SENDER: @ nefelibata | RECIPIENT: @ All

[shiftybladesofcray]

To Whom it May Concern;

Let's assume anyone capable of receiving this message is, like myself, a captive on board this train. While nothing can be determined unequivocally, I've come to some conclusions that bear weight enough to consider.

Thus far, we are only permitted to advance upon the completion of objectives as set by an unknown puppeteer. This "clownductor" assumes an affable but absent persona, and so their true nature cannot be ascertained. The motives are paraphrased below:

1. Read the Instructions
2. Message another Passenger
3. Request Friendship with Another Passenger*
4. Assist a Dog
5. Retrieve Part of Your Person
6. Collect Seeds in Exchange for Personal Information

(*Meaningful connection is not required)

While each appears innocuous on first blush, they aspire to two functions: fostering connections and gaining intelligence. There could be strength in numbers if we come together as one, true, and sharing secrets can bolster such bonds, but let's not be fooled.

There's a strong possibility we are being set up for darker purpose. If on a future car, the motive becomes:

7. Murder a Fellow Passenger

Will it not be all the more devastating after we've bonded? Without hope, there cannot be despair. Despair can breed subjugation, a loss of self and morality, a weakness of character that's easily exploited by those in power. It can breed violence.

I've seen such games put into action myself. Anyone may turn on their fellow man if the correct pressure is applied. If there are sensible people among you, these notions may have struck you as they have me. I'm sending this now as a warning.

Do not play into their hands. They control our passage through the train. They may be watching us. We cannot assume they have our best interests at heart.

Conversely, even if you are able to stay your course? Never assume your neighbor can do the same. We are each uniquely strong and uniquely weak. A miscalculation may cost you your life.

I cannot say whether this is a dream, a simulation, or an alternate reality, though the latter requires tremendous suspension of disbelief. Regardless, we cannot assume that our actions on the train are without consequence. Act with caution, but most urgently, act with hope.

I appreciate your time in perusing this missive. I understand some find reading difficult. If you're so encumbered by your illiteracy, ask another passenger to read it for you. I will not be providing summation.

Thank you.

- Fukawa Toko


****ADDENDUM: Should anyone be approached by or glimpse a half white, half black bear, DO NOT ENGAGE. Contact me immediately and I shall deal with it.

Comments

@WHEATLEY

[testgasm]

let's not get ahead of ourselves there's no reason to think that we'll be made to murder anyone or that we're inherently at risk from fellow passengers who might want to murder people

i mean that's a lot to just come right out there and say to all of us

i at least have absolutely no interest in murder

none at all wouldn't even dream of it

[shiftybladesofcray]

[....................................]

You should have shut up and not spoke at all.

[Note to self: if you ever meet a Wheatley, stab first, ask questions later.]

[testgasm]

i could say the same thing about

uh

this entire post

but i'm not doing that because i'm not rude

[shiftybladesofcray]

I'm trying help people by preparing them for the worst case scenario!

You're very rude. Go away.

[testgasm]

well it's a bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy isn't it

you bring it up and get the discussion started and now everyone's thinking about murder which means someone might be more likely to do it down the line because the idea's in their head

see how that works

[shiftybladesofcray]

No, it's not a self-fulfilling prophecy because I was talking about the possibility that whoever is controlling the train setting a motive involving murder.

I couldn't make it self-fulfilling unless I was the conducter, which I am not.

[testgasm]

well when someone inevitably does a murder i'm going to ask them where they got the idea!

@batman

[plas]

Boy subtlety is just nobody's middle name around here.

[testgasm]

i'm expressing my genuine disinterest in murder was i supposed to be subtle

[plas]

Oh boy. Okay.

[ Lord help him, the social scene on this train is a trainwreck. ]

Buddy. Pal. Friendo. A lil FYI. Disinterest in murder is the rule, not the exception. You don't got to say it. Otherwise, wethinks maybe you doth protest too much.

[ What sin is he atoning for by explaining how not to look like a murder-loving sociopath? Or...wait. Is it a greater sin to teach somebody how to hide being a sociopath? Is this guy (the talking soccerball) harboring murder in his heart? (CPU? This metaphor is falling apart.) ]

[testgasm]

well clearly this person thinks murder is the default so i though it was pertinent to note that i've got no interest in it

didn't want anyone getting the wrong idea

[plas]

so you are not, nor have you ever been, interested in taking the life of a human, alien, robotic, mythological, five-dimensional or other miscellaneous sentient being

[testgasm]

i have not nor have i ever been interested in that sort of thing

at all

un: noctua

[flamebears]

[ well then. ]

I'm destroying you the moment I have the chance.

1/2

[testgasm]

???????????????

[testgasm]

why would you do that i dont even know who you are?????

[flamebears]

We've met.

[ -- that isn't helpful. ]

[testgasm]

okay so were you the person who kicked me around or the person who picked me up without asking or the person who tried to futz around with my insides

because honestly at this point it's all the same to me

[flamebears]

You are perfectly shaped for violence.

[ that can be taken in one of two ways. or both ways tbh. ]

Not so much for deception.

[testgasm]

so how would you like it if i came over and started poking and prodding and kicking you around? that's basically what everyone's been doing since i've got here

and now you're threatening me for no reason which is great

honestly at this point in the unlikely event i do commit an act of violence it's going to be on you mate

not that i'm interested in that sort of thing i've got unbelievable restraint