway, we don't have to like it, we just have to do it!鬼知道上头怎么想的！咱们就是执行命令的，别想太多！

克里斯Leggo! Hey! Leggo of me!放开我！唔！快点放开我！

Chris kicks and punches the soldier holding him as he tries to struggle free and escape, even biting his captor and clawing at him.克里斯挣扎着想要逃离，对着那个抓他的士兵一阵拳打脚踢，又撕又咬。

敌军士兵1Damn! This little shit's gone insane!*！这个家伙疯了！

敌军士兵2Settle the hell down you little brat!给我老实安静一点！

A gun butt thuds heavily into Chris' neck, and he goes limp. The soldiers tie him up and drag him back to the camp behind them.枪托的重击狠狠砸在克里斯的脖颈，他停下了挣扎，被士兵们捆住拖着带向了军营。

Beep-beep—嘀嘀——

Tony's face appears on the screen. He looks worried.托尼的视讯信息传来，屏幕上的他一脸焦急。

TonyCommander, something happened! I'm talking to you from the enemy base right now!长官，出现了意外情况！现在我正在敌军军营中和你们进行通讯！

Centaureissi and I exchange looks. I have a bad feeling about this.我和桑朵莱希对视一眼，不祥的感觉涌上心头。

ProfessorThe enemy base... Tony, what happened?军营……托尼，到底发生什么事情了？

TonyChris was captured by the enemy. According to the patrolling soldiers, soldiers watching Lieutenant Izka's body picked him up. He's in an interrogation room now.克里斯被捕了。听巡逻的敌军士兵讲，他是在伊兹卡中尉的尸体附近，被蹲守的敌军逮到了，现在被关在军营审讯室。

TonyI found a place without camera coverage and then I contacted you... What should I do next, Commander?我趁他们不备找了个没有监控的安全地方偷偷和你们联系……长官，接下来该怎么办？

CentaureissiCommander... We need to decide quickly.长官……我们需要尽快下决定。

CentaureissiIf we rescue him now, it might affect the upcoming infiltration operation, but Chris is in danger and...如果现在救援很可能会影响后面的潜入计划，但是眼下克里斯的处境危险，随时都可能……

Centaureissi is clearly torn between emotion and duty. Much as she wants to carry out her responsibilities as a soldier, she doesn't want to see that person who reminds her so much of Vayne vanishing before her eyes again.职责和情感让桑朵莱希的决策摇摆不定。她不想违抗军人的职责，但也不想看那和薇茵相似的身影再一次从自己眼前离开。

ProfessorI've memorized the plan and route. We can move up the start time with no problems.我已经将计划和路线熟读于心，即使提前展开行动也无妨。

ProfessorRelax, I'll take responsibility if HQ complains. Prepare for infiltration and rescue, Centaureissi.别担心，如果上面问责的话就由我来承担。立刻准备潜入救援，桑朵莱希。

Professor...I don't intend to let the Lieutenant down. You think so too, right?……我不想辜负中尉的愿望。桑朵莱希，你也是这么想的吧？

A gleam appears in the girl's eyes.少女的眼中涌现出一抹光亮。

Centaureissi...Yes, Commander! I'll get ready right now!……遵命，长官！我这就去做好战斗准备！

TonyWhat about me, Commander?长官，那我呢？

Tony seems uneasy on the other side of the screen.屏幕另一侧的托尼惴惴不安。

I know about the kindness in the depths of his heart, but the danger before us is not something that a civilian Doll like him can handle.我深知他内心深处的善良，但眼下的危险根本不是像他这样的民用人形可以涉足的。

Tony...Commander?……长官？

ProfessorTony, I would like you to act as you please going forward.托尼，我希望接下来你可以按照自己的意愿去行动。

TonyBut what does that mean, Commander? I don't understand!这、这是什么意思？长官，我不理解！

ProfessorRight now, you are not one of my men. You are just an innocent civilian Doll who got caught up in the fighting... As such, I have no right and no desire to order you to do anything dangerous.现在的你并不是我的部下，仅仅是一个被卷入战火的无辜民用人形……我无权也不愿命令你去做危险的事情。

ProfessorTherefore I leave the decision to you, Tony. No matter what you choose, it will not change my opinion of you.所以，我选择交由你自己判断，托尼。无论你做出怎样的选择，我都不会改变对你的任何看法。

The pink-haired Doll on the other side of the connection stares hard at me as he lapses into thought, and then he breaks into his trademark smile.通讯投影另一侧的粉发人形盯着我陷入沉思，随后露出自己最为招牌的笑容。

Tony...I hope your team's got space for a hairdresser on it.……希望您的队伍里留有专门给理发师设置的军衔。

ProfessorWe'll save you a slot.我会专门为你预留一个的。

Tony...Now that is welcome news. See you later, Commander.……那还真是一件值得高兴的事情。回头见，长官。

Beep—嘀——

Tony smiles and shuts off his communicator, silently rejoicing that the Commander did not see his trembling hands.托尼微笑着关闭通讯，庆幸没有让对方看到自己害怕颤抖的双手。

TonyI need to delay them and keep them from torturing Chris... I also need to buy the Commander and Centaureissi as much time as possible...必须要拖住他们对克里斯的拷问……即使只是为长官们争取一点时间也好……

TonyWait for me, Chris.克里斯，等着我。

Tony grabs his bag like a soldier holding his weapon and marches off to his own battlefield.托尼拿起自己的装备，像个手持武器的士兵那样，毅然决然地朝着自己的战场走去。

In the enemy barracks.敌军军营宿舍区。

The barracks haven't been like this in a long time. There are countless off-duty soldiers of all ages lined up in front of an ordinary dorm room. The occasional passer-by walking down the corridor turns in curiosity to look inside.军营里许久不见这样的场景，一间普通的宿舍门口围了许多休息的士兵，有年轻的也有年长的。从走廊路过的路人好奇地向内张望。

敌军士兵1Oi, what's going on?喂，这是干嘛呢。

敌军士兵2Log Branch managed to get a barber for us so we can get haircuts. If you want one, get in line.后勤处给找来的理发师，剪头发的。你要想剪得后面排队，按顺序一个个来。

The hairdresser with the brightly-colored hair amidst the crowd is now trimming the hair of an old soldier.人群之中发色艳丽的造型师正在给一位老兵修剪头发。

敌军士兵3Tch, Log Branch finally cleaned up their act. I haven't had my hair cut in two months. It gets in my eyes whenever I'm in the field.啧，抠门的后勤终于开窍了，我这头发都快两个月没剪了，打枪的时候都会遮住视线。

敌军士兵3This is the first time I've let a Doll cut my hair, and frankly speaking, you're really good at this.我还是第一次让人形给剪头发，说实话你手艺不错。

A contented smile spreads over the face of the veteran. As the clippers run over his head, his hair that is so long that it had to be tied up falls down the hairdresser's cape, lock by lock.老兵露出享受的表情。随着剪刀咔嚓掠过，他长到打卷的头发攒成毛球，一个个顺着理发围巾滚落到地上。

TonyYou flatter me. It's only natural that we treat frontliners the best. After all, you're the ones in the thick of it on the battlefield.谢谢您夸奖了，对前线的士兵服务自然要最周到，你们可是真的在战场上厮杀的人。

敌军士兵3Well, you would think of it that way. We've pinned the defenders in the city down to the point where they're powerless to resist. That's eased the pressure on us.也就你能这么想，现在城内的那帮守军被我们压制得无力招架，我们也能多点空闲。

敌军士兵3Our lives are mainly patrols or chasing down fleeing defenders.日常也就是巡巡逻，搜捕一下流窜的守军。

TonyHm? I think I saw someone bringing a boy back to the camp. Was he one of the defenders too?诶？今天我还看到有人绑着个孩子回来，那孩子也是守军？

敌军士兵3Yeah right. His dad was a lieutenant on the other side. Dumb punk's probably locked up in a questioning room until the interrogator can get to him.怎么可能，他爹是守军的一个中尉。那个崽子现在应该被关在审讯室等待审讯吧。

敌军士兵3There... He's in there.喏……就在那里。

Tony looks where the veteran is pointing. There's a shack radiating a menacing aura in the corner of the camp that sends shivers down Tony's spine.托尼顺着老兵手指的方向看去，一幢散发着危险气息的木屋正横在军营的角落，让托尼不由得打了个哆嗦。

敌军士兵3Seriously, that interrogator's an old pervert, he gets drunk and then tortures people in horrible ways!那个审讯官老变态了，是个喜欢用酷刑折磨人的老酒鬼！

Tony...So he hits the bottle hard, then?……原来审讯官喜欢喝酒啊。

敌军士兵3You have no idea, he's a regular old boozer. He doesn't even put the bottle down during interrogations, you have no idea how many problems that's caused!那可不，老酒鬼了！就连审讯的时候都酒不离手，因为这茬误事了好几回了！

敌军士兵3Worse still, he keeps eyeing our stuff! (Sigh) Looks like that bottle we just found and hid in the kitchen won't last until spring!更该死的是他还老盯着我们最好的酒喝！唉，看来厨房那瓶新搞来的好酒怕是藏不到春天咯！

TonyI see...这样啊……

A plan appears in Tony's heart. Upon realizing this, his hands move quicker; once he finishes, he makes an excuse to sneak into the kitchen...一个计划在托尼的心中浮现。想到这，他手上的动作变得迅速，在完成了理发工作后找借口潜入了厨房之中……

In the interrogation room.审讯室内。

Wreathed in alcoholic fumes, the interrogator holds a bottle in his hand and eyes the shackled boy.醉醺醺的审讯官拎着酒瓶子，紧盯着手戴镣铐的男孩。

审讯官Hic! Chris Izka... Is that it? Your mother... died three years ago from a severe illness. So you've been following your dad around... Lieutenant Andrew Izka.嗝！克里斯·伊兹卡……是吗？你的母亲三年前……死于重病。所以这些年一直跟着你的父亲……安德鲁·伊兹卡中尉。

审讯官...Hic! Your father was a real pain in the ass... We lost like... dozens of men to get rid of him, fucker took his fair share of people with him...……嗝！你的父亲是个难缠的家伙……为了除掉他，我们可能死了几十个士兵，死前还不忘拉点人给他垫背……

审讯官But that's the way things go, right?但是，这不风水轮流转了吗？

审讯官Before he died... Your dad apparently contacted Defender HQ. We're interested in knowing what he said.你父亲临死前……貌似和守军总部通讯过。我们对其中的内容很感兴趣。

Chris says nothing, only glaring angrily at the interrogator. The man chuckles and takes a swig from his bottle.一言不发的克里斯愤怒地瞪着审讯士兵。士兵呵呵笑了起来，拿起酒瓶狠狠灌了一口。

审讯官Hah, the last guy who eyeballed me like that got them gouged out and thrown into the snow.嘿嘿，上一个这么瞪着我的家伙已经被抠出眼珠丢到雪里去了。

He smashes the bottle he's holding and reaches for a fragment as Chris watches in horror.他把手中酒瓶一砸，随手摸了片玻璃直指克里斯瞪大的瞳孔。

审讯官Ah, his screams were great! I hope yours don't disappoint me...啊，那家伙的惨叫可真是动人！希望你的不要让我失望啊……

Knock knock knock—咚咚咚——

A series of hurried raps on the door interrupt the interrogator's excitement.一阵急促的敲门声打断了审讯官的兴致。

审讯官Who's the stupid bastard that's ruining my fun?!哪个***混蛋来打扰老子？！

An elegant male voice answers him.一个优雅的男声问候道。

??Greetings, sir. I'm the hairdresser sent by Log Branch. I was asked to attend to you today.您好长官，我是后勤处安排的理发师。按照要求今天过来为您修面。

审讯官Well, you can take a long walk off a short bridge! The further, the better!给老子滚蛋，有多远滚多远！

The interrogator grits his teeth in frustration and turns around, preparing to teach the person outside a lesson.审讯官无奈咬牙，气势汹汹地打开房门准备劈头盖脸教训外面的人一顿。

He is met by Tony, whose eyes are twinkling to match his ingratiating smile. He has a huge pile of haircutting tools outside and a bottle of champagne in his hands.发色亮眼的托尼满脸谄媚的笑，带着大堆的理发用具站在门外，怀里还抱着一瓶香槟。

TonyOh, and did I forget to mention that Log Branch sent me over with a bottle of champagne as a reward for all your hard work?长官，后勤处还让我特意带了瓶香槟犒劳您。

Upon hearing the familiar voice, Chris jerks his head toward the door.克里斯听到熟悉的声音，猛地抬头望向门口。

审讯官Oh, so they sent booze...哦，来送酒的啊……

The mention of alcohol causes the vicious look to fade from the man's face, and his initially suspicious gaze is now one of desire.听到酒，面色狠厉的男人神色略微放松下来，原本狐疑的目光也变成了单纯的眼馋。

审讯官Well come on in, then. Who knows what the hell those people in Log Branch are up to.进来吧，也不知道那些后勤的人每天在搞什么。

TonyArmy Logistics asked me to give the soldiers a haircut. As you know, the situation's been tense for the past few months and everyone's only just been able to catch their breath recently.军队后勤今天请我来为士兵们集体理发。您知道的，这几个月军队里作战紧张，现在刚刚能喘喘气。

审讯官Yeah, and there's a big op coming up soon... We haven't been able to rest properly these past few days.是啊，接下来又会有大动作了……这一天天的没个正经休息的时候。

The old drunk takes the bottle of champagne from Tony and soon becomes fascinated by it. While the man's attention is diverted, Tony winks to Chris and gestures to him to keep quiet.老酒鬼拿过香槟仔细端详，爱不释手。趁着他注意力集中在酒上，托尼向克里斯眨眨眼，比了个噤声的手势。

审讯官Not bad, they've got good taste in drinks...不错，挺会挑啊，是瓶好酒……

TonyThank you, sir. Now then, could you help me out regarding the haircut thing? I've got a quota to meet myself...多谢长官夸奖。那么长官，您看剪头发的事情能不能通融一下，我这边也是要完成任务的……

The interrogator is clearly unhappy, but in the end he signals for Tony to enter anyway.审讯官虽有不满，但还是摆了摆手示意托尼进来。

Tony soon has his tools laid out on the table and invites the other man to sit down on the uncomfortable-looking chair.托尼很快将工具在桌上摊开，邀请对方坐在那把看起来就不舒服的椅子之上。

审讯官Make it quick. I still have to question this punk after this.速度快点，刮完脸我还要继续审问这个小崽子呢。

TonyOf course, sir.好的，长官。

Tony lightly massages the man's face, and after he relaxes, he takes a towel out of the box he's carrying.托尼轻轻揉按着男人的满脸横肉，等对方精神放松下来之后，从随身携带的箱子中取出一块毛巾。

TonyAllow me to wipe your face with this hot towel.现在先给您用热毛巾敷一下脸。

审讯官Humph, you pro Dolls are different after all. Back in my day, all we had was water and soap...嗯，你们这些专业人形就是不一样，我们当初就是搞些肥皂水……

The warm, damp cloth touches his darkened skin. The interrogator is only semi-conscious, but his long years of experience immediately allow him to sense the different smell coming from the towel.温热的毛巾贴在黝黑的皮肤上。审判官虽半醉半醒，但长期的审问经验立刻让他注意到了气味的异常。

审讯官What the...?!什么……味道？！

TonyHrk!唔！

Tony does not panic just because he's been found out. He simply holds down the man's arms with his own to keep him from struggling while pressing the cloth tightly to the man's nose and mouth.托尼并没有因为突发的情况而乱了手脚。他一只手压制住对方的手臂避免挣扎，另一只手死死用毛巾捂住对方的口鼻。

审讯官Mmmff... Mfffff... Mf!呃……呜呜唔……唔！

The man's legs thrash in the air. Then, a moment later, they go completely still.男人的双腿在空中乱蹬，片刻之后，彻底失去动静。

Tony(Pants) I didn't expect the ether from the safehouse to be so useful.呼……呼……没有想到情报站里的乙醚这么管用。

The brief struggle just now was almost enough to overload his civilian neural cloud. After coming to his senses, Tony immediately moves up to Chris and frees him.刚刚的一番紧张操作几乎让他这个民用人形心智承压濒临上限，待托尼回过神，他迅速来到克里斯面前给他解绑。

克里斯Big Bro Tony, what are you doing here?托尼哥哥，你怎么会出现在这里？

克里斯Ow!哎哟！

Tony pinches Chris' cheeks in annoyance and sighs.托尼不满地捏了捏克里斯的脸蛋，叹了口气。

TonyI was chasing after you, of course... Look, I know you're sad about the Lieutenant, but you shouldn't...还不是因为你这个小家伙乱跑的缘故……我知道你因为中尉的事情而难过，但也不应该……

Tony can't go on after looking at the guilty expression on Chris' face.托尼看到克里斯后悔的表情没再说下去。

TonyEh, forget it. Not like it's going to help now, anyway.唉，算了，现在说这些也无济于事。

TonyI can't leave the same way I came in with you around. All we can do is hope that the Commander and Centaureissi rescue us soon...带着你没办法用相同的方法离开，只能寄希望于长官们快点来救我们了……

Winter nights are always long. The cold rays of the morning sun have only just pierced the cloud cover but are halted outside the high walls of the camp.冬季的夜总是漫长。冷冽的晨光好不容易穿过云层，却被拒绝在那军营的高墙之外。

These spiked walls are over a dozen meters tall, and they are the first obstacle to infiltrating the camp. Thanks to Centaureissi's grappling hook and optical camouflage, we managed to silently bypass it.这座十多米的带刺高墙通常是潜入军营的第一道障碍，但这次多亏桑朵莱希的爪钩绳索帮忙，借着光学迷彩的掩护无声潜入其中。

CentaureissiTony sent a set of coordinates. He said he found Chris and the two of them are in the interrogation room. They're safe for now.托尼之前发来了坐标位置，他说他找到了克里斯，现在两个人在审讯室，暂时没有危险。

ProfessorSend them a message. Tell them to stay put and not alert the enemy. We'll head over and meet up with them.发讯息让他们尽量呆在原地不动，不要惊动敌军，我们这就去找他们汇合。

CentaureissiYes, sir.是，长官。

CentaureissiShh! Someone's coming...嘘！好像有人来了……

Centaureissi senses the enemy approaching and doubles back, pushing me into a little storeroom nearby.桑朵莱希察觉到了士兵的脚步，反身带我藏入到一个小仓库之中。

Just as we finish hiding ourselves, several soldiers enter the warehouse and offload several cartloads of cargo and tools.我们前脚刚隐去身形，后脚就有几个军人进入仓库将装载货物的推车和工具都运了过来。

ProfessorAre they moving something into the warehouse?（是有东西要搬运到仓库了吗？）

敌军士兵AHurry up! Don't drag your feet... These shells are going to be shipped out soon.快点！别磨磨蹭蹭的……那些炮弹还等着家伙运呢。

敌军士兵BRelax, man, it's not like we can move such a huge batch at once.别催了，一下子这么大的量搬都搬不过来。

敌军士兵ACome off it, if you can't do it, they'll find someone who can. We wouldn't even have to use a clumsy reprobate like you if it wasn't because we can't drive the transport trucks into the armory.*的！你不干有的是人干！要不是运输车开不进军火库，谁会用你个废物啊，笨手笨脚。

敌军士兵BChill out, man, I'm moving it, aren't I? (Groan) Why did they have to expedite this operation, it's such a pain...急什么啊，我这不是在搬着吗。唉，说什么加急行动，麻烦死了……

The soldiers' grumbling gets my attention. After they leave, I stick my head out and check on the nature of the weapons they're moving.士兵的抱怨引起我的注意。待他们的脚步声远去，我探出头去，偷偷观察他们所搬运的武器究竟为何物。

CentaureissiCommander? What just happened? Why do you have that look on your face?长官？到底发生什么事了？您为什么会露出这样的表情？

ProfessorBecause the worst has come to pass.因为发生了最糟糕的情况啊。

I smile bitterly as I organize my thoughts and explain the situation.我露出苦笑，一边整理思路一边说出现状。

Professor...Looks like they're planning to level the city.……看起来，那群家伙打算对全城空袭。

The snow slowly melts under the sunlight, revealing the soldiers buried within the grass.白雪在初春的阳光下渐渐融化，露出下方草草掩埋的士兵。

ProfessorIf the rescue will affect any subsequent infiltration missions, then we'll just begin the infiltration now and work the rescue into the plan.如果救援会影响之后潜入敌营刺探情报的行动，那么我们就现在执行潜入计划，让救援也成为计划的一环。

Momentary Peace 瞬息之安

Time ticks slowly by, and Tony grows more and more anxious.时间一分一秒地过去，托尼内心逐渐变得焦急起来。

TonyWhy aren't the Commander and Centaureissi here yet? I don't know how much this amount of ether will last...长官们怎么还没来？这些剂量的乙醚不知能维持多久的效果……

克里斯Do... do you think something happened to them?们……们不会遇到什么危险了吧？

Chris' words interrupt Tony's uneasiness. He looks at the communicator in his hands and very nearly makes a call before finally deciding against it.克里斯的话语戳破了托尼的不安。他看着手上的通讯器犹豫再三，最终放下。

TonyI'm worried about them too, but we can't call them now. If they're hiding somewhere, it might end up being the death of them.我也很担心们，但是现在不能发起通讯。万一们正躲在什么地方，我们的操作只会害死们。

克里斯But it's been so long...可是都已经这么久了……

TonyShh—嘘——

There are sounds of movement from outside the door. Tony and Chris stop talking and nervously listen to them.门外依稀有人的声音，托尼和克里斯停止了对话，紧张地听着门外的动静。

敌军士兵AThe Colonel told me to find that interrogator who missed morning assembly... Man, is he still in there?上校让我抓那个错过早会的审讯官过去……*，那家伙现在还在审讯室吗？

敌军士兵BHe should be. A patrol brought a kid in this morning for questioning.应该在，早晨的时候有个孩子被巡逻兵送过来，说是要审问一下。

