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

[venerating]

Well, okay. If you really want to be left alone, I understand. I definitely understand how much it sucks for people to think of you as a joke.

We could know each other, though! Even if it weren't an objective to make friends we should make friends anyway, right?

[shiftybladesofcray]

Really? YOU? You think you know what it's like to spend your entire life as a rag the world wipes its ass with?

Don't make me laugh.

[She stares at this last bit. This is...exactly what Naegi would say. What Komaru would say. And she had made this whole post to emphasize the importance of being united. And maybe this person really was sorry. They seemed none too bright the last time they'd talked, and none the brighter now. Could she really fault him for not knowing how message boards worked?

....Yes. But also, she's exhausted. Sobbed out, typed out, and ready to expire.]

You're really determined to go through with this, aren't you

[venerating]

No, I've never been treated THAT bad!

Sheesh. No wonder you got so upset.

[ He wishes he could say more, something comforting, but he's really never been great with words. ]

You just sound like you really want someone to talk to. Like I said, if you really want to be left alone I'll stop messaging you.

For now anyway, if we ever get to meet in person I've been told I'm pretty stubborn!

[ More accurately he's been called "pesky mongrel", but details (also this is from one of his best friends, so..) ]

Move to action/inbox?

[shiftybladesofcray]

[Is it her destiny to be surrounded by idiots?

At this point he's asked several times in this post to meet, and made similar overtures in their previous communique. Perhaps the only way to shake him loose is to let him face her in the flesh.

ping!

He gets a location pin of where she's set up her Happy Home camp. Can he figure out how to use it?]

Lower your expectations.