As she prepared to leave once more, Ruth felt a pang of sadness. She rose early that morning to prepare food alone. When Lübeck awoke at dawn and found Ruth gone, he dressed and followed the light to the kitchen.
当再一次将要离开,露丝有些失落,早上独自早早就起床去准备食物了.当吕贝克在清晨醒来,发现露丝不在身边,他穿好衣服,循着光亮,来到厨房.
Ruth sat before the stove, watching the flames dance within the hearth. The orange-red glow illuminated her hair, her face, and her hands as she warmed them by the fire.
露丝正坐在炉灶之前,看着炉膛里火焰的舞动,橙红色的火光照亮她的发丝,脸庞,还有她烤火取暖的双手.
Lübeck quietly approached her from behind, crouched down, wrapped his arms around her waist, pressed his face close to hers, and whispered softly into her ear,
"Don't worry, I'll be back soon, just like always."
吕贝克轻轻走到她的身后,蹲下身,搂着她的腰,贴着她的脸,轻声在她耳边说,
"别担心,我很快就会回来的,就像往常一样,"
"No, I'm not worried," Ruth replied, but she didn't turn around, nor did she show any sign of feeling better.
"不,我不担心,"露丝答应着,她却没有回头,也没有一点情绪好转的迹象.
Lübeck could only wrap one arm tightly around her waist and the other around her shoulder and arm, enveloping her fragile form with his own body in an attempt to shield her from harm.
吕贝克只好一手搂紧她的腰,一手搂紧她的肩臂,用自己的身体将脆弱的她包裹起来,试图保护她免受伤害.
Every time they parted ways, Lübeck was always overcome with guilt, knowing his family endured such pain while he could do nothing to ease it. He had no idea how much longer this would go on, so he clung to the hope that one day, the population of the Sanctuary would grow large enough that he wouldn't have to keep traveling like this anymore. Then he could stay by their side for good.
每到分离时刻,吕贝克也总是感到内心愧疚,让自己的家人承担这样的痛苦,自己却无能为力.他也不知道这样的日子还要持续多久,只好幻想着有一天,庇护之地的人口已经足够多了,以至于自己不用再这样奔波下去了,可以长久地陪伴在他们身边.
After a tasteless breakfast, Lübeck went straight to the security forces' headquarters. He met with Trudy, dismissed everyone else, and spoke to her alone in the office.
无味的早餐之后,吕贝克直接赶到治安部队驻地,见到特鲁迪,清退了所有其他人,单独在办公室对特鲁迪说,
The largest survey operation will take place tomorrow. All marker stakes will be distributed by tonight. Therefore, starting tonight, issues may arise. Could you please have someone reinforce the message about law and order? Hopefully, they won't make any more misjudgments.
"明天最大一批勘测活动将要举行,今晚之前标识木桩会发放完毕,所以从今晚开始,可能会出现问题,你派人再宣传一下法律和秩序好吗?但愿他们不会再做出错误判断."
"Alright, I'll have someone relay the message shortly," Trudy replied.
"好的,我一会儿就安排人传达下去."特鲁迪回答,
"Get out the map, let's discuss our strategy."
"把地图拿出来,咱们商量一下策略,"
"All right," Trudy said, pulling out the map and spreading it on the table.
"好,"特鲁迪说着找出地图,铺在桌儿面上,
"These locations," Lübeck pointed out while marking them with a pencil,
"这些地点,"吕贝克一边指出来,一边用铅笔标定,
These are the survey sites requiring personnel to maintain order. Additionally, personnel handling property matters must be aware of the designated access routes. As he spoke, Lü Beck marked several major roads.
"这些是勘测地点,需要派人维持秩序,另外相关于财产的人员,往来进出路线,需要掌握."说着吕贝克又标出几条主要道路,
"Deploy a few visible sentries and station hidden sentries around the perimeter as a precaution," Lü Beck said, handing Trudy a document.