敌军士兵BBut considering he went in there with a bottle of beer... My guess is he fell asleep after torturing the kid.不过他是抱着酒瓶子进去的……这会估计把折磨的犯人晾在一边睡过去了吧。

敌军士兵ADammit! If he did fall asleep, we're all screwed!*！要是真睡过去可就麻烦了！

Knock knock knock...咚咚咚……

The speaker knocks on the door.说话的人在外面敲门。

敌军士兵ASir?! Are you in there?长官？！您在里面吗？

Tony holds Chris tightly. He remains silent, starting at the door to the room.托尼抱着克里斯，悄声叮嘱，双眼死死盯着那扇被捶动的大门。

TonyStay quiet, Chris. They'll leave once they're sure there's nobody here...不要出声，克里斯。他们确定没人了就会离开的……

克里斯Kay...嗯……

敌军士兵ASir! The Colonel's looking for you, please come to his office with us!长官！！上校有事和您商讨，麻烦您去一趟上校办公室！

Knock knock knock!咚咚咚！！！

The banging on the door grows louder and more frantic.捶门的声音越来越急，越来越响。

敌军士兵ASir?!! If you don't head over now, the Colonel's going to get mad!!!长官？！！您再不去上校可要发火了！！！

敌军士兵BThere's no point, man. He's so drunk that there's no way he'll hear us and if he really doesn't want to go he'll just feign ignorance. It's not like you can do anything about it... Forget it, bro. Let's just go.你这么敲没用，他喝得烂醉哪儿能听得到，而且如果真的不想去开会装死，你也拿他没办法……算了，兄弟，走吧。

敌军士兵A(Spits) Disgusting drunk!呸！真是个死醉鬼！

Crash!哐当！

The person outside kicks the door in frustration before leaving, hard enough that the wallpaper beside the metal door is jarred loose.外面的人临走前大力踹了一脚门，力道之大铁门旁边陈旧的墙皮都被震落。

The man lying unconscious in the interrogation room is awoken by the sudden noise. His head is aching, his body is numb, and he can barely move his arms.审讯室里昏睡的男人被这突然其来的巨响惊醒，头晕脑胀，身体麻木，只能稍微动动胳膊。

Tony moves quickly and presses the cloth on the man's face against his nose and mouth. But the ether is almost completely gone and it has little effect. As the man's head clears, he begins to struggle.托尼眼疾手快，把男人脸上的毛巾又捂到了他的口鼻处。可几乎挥发殆尽的乙醚起不到什么大的作用，男人的意识逐渐清醒，手脚拼命挣扎。

审讯官Mff— Mfffffff!!!唔——呜呜呜！！！

Thud!嘭！

Their struggle knocks the chair and Tony's tool bag over. He even manages to knock the communicator on Tony's arm loose.两个人在缠斗时弄倒了椅子，打翻了托尼的箱子，甚至连托尼戴在手臂上的通讯器也被男人拽了下来。

The dull thuds break the previous silence and draw the attention of the soldiers who had almost left.沉闷的碰撞声打破了原本安静的环境，吸引了刚离开的士兵的注意。

敌军士兵ASomething's wrong in the interrogation room!审讯室有异常！！

敌军士兵BSir!! Are you in there?审讯官！！！你在里面吗？

敌军士兵AStep aside!让开！

Bangbangbang! He takes aim at the lock and fires, utterly destroying it.砰砰砰！枪口都对准门锁一顿射击，门锁彻底被破坏。

TonyCrap! Chris, hide!糟糕！！克里斯藏好！！

克里斯Big Bro Tony!托尼哥哥！

As Chris yells, the two soldiers burst in, pointing their guns at Tony, who's still struggling with the interrogator.随着克里斯的尖叫，两个士兵破门而入，迅速将枪口指向和审讯官扭打在一起的托尼。

And then, in the nick of time, a familiar face appears behind them.就在这千钧一发的时候，熟悉的身影赶到出现在二人的身后。

TonyCommander!长官！！！

While the two soldiers are stunned by the sudden intrusion, I pop out from a blind spot in their vision and knock one of them out with a vicious strike to his neck.趁两个士兵回头愣神，我俯身从他们的视野盲区钻出，侧身猛击最近一人的颈动脉让其失去意识。

As the soldier keels backward, I kick him hard in the gut, sending him into his friend behind him and keeping him from bringing his weapon to bear.在士兵身体向后倾倒的同时，一脚猛踹他的腹部，让他重重撞上后方架枪无法闪避的同伴。

The other man is stunned briefly as the back of his head bounces off the ground; I punch him hard on the bridge of the nose three times, ensuring he won't be waking up anytime soon.随后利用他同伴后脑着地的短暂眩晕，对其鼻梁快速砸下三拳，确保对方短时间不会苏醒。

Seeing as Tony is still engaged in his own struggle, I grab the bottle of champagne on the table and bring it down on the interrogator's head, sending him to dreamland.看到托尼还在缠斗，我抄起桌上的香槟狠狠砸在这个酒鬼的头上，送他进入梦乡。

TonyCommander... that was a pretty expensive bottle of champagne...长官……这香槟还挺贵的……

TonyStill... Thanks for the help, Commander.不过算了……长官，谢谢你的帮助。

ProfessorCan you move?你还能动吗？

I reach out to help Tony up just as Centaureissi arrives.我伸出手将托尼扶起时，桑朵莱希恰好赶到。

CentaureissiCommander, I've investigated as you asked.长官，进一步的情报已经按照您的指示查明。

CentaureissiThese soldiers... Did you deal with them, Commander?这些士兵……长官，他们都是你解决的吗？

Professor...Yeah. Looks like I haven't gotten rusty yet.……嗯，好在身手也没怎么退化。

ProfessorWhere's Chris?克里斯在哪儿？

Just as I say that, a little head pops out from under the table.话音刚落，一个小小的脑袋从桌子下钻出来。

克里斯Commander, Big Sis Centaureissi... I'm here...长官，桑朵莱希姐姐……我在这里……

Centaureissi pulls Chris over and quickly inspects his body. Fortunately, he's fine beyond the bruise from being bashed on the neck.人形少女拉过克里斯，仔细检查着他身上的情况，不幸中的万幸，除了颈间被枪托砸出的淤青，克里斯身上没有什么伤痕。

CentaureissiThat interrogator didn't do anything to you, did he? Does it hurt anywhere?那个审讯官没有为难你吧，有没有哪里痛？

The look in Centaureissi's eyes is kind, and as Chris thinks about how he's caused so much trouble for everyone, the guilt overwhelms him and his eyes fill with tears.桑朵莱希目光温柔关切，克里斯想到自己的所做所为牵连了大家，内心愧疚不已，眼泪马上就要落下来。

克里斯I... I'm sorry, everyone...我……对不起大家……

CentaureissiYou don't have to apologize now. This place isn't safe; let's talk elsewhere.现在不用道歉。这里不安全，我们还是换个地方谈谈吧。

克里斯Mm... yeah!嗯……嗯！

Beside him, Tony quickly picks up his hairdressing implements.一旁的托尼手忙脚乱地捡拾着散落在地上的理发工具。

TonyCentaureissi, help me pick this stuff up! They're more precious than my life, I can't let them be lost here!桑朵莱希来帮我收一下工具！这玩意比我命还重要，可不能落在这里！拜托了！

Centaureissi...Understood.……我了解了。

The blond girl nods and gets busy too. As she puts them back in their place, she notices the papers and pens on the table out of the corner of her eye.金发少女点点头，也跟着忙碌起来。回头放置这些工具时，余光不经意瞟到地上散落的纸和笔。

CentaureissiShe was a kind and sympathetic girl, and she always treated me as part of the family, even going so far as to call me her big sister.她是个善良且富有同情心的孩子，在日常的点滴相处中一直将我当作家人对待，亲切地称呼我为姐姐。

CentaureissiVayne loved... she loved drawing. She would drag me to art exhibitions from a young age, where she would enjoy works from various artists.薇茵她……很喜欢画画。从很小的时候我就带着她逛画展，欣赏各个流派的艺术画作。

克里斯Ah, I like drawing too.啊，克里斯也喜欢画画。

ProfessorHehe, sounds like you and Vayne would have become friends if you'd met.呵呵，如果薇茵在的话一定能跟克里斯成为好朋友。

CentaureissiCommander, I'd like to take these things with me, if it's possible...长官，我想把这些东西也带上，可以吗……

After much running and hiding, we finally make it back to the safehouse outside the city.在经过一路的躲藏和奔波后，我们终于平安返回城郊情报屋。

...However, that's what puzzles me.……然而这正是令我感到奇怪的地方。

We spotted the enemies pursuing us several times along the way, but the strange thing is that nobody intercepted us. Even the safehouse's miniature radar didn't pick up anything fishy.途中我几次确认敌人的追击情况，但奇怪的是沿途并没有敌人拦截我们。甚至连情报屋内的微型雷达信号接收设备也没有呈现任何异常。

CentaureissiCommander... Something's not right. Our escape went too well...长官……情况似乎不太对劲。我们的逃脱未免太过顺利了……

ProfessorYeah, I think so too. There's no way the enemy didn't notice what happened in the interrogation room after so long.嗯，我也感觉到了。那些敌人不可能这么久都没有发现审讯室的异常。

Centaureissi indicates the radar image.桑朵莱希指着雷达上的影像。

CentaureissiThere's no change in the enemy numbers of their patrol routes... Not only that, they didn't send any messages to their friends in the city either...敌军的人数和巡逻路线都没有发生改变……不仅如此，他们也没有向城内的同伴发出信号……

ProfessorIf they didn't do anything, then the enemy's up to something. We can't relax while the situation is still unclear.当前没有行动，那恐怕是敌军有其他的安排。在情况不明确前我们还不能放心。

CentaureissiDon't worry, Commander. I'll keep an eye on the safehouse's surroundings. If this location is exposed, we can relocate up the mountain ASAP.长官放心，我会时刻警惕情报站周围的动向，如果这里暴露，我们可以尽早向附近的山上转移。

Professor...Yeah. We should focus on the more important things instead. Oh yes, about Chris' injuries...……嗯。先把精力优先集中在更重要的事上吧。对了，克里斯的伤……

CentaureissiMm, let me take care of them. Come here, Chris.嗯，我来处理吧。克里斯，过来。

He nervously walks up to Centaureissi. The uniformed maid has a keen look in her eyes and a stern look on her face as she raises her hand.被叫到名字的男孩战战兢兢来到面前。面带威严的军服女仆目光锐利，高高举起手臂。

Chris knows that his rashness put everyone in danger, and he closes his eyes as he awaits his punishment.克里斯知道自己的莽撞害大家涉险，紧张地闭上眼睛等待处罚。

But the slap he expects does not come. Instead, the cool sensation of ointment being applied comes from his wound and soothes his pain.但预想中的巴掌并没有落下。药膏的清凉感从伤口处传来，缓解了他的疼痛。

克里斯Big Sis... Centaureissi?桑朵莱希……姐姐？

CentaureissiGood, there's no damage to the muscle or bones. It's just an ordinary bruise, so you should get better after applying the ointment.没有伤到筋骨，只是一般的淤青，涂抹药膏之后很快就会好了。

克里斯You're not going to punish me?不处罚我吗？

Centaureissi...Why would I punish you? It's only natural for you to miss your father.……为什么要责怪你呢？思念自己的父母是人之常情。

CentaureissiI found this in the interrogation room. I guess you went back to the city to retrieve it.我们在审讯室找到了这个东西。想必你一定是为了拿回它才跑回城内的。

克里斯Is that... my father's medal?这是……父亲的徽牌？

CentaureissiDon't lose it, okay?可别再把它弄丢了。

Chris can't keep up his facade of strength anymore. He collapses into Centaureissi's arms and weeps into her chest.克里斯再也无法维持住表面的坚强。他扑进桑朵莱希的怀里，泪水扑朔落下。

克里斯(Sobs) Dad... Dad...呜呜呜……父亲……父亲……

Tony moves up behind Chris and gently pats him on the back in a soothing way.托尼来到克里斯的身后，轻拍他的背试图安慰。

TonyLieutenant Izka's greatest wish was to take you to see that patch of daisies when they bloomed.伊兹卡中尉生平最大的愿望就是想带你去看一眼那曾经雏菊盛开的田野。

TonyThat was where he met your mother, and also when his happiness began.那是他和你的妈妈相遇的地方，同时，也是一切美好的开始。

Tony...Since he entrusted you to me, then I'll help make his wish of taking you to see the daisies come true.……既然他把你交给我来照顾，那这份带你看雏菊的心愿我也会一并替他实现。

TonySo don't run off by yourself again, okay?所以，下次不要一个人乱跑了啊。

克里斯(Sniffle) Okay...唔嗯、嗯……

CentaureissiChris, I have something for you.克里斯，还有一个东西要送给你。

Centaureissi takes the pen and papers she took from the camp and places it in his hands.桑朵莱希取出之前从军营里带走的笔和纸交到克里斯的手上。

克里斯W-What's this?这、这个是？

CentaureissiYou told me you like drawing earlier, so I got this for you before we left the enemy camp.之前你和我说过自己喜欢绘画，所以从敌营离开的时候就带上了这些。

Centaureissi dabs away the tears on Chris' face as she explains herself.桑朵莱希一边解释，一边替克里斯拂去脸上的泪水。

CentaureissiVayne once told me that drawings can describe different feelings from words.……薇茵曾经和我说过，绘画能够表述出和语言不同的情感。

CentaureissiIf there's anything you want to tell the Lieutenant, perhaps you could try putting it in picture form.如果你有什么想要传达给伊兹卡中尉的事情，不妨用纸和笔将它绘制而出。

Chris accepts the paper and recalls his father's face.克里斯接过纸笔，回想起记忆中父亲的容貌。

伊兹卡中尉Come on, give me a smile, my little daisy.嘿，再笑一个吧，我的小雏菊。

克里斯Dad...父亲……

He wipes his tears away and reverts to the 10-year old boy he used to be.他擦干泪水，重新变回了那个十岁的孩子。

克里斯Big Sis Centaureissi, I, I want to show everyone the most beautiful thing in my heart.桑朵莱希姐姐，我，我想把我心里最美的景象画出来给大家看。

CentaureissiI'm looking forward to it, Chris.我很期待，克里斯。

Desperate Ground 舛错绝境

Creak—the door opens. Centaureissi hands me a cup of warm water and some recently opened biscuits.吱呀——门开了。桑朵莱希拿着一杯温水和刚拆开的饼干递给我。

CentaureissiCommander, your multiple consecutive all-nighters have taken their toll on your body. Please take a break.长官，连续通宵对您的身体造成了很大的负担，您稍微睡一下吧。

ProfessorThank you for your concern, Centaureissi, but I'm fine. Oh yes, have Tony and Chris rested yet?谢谢你的担心，桑朵莱希，我没事的。对了，托尼和克里斯休息了吗？

I take the cup from her. Its warmth seems to alleviate my fatigue and after the sleepiness is gone, I continue staring at the radar monitoring screen.我接过水杯，浑身的疲惫似乎被暖意冲淡了，困意消除后我继续盯着雷达监测屏幕。

CentaureissiYes. Chris just fell asleep and Tony is with him now.嗯，那孩子刚刚睡下，现在托尼正陪在他的身边。

CentaureissiYou should get some rest too, Commander. A string wound too tight will snap.长官也适当地放松一下吧，弓拉得太紧，弦可是会绷断的。

ProfessorSomething just bugs me, though...可我还是有点不放心……

CentaureissiI've checked our surroundings repeatedly as per your instructions. There are no enemy units nearby.按照您的吩咐我再三确认过了，附近范围内没有敌军出没。

Professor(Sigh) Maybe I've been too on edge recently.呼……可能是最近太疲惫有些神经过敏吧。

I rub my temples and try to relax. Hopefully, all my worrying was for nothing.我揉揉太阳穴，让自己尽量放松。希望我一切的担心都是多余的。

ProfessorIn that case, we should contact the defenders and report the current enemy movements to them. Any hesitation might mean danger.既然这样我们尽早联系守军情报员，向他们同步敌军当前的动向。多一分犹豫就多一分危险。

CentaureissiUnderstood.明白。

Once again, Centaureissi helps me contact the defending forces.桑朵莱希再次帮我与守军情报站取得联系。

系统This is Public Search Channel 8766, a lighthouse pointing the way home for lost exiles in times of war. Leave the information of the missing person and we will spread it over the channel for you. May you be reunited with your loved ones soon. Please leave your message after the beep.8766公共寻人频道，为战乱中的流亡者提供回家的灯塔。留下失踪者相关信息，我们将在频道为您发布，愿您的亲人能早日与您团聚。请在嘀声后留言。

ProfessorThe letters and wine for the soldiers must be packed separately, because the letters might not necessarily find their recipients, but the wine will.寄给士兵的信和酒要分开装。因为信不一定能找到它的主人，但酒一定能。

系统Message received. Now transferring you to an assistant.已收到您的留言。为您转接专员服务。

36号信鸽Order acknowledged by Messenger Pigeon 36...36号信鸽收到指令……

I push the radar receiver away to avoid electronic interference.我把雷达信号接收器往远推了推，避免电波干扰。

36号信鸽Greetings, Commander. Are things going well on your end?您好，指挥官。您这边的行动还顺利吗？

ProfessorWe managed to infiltrate the enemy base and have returned to the safehouse.特种情报小组刚刚完成敌营潜入，现已平安返回情报屋。

ProfessorOur investigations revealed an unusual situation, which we need to report to HQ.经调查，我们发现了一些异常情况，需要向总部汇报。

36号信鸽Messenger Pigeon 36 copies. Beginning recording now.36号信鸽明白，现开始记录。

ProfessorWe discovered large quantities of shells and explosives in their armory.我们在敌军营地的军火库内发现了大量的炮弹。

ProfessorRecent enemy movements have been quite unusual. They are performing inspection and maintenance on their launchers and generally preparing them for operation.目前敌军的动向较为异常，炮塔等各种发射装置也正在进行行动前的检查维护。

ProfessorIt is surmised that the enemy will conduct a large-scale missile strike on the city soon.可以推测，敌军将在近期对城内进行大规模空袭。

Pigeon No. 36 is silent for a moment.通讯另一头的36号信鸽陷入迟疑。

36号信鸽...That was quicker than expected. It seems the enemy's patience has reached its limits.……比预想的还要快，看来敌方的耐心已经快到极限了。

36号信鸽Commander, HQ has news for you too.长官，总部也有信息要传达给您。

36号信鸽Recently, the stalemate in the neighboring city was broken. The neighboring forces intend to conduct a sweeping advance to capitalize on their victory, and once they wipe out the enemy, they will be able to redeploy part of their forces to support us.不久前邻城僵持的战局出现扭转，当地部队准备乘胜追击，一旦邻城的军队剿灭敌军，就可以分出部分兵力对我城作战进行支援。

36号信鸽The increased tempo of enemy attacks on this city is largely due to the defeats they are suffering in the neighboring city. Right now, we need to preserve our forces and hold out until we can meet up with our reinforcements.城内敌军加紧攻势很大程度上是因为邻城战局失利给了作战压力。现在，我们需要最大限度的保存有生力量，坚持到与援军汇合。

ProfessorThere are still some civilians in the city which haven't been evacuated yet... Can we guarantee their safety?城内还有一些未疏散的平民……我方能够保障他们的安全吗？

36号信鸽We'll inform the local forces to open Shelter No. 8 in the Western District. It has adequate food, water, and warm clothing, so providing for the civilians in the short term should not be a problem.我们会尽快通知军方打开城西郊区的8号避难所，里面日常储备了粮食、饮用水还有保暖衣物，短时间的庇护应该不成问题。

36号信鸽Also, there are several guerilla squads based near the shelter, so they'll provide information about the shelter's surroundings. You don't have to worry about that.另外，避难所附近驻扎着一些游击队伍，会时刻警惕避难所的情况。这点请您放心。

ProfessorYeah. Centaureissi and I will give all the support we can. In addition, there is one more thing I need to share...嗯，我和桑朵莱希也会全力协助。此外，有一件事情需要同步……

ProfessorOn our way out, we were not pursued by the enemy...我们本次潜入行动撤退时，并未遭遇敌人追击……

Beepbeep—嘀嘀——

The radar receiver beeps loudly, indicating that something is wrong.雷达信号接收器发出刺耳的蜂鸣声，提示警惕异常状况。

系统Anomalous concentration of moving contacts detected, anomalous concentration of moving contacts detected...监测到大量移动目标异常聚集，监测到大量移动目标异常聚集……

ProfessorCrap!糟了！

36号信鸽Is your situation... $^%&%*... Beep—情况异常……#@￥%%￥……嘀——

The transmission suddenly cuts off!通讯信号戛然中断！

ProfessorI'm picking up a spike in the number of enemy forces around the armory and the artillery emplacements! The enemy might be making a move soon! Centaureissi, figure out a way to contact defender intelligence!军火库和炮塔附近的兵力突然增多，敌人可能开始行动了！桑朵莱希，想办法再次和守军情报员联系。

Centaureissi tries to adjust the frequency and restore communications multiple times as the shrill alarms go off, but her face is grim after repeated failures.尖锐的报警声下，桑朵莱希重新调节频段试图恢复通讯，多次失败后面色凝重。

CentaureissiIt's no good. Even after changing frequencies I still can't connect.没有用，更换通讯频段后还是联系不上。

CentaureissiCommander, it seems Messenger Pigeon's signal... may have been intercepted.长官，信鸽的通讯信号……被截获了。

The disturbance awakens Tony, who hurries in from where he was resting next door.震响声惊动了在隔壁房间休息的托尼，他慌张地跑出来。

TonyWhat's wrong, Commander?!发生了什么事，长官？！

KABOOM!!!轰！！！

An explosion thunders out from afar, shaking the entire wooden shack.剧烈的爆炸声在远处响起，整个木屋都跟着震颤。

My heart sinks. The radio signal detector shows people gathering around the artillery emplacements, and I can see coils of black smoke rising from the city through the gaps in the boarded-up windows.我内心一沉，雷达信号接收器的屏幕上显示着不断有人向炮台聚集，透过木窗的缝隙，俨然可以望见城内升起的袅袅黑烟。

CentaureissiWe miscalculated; their target isn't the inner city region, but...失算了，轰炸的目标本身就不是整个内城，而是……

Professor...The defenders' intelligence center.……守军的情报站。

ProfessorThe enemy found us. It wasn't that they didn't know what we were doing, but that they let us come back to bring in a bigger fish.我们的行动被敌军发现了，他们并不是没有觉察我们的行动，只是故意放我们回来，放长线钓大鱼。

ProfessorThey used us to pick up on the defenders' comm signal and lock onto the hidden intelligence center.通过我们拦截守军通讯信号，锁定潜藏情报站的位置。

CentaureissiThis is bad...不好……

CentaureissiWe need to find some way to contact Vayne; there are still a lot of defenders inside the city!我们得想办法通知薇茵，城内还有那么多守军！

ProfessorIt's too late for that now; we need to save ourselves first!现在已经来不及了，先顾好自己再说！

ProfessorLet's get Chris and figure out a way to escape!带好克里斯我们先想办法逃出去！

BOOM!轰！

The next explosion hits much closer to our little safehouse and the violent impact nearly knocks me off my feet. Centaureissi hurries over to help me up, but I shout at her instead.这次的轰炸地点离小屋近了很多，地动山摇间我的身体一个趔趄，差点摔倒。桑朵莱希赶忙扶住我，我大吼一声。

ProfessorGO NOW!快走！！

The blonde girl bites her lip before picking up her rifle and dragging me outside. Tony turns around and emerges from the bedroom with a confused Chris in tow.金发少女倔强地咬着下唇，提起步枪拉着我向外冲。托尼转头将在卧室内迷茫惊慌的克里斯抱了出来。

After we rush out of the safehouse, we look back. The flames from the city claw at the heavens as thick plumes of smoke reach into the sky... However, we don't have the time to worry about all this, because in the next moment—冲出小屋的时我回头遥望。城内火光冲天，浓烟滚滚……然而我们完全没有心情顾虑这些，因为下一刻——

KABOOM!!!!轰隆！！！！

The sound of an explosion rings in my ear, and I reflexively move to shield Chris and Centaureissi with my body. Before I can reach them, the powerful shockwave sends me sprawling to the ground.爆炸声在我耳边响起，本能地用身体挡住克里斯和桑朵莱希，还没来得及伏倒，强劲的冲击力将我掀翻在地。

ProfessorUgh!唔！

My head hits the ground hard and I almost pass out from the pain as blood blurs my vision.脑袋重重磕在瓦砾上，强烈的钝痛使我几近昏厥，任凭鲜血模糊了我的视野。

In the distance, I can vaguely make out armed soldiers rushing towards us... However, my condition is so bad that all I can make out is a vague blur.远处，依稀有扛着枪的士兵向我们奔袭而来……然而现在我的状态糟糕，只能看个大概。

CentaureissiCommander!!!长官！！！

ProfessorGet... Get to cover!躲……躲起来！！

I ignore my body's discomfort and haul everyone over to the nearby ditch, hunkering down and watching every move our unwelcome guests make.顾不上身体不适，我拽着大家躲进附近的排水沟渠，伏低身体关注着不速之客的一举一动。

敌军士兵1Is this the place?是这儿吗？

敌军士兵2Yeah, this is it! The signal from the intelligence center came from here.没错就是这儿！刚刚守军情报的信号发出地就是这里。

敌军士兵1Man, just look at that crater... if there was anyone here, they'd probably been blown to bits.爆炸威力那么大，怕是早炸成碎尸块了吧。

敌军士兵2That might not be the case. Remember that we're dealing with that "Commander" here.那可不一定，那可是那位“长官”。

敌军士兵2You know about them, right? They were supposedly dead, but then they showed up on the battlefield again and snuck into the base like a ghost...你知道的吧，之前明明没了气息，后来又在战场上出现，跟幽灵一样潜入军营……

The safehouse is in ruins, and the fire left behind by the explosion is still burning. Capture squad troopers search the wreckage in pairs and trios to find any survivors.情报小屋已成废墟，爆炸后的烈焰还在持续燃烧。三三两两的搜捕队成员端着枪正在检查每一处残骸。

CentaureissiWhy now, of all times...偏偏是这个时候……

ProfessorThis was clearly a planned attack. After our plan to rescue Chris was leaked, the enemy somehow learned we would contact the defenders from this safehouse.这明显是有预谋的攻击。在我们的救援行动泄露后，敌军从某种途径得知了我们会在城郊木屋与守军联系。

ProfessorAfter that, they had people intercept the intel center's signal and used it to triangulate the intel center's exact location.在这之后，他们派人拦截了情报通讯信号，获悉了守军情报站的具体位置。

CentaureissiBut the mini-radar said everything was fine. We shouldn't have been spotted by the enemy... So how did the information get out?但是微型雷达显示正常，应该没有被敌军发现……到底是什么原因让我们的情报屋暴露了？

TonyNo way...不对……

Tony recalls scattered scenes from his struggle in the interrogation room. Apparently, something had been taken from him when he was grappling with the interrogator.托尼脑海中有一些零散的片段，他记得自己在和那个审讯官打斗时好像有什么被拽了下来。

The cold wind blows, and his hands tremble. He finally realizes what went wrong.寒风吹过，手腕上一阵冰凉。他终于意识到了问题的所在。

TonyOh no! The communicator you gave me is gone!糟了！通讯器、通讯器不见了！

TonyI... I lost it! It was in the interrogation room...我、我把通讯器给弄丢了！在审讯室里……

Professor...Did you lose it during that fight back then?……是在审讯室扭打的时候弄掉的吗？

I close my eyes and sigh.我微微合上眼，叹了口气。

ProfessorWell, there's no point blaming each other now. We need to deal with the problem at hand.现在纠结原因没什么用，我们必须化解眼下的危机。

TonyIt's my fault... I did this to everyone...是我的错……我害了大家……

Tony trembles uncontrollably as regret floods his neural cloud. Chris pulls on his sleeve to try and snap him out of it.懊悔感冲击着他的心智，托尼整个人不住地颤抖，克里斯拽了拽他的衣脚想让他回神。

The pink-haired Doll looks down at the dirty hands tugging on him and he is filled with mixed feelings.粉发人形注视着脏兮兮的小手，内心五味杂陈。

Before he can ponder the matter further, the members of the capture squad in the distance soon sense the disturbance over here and take our position with gunfire.容不得多想，远处的搜捕队很快觉察到这边的动静，不由分说直接进行扫射。

敌军士兵1I see bloodstains... They're headed that way!!! Over there!!!有血迹……朝那边去了！！！在那儿！！！

敌军士兵2In the ditch!!! They're in the ditch!!!排水沟！！他们躲在排水沟里！！！！

Dakkadakkadakka...哒哒哒……

Bullets rain down on the ditch and the heavy suppressive fire leaves us completely unable to move. Meanwhile, the enemy is drawing closer and closer...子弹连续不断向排水沟射击，我们被强大的火力压制完全不能动弹。而敌人离我们越来越近……

CentaureissiThis is bad, Commander, we can't escape...这样不行，长官，我们跑不掉的……

CentaureissiYou, Chris, and Tony should run together. Take this.您和克里斯、托尼一起撤离，带上这个。

Centaureissi takes off her optical camouflage module and hands it to me. Her face is grim and determined.桑朵莱希把光学迷彩脱下丢给我，神色果决。

CentaureissiWhile I don't know how many of them I can take out, I'll stay behind to cover your escape and buy you time to retreat.虽然不知道自己能清理多少，但我留下来断后，尽量为你们的撤退争取时间。

ProfessorCentaureissi!桑朵莱希！

CentaureissiDon't worry, Commander. I'll catch up with you after I deal with them.在解决掉他们之后我会尽快跟上您，请长官放心。

TonyBut if you stay behind, you'll die!可是现在留下就只有死路一条！

CentaureissiIt's alright. Even if they try to force their way into my neural cloud to mine it of information, I'll make sure I format myself before I crash.放心吧，就算他们想强行接入我的心智获取情报，我也会在宕机前将自己格式化。

CentaureissiAs long as Commander survives, we have a chance of winning this and this city will have a future.只有长官活着，战争才可能胜利，这个城镇才有未来。

TonyYou...你……

Centaureissi ignores Tony's words. Her expression is resolute.戎装少女没有再听托尼的劝导，神情坚定。

CentaureissiThe way ahead is difficult, but I believe the Commander can guide you through it. I will be praying for you.前路艰险，我相信长官一定能逢凶化吉，桑朵莱希在心中为您祈祷。

She turns to me and executes a crisp salute.她向我严肃地敬了一个礼。

CentaureissiPlease take care, Commander.请您保重，长官。

Centaureissi has chosen for me, and given the circumstances, her decision is the right one.桑朵莱希已经替我做出了抉择，眼前的形势下，她的选择无疑是最正确的。

By doing so, she will save the most lives with the least sacrifice. The cruel calculus of warfare does not allow for the uncertainty and irrationality of emotions, only the simple arithmetic of loss versus gain.以最少的牺牲保全最多的有生力量。战争之中所做的抉择，没有情绪的舍与不舍就只有最简单的利弊判断。

Although resentment churns in my heart, although my eyes burn, I grit my teeth and take the camouflage module from her.心中隐约的郁闷无处发泄，眼睛酸涩，我咬牙接过光学迷彩。

ProfessorYou take care too.也请你保重。

Centaureissi takes up her battle-scarred G36, rushes out of the ditch and plunges headlong into the enemy.桑朵莱希端起那把久经战场的G36，冲出了排水沟，义无反顾地奔向敌人。

CentaureissiRUN!!快走！！

I grab Chris and activate the camouflage, running through the smoky ruins as Tony trails behind me.我抱着克里斯披上光学迷彩，隐匿身形在硝烟废墟中穿梭，托尼紧跟在我身后。

As we put the ruins of the safehouse behind us, the sounds of gunfire gradually fade from our ears.一行人离木屋废墟越来越远，耳畔的枪炮声也逐渐微不可察。

ProfessorCentaureissi...桑朵莱希……

I open my hands and see that the thread of her fate is no longer in my hands and the mistakes of the past are slowly erasing her from this world...摊开掌心，人形少女命运的丝线已经不在我手中，过去的失误正在将她从这个世界一点点擦除……

Frosted Wings 霜翼碎折

In the city square.城市中心广场。

The sound of gunfire fills the air as the intensity of the battle heats up. Centaureissi takes cover behind a piece of rubble and tries to seize an opportunity, but the number of enemies nearby keeps rising and the situation becomes extremely difficult.枪声密集，战况焦灼。桑朵莱希躲在掩体后尝试夺回进攻节奏，可附近作战的敌军数量不断攀升，情况变得异常艰难。

CentaureissiThe Commander and the others are heading toward the outskirts. In order to keep everyone safe, I have to lure the enemy deeper into the city.长官他们向城外转移了，要保证大家的安全只能把敌人引向城内。

CentaureissiHowever... If the enemy forces inside the city and the capture squads outside the city link up, there'll be more people to encircle us.只是……城内敌军和城外搜捕队汇合，围捕的人最终会越来越多。

Pewpewpew...哒哒哒……

Bullets mercilessly sweep her position. Centaureissi can only stick her head out for a moment to confirm her target's location before being forced back into cover.子弹无情地扫射过来，桑朵莱希侧身探头，刚锁定目标就被枪林弹雨逼退回去。

CentaureissiNot good, I can't return fire. There's got to be another way.不行，无法发动反击。要想个办法……

The enemy had not expected their opposition to be such a tough customer. A grenade is extracted, its safety pin is pulled and it soars through the air and into Centaureissi's hiding place.敌人未曾想到自己的对手会如此难缠，拔出手雷保险，径直抛向桑朵莱希的藏身处。

Centaureissi is forced to reposition to avoid it. She rushes behind another obstacle like a loosed arrow.桑朵莱希迫不得已闪身撤离，利箭一般利落地跃入另一个掩体后。

Upon seeing that this tactic is effective, the enemies start lobbing grenades at her new hiding place.眼见这一招达到了效果，他们开始愈发猖狂地朝少女隐藏方向投掷手雷。

CentaureissiAs if the same thing would work twice on a maid.同一个招式怎么能对人形女仆使用第二次。

Centaureissi narrows her eyes and fires at a falling grenade. There is a "clink" as the bullet grazes it and changes its path, resulting in the grenade landing at the enemy's feet.桑朵莱希双瞳紧盯着落下的手雷射出一枪，“砰”的一声，手雷被子弹擦过方向出现偏转，转而落在了敌人脚下。

敌军士兵1What the—什么东西？！

敌军士兵2G-Grenade!手、手雷！！

KABOOM!!轰！！

The explosion ignites the nearby trees, and soon the enemy's position is surrounded by a ring of fire.霎时间巨响震耳，爆炸引燃了附近的树木，敌军隐藏的角落很快被熊熊火焰包围。

敌军士兵3Everything's on fire!! Get out of here!!!!着火了！！快离开这儿！！！！

CentaureissiThis is my chance!好机会!

As the enemy flees in blind terror, Centaureissi centers her sights on them and pulls the trigger without hesitation...人形的枪口对准仓皇而逃的敌军士兵，一刻未犹豫扣动了扳机……

Bangbangbang!哒哒哒——

敌军士兵3Gwaargh!啊！！

敌军士兵2That goddamn Doll... Gah!那个该死的人形……呃！

The gunfire suddenly stops as Centaureissi quickly changes magazines.枪声戛然而止，桑朵莱希紧急更换弹匣。

敌军士兵1Damn, what good are normal grenades against a tin can like that?他*的，对付这种东西用一般的手雷有什么用。

The soldier takes out an EMP grenade he's been saving up for a long time and tosses it at Centaureissi as she is distracted for a moment.敌人掏出准备已久的电磁脉冲弾，趁着桑朵莱希分神的瞬间抛掷过去。

Boom! (Crackle)嘭！！滋滋滋——

The intense surge of disruptive power instantly paralyzes Centaureissi's body.强烈的电磁干扰瞬间麻痹了桑朵莱希的素体。

She immediately begins seeing double. Her limbs are immobile, like they have been rusted for a long time.视野中的图像摇晃重叠，四肢如同锈蚀已久，动弹不得。

CentaureissiD-Dammit... EMP... Interference...可……可恶，电磁……干扰……

The Doll girl tries to fire one last shot at her enemy, but her arms are powerless. "Clack". Her rifle falls to the ground with a clatter and she collapses stiffly to the ground.人形少女试图向敌人开出最后一枪，手臂却无力抬起。 “哐——”手中的步枪沉闷坠落在地，身体失去平衡僵硬地倒了下去。

The enemy soldier laughs cruelly as he approaches. He plants one foot on the barrel of her G36 and presses the cold muzzle of his gun against Centaureissi's core, a smug smile on his face.敌人狞笑着走过来，一脚踩在G36的枪管上，冰冷的枪口抵着桑朵莱希的核心，脸上露出得意的笑容。

敌军士兵1Weren't you being all badass just now? Heh, guess a tin can is just a tin can after all!你不是很能打？哼，废铁终究是废铁！

Bang!砰！

After the gunshot, the ruins are silent.枪声过后，荒凉的废墟一片死寂。

敌军士兵BHas it been turned to scrap?报废了吗？

敌军士兵AIt's not moving anymore.已经没动静了。

Crackle— the old loudspeakers in the plaza suddenly emit a burst of static, and a shrill noise fills the air.滋滋——广场中心的老式广播突然发出噪音，刺耳的嗡鸣响彻整个广场。

敌军士兵1Where's that noise coming from?!哪儿来的声音？！

广播When you left the flowers withered, when you left summer gave way to autumn. Those who ran to the battlefield, where do you rest now?还记得你走时红衰翠减，还记得你走时夏落花败。奔赴战场的人啊，如今你身在哪里？

As the electronic screech fades, a girl's gentle voice reaches into everyone's ears over the airwaves. The enemy soldiers eye their surroundings warily.尖锐的鸣响过后，少女轻柔的吟唱声通过电波落入每个人的耳中。敌军士兵提高警惕，环视四周。

广播Whether the world is lush and green, whether the world is a stark pale white. Whether it is night or day, I will be waiting here for you to return.无论你归来时万谷绿茵，无论你归来时皑雪苍茫。纵使它昼夜阴晴，我都会在此等待。

That last shot from the enemy soldier was just a little off its mark and merely severed some of the circuits near her core. Right now, Centaureissi's core is trembling faintly, her eyes cloudy while her auditory modules are still somehow functioning.敌人最后一发子弹射偏，仅仅击穿了人形核心附近的线路。此刻桑朵莱希的核心微弱地震动，眼瞳涣散，而听力模块还能勉强迟缓运作。

She remembers this voice; it belongs to Messenger Pigeon 36.她记得这个声音，情报通讯中36号信鸽的声音。

Centaureissi(#￥#... Vay%&... Vayne...)（#￥#……薇%&……薇茵……）

广播O cruel butchers who have turned your guns upon the innocent, you shall be judged by a military tribunal when peace comes and all shall reject you.将枪口对准平民的残忍屠夫，等和平到来的那天，你们将接受军事法庭的审判，被所有人民唾弃。

广播Your descendants shall be ashamed of you and never will they raise their heads again.你们的子孙后代也会因为你们的存在感到耻辱，抬不起头来。

广播Your souls are as rotten as stagnant water. The judge of Hell will remember everything you have done to the people and pay it unto you twofold!像泔水一般腐臭的灵魂正在消弭，过去对人民所作的一切将被地狱的判官铭记，加倍奉还！

Just as the voice is about to continue, someone kicks open the door to the broadcast room.就在那声音还想说些什么的时候，广播室的门被人破坏踹开。

For evildoers steeped in sin, their rage at having the veneer of civility suddenly ripped off from them is like a bursting dam.一生作恶多端的恶者，被人揭下道貌岸然的遮羞布，愤怒犹如洪水即将决堤。

敌军士兵AGoddammit! So that's where the bitch was barking from!*的！哪儿来的野狗在这里乱叫！

敌军士兵BGive this bitch two in the back of her miserable head.给这个女人两枪让她闭上她的臭嘴。

The sound of the machine gun firing over the speakers overlaps with the gunshots in real life, pounding on Centaureissi's core like frozen hailstones.广播中机枪扫射的声音和现实中的枪声叠加，仿若冬雷狠狠敲击着桑朵莱希的核心。

广播Tremble in fear... All you have done... is delayed your judgement... and peace...恐惧吧……对你们的审判……只是稍晚一些……而和平……

广播Will come at last...最终会到来……

The voice over the broadcast is faint, but the iron in it is unbreakable.广播中的声音嘶哑微弱，但语气却异常坚定。

敌军士兵BShit! The bitch is holding something!糟了！那女人她、她手里好像有东西？！

敌军士兵AIt's a bomb! Get—炸弹！！不好……

Kaboom!!!轰！！！

The gunshots, the broadcast, the explosion... All sound comes to a halt and the world fades to black and white.枪声、广播声、爆炸声……所有的声音都戛然而止，世界瞬间褪为黑白。

The crows roosting on the rubble are startled into flight by the explosion. In the instant they spread their wings, black feathers fall, landing on Centaureissi's empty eyes...废墟上的乌鸦被爆炸声惊飞，展翅的一霎那，黑色的翅羽悠然飘落，盖在桑朵莱希失神的眼眸上……

薇茵"This is a contract with Universal Anything Services. Mother and Father left me a sum of money, which I've used to purchase long-term maintenance services for you. After you return, ownership will remain in my name, but you don't need to continue to work. You are free to pursue what you want to do."“这是和环球万事签订的接收合同。爸爸妈妈事先给我留了一笔钱，我用它们购买了你的长期维护服务。你回去以后，所有权仍挂在我的名下，但不必再继续工作了，你可以做你想做的事情。”

薇茵"I have enlisted and am going to go searching for mother and father. Do not follow me, Reissi. Don't come to the battlefield. This is my last command to you as your Master. I'm sorry that I was unable to say this to you face-to-face. I didn't dare... I'm sorry."“我入伍了，我要去找爸爸妈妈他们。不要跟来，莱希，不要来战场——这是我作为主人对你下的最后一个命令。对不起，这个命令没有当面传达给你，我不敢……对不起。”

薇茵"Please take care of yourself."“照顾好自己，姐姐。”

Centaureissi(Vay... ne...)（薇……茵……）

TonyCommander! On your right!!长官！右边！！！

I toss the camo module to Tony and Chris, racing between hails of bullets and using the surrounding rubble as cover as I dash toward a derelict jeep.我把光学迷彩丢给托尼和克里斯，自己顶着枪林弹雨疾速穿梭，以周围的废墟作掩护，奔向一辆废弃吉普车。

敌军士兵1You right bastard, you're pretty fast, aren't ya! Let's see how you run with a bullet in your legs!*的！跑得还挺快！打断你的腿！

Bang-bang-bang! Bullets ricochet off metal and sparks fly everywhere.铛铛铛！子弹与金属碰撞，火花四溅。

The jeep's door is wide open and helps me deflect the heavy barrage coming my way. The soldier inside was shot between the eyes and has been dead for a long time. I take his assault rifle from him.吉普车车门大开，替我抵抗了密集的扫射，里面的士兵被射穿眉心，早已死去多时。我从他身上解下随身佩戴的自动步枪。

I estimate the enemy's rough location by the sound they're making, then lean out, aim, and pull the trigger...根据声音判别敌人的基本方位，而后探身，瞄准，扣动扳机……

Bang!砰！

敌军士兵1Gwargh!啊！

My shot strikes home, and after some mournful wailing, more enemy soldiers approach the jeep, venting their frustration with a hail of gunfire.子弹精准地命中目标，在一阵绝望的哀嚎之后，更多的敌人逼近吉普车，用弹雨倾泻着自己的怒火。