"你派少量明哨,在周边部署暗哨,以防万一,"说着吕贝克递给特鲁迪一张文件,说,
Send someone to pick up this document shortly. Proceed to the spaceport warehouse to collect a batch of personnel identification armbands for nighttime friend-or-foe identification. Also retrieve a small quantity of Drexel M1841 needle-fire rifles. Distribute several to each of your covert sentry teams so they can familiarize themselves with the weapon's distinctive sound. This is because the reinforcements I'm dispatching to you are equipped with this new rifle model, enabling nighttime gunshot recognition.
"一会儿你派人拿这个文件,去太空码头仓库领取一批人员标识袖标,用于夜间敌我识别,还有一批少量德莱赛M1841针发枪,发给你的每一批暗哨人员几支,以便他们熟悉这种枪声,因为我给你派遣的支援人员装备的就是这种新型步枪,以便夜间枪声识别."
"Alright," Trudy nodded in agreement as she listened to Lübeck's instructions.
"好,"特鲁迪一边听吕贝克安排一边答应点头,
Lübeck then marked the location on the map.
接着吕贝克又在地图上标出地点,
Tonight, after dark, I will order the spacecraft to depart and drop off your support personnel at these locations. You must dispatch men to receive them to avoid friendly fire at night. They will serve as your reinforcements. The password—" As he spoke, Lübeck wrote the password on the map.
"今晚,天黑后我会命令飞船启航,在这些地点放下给你的支援人员,你要派人接应,避免夜间误伤,让他们作为你的补充力量,口令,"说着,吕贝克把口令写在了地图上,
"Eliminate any insurgent forces and avoid casualties among the security personnel," Lübeck reiterated, looking Trudy in the eye.
"消灭任何叛乱力量,避免治安队员伤亡,"吕贝克再次嘱咐着,看着特鲁迪的眼睛,
"Okay," Trudy replied.
"好,"特鲁迪回答,
Lübeck stared into Trudy's eyes for a moment, then asked,
吕贝克盯着特鲁迪的眼睛,片刻,又问,
"What I mean is, can your team members actually pull it off?"
"我的意思是,你的队员能够执行吗?"
Trudy froze for a moment, unsure how to respond.
特鲁迪愣了一下,一时不知道怎么回答,
Let me elaborate further: Rebels who lead the resistance with force must be eliminated. Accomplices may be accepted as prisoners of war provided the safety of security personnel is guaranteed. Establish a secure perimeter to prevent any armed rebels from escaping.
"我再详细说明一下,叛乱分子使用武力带头顽固抵抗的,消灭.从犯,在保证治安队员安全的前提下,可以接受投降,设好包围圈,参与武装叛乱的人不允许跑掉,"
After saying this, Lübeck glanced at Trudy again and added,
说完吕贝克又看了看特鲁迪,补充道,
This is necessary for the stable development of the Sanctuary and to ensure social fairness and justice.
"这是庇护之地能够稳定发展和保证社会公平正义的需要,"
"Okay, I understand," Trudy replied.
"好的,我明白,"特鲁迪回答,
"Assign Joachim's comrades-in-arms to the task force and make sure they understand the principles I just outlined," Lübeck said, looking at Trudy.
"把约阿希姆生前的战友派进行动队伍,嘱咐好我刚才的原则,"吕贝克看着特鲁迪说,
"Okay, I understand what you mean."
"好的,我明白你的意思,"
"All right, that's settled," Lübeck said, rising to his feet and taking Trudy's hand.
"好,就这样,"说完吕贝克起身,握住特鲁迪的手,
"The rest is up to you. Make sure the team stays safe."
"剩下的布置就靠你了,尽量保证队员安全,"
"Yes, Captain," Trudy saluted, and Lübeck took his leave.
"是,船长,"特鲁迪敬礼,吕贝克告别,
Upon returning to City Hall from the security forces' headquarters, Lübeck immediately issued orders to distribute survey marker stakes and commence the first phase of unified surveying the following day. However, he did not stay for lunch but returned home instead, wishing to spend more time bidding farewell to his family before setting sail.
从治安部队驻地返回市政厅,吕贝克马上发布了发放勘测标识木桩,明日启动第一阶段统一勘测的命令,但是没有在那里吃午饭,而是返回家中,他想在启航前,用更多的时间与家人告别.