ProfessorTony! Use the optical camo! Take Chris and run!穿上光学迷彩，托尼带克里斯走！！

Bang! Hssss...砰！！嘶——

One of the jeep's tires is burst by a gunshot. As the vehicle sinks, Chris is exposed to the enemy's eyes.吉普车轮胎被打爆，在车身下陷的同时，尚未装备光学迷彩的克里斯暴露于敌人的视野。

ProfessorOh no!糟糕！

I reflexively tackle Chris to the ground. Bullets pierce my body, filling it with pain and dragging my mind into the darkness.我下意识将克里斯扑倒掩护。子弹贯穿的疼痛传来，将我的意识往黑暗中撕扯。

克里斯Commander—长官——

系统Connection error... Access denied to memory domain...接入异常……记忆拟域拒绝访问……

系统Ejecting consciousness carrier... Capsule door automatically opening...意识载体脱出……舱门自动打开……

Professor(Gasps and heaves)呃！！呼……

As I awaken from the memory domain, I realize that the sky above me is not darkened by the smoke of war, and that Chris' panicked, sad face is nowhere in sight.从记忆拟域中惊醒，周遭没有了被战火熏染到灰暗的天空，视野里也不再是克里斯惊慌悲伤的面孔。

The warm sunlight of the Oasis pours down on me. The surrounding Dolls are eying me nervously, declaring that it was all... just a dream.绿洲透亮温暖的阳光洒在身上，身边的人形少女们担忧地注视着我，宣告了一切……都只是一场梦。

ClothoProfessor! You're awake!教授！您醒了！

I experimentally press my hand to my chest. The pain from my memories was incredibly clear, but now there are no gunshots there, or bloodstains.手抚在胸口试探性地按压，记忆里的疼痛异常清晰，可如今胸前既没有枪伤也没有血痕。

ProfessorOh yeah, this is... the Oasis.嗯，这里是……绿洲。

I look around blankly. Having grown used to the constant gunfire and hails of bullets in the city, the peaceful Oasis feels more like a dream instead.我茫然地看向四周，习惯了城镇中的枪林弹雨，宁静的绿洲反而更像一场梦。

Centaureissi is still in her repair capsule, a look of deep sadness on her face.身侧修复舱里桑朵莱希依旧徘徊于梦魇，脸上悲伤浓重。

AntoninaThe carrier memories were damaged and can't load the contents of the dark zone. The consciousness connection has been broken.载体记忆损坏，无法读取暗区内容，意识连接断开了。

AntoninaWhat happened, Professor?究竟出什么事了，教授？

Professor...I think I was shot and killed in the memory.……在我的记忆里，应该是我中枪身亡了吧。

AntoninaBeing disconnected had nothing to do with your condition.您的状态好坏和连接断开无关。

AntoninaIn the memory domain, as long as Centaureissi's will was intact, you wouldn't be disconnected even if you were shot full of holes.在记忆拟域中，只要桑朵莱希的意识还是完整的，您就算被打成筛子也是不会断连呢。

ProfessorI suppose only you could say something so cruel to me with a smile on your face, Antonina.能一脸微笑和我讲出这么残忍的话不愧是你啊，安冬妮娜。

ProfessorSo you're saying the problem was on Centaureissi's end?也就是说，出事的是桑朵莱希那边吗？

AntoninaYeah, I guess her body or neural cloud was severely damaged.嗯，应该是素体或心智遭到了严重损坏吧。

I recall her determination when she was covering our retreat.我的脑中闪过少女保护我们撤退时的决绝。

Professor...Antonina, can you prepare me to go in again?……安冬妮娜，可以帮我准备下一次连接吗？

AntoninaSure. But if you follow the course of the current memory, even if you go back into the dark zone, you'll end up at a dead end like before.可以。但是如果按照现在的记忆发展下去，即使重新回到暗区之中，您也只会陷入死档，像现在一样重蹈覆辙。

ProfessorThen can you send me back earlier in the memory data? I'd like to avoid this catastrophe.那可以回溯到记忆数据里较早的时间吗？我想尽可能地避免这场灾难。

AntoninaI can do that too. However, I can't deliver you to a precise moment and I'd advise you not to do this too often.这点也可以做到。但是，我无法精确回到某个时刻，同时也不建议您进行太多次这样的操作。

AntoninaYou've probably felt it, but intense combat inside a memory domain will have a major impact on your mental stability in the cloud server.教授也明显的感觉到了吧，记忆拟域中连续高频的前线作战，对您在云端的精神稳定造成了很大影响。

Antonina...I'd advise you to take out an insurance policy from Riko that covers mental illness. At the very least, the Oasis will be able to claim a big payout if your mind ends up severely damaged.……我建议您找理子购买一份精神类疾病的商业保险。在您精神受到严重损伤的时候，绿洲至少还有一大笔赔偿金可以拿。

ProfessorHah, don't worry. I'm not that weak.哈哈，你放心，我还没有那么脆弱。

Antonina sighs, but she doesn't say anything else.安冬妮娜叹了口气，不再多说什么。

Half an hour later, all the necessary programs have been configured as needed, and she closes her computer before looking me in the eye.十几分钟后，所有程序设定完毕，她合上电脑诚恳地凝望着我。

AntoninaPreparations complete. We can return you to the memory domain any time, Professor.准备就绪。教授随时都可以重回到记忆拟域当中。

ProfessorYeah.嗯。

Just as I'm about to close the capsule hatch behind me, the green-haired girl reaches out a hand to stop me.我再次进入准备合上舱盖时，绿发少女伸手拦住了我。

AntoninaWhat I said about that insurance thing just now wasn't a joke.……刚刚买保险的建议并不是什么玩笑。

AntoninaI won't try to stop you, but...我不会说什么阻拦你的话，但是……

There is a worried look on her usually cool and impassive face.平时略显冷淡的少女此刻也难掩脸上的担心。

Professor...Yes, I know what I'm doing is rash AND dangerous.……我深知自己的鲁莽，也知道自己正在做一件十分危险的事情。

AntoninaIn that case...那样的话……

I shake my head to keep Antonina from speaking, then turn to look at Centaureissi, who is grimacing while in the vice-like grip of her nightmares.我摇头阻止了安冬妮娜的话语，看向身旁仍困于梦魇之中露出痛苦神色的桑朵莱希。

ProfessorI told you, protecting you all is my responsibility.我说过，保护好你们是我的职责。

ProfessorEven if it's nothing more than an abstract fantasy, I want to use my efforts to turn it into a sweet dream.即使那是虚无缥缈的幻境，我也想通过自己的努力将它变成美梦。

Antonina...You're a silver-tongued idiot.……真是个能言善语的笨蛋。

AntoninaCome back safely, Professor.一定要平安归来啊，教授。

She lets go of the hatch and it closes with a "click". The oppressive light fades; I am once again in the darkness.她松开了架在舱门上的手。“咔哒”，舱门再次合上。逼仄的空间内灯光熄灭。我再次置身黑暗之中。

系统Neural cloud simulation system activated. Now generating simulated memory domain. Loading consciousness carrier medium... Consciousness upload at 45%...心智模拟系统启动，记忆拟域生成中……意识载体接入……意识上传进度45%……

Countless memories replay in my mind, from the alley where I first came to the city, to meeting Tony in the salon, and Lieutenant Izka's death...万千记忆如同放电影一般在脑海中重现，初到小城时的巷战，理发店同托尼的相遇，伊兹卡中尉的牺牲……

Deep, complex thoughts and various possibilities interweave, and amidst the anticipation and uneasiness...深沉复杂的思绪与各种未知的可能重叠，在期待与不安中……

系统99%, 100%... Consciousness carrier loading complete.……99%，100%……意识载体接入完成。

The final scene appears before me...最终画面定格在了——

During the way back, after rescuing Chris.营救克里斯的返程途中。

Lonesome Lament 独弦哀歌

After rescuing Chris, the group moves swiftly toward the safehouse outside the city, planning to contact the defenders with the information obtained in the enemy camp.成功营救克里斯后，一行人向城郊情报小屋快速移动，打算尽快把在敌军军营内获得的情报与守军沟通。

TonyI have to say, I'm pretty envious of military Dolls. I never expected you to be able to jump over such a high wall.军用人形的强度真是让人羡慕，我这辈子都想不到自己有一天能从这么高的围墙翻出来。

TonyNot only did you not attract the sentries' attention, you didn't even raise any alarms inside the camp. Looks like the infiltration went very well.没有惊动巡逻兵，军营里连个警报都没响，这次潜入行动意外的顺利。

CentaureissiWe mustn't be careless. Keep an eye on your surroundings; the enemy might catch up soon.不能大意。留意身边动向，追兵可能很快就会跟上来。

CentaureissiCommander, there are many routes leading to the safehouse. After preliminary surveillance, the two most ideal paths are... Commander?长官，军营通往情报小屋存在多条线路，初步侦查后有两条路线最佳……长官？

CentaureissiCommander... Are you alright?长官……您还好吗？

ProfessorAh...啊……

My consciousness loading is delayed by a moment as I reconnect to the scene, and it takes me a moment to figure out what's happening.重新接入场景，意识载入出现片刻延迟，我刚刚回神搞清楚了目前的状况。

CentaureissiCommander, are you feeling tired? Please get some rest when we return to the safehouse.长官，您这是太疲惫了吗？回到情报站后请您务必先行休息。

ProfessorI'm fine. Centaureissi, please repeat your tactical assessment from just now.我不要紧。桑朵莱希，麻烦你重复一下刚才的汇报。

CentaureissiCertainly, there are two routes we can take back to the safehouse. The first was the path we took here, which is short.嗯。目前返回情报小屋有两条路线可选，其中一条是我们来时的路，优势在于路程短。

CentaureissiThe other route is longer but better hidden as it passes through the forest. Which do you think is superior?另一条路程虽长，但穿过树林隐蔽性强。您觉得哪一条更合适？

ProfessorNo, we won't be taking either of those routes.不，哪一条都不选。

CentaureissiWhat do you mean by that, Commander?长官，您的意思是？

ProfessorWe can't return to the safehouse just yet without figuring out what's going on.在弄清情况前，我们不能这样返回情报屋。

ProfessorYou've noticed it too, right, Centaureissi? It's been so long since we escaped the camp, but nobody's pursuing us.桑朵莱希也已经注意到了吧，我们从军营里逃出来这么久，身后却没有敌人追击。

I think of how panicked Tony was before I disconnected, and venture a question.回想起掉线之前托尼惊慌的样子，我试探性地询问。

ProfessorTony, can I have my communicator back?托尼，我的通讯器可以还给我吗？

TonyAlright, hang...好，您稍等……

Tony raises his hand, but the communicator that was supposed to be on his wrist is gone. He frantically feels up and down his pockets, but nothing turns up.托尼抬起手腕，原本在手腕上的通讯终端消失不见，他焦急地摸索遍身上所有口袋，最终还是一无所获。

TonyThat's strange... But, but how?奇怪……怎、怎么会呢？

克里斯Big Bro Tony, what happened?托尼哥哥，发生什么事了？

TonyThe—the communicator's gone!通讯、通讯器不见了！

Professor(I knew it!)（果然！）

Tony looks frantic as he recalls the various encounters he had when entering the camp. The communicator was still there then. He didn't remove it when giving people haircuts. But when he entered the interrogation room...托尼神色焦急，回想起自己初入军营的种种，进入军营的时候通讯器还在。给别人理发时他也没有脱下来。直到进入审讯室……

TonyThe interrogation room!审讯室！！

TonyIt was when I was fighting with the interrogator... he knocked it off me! Oh no! It's in the interrogation room!我和审讯官打斗的时候……通讯器被拽掉了！糟糕！它掉在审讯室了！

CentaureissiThis is bad. If the communicator is in enemy hands, they can make a transmission at any time to triangulate the location of other friendlies.情况不妙。假如通讯器落入了敌人的手中，他们随时可以发起通讯定位到其他成员的坐标。

ProfessorThat's probably why they aren't pursuing us. To the enemy, we're like bait on a hook. If they want, they can reel us in at any time.这很有可能就是他们不追击我们的原因。对于敌军而言我们现在就像是绑着钓线的鱼饵，只要他们想，什么时候都能把我们回收。

CentaureissiI'll destroy my own communicator now.我这就把自己的通讯器处理掉。

I shake my head and stop her.我摇了摇头，伸手阻止桑朵莱希。

ProfessorNo. If you destroy your communicator, the enemy will know we're onto them. Then they'll just send their forces in to close the net and that'll be the end of us.不行。现在处理掉通讯器的话，对方肯定知道我们已经有所察觉。到时候他们就会直接收线展开行动，我们的处境将会变得极为不利。

ProfessorWhat they want is to monitor us and find the location of the safehouse.他们的目的是想监控我们，找到隐藏的情报屋。

ProfessorThen, they'll intercept our comms when we're contacting the defending forces, allowing them to learn the location of all the defenders' safehouses and get them all in one fell swoop.趁我们和守军通讯时拦截通讯信号，获取守军各个情报站位置，一举击破。

CentaureissiBut we need to inform the defenders of the enemy's movements ASAP.可眼下我们必须尽快通知守军敌人的动向。

CentaureissiIf we're too late, they'll attack the city. The defenders will be in a dangerous position and they won't be able to hold out.晚一步的话他们就会对城内发起攻击，到那时候守军处境危险，根本无法坚持到和援军汇合。

ProfessorThen it seems the only way to overcome this fait accompli is with a feint.看来，目前唯一破局的办法就是声东击西了。

CentaureissiCommander, do you mean...长官，您是指……

ProfessorLet's find a civilian radio station. I'll bring the communicator over and we'll use the civilian equipment to send a fake message on the public channel.找一个民用通信站，我带着通讯器过去，利用民用通讯设备向公共频道发送虚假的暗号。

ProfessorYou, Tony, and Chris will head back to the safehouse and wait for me to send the code before making your move.你和托尼他们回情报小屋，待我发送暗号后展开行动。

ProfessorThis way, the enemy will think I'm broadcasting from the safehouse. While they're preparing to intercept the signal, contact the defenders immediately and report the situation.这样一来，敌人就会把我所在的位置当作情报屋，趁他们拦截信号采取行动的时候你们立刻联络情报员汇报情况。

CentaureissiBut that will leave you exposed. I cannot allow you to take that risk, Commander. Please allow me to do it.但您个人的位置很快就会被敌人锁定。我不能让您以身犯险，长官，还是交给我吧。

ProfessorNo. You stay. Tony and Chris can't fight; they need your protection more than I do.不，你留下。托尼和克里斯没有战斗力，他们更需要你的保护。

ProfessorCentaureissi, are there any civilian radio stations around here?桑朵莱希，附近有可以使用的民用通讯电台吗？

Tony...I know where to find one.……我知道哪里有。

Tony cuts into our conversation.托尼打断了我和桑朵莱希的对话。

TonyThere's an old radio station in the city square. They call it the Station. Commander, I can take the communicator to the Station and send the message for you.在城市中心广场那有个老旧的通讯电台。城镇里的人都叫那里广播台。长官，我可以拿着通讯器到广播台，代替您发送讯息。

ProfessorTony, you aren't equipped with combat modules. I don't want you to...托尼，你没有加装战斗模块，我不希望你去涉险……

TonyThis is not the time to be talking about this!!!现在不是说这些的时候！！！

It is only after his sudden outburst that Tony realizes his mistake and quickly hides his emotions behind a veneer of calm, though his tone does a bad job of disguising his inner dejection.托尼突然变得激动，在意识到自己的失态后，语调又难掩自己内心的失落。

TonyCommander, I... I want to do something to make up for losing the communicator.长官，我……我想做些什么去弥补遗失通讯器的过错。

Tony...I've been running away all this time, using my identity as a civilian Doll to push my choices and responsibilities onto someone else.……从一开始，我就不断在逃避，拿着民用人形为借口，一次又一次将责任和选择推卸给他人。

He slowly takes a bloodstained watch out of his pocket and stares at the scars on it.他缓缓从自己的口袋中取出一只带血的手表，凝视着战争在它身上留下的伤痕。

TonyI thought that would be enough to remove me from the war. But by the time I realized it, I had lost the things that I cherished, over and over again.我以为这样就能将自己从战争中摘除。但回过神来，所有我珍惜的东西都在不断失去。

TonyI don't want to go through anything like that again, Commander.长官，我不想再经历这样的事情了。

Tony's expression is stern, and his usual cheerfulness is gone.托尼的表情严肃，丝毫没有往日的轻松调笑。

Professor...Understood. Tony, I'll leave the task of heading to the radio station to you.……我明白了。托尼，前往通讯电台的任务就交给你了。

ProfessorHowever, the enemy will find you very quickly once you send the fake code, so you must get out of there before the attack comes!不过，在发送完虚假暗号后敌人很快就会锁定到你的位置，一定要在攻击来临前从那里撤离！

Tony...Will do. Commander. I'll get it done.……是，保证完成任务。

克里斯Big Bro Tony...托尼哥哥……

Tony smiles and crouches down before pressing the watch he's holding into Chris' hands.托尼笑着蹲下身子，把那块手表交到克里斯的手中。

TonyThis is the watch your father got for ten years of service. Hold on to it now, don't lose it.这是你父亲参军十年的纪念手表。拿好，别把它弄丢了。

克里斯But didn't Dad give this to you? I can't take this...可是，这不是父亲他送给你的东西吗？这我不能收下啊……

TonyThen you can hold on to it for me. Give it back to me when I return, okay?那就寄放在你那儿。等我回来之后再向你来拿，好吗？

克里斯...Okay. I'm going to hold you to that promise, Big Bro Tony. Make sure you come back, I still need to show you the drawing I made.……嗯。说话算话，托尼哥哥。你可一定要回来啊，克里斯还要给托尼哥哥看自己画的画呢。

TonyHehehe, looks like your hair's grown a little long. I'll help you style it up when I get back.呵呵呵，克里斯的头发有点乱了，等我回来一定给你剪个漂亮的发型。

He ruffles Chris' head, and then turns to me.他摸了摸克里斯的头，起身看向我。

TonyCommander...长官……

TonyThey say that people with stiff hair are stern and unyielding, but you're surprisingly soft-hearted.都说发质硬的人果决刚毅，长官却格外的心软。

TonyAlthough, your hair is getting a little long too... If I get the chance to meet you again when the world is at peace, perhaps I could help create a suitable look for you.不过您的头发也有点长了……如果能与您相逢在和平盛世，或许我能给您做一个适合您的造型。

ProfessorI'm looking forward to that.那还真令人期待啊。

Tony doesn't say anything else. He turns and walks into the blizzard without looking back.托尼不再多说什么，他转身走入风雪，一往无前。

It is early in the morning, and fog hangs heavily in the town square.清晨，城镇中心广场浓雾弥漫。

The enemy troops have already retreated in advance of the upcoming shelling, and they are waiting to be redeployed. The once-noisy square is now silent.提前知晓轰炸行动的敌军已经回撤，正等待发起新一轮的军事行动。昔日喧闹的广场如今只剩下荒芜寂寥。

This is exactly what Tony wants to see. With the sentries and patrols all but gone, he arrives at the Station without so much as breaking a sweat.眼下的场景正是托尼所期盼的。在看守松散的当下，他几乎毫不费力就来到了广播中心的门前。

Crash!哗啦！

Tony heaves a brick through the glass window in the door and reaches inside to unlock it.托尼随手捡起砖块砸碎门上的玻璃，将手伸入门的内侧打开了锁。

The winds of war have blown into this station that once stood for love and hope, bringing with them dust particles that are reluctant to leave.战争的风袭入这座曾经代表着爱与和平的广播塔，卷走了其中不愿离开的尘埃。

Tony(Coughs) Man, all this stuff is so old. I wonder if it can still be used?咳咳……这些设备这么旧，不知道还能不能用。呼……

Tony blows away the dust on the equipment and begins searching for the frequency the way Centaureissi taught him.托尼吹散了落在设备上的灰尘，开始按照桑朵莱希传授的方法调整通讯频段。

The Station's radio set is simpler than a military-issue encoded radio set, and with prior training, even he can perform the simple operation.广播室的设备比军用加密通讯设备更简单，有了先前的培训，即使是他也能进行简单的操作。

TonyChange to the public channel... Enter the message you want to send...调频至公共频段……输入发送文字讯息……

Tony's hands move quickly. He knows that their hopes fade with every moment that passes.托尼的双手飞快，他知道，眼下每耽误一刻都会让希望暗淡一分。

A disaster will soon descend from the sky and the Grim Reaper will once again wield his scythe.天空的不祥即将陨落，死神会再次挥舞镰刀收割。

Crack! Beep—咔哒！嘀——

As the electronic tone fades away, the TRANSMISSION SUCCESSFUL message appears on the screen...随着电子音闪过，讯号发送成功的字样出现在屏幕之上……

CentaureissiCommander, Tony's fake info has made it onto the public channel.长官，公共频道已接收到托尼发送的伪情报。

ProfessorContact Messenger Pigeon now.联络守军信鸽。

CentaureissiYes, Commander.是。

We've already tuned our set beforehand, and the moment we receive confirmation that Tony's sent his info, we immediately contact the defenders.我们提前调整了通讯频段，收到托尼的伪情报后立刻向守军发起通讯。

36号信鸽Order acknowledged by Messenger Pigeon 36...36号信鸽收到指令……

36号信鸽Greetings, Commander.您好，指挥官。

ProfessorThis is urgent so I'll make it quick.事态紧急，我尽量长话短说。

ProfessorIn two days' time the enemy will begin shelling the city. Relocate defender personnel to nearby shelters ASAP.现有紧急状况向守军汇报。预计今明两天，敌军将对城内发动空袭，请城内守军战士尽快转移至附近人防设施。

ProfessorI repeat...重复一遍……

Outside the window, missiles fly past at high speed, their rumbling hinting at impending doom.窗外，高速飞射的导弹轰鸣而过，像是惊雷一般酝酿着灾厄。

All of us know what this implies.我们每个人都知道这意味着什么。

ProfessorTony...托尼……

As the air raid sirens echo through the air, Tony senses something is wrong and makes to leave, but he is too slow.防空警报厉声呜咽，托尼顿感不妙起身想要离开，却仍然比灾难晚上了一步。

The missiles strike their target, ripping the radio tower to pieces. The ground shakes, vast chunks of debris fall, and the debris instantly pins Tony to the ground.飞弹准确命中目标，毫不留情地将广播塔撕碎。地面震颤，巨石坠落，倾塌的瓦砾瞬间将托尼压得动弹不得。

TonyGuh... Didn't think... they'd be so quick...唔#￥%没想到￥%@……这么快……

As Tony struggles to clear the debris off him, a black gun muzzle presses against the back of his head.托尼挣扎着想要将身上的石块推开，就在这时，一只漆黑的枪口顶住他的后脑。

审讯官Freeze... Hey, aren't you that pink-haired pretty boy from just now?老实点待着别动……哟，这不是之前的粉毛小帅哥吗？

Before Tony can react, the interrogator directs a series of furious kicks at him to vent his anger.还没等托尼反应过来，裹挟着愤怒的踢击不断向他受伤的素体发泄。

All he can do is curl up and try not to let himself get hurt any further.他只好蜷缩起来，勉强让自己不受到进一步的损伤。

审讯官It's all! Your fault! I went through! So much shit! Because of you!都是！你这家伙！害我多了！那么多事！

系统Warning: Chassis damage levels at 63%. Chassis is experiencing sustained hyperthermia; neural cloud module has been damaged...警告：素体躯干损毁63%，素体温度持续升高，心智模块受损……

审讯官(Pants heavily)呼……呼……

The vicious-looking man has tired himself out by kicking Tony. He grabs the latter's hair, clearly enjoying the look of misery on the luckless Doll's face.表情凶狠的男人踹累了。他一把揪住托尼的头发，幸灾乐祸地欣赏这个倒霉蛋脸上的表情。

审讯官Still, that little gift of yours was most welcome.不过啊，你留下的礼物倒是也给我添了不少乐子啊。

The familiar sight of the communicator flickers through Tony's blurred vision.熟悉的通讯器从托尼模糊的视野中一晃而过。

审讯官You see that? You left that behind!看到了吗，这就是你留下的通讯器！

审讯官We made sure to program our missiles to home in on the signals just so we could blow them up ASAP... Hehe, looks like it worked well.为了第一时间摧毁目标，我们专门给导弹弄了一套自动定位发射的程序……嘿嘿，看来效果不错。

审讯官With this, catching all your friends will simply be a matter of time... I can't wait to have them in my interrogation room!只要有了它，抓到你们那些剩下的同伙只不过是分分钟事情……我已经等不及想看到他们接受审讯时的模样了！

审讯官Oh yes! I also learned something else!啊对了对了！我还查到了一件有趣的事！

审讯官Remember that kid of Izka's we caught? Tsk, what was his name...你还记得之前抓到的伊兹卡中尉的孩子吗？啧，他名字叫什么来着……

TonyChr@#$is...克@#$斯……

审讯官That's right! His name was Chris, that punk...对对！就是克里斯，那个小鬼啊……

Tony can no longer make out what the interrogator is saying.托尼已经听不清审讯官在说些什么。

With his neural cloud as badly damaged as it is, just staying conscious is all he can do.心智受损严重的当下，保持意识的清醒已经是他的极限。

????Are you okay, Tony?你还好吗，托尼。

TonyLieutenant... Izka?伊兹卡……中尉？

伊兹卡中尉Sorry I got you caught up in all this Tony. Just look at what's become of you.抱歉啊托尼，让你卷入战争变成这幅模样。

Tony...Looks like my memory module is starting to throw up errors. I didn't expect the last thing I saw before I crashed to be you.……看来我的记忆模块出现了错误啊。没想到在宕机之前看到的会是你的身影。

伊兹卡中尉Hm? What are you muttering about?嗯？你在那嘀咕什么呢？

TonyNo, it's nothing. I'm sorry I couldn't keep the promise I made to you... Hey!不，没什么。抱歉啊，没办法实现与你的约定了……喂！

Lieutenant Izka cuts Tony off and reaches out to pat his head.伊兹卡中尉打断托尼的话，伸出手揉弄着托尼的头发。

TonyWhat the hell... You're messing up my hair.搞什么啊……我的发型都被你弄乱了。

伊兹卡中尉You've done well, Tony. The Commander is a trustworthy person. Leave the rest to them.你已经做得很好了，托尼。指挥官是个值得信赖的人，剩下的，就都交给吧。

Tony...Yeah.……嗯。

伊兹卡中尉You don't have much time left, Tony. Thank you for your hard work. Now go get some rest.你的时间已经不多了，托尼。辛苦你了，好好休息一下吧。

He doesn't say anything else, only extends his hand to Tony in invitation.他不再多说什么，只是伸出手向托尼发出邀请。

TonyI'm sorry, I can't do that.抱歉，我做不到。

TonyIzka, I don't want to betray the Commander's trust. I can't go with you while the mission isn't complete.伊兹卡，我不想辜负长官的信赖，在没有完成任务的当下，我还不能跟你一同离开。

The lieutenant before him smiles slowly, as though he'd already known this answer was coming, and he salutes Tony.像是早已知道答案那般，眼前的中尉缓缓露出微笑，向托尼行军礼致敬。

伊兹卡中尉...It's only been a while since we last saw each other, but damn if you haven't changed.……只是一段时间不见，你还真是变得有模有样了啊。

伊兹卡中尉All the best, soldier.祝你顺利，士兵。

审讯官What, is that it? Tsk, there's no fun in torturing you tin cans when you can't even scream in pain!这就没了？啧，这个不会痛苦乱叫的废铁还真是没有意思！

He kicks Tony a few times, but Tony does not react. Then, he decides to leave and seek more amusing prey.他狠狠踹了几脚失去反应的托尼，准备离开去找下一个值得玩弄的猎物。

Suddenly, something grabs his pant leg.突然，有什么东西拽住了他的裤脚。

审讯官Hm?嗯？

It is a ruin of a hand with exposed cabling everywhere.那是一条残缺不堪，裸露出电线的手。

These were once Tony the hairdresser's pride and joy.那是曾经身为理发师的他最骄傲的手。

审讯官Tsk, are you going to stick to me until the end?切，到最后了还要恶心人是吗？

Just as the interrogator tries to struggle free, the lump of ruined metal before him suddenly exerts itself and his weighty frame crashes heavily to the ground.审讯官刚想挣脱，眼前的废铁突然发力，让他笨重的身躯重重摔倒在地上。

Before the interrogator can respond, Tony has already taken back what belongs to him and pressed the button on it.就在审讯官吃痛还没反应过来的时候，对方已经夺回了曾经属于自己的东西，按下了上方的启动按钮。

Click! Beep—咔哒！嘀——

TonySor%#$ry...抱%#$歉……

审讯官AIIIIIEEEEEEE!!!! NO! NOOOOOOO!!!!!!噫！不、不要啊！

The ruthless missiles come crashing down again. This time, they accomplish their mission.无情的飞弹再度袭来。这一次，它顺利完成了自己的任务。

Kaboom—轰隆——

Smoke and dust fill the air, the radio station collapses with a crash, while smoke and firelight rise above the city's skyline...烟雾弥漫，灰尘飞扬，广播大楼轰然倒塌，黑烟和火焰的光芒映照在城市的天际线上……

He is buried under the cold debris. That day, the defenders managed to retreat unscathed thanks to the timely warning.他被埋在冰凉的碎石之下。那天，得知空袭情报的守军们及时撤退，幸免于难。

The after-action report from HQ bears only one sentence: No casualties sustained.军队指挥部战报上的记录仅有一句：守军无人伤亡。

Daybreak Opportunity 辰曙戎机

The first rays of spring melt the several days of snow that has built up, revealing the devastation left behind after the bombardment.初春的阳光融化了几日来积攒的冰雪，露出下方被炮火轰炸后遗留的狼藉。

Outside the safehouse, Chris' eyes are fixed on the little road we took to get here, awaiting the return of the person who made that promise with him.情报木屋外，克里斯仍眺望着来时的小路，等待着那个与自己定下约定之人的归来。

Someone has put a blanket on his shoulders without him noticing, and it now has snowflakes on it.不知什么时候，雪花飘落的肩头上多了一张毛毯。

克里斯Big Sis Centaureissi...桑朵莱希姐姐……

CentaureissiYou're too lightly dressed, Chris. Take care that you don't catch a cold.你穿得太少了，克里斯。小心别感冒了。

克里斯...Have you heard from Big Bro Tony yet?……有托尼哥哥的消息了吗？

CentaureissiThe Commander's still looking for him. They are worried about you too, so they asked me to come look after you.长官还在努力搜索。也很担心你这边的情况，所以嘱咐我来陪着你。

She doesn't say anything else, just holds his hands that are so cold they've turned red and sits with him on the ground.她没再多说什么，只是握住那双冻得通红的小手，一同坐在地上陪他等候。

克里斯...Your hands are warm, Big Sis Centaureissi.……桑朵莱希姐姐的手好温暖啊。

CentaureissiSomeone told me that before.以前也有人这么说过。

克里斯Hm? Was that Big Sis Vayne?诶？那个人难道是薇茵姐姐吗？

CentaureissiYeah...是啊……

There is a look of longing on Centaureissi's face as she looks into the snowy sky not far off.桑朵莱希看向不远处飘雪的天空，脸上露出怀念的神情。

CentaureissiLike I said before, Vayne's parents were soldiers, just like your father. Just before they came home, she would always sit outside alone and wait for them, just like you.我之前说过，薇茵她的父母和你的父亲一样都是军人。每次他们外出归来之前，薇茵她都会像你这样独自坐在屋外等候。

CentaureissiNo matter what the season or weather was outside, or whether it was night or day, she would sit there and not move until they came back safely.无论寒暑春秋，昼夜阴晴，她都会坐在那里，在他们平安归来前都不会离开半步。

克里斯I think I understand how Big Sis Vayne felt... Big Sis Centaureissi, did you sit with Big Sis Vayne like this?我能理解薇茵姐姐的心情……桑朵莱希姐姐，那时候的你也像现在这样陪在薇茵姐姐的身旁吗？

CentaureissiOh yes. It was my duty as a maid, and my desire as her sister.是啊。那是我作为女仆的职责，也是我身为姐姐的私心。

She falls silent for a while, thinking about how to convey the cruelty of war to Chris.她沉默了一会，斟酌该如何开口向眼前的孩子传达战争的残酷。

CentaureissiChris, Tony...克里斯，托尼他……

克里斯...I know, Big Sis Centaureissi. I know.……我知道的，桑朵莱希姐姐，我知道。

克里斯But then there's no way to keep the promise I made with Big Bro Tony.只是这样的话，没办法实现和托尼哥哥的约定了啊。

Chris stands up and takes off the hat he's been wearing all this time.克里斯站起身，脱下了一直以来戴在头上的帽子。

The brown braid curled up in it falls free, and Chris stops hiding the truth from us.蜷缩在帽子中的褐色发辫凌乱散落，克里斯不再对我们有所隐瞒。

克里斯I'm sorry I kept this from you, but... I, I'm actually a girl.对不起，一直瞒着你们……我、我是个女孩。

CentaureissiThe Commander and I knew since long ago. Did Lieutenant Izka ask you to do that?这件事我和长官早就知道了。是伊兹卡中尉让你这么做的吧？

克里斯...Yeah. Dad said it would keep me safe.……嗯。父亲他说，这样可以保护我的安全。

It seems as though she's made up her mind because the hand she's holding her hat in begins to tremble.她像是下定了什么决心，攥着帽子的手开始微微颤抖。

克里斯Big Sis Centaureissi, I have a request... Could you trim my hair for me?桑朵莱希姐姐，我有一个请求……能请你帮我把头发剪短吗？

Tony's tools are packed carefully in a corner of the safehouse, the same way he left them.托尼随身携带的工具被好好珍藏在木屋的一隅，维持着他离开时的模样。

They're fancy, but easy to use, and even an amateur like Centaureissi can quickly grasp how to work them.它们虽花哨但顺手，即使是桑朵莱希这样的外行也能很快掌握基础的使用技巧。

Snip—咔嚓——

The falling locks of Chris' hair land on her sketchbook.剪下的长发顺着脸颊掉落在克里斯的画册之上。

CentaureissiI'm sorry, I'm not very good at this...对不起，我的手法还不太熟练……

克里斯It's not your fault, Big Sis Centaureissi. I was the one who said I wanted to draw while getting my hair cut.不是桑朵莱希姐姐的问题，是我自己提出想要在剪头发的时候画画的。

克里斯After all... That was the promise I made with Big Bro Tony.毕竟……这也是和托尼哥哥的约定啊。

Chris gently blows away the strands of hair on the sketchbook and continues working hard on her creation.克里斯轻轻吹去画册上的发丝，继续低头专心绘制起来。

CentaureissiChris, I want you to listen well. The Commander and I will be carrying out a very dangerous mission after this.克里斯，你听好。接下来我要去和长官执行一个非常危险的任务。

CentaureissiFor your safety, we'll be sending you out of the city...为了保障你的安全，我们会把你送出城外……

Centaureissi feels an ache in her core. This isn't the truth, but rather, a white lie that she and the Commander decided on after much discussion.桑朵莱希感到自己的核心传来刺痛。眼下她说的这些并非是事情的全部真相，而是和长官商议之后所诞生的善意谎言。

36号信鸽We've just received news that the situation in the neighboring city has turned around and they're going on the offensive. HQ is transferring some of our forces from the neighboring city to support us inside the city.刚刚得到消息，邻城前线战势大逆转，战况转守为攻。总部决定抽调部分邻城兵力支援城内。

36号信鸽Since all highways are blocked off, the reinforcements will have to detour through the mountain paths to enter the city, but those paths are within spitting distance of the enemy camp's watchtowers.目前交通尚处于瘫痪状态，援军只能从山间小路绕行进城。但该条小路处于敌军军营哨塔监视范围内。

36号信鸽HQ wants the Commander to lead a squad to infiltrate the enemy camp again, disable their communications and monitoring systems and destroy their armory so the enemy will not have the freedom to worry about their surroundings.总部希望指挥官率领小队再次潜入敌军军营，切断敌军监控及通讯设施，烧毁军火库。让敌军无暇顾及营地周边情况。

36号信鸽During the confusion, the defenders will launch a pincer attack on the enemy camp with the reinforcements from outside.趁着敌方内部大乱，城内部分守军将会赶至城外与援军包围夹击敌营。

36号信鸽After taking the enemy camp, this unit will once again enter the city and work with the defenders to completely eliminate the enemy troops within the city.迅速占领敌营后，该支队伍再进入城内，配合城内守军彻底消灭敌军城内部队。

ProfessorSo the key to this operation lies in our coordination with these two forces.行动的关键在于我们小队与两军信息同步。

ProfessorCentaureissi and I are hugely outnumbered. If something goes wrong with the op, we'll need to inform them so they can change plans.我和桑朵莱希两个人势单力薄，一旦行动出现情况，必须及时通知军队更改作战计划。

ProfessorBut we can only communicate with the defenders through the encrypted radio in the safehouse. That implies one of us will have to stay behind to relay news between the defenders and the reinforcements.但与守军通讯必须通过情报屋内的加密设备。也就意味着必须有一个人留下来，向援军、守军传递小队的信息。

ProfessorCurrently, our squad is very low on manpower. I'll try to arrange something and contact you once the time comes.目前小队人力有限，我会尽早做出安排。到时候再与你联系。

36号信鸽Alright, we'll be awaiting news from you, then. This mission's codename is "Operation Carrier Pigeon".嗯，静候您的消息。本次行动代号为“信鸽作战”。

36号信鸽I believe the fledglings will be able to spread their wings and fly through the clear skies soon.我想雏鸟不久之后就可以翱翔在阴霾散去的天空了。

Centaureissi(Even though the situation is urgent, we have limited manpower, both the Commander and I made Chris' safety our top priority. Since there's nobody to protect Chris, evacuating her from the battlefield is the best option...)（即便事态紧急，人力有限，长官和我也会把克里斯的安全放在首位。在没有人能保护克里斯的时候，送她离开战场是最好的选择……）

克里斯Operation Carrier Pigeon...信鸽作战……

CentaureissiChris! How did you learn that name?!！克里斯，你怎么会知道那个名字！

克里斯...I'm sorry. I heard you during your transmission just now.……对不起。刚才你们通讯时说的话，我都听到了。

克里斯Big Sis Centaureissi, I'm willing to take part in Operation Carrier Pigeon!桑朵莱希姐姐，我愿意参加信鸽作战！

克里斯Dad taught me about this sort of thing, so don't worry; I'll make sure I contact the reinforcements and get your messages through to them in time!爸爸他有教过我相关的知识，请放心，我一定能联络上援军，将你们的消息及时传达给他们！

Centaureissi slowly shakes her head.桑朵莱希缓缓摇头。

CentaureissiYou're just a child. You should leave such dangerous things to me and the Commander.你还只是个孩子，这种危险的事情交给我和长官就好。

CentaureissiDon't follow us, Chris, don't come to the...不要跟来，克里斯，不要……

Centaureissi freezes up as she realizes what she is saying.脱口而出的话语让桑朵莱希愣住。

She is rejecting Chris the same way Vayne did in her letter so long ago.她突然意识到，自己拒绝克里斯的方式和当年薇茵信件上的内容如出一辙。

And the hurt look on Chris' face is the same as the one on her own when she received that letter.眼前露出悲伤表情的克里斯与那天收到信件的自己是那样相似。

CentaureissiI...我……

克里斯Big Sis Centaureissi!桑朵莱希姐姐！

克里斯...Big Sis Centaureissi, I'm not a kid anymore. I want to become a messenger pigeon who can protect everyone with my wings...……桑朵莱希姐姐，我已经不是孩子了。我想要成为信鸽，想用自己的双翼去保护大家……

克里斯I want to make the contents of this picture come true, I want to show everyone the hillsides full of blooming daisies...我想把这幅画上的内容变成现实，想让大家都能看到开满漫山遍野的雏菊……

克里斯Please, Big Sis...桑朵莱希姐姐，拜托了……

Chris shows Centaureissi the picture she is holding. It's childish, perhaps even a little crude, but filled with the tenacity of life that can cut through the gloomy, oppressive smoke.克里斯将手中的画递给桑朵莱希。图画上的雏菊笔法稚嫩，却喷薄着生命的张力，要撕碎灰暗的硝烟。

Centaureissi feels a ripple of turbulence in her neural cloud. She bites back the pain in her memory module and asks the question she never dared to ask all those years ago.桑朵莱希感到自己的心智多了一丝紊乱。她忍着记忆模块传来的阵阵刺痛，问出了当年自己没有机会说出的话语。

CentaureissiEven though you have a chance to leave the battlefield far away, to live in peace...明明有机会远离战火，明明有机会生活在和平之中……

CentaureissiWhy are you choosing to fight?但是为什么，为什么你要选择去战斗？

The smile on Chris' face is as bright as daisies blooming in spring.克里斯脸上的微笑如春日里盛开的雏菊那般灿烂。

克里斯Because I want to protect everyone and keep the people I cherish from being hurt.……因为我想要保护大家，想要保护自己重视的人不受到伤害。

克里斯That's the dream that I, as well as my dad and my mom, want to fulfill.这是我，也是我的爸爸妈妈想要实现的梦想。

Click.咔嚓——

With that, the image of the short-haired girl overlaps with the girl from her memories.最后一刀落下，短发女孩的身影和记忆里的少女重叠。

薇茵Reissi, did you know? In the language of flowers, Daisies mean strength, happiness and peace... so here's one for you, hehe.莱希，你知道吗？雏菊的花语是坚强、快乐、和平……嘿嘿，这朵雏菊送给你。

薇茵Reissi, can you help trim my hair? I want to look cool and efficient, just like you!莱希，你能帮我剪短头发吗？我想变得干练一点，就像莱希你一样！

薇茵Reissi, the war's begun. Mother and Father have both gone to the battlefield...莱希，战争爆发了，爸爸妈妈他们都上了战场……

薇茵Reissi, that child's parents aren't coming back... I don't want to let this tragedy repeat itself.莱希，那个孩子的父母回不来了……我不想让这样的悲剧一次又一次上演。

薇茵Reissi, I have enlisted. I'm going to go searching for mother and father. Do not follow me, Reissi. Don't come to the battlefield. This is my last command to you as your Master.莱希，我入伍了，我要去找爸爸妈妈他们。不要跟来，莱希，不要来战场——这是我作为主人对你下的最后一个命令。

Centaureissi closes her eyes, and the long years of not knowing why Vayne had done what she did melt like winter snow, leaving only a girl with a fire in her heart before her.桑朵莱希合上眼，多年对薇茵奔赴战场的不解像冬日的冰雪慢慢融化，唯有少女的一腔热忱跃然眼前。

As she realizes this, she tenderly embraces the little dove before her.想到这，她温柔地环抱住眼前这只小小的信鸽。

克里斯Big Sis Centaureissi...?桑朵莱希姐姐……？

CentaureissiIn the past, I didn't understand why Vayne chose to do what she did, but now, I think I've gotten a little closer to her now.以前的我不能理解薇茵的选择，但是现在，我感觉自己离她的距离又近了几分。

Centaureissi...Which is why I won't stop you, Chris.……我不会阻止你的，克里斯。

ProfessorLooks like you've made up your mind.看来你们下定决心了啊。

CentaureissiCommander!长官！

Centaureissi quickly wipes away the tears in her eyes and stands at attention in front of me.桑朵莱希慌忙擦去眼中的泪花，来到我的面前。

ProfessorI heard everything you said just now.你们所说的话我都听到了。

ProfessorCentaureissi, give Chris the optical camouflage unit and radar.桑朵莱希，把光学迷彩和雷达都留给克里斯吧。

CentaureissiCommander, are you sure? If you do this, you'll be completely exposed once we enter the enemy camp...长官，您确定吗？这样做的话，在潜入敌营后您将会完全暴露在危险之中……