At noon, the crimson sun's hues grow less saturated. Under clear skies, its pallid light bathes the earth and the road home. As we gradually leave the town behind, the houses grow sparser. In this bleak expanse illuminated by the wan glow, the repetitive scenery and monotonous carriage seem to deepen the sorrow of parting.
中午时间的红日,色彩饱和度更低,加上晴天,泛白的色调照在大地,也照在回家的路上.逐渐离开城镇,越显稀疏的房屋,在这惨白照耀的旷野里,重复的景致与单调的马车,似乎更加重了离别的凄楚.
Back home, Ruth had already prepared lunch, and Emma was sitting at the table. But the lively spirit that had once filled the big girl was nowhere to be seen. Lübeck wanted to offer her loving comfort, so he stepped forward first to kiss her lips, then gazed into her clear, large eyes.
回到家中,露丝已经准备好了午餐,艾玛也坐在餐桌儿前,只是那个大女孩身上往日的活泼不见了踪影,吕贝克想给她爱的安抚,首先上前亲吻了她的嘴唇,然后看着她那双清澈的大眼睛.
Only the child in her arms remained innocent and cheerful, dancing and clapping to welcome Lübeck's return.
这时只有她怀里的孩子,依然天真欢笑,手舞足蹈地欢迎吕贝克的归来.
Rubbing his head and tugging at his little hand, Lübeck couldn't help but feel a pang of emotion. How wonderful it would be to remain carefree like a child forever. But then he looked up at Ruth and Emma—they were his responsibility. How could he ever be like a child?
摸摸他的头,拉拉他的小手,吕贝克不由得心中感慨,要是能像孩子一样,永远都无忧无虑该多好啊.可是再抬头看看露丝与艾玛,她们都是自己的责任,自己怎么可以像孩子一样呢.
After a plain and somewhat dull lunch, Emma carried the child back to her room, while Lübeck accompanied Ruth to the kitchen to clear the dishes.
平淡而略显乏味的午餐结束后,艾玛抱着孩子回了自己的房间,吕贝克陪着露丝到厨房清理餐具,
Afternoon sunlight filters through the narrow window, casting just a sliver of light that illuminates the enclosed kitchen space. Steam rises from the hot water, gently disturbing this sliver of time, as if narrating its passage.
午后的阳光透过狭小的窗子,只那么一缕亮光,照亮了厨房的封闭空间,热水的水汽升腾,轻轻扰动这缕时光,仿佛在诉说它的流逝,
As Ruth swayed, light danced through her hair, illuminated her cheeks, and at times, when she faced him, it glinted in her deep eyes and the lingering affection within her pupils.
随着露丝身影的晃动,光亮时而穿过她的发丝,时而照亮她的脸颊,时而,是她面向自己,光线闪亮她深邃的双眸,和瞳孔里的依恋,
"Go be with Emma. She needs you too," Ruth said softly, her eyes fixed on Lübeck.
"你去陪陪艾玛吧,她也需要你,"露丝双眼望着吕贝克轻声地说,
Lübeck dried the water from his hands, gently drawing Ruth into his embrace. His hands caressed her waist and back, as if he could touch the heart within that fragile body that loved him so deeply. The sunlight streaming through the narrow window seemed barely enough to illuminate the outline of the two figures holding each other.
吕贝克擦干手上的水,轻轻把露丝拥入怀中,双手轻抚她的腰背,似乎可以触摸到这具柔弱身体里那颗深爱着自己的心,那狭小的窗口射入的阳光,似乎仅仅足够照亮这两个人相拥的轮廓,
Dust particles drift, Light and shadow waver, Love endures forever.
微尘浮动,光影飘渺,爱心永恒.
In the evening glow, U-2513 of Lübeck set sail once more. Manipulating antigravity, it rose into the air and moved silently along its predetermined course.
晚霞里,吕贝克的U-2513再次起航,依靠操纵反重力,悬浮到空中,沿着既定航线悄无声息的移动,
Captain Lübeck remained standing atop the bridge console, binoculars in hand, observing the ground situation. Though the last vestiges of evening glow still lingered on the horizon at the spacecraft's altitude, night had already fallen on the surface. Lübeck scanned the roads and communal settlements below, checking for any unusual gatherings of people on the ground.