I look at her panicked face, and smile.我看着少女脸上慌张的表情露出微笑。

ProfessorI'll be fine. I trust your judgment, Centaureissi. Also, I don't want to disappoint the Lieutenant either.没关系的，我相信桑朵莱希你的判断。而且，我也不想辜负中尉的信任啊。

ProfessorChris, once Centaureissi and I create the distraction, contact our reinforcements and have them coordinate a counterattack with us.克里斯，在我和桑朵莱希成功制造混乱之后，你通过通讯与援军取得联络，让他们里应外合发起反击。

ProfessorIf you find that the situation has changed, tell them to stop everything and then evacuate immediately. Remember, there is no order worth more than your life!如果你发现情况有变，通知援军中止计划后第一时间逃跑！记住了，没有什么命令比你的生命更重要！

克里斯...Yes, Commander!……是，长官！

CentaureissiDon't worry, Commander. This time, I'll make sure to protect you.长官请您放心，这次行动我一定会保护好你的安全。

CentaureissiCome, Chris. I have a few tricks to teach you about radio operation.来，克里斯，我来教你一些通讯设备的使用技巧。

As the two of them head to the other room, I remember the reason I came here, and stiffen my resolve again.二人的身影向屋内走去，我想起自己来到这的理由，再一次下定了决心。

Professor...No, Centaureissi.……不，桑朵莱希。

ProfessorThis time, I will protect you.这一次，是我会保护好你。

Feeling In The Dark 暗探匿影

At the safehouse on the outskirts of the city.城郊情报屋。

Before heading out, we give Chris some training on how to use the radio set and radar system. She's surprisingly hardworking despite her young age and quickly commits our words to memory. Just before we go, I give her a reminder.行动前，我们对克里斯进行了情报站通讯设备和雷达系统的培训，她年纪小却学习得格外用功，对我们所说的每一句话都烂熟于心。临行前我特意叮嘱她。

ProfessorChris, if Centaureissi and I fail to arrive at the designated point, it means the mission has failed. The enemy will be on alert, and that means you'll need to tell the defenders and the reinforcement troops to change their plan.克里斯，如果我和桑朵莱希没有到达固定位置汇合，就代表任务失败了。敌军应该会有所防备，到时务必通知援军与守军更改行动方案。

CentaureissiIf we're not around and you encounter danger, don't panic. Remember what I taught you: Use the optical camouflage module to find a chance and slip away.我们不在的时候你遇到危险不要慌乱，记住我教你的那些技巧，用光学迷彩找机会溜走逃跑。

克里斯Yeah, I remember it all!嗯，这些我都记住了！

克里斯Commander, Big Sis Centaureissi, make sure you come back safely too!长官和桑朵莱希姐姐也要平安回来啊。

CentaureissiYes, we will. Stay safe, Chris.嗯，我们会的。保重，克里斯。

After bidding farewell to Chris, Centaureissi and I make our way stealthily through the forest and arrive at the enemy camp once again.告别克里斯后我和桑朵莱希穿过隐蔽的树林，再一次来到军营后方。

With our experience in infiltrating it from last time, we know the troops' deployment very well.有了上一次潜入行动的经验，我们对营内各位置的士兵排布都很了解。

We take advantage of the shift change and the consequent lessening of patrolling guards to cross the walls and sneak into the camp.借着换班的间隙，巡逻敌军人数减少。我们趁敌方不备翻过高墙潜入敌营。

ProfessorCentaureissi, let's split up. I'll look for their camera control center and disable it so the enemy won't discover the reinforcements as they move along the mountain trail.桑朵莱希，你我兵分两路。我前往监控通讯站切断回路，避免援军从小路入城被敌人发现。

ProfessorOnce I disable the cameras and comms, I'll turn the lights at their comms center on and off twice, which will be the signal for you to begin.成功切断监控、通讯后，我会把通讯站的照明灯开关两次，作为你行动开始的信号。

ProfessorYour target will be their armory; you must make a "clean sweep" of it. We'll rendezvous at this location the next time the guards have a shift change.行动的目标是军火库，一定要“打扫干净”。在下一个巡逻兵换岗时间点，我们在现在的位置汇合。

CentaureissiCommander, I'm concerned about us splitting up...长官，分头行动的话我担心您的安全……

ProfessorHm... Well, I should be able to hold out for a bit with this rifle.唔……有这把步枪的话应该能坚持一段时间。

I show her the rifle I previously looted from a soldier. There isn't much ammo left, but it'll be enough for me to exchange a few rounds of fire with them.我向她展示之前从士兵身上搜刮来的步枪。虽然所剩的弹药不多，但足够与敌人交战几个回合。

Centaureissi hesitates for a moment, then takes a knife from a waist sheath.桑朵莱希犹豫了一会，从腰间摸出一把短刀。

CentaureissiI won't be able to reach you quickly without my communicator, so... if all else fails, you can protect yourself with this.失去了通讯器我没有办法和您及时联络……真的到了山穷水尽的时候，您可以拿这个防身。

ProfessorIs this... your knife?这是……你的短刀？

CentaureissiYes, I'll give it to you. Don't worry, I have others. It's quieter and more suited for infiltration than a firearm.是的，这柄刀交给您。放心吧，我还有其他的备用短刀。比起枪械，它更安静，适合潜入行动。

Centaureissi bends down and clips the sheathed knife to my waist.桑朵莱希蹲下身，为我将短刀佩戴在腰间。

CentaureissiThink of it as a good luck charm.您就将它当作是护身符吧。

ProfessorI will. Thank you, Centaureissi.嗯。谢谢你，桑朵莱希。

CentaureissiPlease keep yourself safe, Commander.长官，请您一定要保护好自己。

CentaureissiAs long as you don't give up, I'll have a reason to fight on.只要您不放弃，我就有理由战斗下去。

ProfessorHeh, well, how can I mess up now that you've said that?呵呵，你都这么说了，我怎么好掉链子呢？

ProfessorRight, time's running short. Let's go, Centaureissi!时间不早了，桑朵莱希，开始行动！

CentaureissiYes, Commander!是！长官。

After saluting me, Centaureissi turns and runs toward the armory. I approach the enemy's security and communications center.朝我敬礼完毕后，桑朵莱希转身直奔军火库。我则就近溜进了敌军监控通讯站。

通讯站士兵1What shitty luck, I lost a bet with the duty sentry yesterday and had to buy him a beer.真是晦气，昨天跟值班的哨兵打赌，输了一打啤酒。

通讯站士兵2What did you bet on?你跟他赌了什么?

通讯站士兵1I bet on when the new ammo would arrive. We used up almost all our stock on the previous round of bombardment. If it doesn't arrive soon, we'll be screwed.赌新的弹药什么时候到，之前的空袭消耗得差不多了，再不来可就要到开春了。

通讯站士兵2The defenders have pretty much recovered during this time. At this rate, our supplies won't be able to keep up...这段时间守军都恢复得差不多了吧，再这样下去，我们的军火补给哪儿能赶得上……

通讯站士兵2...Hey, do you smell something burning?……嗯？你有没有闻到什么糊味？

通讯站士兵1Is there a problem with your nose... No wait, I smell it too!你的鼻子出什么毛病……坏了，我也闻到了！

Beep-beep-beep—嘀呜嘀呜——

As the alarm screams through the air, the fire-suppression system automatically activates. The room is immediately drenched in water like a sudden storm.报警器尖锐呜鸣，喷淋火警系统触发自动灭火，整个房间犹如被雨云笼罩，突降骤雨。

通讯站士兵1Ahhhhh son of a—I'm all wet now!啊啊啊啊！**的，浑身都湿了！

通讯站士兵1Turn that goddamn thing off right now; if the computers break, it's the firing squad for all of us!你这家伙快去把这该死的垃圾关停！要是这几个通讯设备坏了咱们都得挨枪子！

通讯站士兵2O-Okay!好、好！

Just as the soldier steps outside the room, a sharp blade stabs into his carotid arteries, and the wailing of the alarms drowns out his gurgle of pain.士兵刚刚前脚踏出屋外，一道利刃直刺他的脖颈要害，将他的悲鸣扼杀在报警器的蜂鸣之中。

通讯站士兵1Damn it all, we have a situation here!*，有情况！

The other trooper is clearly more experienced than his companion.另一名发号施令的士兵明显经验更为老道。

The moment he sees his colleague go down in a puddle of blood, he flicks the safety on his gun off and prepares to spray the next person coming through the door with lead.在看到同伴倒在血泊之中的时候他就打开了手中枪械的保险，准备向门外开枪射击。

However, he is ultimately a moment too slow, and my bullet takes him neatly through the heart-first.然而他的动作终究是慢了一步，子弹精准击中心脏，敌方士兵倒在了我的枪口之下。

通讯站士兵1Ugh!唔！

Professor...Well, they failed their pentest check.……对突发情况的应急训练做得不行啊。

The soldier falls stiffly to the ground with a dull thud.士兵身体僵硬地倒在地上，声音沉闷清晰。

After ensuring there's nobody else in the comms center, I quickly move to disable all the security cameras and detectors, then jam all the intra-camp communications.确认监控通讯站内再无其他士兵之后，我迅速走到面板前将所有的监视回路关闭，同时将军营内所有通讯信号屏蔽。

ProfessorThe cameras are disabled and comms have been jammed.监控回路切断，通讯也已经屏蔽。

ProfessorIt's all up to Centaureissi now.接下来就看桑朵莱希的了。

Near the enemy armory.敌军军火库附近。

A pair of blue eyes stares at a distant window. The lights within blink twice. Centaureissi knows her time has come.碧绿眼瞳凝视着远处的窗户，窗口的灯火闪烁了两次。桑朵莱希知道时机到了。

CentaureissiLooks like everything went well on your end, Commander. It's my turn now.看来您一切顺利，长官。接下来就交给我吧。

The girl takes a breath, and when she exhales, all elegant femininity leaves her. All that remains is a calm veteran's demeanor.少女调整状态，呼吸之间，女仆的优雅温和褪去，取而代之的是士兵的沉稳老练。

CentaureissiOne, two... there are a total of five enemies.一，二……一共有五名敌人啊。

CentaureissiIn that case!这样的话！

Centaureissi circles behind one of them. Then she tenses, leaps, and brings her knife down on him. In a series of lightning-quick movements, the sharp blade sinks deep into his neck and the soldier's twitching body soon stops moving even as his blood sprays like a fountain.桑朵莱希绕到其中一名士兵的身后。屈膝、跃身、挥刀，一连串动作快如闪电，锋利的短刀凌厉地刺入敌人的脖颈，顿时敌人血如泉涌很快没了动静。

巡逻兵Hrk... Urgh!唔……呃！

CentaureissiLet's take one out first.先解决掉一个。

The man's groan draws the attention of a nearby sentry. Before he can raise his gun to shoot, however, Centaureissi's knife accurately pierces him between the eyes.士兵的哀嚎引起了离他最近的同伴的注意。在他提枪射击之前，桑朵莱希的飞刀先行一步，精准地命中了对方的面门。

CentaureissiTwo down.第二个。

As Centaureissi's count goes up, she leaps forward, driving a knee heavily into the man's jaw while using the impact to help free the knife stuck in his skull.在桑朵莱希计数的同时，她飞身而起，膝盖重重撞击在对方的下颌之上，顺势拔取插在士兵头上的短刀。

Crash—咣——

The sound of the soldier's body hitting the ground fills the air and the other sentries quickly turn, sending a hail of bullets in her direction.士兵倒地的声音响起，敌军枪口迅速调转，向桑朵莱希所在方向倾泻如潮弹雨。

Centaureissi executes a quick combat roll behind cover, then picks up the case she placed there beforehand.桑朵莱希迅速侧身翻滚躲到掩体之后，捡起之前放在这里的手提箱。

She uses it to shield her vitals from harm and dashes into the gunfire.她以手提箱为盾牌挡住要害，迎着弹雨冲刺而来。

敌军士兵3You guys, lay down suppressive fire, I'll contact H... Urgh!你们火力压制，我联系指挥……呃！

The thrown case hits him hard enough to break his nose and sends him toppling backward.投掷而来的手提箱结实有力，直接将他的鼻梁撞歪，身体后仰。

Clatter...咔嗒——

The case's latch opens, revealing the inky black body of a G36 assault rifle. As the blonde-haired girl evades the gunfire, she kicks it up in passing, where it lands in her firm grip.手提箱上的卡扣解锁，G36步枪的漆黑身影从中跃出，被侧身躲过子弹的金发少女牢牢端握于手中。

CentaureissiThree, four, five.三，四，五。

Bang-bang-bang—Three bullets hit the men, efficiently and elegantly finishing them off.砰砰砰，三发子弹射出，高效而又优雅地完成了最后的补刀。

CentaureissiWhew...呼……

With her dance of death at an end, the girl picks up her case and stows her favored weapon within it once again.一曲舞毕，少女捡起地上的手提箱，重新将最为顺手的武器装入其中。

After dispatching the patrolling guards, Centaureissi smashes an air vent open in the armory and chucks grenades in through the opening.干脆利落地清理完巡逻人员后，桑朵莱希打破军火库高墙上的透气窗，把手雷从铁窗缝隙扔了进去。

KABOOM!!!!轰！！！！

The grenades trigger a chain reaction with the other explosives inside the armory, and a string of explosions soon follow.手雷爆炸引起军火库其他炸药的连锁反应，大大小小的爆炸声不断。

The chained explosions knock down the walls to the armory and flames quickly spread.在接连爆炸的冲击下，军火库外墙很快垮塌，熊熊烈火迅速蔓延。

敌军士兵1Someone blew up the armory! Several of our guys got taken out!军火库被人炸了！！附近有好几个兄弟被人偷袭！！

敌军士兵2Enemy attack! We're under attack!是袭击！有人袭击了军营！！

敌军士兵1Tell the brass now!! Hurry!!!快向上面报告！！快！！！！

敌军士兵2Alarm! Alarm! We have...紧急呼叫！紧急呼叫……

The patroller yells into his communicator for a long time before he realizes that nobody is replying.警觉的巡逻兵对着对讲机呼叫半天，却一直没有信号回应。

敌军士兵2It's no good!! I can't get through...没有用！！呼叫不通……

敌军士兵1Screw that! Put the damn fire out first!! Start a bucket brigade!!!*的！先他*救火！！先救火！！！

Amidst the confusion, the enemy soon realizes that comms have been cut and their armory has been blown up, and they quickly conclude that this is a sneak attack.混乱之中，敌人很快发现通讯被切断，联系军火库的爆炸，将事件定性为偷袭。

The camp fills with the blaring of alarms and everyone is in panic. However, there is no way to mobilize the soldiers en masse due to communications being cut, and only a few squads manage to fight the fire.军营内萦绕着刺耳的警报声，所有人慌乱成一团，但因为通讯被切断后很难大批调动士兵，只有零星的小队加入救火。

The massive explosion and the voracious fire soon consumes everything around it and their scattered attempts at putting out the fire are a mere drop in the bucket.巨大的爆炸和凶猛的火势很快将附近的一切吞噬，分散救援杯水车薪。

Centaureissi hides behind a wall in the distance and calmly watches their confusion.桑朵莱希躲在远处的高墙后看着兵荒马乱，态度从容淡然。

CentaureissiMission accomplished.桑朵莱希，任务完成。

CentaureissiIt's time to go meet up with the Commander.现在该回去和长官汇合了。

Bangbangbang—砰砰砰——

Several bullets scrape my shoulder, ripping bloody trails in my flesh.数枚子弹擦着我的肩膀飞过，撕扯出道道血痕。

ProfessorGah!唔！

Before I can even grunt in pain, an even heavier hail of bullets rains down on me, completely shutting down any chance I might have of returning fire.还没来得及呻吟，更为密集的弹雨就朝我袭来，硬生生将我还手的机会遏制打断。

ProfessorDammit, I didn't expect them to encircle me so soon...可恶啊……没想到他们的这么快就包围了过来……

ProfessorStill, wrecking their EMP weapons was worth it.不过，能破坏掉他们的电子脉冲武器倒也算是值得。

AntoninaCommander, I did a check—Centaureissi was attacked by an EMP weapon in her dream.教授，我调查了一下，之前桑朵莱希在梦境中有遭到电子脉冲攻击的记录。

Antonina...If I'm not wrong, that was one of the reasons why you were desynced from her memories.……如果我没有推断错误，这可能是你中断连接的原因之一。

ProfessorEMP, huh... I didn't expect them to be able to attack like that.电子脉冲吗……没想到对方有这样的攻击手段。

ProfessorHm... Looks like I'll have to stop that beforehand.嗯……看来有必要提前阻止他们啊……

Although I managed to destroy them, I didn't think there would be so many soldiers hiding nearby...虽然眼下的确是成功破坏了，但是没想到会有那么多士兵暗地里把守在这附近……

ProfessorThis is going to suck...这下麻烦了啊……

敌军士兵1Captain, we've got them surrounded! Your orders, please!队长，已经将包围了，请指示！

搜捕队队长Alright, fall back behind me and maintain a perimeter. I'm going to have a chat with this loathsome rat.好，你们退到我身旁维持警戒。我要和这只令人恶心的老鼠好好聊聊。

Professor...Whose voice is that?……这个声音是？

I don't know this person, but its owner seems familiar, and it makes me shudder unconsciously.虽然我对此人并无印象，但这具身体的主人却好像认识一般，下意识令我的心神感到不宁。

搜捕队队长It's been a while, Commander. I didn't think you were still alive.好久不见啊，指挥官，没想到你竟然还活着。

搜捕队队长I clearly remember putting a bullet in you and watching you die... Meh, it doesn't matter. I'll just kill you again, then.我明明记得最后是我开的枪，看着你倒下的……算了，无伤大雅，那就再杀你一次好了。

The sound of a safety pin being pulled from a grenade comes from him.手雷解除保险的声音从他所在的方向传来。

ProfessorDammit!可恶！

I instinctively leap for the cover behind me. Although my body armor stops the fragments, the shockwave sends me sprawling on the ground.我第一时间向后方的掩体跃去。尽管防弹衣挡住了手雷飞溅的残片，但爆炸产生的冲击仍将我掀翻在地。

ProfessorUgh!唔！

The voice's owner appears before me. One hand steps heavily on my gun hand, and there is a smug smile on his face.声音的主人出现，一只脚重重踩在我持枪的手上，脸上露出得意的笑容。

搜捕队队长So, what other tricks do you have up your sleeve, Commander?指挥官，您还有什么把戏？

Ashes and Temples 背城一战

Over a dozen patrolling troops surround me, their eyes filled with hostility as they point their guns at me.十几个巡逻队的士兵随后赶到将我包围，目光充满了敌意，枪口直指着我。

搜捕队队长You sure caused us a lot of problems... Let me guess, your friends did the armory in too? Damn, you're good at this.你真是给我们添了不少麻烦啊……军火库那边也是你的同伙干的吧？你*的，真会给我找事儿。

He puts more weight into his foot with every word he says.他咒骂一句，脚下的力道又重了几分。

搜捕队队长When I saw someone on the camp's cameras earlier, I thought it might be you, but I didn't think you'd do something this ballsy a second time.之前在军营的监控中发现可疑人员，我猜想过是你，可我觉得这种大胆的行为你应该不会再做第二次。

搜捕队队长And yet, you came here to serve yourself up to me... Looks like it's curtains for you.但没想到，你还敢回来送死……这下你总该没戏唱了。

The capture squad captain kicks my rifle away, and then his gaze falls on the knife at my waist, which makes him laugh.搜捕队队长将我手中的步枪踹开，目光落到我腰间佩戴的短刀之上发出嗤笑。

He takes it out and casually tosses it to the ground beside me.他将其抽出，随手扔到了一旁的地上。

搜捕队队长What's this? Carrying a knife on you? Did you actually expect it to save your life?怎么，你还随身带着把短刀？难道你指望它能救你性命吗？

Professor...Yup. I promised its owner I'd fight to the bitter end, so how can I just give up like this?……是啊，我已经答应过它的主人要战斗到最后一刻了，又怎么会轻言放弃呢？

ProfessorCentaureissi! You're up!桑朵莱希！该你上场了！

Bang!砰！

A bullet through the calf wipes the cockiness off the capture squad captain's face. I take the opportunity to struggle free before grabbing my rifle and ducking behind cover.随着小腿中弹，搜捕队队长失去了他的从容。我趁势找准机会挣脱了他的控制，翻滚后捡起步枪重回掩体之后。

As I'm doing this, a blur of yellow descends from the wall and tosses the knives she's holding toward the soldiers surrounding me.在此期间，一抹玄色从高墙落下，将手中的利刃抛向包围的士兵。

敌军士兵1Guh!唔！

Centaureissi does not linger over their death cries, instead taking out the G36 from her carrying case and laying down suppressive fire before rushing over to me.桑朵莱希没有理会这些垂死之人的哀嚎，取出手提箱中的G36向周围进行压制射击，同时迅速赶到我身旁。

CentaureissiCommander! Are you alright?长官！您没事吧？

ProfessorI'm fine.我没事。

Bang-bang-bang!砰砰砰！

The sentries in the distance sense something is off and immediately begin spraying us with bullets. Their barrage is so intense neither Centaureissi nor I can even stick our heads out to shoot back.远处的巡逻士兵发现情况不妙，直接开枪对我们进行扫射，逼得我和桑朵莱希无法探头还击。

搜捕队队长(Hisses) Dammit... Dammit! Die, all of you, die!嘶……可恶……死！全都给我死！！

搜捕队队长Fire! Open fire!开枪！给我开枪！

The capture squad captain grabs his leg where he was shot and yells at his troops to attack.搜捕队队长捂着受伤处，嘶吼着向周遭的士兵下令攻击。

Perhaps they're worried about the other facilities within the base, but the enemy soldiers do not use grenades; instead, they try to overwhelm us with gunfire.或许是顾忌军营内的其他设施，敌军的士兵并未使用投掷武器转而试图用火力冲破我们的防线。

The formerly sturdy wall we're hiding behind is shot to bits by the countless guns firing on it; it would seem it's about to stop serving as cover anytime soon.原本坚实的掩体在无数枪口的攻击下破烂不堪，眼看就要失去它原有的作用。