吕贝克船长依然站在控制台顶端舰桥,手持望远镜,观察地面情况.虽然在飞船的高度上依然可见天边的最后一抹晚霞,可是地面上已经进入了夜晚.吕贝克观察着地面的道路,各个公社聚居点,查看地面是否有异常人群聚集情况.
As the last streak of crimson glow faded from the horizon, he did not wish for bloodshed to erupt on the ground tonight. But who could decide such matters?
回望那最后一抹红霞即将散尽在天边,他不想今晚在地面上也发生血色骚乱,可是这又能由谁决定呢?
After closing the hatch and returning to the submarine's interior, Lübeck gathered the soldiers to distribute supplies and weapons, giving them a final pep talk.
关闭舱门回到潜艇内部,吕贝克召集士兵发放物资武器,给他们做最后动员,
"Soldiers, you are the guardians of this sanctuary. You bear the responsibility to protect both its land and its people—to defend every individual's life and property from harm, and to safeguard social fairness and justice from being trampled by tyranny. Can you fulfill this duty?"
"士兵们,你们是庇护之地的守卫者,你们有责任保护这里的土地,也有责任保护这里的人民,保卫每一个人的生命财产不受他人侵害,保卫社会的公平与正义不被强权践踏,能不能做到?"
"We can do it." The young men's morale was high, their reply crisp and loud. Lübeck continued,
"能做到."小伙子们的士气很足,回答干脆响亮,吕贝克又接着说,
Today's mission is for you to follow your squad leaders to various locations, support the security forces, and suppress any acts of rebellion. The reason for this operation is straightforward: local illegal factions continue to challenge the legal boundaries of the Sanctuary. I imagine some of you have already participated in the Joachim operation. To avoid such unnecessary casualties, we must respond with decisive action. Do you have confidence in completing this mission?
"今天的任务是你们由自己的小队长带领,在不同地点,支援治安队,制止任何叛乱行为.这次行动的原因也很简单,就是有地方非法势力不断挑战庇护之地的法制底线,我想,你们之中有人已经参加过约阿希姆,为了避免这样不必要的牺牲,我们必须采取有力的行动回击,有没有信心完成任务?"
"Yes," the young men answered in unison, their voices growing louder and filled with high morale.
"有,"小伙子们异口同声回答,声音更加响亮,士气饱满.
"Alright, pre-operation briefing complete. Commence the operation." After issuing the command, Lü Beck immediately proceeded to the submarine's lower compartment, rappelling down the hatch to await the team members.
"好,行动前动员完毕,开始行动."下达完毕行动命令,吕贝克直接来到了潜艇底舱,索降舱口等候行动队员.
Soon, the rappelling site was reached. The spacecraft hovered steadily as the hatch opened and the green light illuminated. The opposing team leader prepared to lead the descent, but Lübeck reached out and pushed him firmly in the chest, saying,
一会儿,索降地点到达,飞船悬停稳定,舱口打开,绿灯亮起,对面的队长准备带头索降,吕贝克伸手推住他的前胸,说,
Complete the mission and return safely—can you do it?
"完成任务,平安归来,能不能做到?"
"Yes Sir, Captain."
"是,船长,"
Lübeck nodded, patted him on the shoulder, then watched as each team member rappelled down to their assigned positions.
吕贝克点了点头,拍了拍他的肩膀,然后目送每一位队员索降,到达部署位置.
After completing all deployment tasks, the spacecraft gradually ascended in altitude. Lübeck returned to his captain's quarters and relayed the spatial navigation coordinates. His thoughts wandered to Ruth, Emma, and his son, to his own action team, and to the people of Sanctuary—men, women, and children, young and old—all unaware of what lay ahead and how it would unfold.
完成所有部署任务后,飞船逐渐提升高度,吕贝克回到自己的舰长室,传达了空间航行坐标,思绪里既有露丝,艾玛和儿子,也有自己的行动队员,还有庇护之地的人们,男女老少,不知道后面的一切,将会怎样地到来.