Centaureissi seems to have made up her mind about something and presses her sole remaining grenade into my hand.桑朵莱希像是下定什么决心，将仅剩的手雷交到我的手中。

CentaureissiCommander, I'll draw the enemy's attention; look for an opportunity to throw the grenade so you can run!长官，一会儿我去吸引敌人注意，您找准时机，把这颗手雷投出去制造机会逃跑。

ProfessorYou mean... you want me to use you as bait?你的意思是……将你作为诱饵？

CentaureissiYes. This appears to be the only option available to us.是的，这是眼下唯一的办法。

CentaureissiIt was an honor to fight by your side, Commander.能与您并肩作战是我的荣幸，长官。

She delivers that pretty line in a calm tone. There is no sign of fear on her.眼前的战场之花语调平静严肃，不带一丝恐惧。

I remember the days I spent with this girl, and laugh.我想起那些曾经和少女相处的日常，不由露出微笑。

Centaureissi...Commander?……长官？

ProfessorRelax... I didn't just destroy their communications center.不用担心……我所做的可不仅仅是破坏通讯啊。

搜捕队队长What in the ever-living hell are you worthless shitstains doing? Why are those two scampering rats not dead yet!**的你们都是干什么吃的！就两只老鼠还解决不掉！

搜捕队队长Charge! Shoot! Sh...给我冲！给我开火！开……

Bang-bang!砰！！

Gunfire from a third party fills the night air and rips through the enemy soldiers' back line.不属于任一势力的第三方枪声划破夜空加入战场，撕碎了敌军后方的防线。

搜捕队队长Shit! This is bad!不好！

ProfessorLooks like they made it.总算是赶上了啊。

CentaureissiCould it be... our reinforcements? Commander, what did you do to have them arrive so quickly?难道是……城外的援军？长官，你做了什么，他们怎么会抵达得那么迅速？

Professor...I had my doubts about what happened with Tony. I was wondering why they managed to pinpoint and attack the communicator so quickly.……我之前一直对托尼的事情耿耿于怀，不断思考为什么他们可以那么快定位到通讯器发出攻击。

ProfessorAfter I snuck into the comms center, I did some snooping around and managed to crack the encryption on their equipment, which allowed me to contact our little carrier pigeon...潜入通讯站后我展开调查，成功破译了他们的装置，利用它和我们的小信鸽取得了联系……

Just then, a youthful voice reaches us from afar.就在这时，稚嫩的声音从远方传来。

克里斯Commander! Big Sis Centaureissi! I'm here to save you! Just hang in there a little longer!长官！桑朵莱希姐姐！我这就来救你们！你们再坚持一会！

As our reinforcements arrive, the originally dire situation quickly turns around. Pinned down by mortar bombardments and gunfire, many enemy soldiers choose to lay down their arms and surrender.随着援军的抵达，原本的劣势局面迅速逆转。在炮火与人数的压制下，不少敌军丢下枪支纷纷选择投降。

Gradually, the shooting stops, announcing our victory.枪声停歇，宣告着我们的胜利。

Chris runs up to us and tackle-hugs the two of us.克里斯小跑着来到我们的跟前，给了我和桑朵莱希一个大大的拥抱。

克里斯(Sob) Commander! Big Sis Centaureissi! I'm so glad the two of you are okay!呜呜呜，长官！桑朵莱希姐姐！你们没事就好！

CentaureissiSorry to make you worry.抱歉让你担心了。

ProfessorLooks like you carried out the mission I gave you...看来你出色地完成了我交给你的任务啊……

克里斯Hehe~ I'm a reliable carrier pigeon now, Commander!嘿嘿~长官，现在我是可靠的信鸽了！

克里斯Oh yeah, I picked this up just now! This should be yours, right, Big Sis Centaureissi?啊对了，我刚刚捡到了这个！这个应该是桑朵莱希姐姐的东西吧？

Chris shows us the knife she's holding. It would seem she picked it up on the way here.克里斯向我展示她手中的短刀，看来是在跑来的过程中捡到的。

She is about to place it back in Centaureissi's hand when she is interrupted by a shout.她正准备将短刀放到桑朵莱希的手里，却被一声突然的怒吼打断。

搜捕队队长What the hell are you all playing at?!你们在那开什么玩笑！

I instinctively pull Chris behind me. It would seem there is still one last fish trying desperately to break the net.我下意识将克里斯护在身后。没想到，在敌军投降的当下仍有人在做着鱼死网破的抵抗。

搜捕队队长Y-You worthless lot! You're all trash!你、你们！你们这群家伙都是废物！

搜捕队队长I do not give you permission to surrender! Keep fighting! Shoot!我不允许你们投降！给我继续开枪！开枪！

He is so deep in his demented rage that he does not notice his magazine is empty, still yelling as he pulls the trigger on an empty chamber over and over again.陷入癫狂的他没有注意到弹匣已空，依然怒吼着一次次扣下扳机。

ProfessorThrow down your weapon and surrender. There's no need for any more casualties.放下武器吧，现在没有必要继续战斗造成伤亡了。

搜捕队队长No! This isn't over! Not by a longshot!不，还没完，还没完！

He feels at his belt for a grenade, but there is nothing there.他下意识摸向腰间的手雷，却发现那里空无一物。

In despair, the capture squad captain sees Chris, who's holding a knife.绝望之中，搜捕队队长看到了手持短刀的克里斯。

搜捕队队长You brat, I remember you! You're that bastard Izka's kid!小鬼，我记得你！你是伊兹卡那家伙的崽子！

搜捕队队长That's right, I gave the order to kill your dad! Ahahaha!对了，杀了你爸爸的命令就是我下达的！哈哈哈！

克里斯Grk!唔！

Upon hearing this, Chris' hands tremble.听闻此言，克里斯的手微微颤抖。

The capture squad captain seems to be enjoying this. He makes excessively provocative gestures, as though trying to aggravate Chris further.搜捕队队长满意地欣赏着眼前的这一幕。他像是为了激怒克里斯一样，做出夸张挑衅的动作。

搜捕队队长Now you've got the chance to take revenge for your dad! Come on, do it!现在替你爸爸复仇的机会就在眼前！来呀，来动手啊！

克里斯I'm not falling for it.我不会上你的当的。

Chris shakes her head and hands the knife back to Centaureissi.克里斯摇了摇头，将刀交还给桑朵莱希。

克里斯You were planning to take me hostage when I went after you, right?你想趁激怒我的时候，挟持我作为人质吧？

克里斯I do hate you, but I will never allow my emotions to get the better of me again.我虽然很恨你，但是，我绝不会再被情绪裹挟了。

My little pigeon flaps her wings and makes her choice.小小的信鸽挺胸振翅，做出了自己的选择。

CentaureissiChris...克里斯……

ProfessorShe's right. There's no point in fighting on like this.是啊，这样的战斗没有任何意义可言。

ProfessorSurrender... Our reinforcements have you completely surrounded.投降吧……援军已经将军营全面包围了。

搜捕队队长...Damn, you're lame.……真是无聊啊。

The capture squad captain gets on his knees and raises his hands to us in surrender.搜捕队队长跪倒在地，举起双手向我们投降。

援军士兵Commander, thank you for taking the huge risk of infiltrating the enemy camp and destroying their armory.长官，感谢您和您的下属冒着巨大的危险潜入军营捣毁了军火库。

援军士兵The reinforcement troops are helping the defenders clear out the enemies still hiding inside the city. Your mission is complete.援军已到达城内协助守军清除城内驻扎的敌军，长官，您的任务已经顺利完成了。

ProfessorIs it now... That's good... Hng...是吗……那样的话就好……唔……

The wounds and fatigue I've suffered finally catch up with me and I stumble. The moment she sees me wobble, Centaureissi is by my side and holding me up.战斗所受的伤和疲劳让我忍不住一个踉跄。在我身形不稳的时候，桑朵莱希来到我的身旁及时扶住了我。

援军士兵Commander, are you alright?长官，您不要紧吧？

ProfessorI'm fine... it's okay.没关系……没什么大碍。

CentaureissiI'll take the Commander back for treatment. We'll be leaving this place to you.我带长官回去处理就好，这里就交给你了。

援军士兵Yes, ma'am! Understood!是！明白了！

援军士兵Take care. There's still heavy fighting inside the city, but according to reports from the field, the fighting's almost over.路上小心，城内还在激烈交战，但根据传来的战况，应该距离战争结束不远了。

After speaking those words, the man crisply salutes and leaves.对方结束汇报，向我们行礼后离开。

Centaureissi helps me out of this hellhole and we head for a nearby watchtower where we can look at the city in the distance.桑朵莱希搀扶着我走出这座牢狱，站在高台哨站上俯瞰远处的城镇。

CentaureissiThis is the last hardship this city will have to go through...这座城镇正在经历着它最后的苦难……

ProfessorYeah, I'm sure its suffering will be over soon... After all, some things can't be destroyed by war.是啊，相信这份苦难很快就会过去……毕竟，总有些东西无法被战争毁灭。

A distant clocktower strikes the time as the sunlight once again illuminates this war-torn land.钟声响起，阳光再一次照亮了这片饱受摧残的大地。

And in a corner where nobody can see, a little daisy triumphs over the harsh cold and blossoms, awaiting the rebirth of all things.在那无人注意到的角落，一朵雏菊战胜寒冷盛开于早春之中，静静等待着万物的复苏。

克里斯Dad once told me that "hatred only begets more hatred". So I'm going to let that cycle end here and now.爸爸告诉过我：“仇恨只会引起更多的仇恨。”所以，就让罪恶在这里结束吧。

克里斯But you'll get what you deserve.你会受到应有的制裁的。

Awakening and Reunion 梦尽重逢

The bell tolls for a new day.新一天的钟声敲响。

After several days of intense fighting, the enemies within the city have finally surrendered. Victory broadcasts fill the streets, and a familiar folk song once again plays in the city square.城内经历了持续几日的艰难作战，终于迎来了敌军全面投降，广播声传递着胜利的喜讯，那首熟悉的民谣再次在广场上响起。

广播声When you left the flowers withered, when you left summer gave way to autumn. Those who ran to the battlefield; where do you rest now?还记得你走时红衰翠减，还记得你走时夏落花败。奔赴战场的人啊，如今你身在哪里？

广播声Whether the world is lush and green, whether the world is a stark pale white. Whether it is night or day, I will be waiting here for you to return.无论你归来时万谷绿茵，无论你归来时皑雪苍茫。纵使它昼夜阴晴，我都会在此等待。

The fires of war have burned out. Lieutenant Izka's body receives a proper burial, and the soldiers form ranks in the cemetery to send off their fallen comrades and lower the curtains on this tragedy.战火在这座城镇熄灭，伊兹卡中尉的遗体得到了妥善安葬，战士们列队在陵园为牺牲的战友悼念送行，为绵延的悲伤画上休止符。

The city has experienced much pain, but now it will recover amidst the stability and peace, and someday it will regain its past splendor.小镇经历了伤痛，接下来将在安稳和平中慢慢恢复，终有一天可以变回往日的宁静繁荣。

CentaureissiWe've found three of the 12 missing Dolls from the special intelligence team. They will rejoin the unit after they are repaired, and you will receive nine new recruits for your unit.特种情报小组失踪的十二位人形已经找到三位，他们将在素体维修完毕后归队，还会有九位新成员加入您的小组。

ProfessorThis battle was really hard on our Dolls. We're lucky that three survived.这一战让不少人形损伤严重，还能幸存三位实属不易。

克里斯What about you, Big Sis Centaureissi? You must have taken a lot of damage in the fighting too, right? When will you get repaired?桑朵莱希姐姐呢？战斗中也受了不少的伤吧，什么时候修复？

CentaureissiDon't worry, Chris. I've already contacted UAS customer service. Now that the roads to the city have been reopened, the Doll pickup vehicle will arrive today.不用担心克里斯，我已经和环球万事服务联络了，城镇的道路交通已经恢复，负责回收人形的车今天就能来接应。

克里斯So you're leaving already, Big Sis?姐姐这么快就要走了吗？

Chris' eyes moisten with tears. Centaureissi bends down and hugs her in consolation.小克里斯瞬间湿了眼眶，双眼泪光闪烁。少女蹲下身，怀抱着孩子安慰她。

CentaureissiBe strong, Chris. Goodbyes aren't forever. Perhaps we'll meet again in some faraway place when you grow up.克里斯，坚强起来。离别并不是永不再见的预言，或许等你长大了我们还会在异地他乡再次相逢。

CentaureissiMeeting each other is a miracle. After all, it left us with this bond. No matter where you go, I will always be thinking of you.相遇即是奇迹，有了这段羁绊。无论你身在何处，桑朵莱希都会牵挂着你。

克里斯Yeah... I'll think of you too, Big Sis...嗯……我也会想念姐姐的……

I help wipe Chris' tears away and ruffle her hair affectionately.我替克里斯擦干眼角的泪珠，宠溺地揉了揉她的头发。

ProfessorYou're not a crybaby, right? I still remember how you came to rescue us with the reinforcement troops. You're our savior.克里斯可不是个爱哭的孩子，对不对？之前的行动中你跟着援军一起赶来营救我们，可是我们的大恩人呢。

克里斯Commander... Were you happy with how I did?长官对我的表现……还满意吗？

ProfessorOf course. You did very well in this battle, and your father would have been proud.当然，这次行动中你表现得相当出色，你的父亲也会为你骄傲的。

ProfessorAll birds must leave the nest someday, when their wings grow full and strong. May you soar in skies free of war. That is our wish, as well as your father's.雏鸟离巢，羽翼渐丰。希望你能翱翔在没有硝烟的晴空。这是我们也是你父亲的心愿。

After bidding us farewell, Chris heads back to the city with Lieutenant Izka's comrades. There, she will go to a good school and leave a safe and happy life, just as her father wanted.克里斯与我们道别完后跟着伊兹卡中尉的战友返回了城内，在那里她将接受良好的教育，享受安定的生活，一切如她父亲所希望的一样。

As I watch Chris leave, I suddenly remember something.看着克里斯远去的背影，我的脑海里突然回想起了什么。

ProfessorOh yes, there's one other thing.啊，对了，还有一件事。

I dial the intel center manager on my communicator.我用通讯终端拨通了情报中心人事管理的电话。

接线员Greetings. How may I help you today?您好，很高兴为您服务。请问有什么需求？

ProfessorGreetings, Miss. I'm the commander of the special intelligence team, and I'd like you to put me through to Messenger Pigeon 36 of the intel branch.您好女士，这里是特种情报小组的指挥官，现在需要请您帮忙转接情报部门36号信鸽。

接线员Now transferring you to operative No. 36. Please hold.现在为您转接36号情报员，请您稍等长官。

CentaureissiCommander, you...长官，您……

I take off my ear mike and hand it to Centaureissi with a nod.我摘下通讯终端交给桑朵莱希，对她微微点头。

ProfessorWar has broken up too many families—it's hard to find one's kin in the gunsmoke it leaves behind. As a member of the special intelligence team, I would like you to be reunited with your family.战争让太多的家庭破碎，硝烟中与亲人相遇本就难得。你是特种情报小组的成员，我也希望你能和自己的家人团聚。

CentaureissiThere was no need for that. Using your authority to contact an intelligence operative for the sake of my personal feelings is technically a violation of military regulations.您没必要这么做，为了我的私人感受动用权限联络情报员，这并不符合军队规定。

ProfessorYou've grown kinder after experiencing so much, but you're still as stern as ever.经历了这么多事桑朵莱希温柔了不少，不过还是一如既往的严格啊。

ProfessorWell then, think of it as thanks for saving me so many times.呵呵，这次就当是感谢你多次救我出险境的礼物吧。

Centaureissi bites her lip and takes the ear mike from me. A gentle female voice speaks to her over the radio waves.桑朵莱希咬咬嘴唇，接过通讯终端戴上。轻柔的女声通过电波传到耳中。

36号信鸽Greetings, Commander.您好，长官。

CentaureissiUm... It's me, Centaureissi, the Doll temporarily attached to the special intelligence team.呃……是我，特种情报小组临时特派人形桑朵莱希。

36号信鸽Greetings, Centaureissi. Thank you for your help in the previous operation. You and the Commander executed a flawless infiltration of the enemy base and caused havoc there.你好，桑朵莱希。感谢你在之前作战中的配合，你和指挥官完美地完成了潜入任务，在敌营中制造了混乱。

36号信鸽Because of your efforts, the battle to eliminate the enemy from the city was a success.两军在你们的协助下汇合，城内的对敌行动才能顺利展开。

Her words do not seem to indicate any recognition of the name Centaureissi and a sheen of dejection falls over the Doll's eyes.对方的言语中并没有对桑朵莱希的名字表示熟悉，人形翠绿色的双眸染上一丝失落。

CentaureissiThank you for your praise. In truth, your voice reminds me of my little sister, Vayne. I mistook you for her.谢谢你的夸奖。说实话，你的声音和我的妹妹薇茵很像，之前我将你误认成了她。

36号信鸽Hehe, does it?呵呵，是吗？

CentaureissiThere are many people with similar voices in the world. I guess I must have been imagining things.世界上有那么多声音相似的人，一切都只是我的错觉而已。

36号信鸽You weren't imagining things. Many people have said my voice sounds like hers.不是你的错觉，有不少人说过我和她的声音很像。

CentaureissiWait, you know Vayne?你认识薇茵？

36号信鸽Yes, I do, But I don't know if she's the person you're looking for. She was born in a military household and joined the army after graduating from a military academy.嗯，但我不知道她是不是你要找的人。那个姑娘出生于军人家庭，从军校毕业后参军。

36号信鸽She was an intelligence operative like me, but unlike me, she was a strong, fiery lass.她之前和我一样是情报员，不过，我们的性格有所不同，她是个热心坚强的姑娘。

36号信鸽I, on the other hand, was weak and timid, and the loss of my parents only made it worse—to the point where I spent all day crying. Vayne went out of her way to befriend me and passed down a lot of military knowledge and operational experience to me.而我懦弱胆小，在父母丧生后更是一蹶不振，每日以泪洗面。是薇茵主动和我做朋友，传授了我很多军事知识和作战经验。

36号信鸽I was tormented by nightmares after watching my parents being killed by the enemy and Vayne would sing me to sleep.我目睹了父母惨死于敌人之手，每日梦魇不断。薇茵经常会唱歌帮我入眠。

CentaureissiDo you know where Vayne is now?那薇茵现在在哪儿？

36号信鸽After the fighting reached this city, I stayed behind to serve as an intelligence operator for the garrison troops, while she was transferred to another city to serve on the frontlines.战火蔓延到这个城镇后，我留在城内担任守军的情报员，而她则被调往其他城市的前线作战。

CentaureissiSo she's no longer here...她已经不在这里了吗……

That form which seemed almost within reach fades away like an evanescent dream, scattered by a warm spring breeze. The disappointment within her takes the form of a quiet sigh.触手可及的背影化作泡沫，被和煦的春风吹散。内心的失落化作一声叹息。

36号信鸽However, she mentioned you to me before. She said...不过，她曾向我提起过你。我记得她说过……

36号信鸽While she did not want you to go to the battlefield, she wanted to meet you again, just like in the song—虽然不希望你来到战场，但是她期待与你重逢，就像歌里写的那样——

May the gunsmoke have faded when we meet again.愿再相见时，硝烟退去。

May the fires have burned out when we meet again.愿再相见时，战火平息。

The song in the ear-mike strums the strings of the blonde girl's heart.通讯终端中悠扬的歌声叩击着金发少女的心弦。

She has a similar position, a similar voice, and even a heart that longs for peace, just like her. Centaureissi knows that the person on the other side of the line is not Vayne.相似的身份，相似的声音，甚至连战场上渴望安宁的心境，都如此一致。桑朵莱希知道终端另一边的人不是薇茵。

But there are countless others out there trying to protect peace on the battlefield. Who's to say they're not all Vayne?可每个被卷入战场保卫和平的战士，又何尝不是薇茵？

Their hearts are loyal, just like her. They long for peace, just like her. They're willing to spread their wings and protect the innocent from harm, just like her.他们一样心中满怀赤诚，一样渴望故土安宁，一样愿意撑起羽翼为战火中的难民遮挡枪林弹雨。

CentaureissiThe country is still embroiled in war and Vayne's mission is not yet over.国家还在饱受战火的煎熬，薇茵还有没有完成的使命。

CentaureissiHow could I fail to understand her feelings...她的心情我怎么会不懂呢……

薇茵I'll be enlisting tomorrow. Long hair is going to get in the way, so I want to trim it to look cool and efficient.明天我就要入伍了。长发终究是有些碍事，换成短发清爽干练。

CentaureissiYou're enlisting? But you live in a peaceful place; you can eat your fill here and you can enjoy a comfortable life.你要入伍？可是你生活的地方和平繁荣，你可以吃得饱穿得暖，也可以享受属于自己的人生。

薇茵The situation on the frontline is urgent—there are countless people out there looking for our help who have suffered the ravages of war with no homes and nothing to eat.前线战事告急，无数无家可归饱受战争摧残的人们在寻求我们的帮助。

薇茵I was born in a military household, and I have a military bloodline. It only makes sense that I offer up my strength to help protect them.我出生在军人家庭，有着军人的血脉。理应为守护他们的安宁贡献自己的力量。

薇茵I'm not a kid anymore, Centaureissi. My wings are strong now, so I want to use them to protect everyone...我已经不是小孩子了，桑朵莱希。我的羽翼已经足够坚强了，我想用自己的双翼去保护大家……

CentaureissiYes, she was Vayne, so gentle, yet so strong from a young age, the Vayne who felt for the people around her.她是薇茵啊，从小的时候便温柔坚强，对别人的遭遇感同身受的薇茵啊。

CentaureissiI never understood why Vayne would abandon her comfortable life for the fires of the battlefield.一直以来我都不明白为什么薇茵愿意放下闲适的生活，奔赴战火纷飞的战场。

Centaureissi mutters to herself, then she suddenly jerks her head up with a smile, as though she's made up her mind.桑朵莱希默念着，像是下定决定一般凌厉地抬起头释然一笑。

CentaureissiBut I understand now.现在我明白了。

CentaureissiHowever weak or insignificant or flimsy her wings might be, she wanted to use them to shelter the people caught up in war.即便力量再渺小，翅膀再孱弱，她也想用自己的双翼为战乱中的人们提供庇护。

CentaureissiVayne never changed, not for a moment.薇茵从始至终都没有变过。

CentaureissiThank you, Messenger Pigeon 36.谢谢你，36号信鸽。

36号信鸽You're welcome. I am happy to have helped you and the Commander.不客气，很高兴能为你和长官解决困惑。

The girl hangs up as the gentle wind caresses her long hair and she sweeps several strands behind her ear. She looks just like how she first appeared when I came to this war-torn city— gentle, strong, immaculate.少女将通讯挂断，微风轻抚她的长发头发，她将几缕散发捋到耳后。一如我刚来到这座被战火蹂躏的城镇，初次遇见她时一样——温柔、坚韧、无懈可击。

And now that her wings have been tempered and unbound by a baptism of fire, she can hold up the sky for more people now.而现在的她羽翼经过战火的淬炼，能为更多人撑起一片天空。

Beep-beep—嘀嘀——

The Doll recovery vehicle drives up from the distance, coming to a halt in front of us. An efficient-looking service Doll dismounts and approaches us.远处的人形回收车驶来，车在街道前缓缓停下。着装干练的服务人形从车上走下来。

回收服务人形Greetings. I am a Doll recovery operator from Universal Anything Services.您好，我们是环球万事服务的人形回收员。

回收服务人形Your Butler-36 named Centaureissi has requested recovery and repair services from us. We have come to take her back.您麾下的Butler-36，名为桑朵莱希的家政服务人形向我们申请了回收维修服务，我们现在奉命前来回收。

回收服务人形Please verify the information on this recovery form.请您核对回收记录上的信息。

I quickly go over the information there and sign my name on the bottom. The worker takes her tablet from me, a somewhat puzzled look on her face.我接过信息记录逐一核对，最后在落款处写下了自己的名字。工作人员接过签字板，脸色微妙的诧异。

回收服务人形Are you the Commander of the special intelligence team?您是特种情报小组的指挥官？

ProfessorIndeed.没错。

回收服务人形An ownerless Doll we took in earlier requested to be transferred to you.有一位无主回收人形之前向我们提出申请，想转移至您的名下。

回收服务人形His owner perished during the fighting and his body has been severely damaged to the point where repairing him will cost more than replacement. Please consider this request carefully.他的前主人在战争中丧生，现在素体严重损坏，修复价格远高于购买价格。您可以慎重考虑一下。

回收服务人形Of course, you can see him first before giving me an answer.当然您可以和他见个面再给我回复。

ProfessorHim? Do I know him?他？是我认识的人形吗？

回收服务人形Yes. I hope you are prepared for this.嗯，希望您做好心理准备。

The door to the vehicle bed opens. The wind blows a scorched smell towards me and awakens the sleeping Doll within.车厢门被拉开，清新的风吹散了车厢内焦糊的味道，俏皮地唤醒了沉睡的人形。

The severely damaged Doll leans in a corner of the compartment, his short pink hair covered in ash and dust. His body's synthetic skin has been torn, ripped to shreds, but he forces his usual smile to his face.严重毁损的人形靠坐在角落里，粉色短发之上满是尘埃灰烬，素体皮肤破损严重，可他依旧努力展现出一如既往的笑容。

CentaureissiAh! Tony!啊！托尼！

??Greetings... The UC-HS is ready to serve... Commander...您#￥@好￥%……UC-HS@#为您#￥%服务#￥%！%……长官……

He is the perfect hairstylist, always ready with a creative idea or a gentle smile no matter the time or place—Tony.不论何时，他都是具有创意天赋，笑容和善的完美造型师——托尼。

The long days of worry disperse like the clouds, and the warm summer sun illuminates the smile on my face.多日来的牵挂如雨云散去，暖春的日光化作我脸上的一抹笑意。

ProfessorHello Tony. I am very happy to meet you again.你好，托尼。很高兴再见到你。

ProfessorOnce you're repaired, could I trouble you to give me a makeover?等你之后修理完毕，可以抽空为我做个造型吗？

TonyGree#￥@tings￥%... the UC-HS@#is always #￥%ready to serve#￥%!%... Commander...您#￥@好￥%……UC-HS@#为您#￥%服务#￥%！%……长官……

The damage to his vocalizer module only allows him to repeat that one line, but his brown eyes are filled with joy at our reunion.语言模块的损伤让他只能含糊地重复这一句话，栗色的眼瞳中却充斥着久别重逢的喜悦。

ProfessorWho knows, I might even get a VIP card and end up becoming an old customer at "The Hands of Venus".或许我还能办个vip卡，成为“美神之手”的老顾客。

ProfessorIn this war, you were a valiant warrior.这场战争中，你是一位英勇的战士。

ProfessorIn a world of peace, your hands will not need to hold a gun. They will merely have to serve those who love beauty.和平盛世下，你的双手将不必手持钢枪。它们只为爱美之人服务。

After noting Tony's unstable neural cloud, the recovery Doll suggests that he undergo repairs. She closes the door after we finish the paperwork. The thick metal plates block out the warm scenery outside.回收服务人员看托尼心智不稳定提议先行返修，和我确认了手续后掩上了车门。厚实的铁板遮挡了外面和煦温馨的景色。

This time, he won't need to face the terror of the enemy by himself. He knows that when he returns to this city, it will be a glorious sunlit scene.这一次他将不会再经历独自面对敌人的惊恐，他也知道当自己再次回到这座城镇，就能看见满城的风和日丽。

回收服务人形Are you the Butler-36 known as Centaureissi? Your paperwork is in order. You can come aboard at any time.这位就是Butler-36桑朵莱希吗？您的相关手续已齐全，可以随时上车。

Centaureissi nods to the Doll, indicating she still needs to say her goodbyes to me.桑朵莱希和工作人员点头示意，表示自己还需要和我道别。

CentaureissiAnd now I must bid you farewell.我要和您说再见了呢。

ProfessorYeah. Frankly speaking, I've got a ton of stuff on my plate too. I'm having a headache when I think about rebuilding my team. Heh, I wonder what kind of sprouts HQ sent me.嗯。我也有其他的事要忙，想想新小组的组建就有些头疼，呵呵，总部塞进来的新人不知道都是些什么苗子。

CentaureissiNo matter what kind of sprouts they are, you will treat them with gentle kindness and wait for them to grow. After all, you're different from the Commander.不管是什么样的苗子，您都会温柔善意地对待他们，耐心等待他们成长，毕竟您和长官不同。

ProfessorHuh?诶？

I am stunned for a moment. Unease spreads through my heart.我愣了一下神，心中隐隐不安。

CentaureissiYou are not the Commander I was looking for in the beginning. I knew that from the moment I met you.您和我当初寻找的长官不同，从遇到您的那一刻起我就知道。

CentaureissiYou protected Chris with no regard for your life in that alley firefight, you prioritized our safety during the operation, and you used your authority to contact Messenger Pigeon in order to make my dream of reuniting with Vayne come true.您在激烈的巷战中不顾生死保护克里斯，在行动中优先考虑我们的安危，会用权限帮我联系信鸽圆我和家人团聚的梦。

CentaureissiYour sincerity, kindness and gentleness are nothing like what the CV of that Commander says. While I don't know why you have come to end up in the Commander's place, I am certain that you are not that Commander.您的真诚、善良、温柔和那位长官生平履历中的记载并不相符，虽然不知道什么原因导致您如此，但我十分清楚您并不是那一位长官。

CentaureissiI chose to trust you and follow you because your words and actions made me believe that your hands held the key to peace—that you could personally put an end to the fighting.我选择始终相信您，追随您。因为您的种种行为让我深信，您是手握开启和平钥匙，可以亲手终结战乱的人。

CentaureissiI am deeply honored to have been able to fight by your side.能与您并肩作战，桑朵莱希非常荣幸。

The girl gives me a salute with a stern look on her face.人形少女面容严肃向我敬了一个军礼。

CentaureissiWill we meet again in the future?我们未来还会见面吗？

ProfessorIf you choose to go to the battlefield, then yes, I'm sure we will.如果你选择奔赴战场，我想我们一定会再见。

CentaureissiThen when we do, I hope I can serve under you once again.再见面时，希望我还能成为您的下属。

ProfessorHehe, it would be an honor.呵呵，荣幸至极。

Centaureissi smiles at me, and then a look of dejection crosses her face.桑朵莱希对我露出微笑，而后神情微妙地转为失落。

CentaureissiGoodbye, Commander.再见，长官。

The girl reluctantly picks up her luggage and waves farewell to me again.少女依依不舍地提起行李箱，再次与我挥手告别。

We met amidst the flames of war and parted ways amidst the blossoming flowers.相遇于战火蔓延，告别于繁花满径。

I was fortunate to have had your support in battle, and I watched you grow amidst its cruelty.有幸与你在战火中扶持依靠，也在残酷中见证了你的蜕变成长。

Goodbye, Centaureissi...再见，桑朵莱希……

The door closes, the engine slowly spins up. She will soon leave this city for another destination...车门关闭，引擎缓缓启动，她即将离开这座城镇，驶向下一个目的地……

Beep-beep—嘀嘀——

A flash of white light fills my eyes as the memory domain terminates and the connection breaks. The hatch to the capsule opens once again and I take a deep breath before sitting up in the capsule.白光闪过，记忆拟域结束，连接断开。舱门再次开启，我深吸一口气，从修复舱中坐了起来。

AntoninaWelcome back, Professor.欢迎回来，教授。

ProfessorI can still hear a ringing in my ears. Have I any hope to be cured, Dr. Antonina?耳边现在还有嗡鸣的警报声，安冬妮娜医生，这样还有的治吗？

AntoninaProfessor, that's a hallucination from the long time you've spent on the frontlines... Please don't bring the problems from your dreams to the Oasis.教授，那是您长时间前线作战造成的幻觉……请不要把梦境中的情况带入到绿洲。

ProfessorHehe, I see. How's Centaureissi?这样啊，呵呵，桑朵莱希情况怎么样了？

AntoninaHer neural cloud's been successfully repaired. There shouldn't be any more problems in the future.她的心智已经成功修复，以后应该不会再出现问题。

ClothoMiracles are born from life, and her soul was spared the fate of desolation. Thank you for your hard work, Professor.奇迹降诞于生命，心灵幸免于荒芜。感谢您的努力，教授。

赫尔Aw, and I even tweaked my internal temperature for you too...啊，可是我都已经把箱内的温度调好了……

Click—咔哒——

The recovery capsule suddenly opens and a golden-haired girl slowly emerges. Her eyes are dazed and she doesn't seem to be seeing the world around her.修复舱突然弹开，金发少女缓缓起身，双眼迷蒙，眼中的场景恍若隔世。

The ruined town from her dreamscape, the thick layer of ash, the hails of bullets and bombs, and that familiar-feeling girl...梦境中颓败的城镇、浓重的灰霾、密集的枪林弹雨，还有那位让人感觉熟悉的……

CentaureissiCommander.长官。

ProfessorGood morning, Centaureissi.早上好，桑朵莱希。

CentaureissiI... Why was I lying in the repair capsule? Did something happen?我……为什么躺在修复舱里？发生了什么事吗？

ProfessorNo, you've just been overworked recently. That and the hot weather caused you to pass out.不，你最近太劳累，加上天气太热昏睡过去了。

CentaureissiThe weather was too hot? Does the Oasis actually have such extreme weather... Oh yes, I ought to buy some ingredients from the market. It's time to make lunch for you.天气太热？绿洲竟然会有极端天气……对了，我应该去市场采购一些食材，是时候为您准备今天的午饭了。

CentaureissiI didn't think a dream could last this long...没想到一个梦做到了现在……

ProfessorWas it a good one?是个美梦吗？

Centaureissi turns to look out the window. A patch of daisies blooms there and the sight of the densely packed flowers overlaps with the image of the childish drawing from her dream.桑朵莱希转头看向窗外，一丛丛雏菊不知什么时候已经绽放，花团锦簇，和梦中纸面上笔法稚嫩的花朵重叠。

CentaureissiYes, it was a lovely dream.嗯，是个美梦。

CentaureissiI was sent by HQ to support you, but this is a temporary arrangement, and thus, all I know about you is limited to rumors.我是总部临时调派来对您进行支援的人形，对您的了解仅限于传闻。

CentaureissiWhat I heard about the SIT commander was that they were a stern, impartial and unfeeling man who prioritized the mission above all else.之前听闻特种情报小组指挥官为人铁面无私，不近人情，凡事都以任务优先为准则。

CentaureissiBut ever since I met you, nothing you have done seems to correspond to the cold person mentioned in those rumors. You risked yourself to rescue this boy, and then went on to prioritize his continued safety after disengaging from battle.但从我和您相遇时，您的所作所为和传言的冷酷丝毫不沾边。您不仅奋不顾身营救这孩子，还在交战脱离后优先考虑他的安全……

TonyI don't want to disappoint Lieutenant Izka either, so I'll go with you... Even though I can't really do anything to help.我也不想辜负伊兹卡中尉，所以决定和你们一起走……虽然我可能帮不上什么忙就是了。

CentaureissiIndeed, you cannot fight as you have no combat modules. Thus, I shall entrust the task of taking care of Chris to you.的确，你没有安装战斗模块无法正面作战，只能给你安排在战斗时保护克里斯的任务了。

TonyWhile it may be true... hearing that straight up kind of hurts my feelings.啊呀呀，虽然是事实，但是被你这么直白地指出多少还是有点难受。

Professor...You're as kind as I remember, Tony.……你还是和我认识的一样善良啊，托尼。

TonyHm? Did you say something, Commander?嗯？长官你刚刚说了什么吗？

ProfessorNo, it's nothing... Welcome aboard, Tony.不，没事……欢迎你的加入，托尼。

CentaureissiYou are not the Commander I was looking for in the beginning. I knew that from the moment I met you.您和我当初寻找的长官不同，从遇到您的那一刻起我就知道。

CentaureissiYou protected Chris with no regard for your life in that alley firefight, you prioritized our safety during the operation, and you used your authority to contact Messenger Pigeon in order to make my dream of reuniting with Vayne come true.您在激烈的巷战中不顾生死保护克里斯，在行动中优先考虑我们的安危，会用权限帮我联系信鸽圆我和家人团聚的梦。

CentaureissiYour sincerity, kindness and gentleness are nothing like what the CV of that Commander says. While I don't know why you have come to end up in the Commander's place, I am certain that you are not that Commander.您的真诚、善良、温柔和长官生平履历中的记载并不相符，虽然不知道什么原因导致您变成了现在这样，但我十分清楚您并不是那一位长官。

CentaureissiI chose to trust you and follow you because your words and actions made me believe that your hands held the key to peace, that you could personally put an end to the fighting.我选择始终相信您，追随您。是因为您的种种行为让我深信，您是可以亲手终结战乱，手握开启和平未来钥匙的人。

CentaureissiI am deeply honored to have been able to fight by your side.能与您并肩作战，桑朵莱希非常荣幸。

Was it really all just a dream? Or...真的只是一个梦吗？还是……

Dingaling~叮铃铃……

It's been a while since the Oasis' branch of "The Hands of Venus" opened its doors to the countless beauty-loving agents who flocked to it. Even though its customer volume has returned to normal, the salon still needs to operate well into the night to handle all its customers.“美神之手”绿洲新店开张了也有一段时间了，最初店铺刚刚落地时，绿洲万千爱美的智能体蜂拥而至。即便现在客流恢复正常，店铺也要营业至深夜才能打烊。

Tony the hairstylist is enjoying a rare break by sipping a cup of tea on a bench in the store while reading a war-themed light novel. However, this peace is soon shattered...造型师托尼难得忙里偷闲，坐在店里的长椅上喝茶休息，翻看一本关于战争的小说。只是这种闲暇很快就被打破……

TonyWelcome... Ah, Professor! Now here's a rare customer.欢迎光临……教授！真是稀客啊。

ProfessorHello, Maestro Tony.你好，托尼老师。

I decide to take him up on his offer in the dream and visit "The Hands of Venus" as an ordinary customer.应梦中相邀，我以普通顾客的身份造访“美神之手”。

ProfessorThe people in the Oasis all say my hair has grown out. Would you mind giving me a trim?绿洲的大家都说我的头发有些长了，有空帮我剪个头发吗？

TonyJust a trim?只是剪个头发？

Tony touches my hair and briefly assesses its condition.托尼碰了碰我的头发，感受了一下发质情况。

TonyThey say people with stiff hair are decisive and unyielding, yet you're a kind and approachable person, Professor.人家都说发质硬的人果决刚毅，教授却一直都这么平易亲和。

TonyIf it's you, I wouldn't mind styling your hair for free.如果是教授的话，我可以帮您免费做个适合您的造型。

ProfessorHaha, I'll be troubling you, then.哈哈，那就麻烦你了。

Dingaling~叮铃铃……

As the door chime rings, another new customer enters.门前的风铃作响，又有新的客人光顾。

TonyWelcome! I'm attending to a customer at the moment, so please give me a moment.欢迎光临！！店里还有其他的客人，请您稍等。

The person who enters is formally dressed. She's missing some of the austerity from the battlefield and brimming with the subdued gentleness that comes from having dealt with her issues. However, her gaze is sharp, her movements are precise, and she's every bit the dashing warrior from my memories.走进来的客人一身戎装，身在绿洲少了些战场上自带的肃杀气，更多的是饱经世事后的淡然柔和，但她眼神锐利、举止干练，和回忆中一样英姿飒爽。

ProfessorCentaureissi?桑朵莱希？

I'm mildly surprised by her new outfit, but I soon realize why she is here.我对她全新的装束有些惊讶，但很快，就明白了她此行的来意。

ProfessorHehe... Well, this is a coincidence. Are you here for a haircut too?呵呵……真巧，你也来剪头发吗？

CentaureissiNo, I came to see you, Commander.不，我是来见您的，长官。

CentaureissiI have many questions which I'd like you to help me answer.桑朵莱希有诸多疑问，想请您帮忙解答。

ProfessorThat's alright. Go ahead and ask.没关系，你可以直接问。

CentaureissiWhen I fainted that day, was it really due to overwork? Was everything that happened on the battlefield just a dream?那天我昏睡过去，真的是因为劳累？在战场上发生的一切也都只是一场梦吗？

ProfessorWhat do you think?你觉得呢？

CentaureissiThat battle is deeply rooted in my memories and I know in reality war is far more cruel than that.那场战役扎根于我的记忆中，我知道现实要残酷得多。

CentaureissiIn my dreams, we experienced many crises, but my Commander always helped turn things around and guided things to a satisfactory conclusion.梦境之中，我们曾多次面临险境，每次都有一位指挥官让局势转危为安，结局驶向圆满。

CentaureissiI tried to learn who they were many times, but it was only until I saw you in the Oasis that I realized where the sense of security in my dream came from.我也曾多次揣测过的身份，直到回到绿洲看到您，我才意识到梦中的安心感由何而来。

CentaureissiYou were that Commander, weren't you, Master?那位指挥官，就是长官您吧。

Her direct statement pierces my disguise and I am caught off guard for a moment. After I come to my senses, I realize she's talking about my persona within the memory domain and thus, I proudly admit it.直白的言语揭穿了伪装，我一时间有些恍惚。回神后意识到她所指的不过是记忆拟域中的身份，索性大方地承认。

ProfessorYup, it's exactly as you suspected.嗯，事实正如你所推测的那样。

The girl's expression shifts and her keen gaze gradually softens.少女神色动容，原本锐利的目光逐渐柔和。

CentaureissiBecause of your existence, the course of the dream was changed. All the ominous feelings and unknowns were proof that you saved me over and over again.因为您的存在，原本梦的轨迹得以偏转。而那些在梦中无法解释的违和与“未卜先知”，是您一次次拯救我的证明。

CentaureissiThank you, Commander. Thank you for completing my memories and thank you for pulling me back from the brink of a neural cloud collapse.谢谢您，长官。谢谢您让我拥有了完整的记忆，也感谢您将我从心智崩溃的边缘拉回来。

ProfessorOh, it's nothing. I told you before, right? If it's within my power, I won't abandon any of you.这没什么，我之前说过，当自己有能力时，我不会放弃你们中的任何一个。

ProfessorThis is what the Oasis and I are meant to do.这是绿洲也是我应该做的。

CentaureissiAnd as you said, I had a lovely dream.如您所言，我被赐予了一场美梦。

Centaureissi stands at attention and delivers a crisp salute.桑朵莱希身姿笔挺向我严肃敬礼。

CentaureissiAnd now that the flames of war have died down, I shall continue serving under you in the Oasis...重逢于硝烟散去时，在绿洲继续做您的下属……

CentaureissiIt is an honor for me.桑朵莱希十分荣幸。

The scene before my eyes is like a dream. The place is similar, its decor is similar, and the girl is dressed in a similar way.眼前的场景如梦似幻，相似的地点、相似的装修、相似的着装。

The sole difference is that our re-encounter is not marked by fighting or bloodshed and there is no sorrow or doubt here.唯一不同的是我们的再次相遇没有硝烟没有战火，既无悲伤也并不彷徨。

It is like the daisy blooming in spring after weathering the winter chill, blossoming like it was the most natural thing in the world.如同春季绽放的雏菊那般，熬过寒冬，便自然而然迎来盛放。

ProfessorI, too, am honored to be working alongside you once again.再次和你并肩作战，也同样是我的荣幸。

Scars, Wings, Daisies // E N D ...弹痕、飞鸟、雏菊 // E N D . . .

CentaureissiFrom today forth, I shall offer you my loyalty, Master.从今往后，我也会为您献上忠诚，长官。

Fan archive of the official game scripts. All story text and art belong to their publishers.