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

[shiftybladesofcray]

It isn't obvious? I write. I'm a bestselling author.

[Was.]

Fiction only, though. As you can see above I deal better in delusions than realities.

[onlyhope]

[ Well he wasn't sure what to expect but that's fairly straight forward. ]

I didn't get that impression.

[shiftybladesofcray]

You said yourself I need to work on my delivery.

What about you? What does a "simple man" do while wandering the [LOUD GROAN] galaxy?

[onlyhope]

Still, I would hardly call that delusional. That you take some measure of joy in storytelling is not something to be ashamed of.

That is a good question. One for which I have no easy answer. I was a Knight, once, who fought for justice and peace, but those days are past now.

[shiftybladesofcray]

[It's the only joy she'd had for a long time. As an escape. To give her worth as a person. She's not inclined to say so here. It's a struggle thinking of a brush off that he won't spin into another pat on the shoulder. Who the hell is this guy? What business does he have buttering her up like this?

Ultimately, she ignores it. They're talking about him now. Good.]

So something happened? Did the Knights disband or did you abandon them?

[onlyhope]

[ Obi-Wan considers this question for a moment, the number of ways it could be answered. Finally: ]

They were betrayed and murdered.

[shiftybladesofcray]

[So it's more of this, then.

Toko's no good at comfort. Not in person, and definitely not over text. Men don't succumb to their feelings the way women do, and she's certain he's much older than her, so then what is the appropriate response? Her fingers hover over the touchscreen, lower lip caught between her teeth.]

It seems to be a common theme. [You're not alone? No no, too informal, too presumptuous. Maybe it's something as simple as:] I'm sorry.

[onlyhope]

Thank you. It has left my future uncertain, to be sure, but I still have hope some of us made it out alive.

More importantly, do you mean to say this has been a trend amidst our number?

[shiftybladesofcray]

I hope so as well. Maybe your future will see you reuniting the survivors.

Not in the specifics, but it seems a number of people have been marked by cruel tragedies. Considering how little we know about why we're here, I have to wonder if it's a defining factor, or linked to the numbers we're branded with.

Of course not everyone may be willing to disclose such things. It's difficult to say, and a fringe theory at best.

[onlyhope]

Curious. And an idea worth entertaining.

I had noted that at times the number would flicker but would not change. I sense it's true purpose will yet be revealed to us.

[shiftybladesofcray]

Flicker? So it looked like it might change or disappear?

Can they edit the numbers without touching us?

[CREEPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!]

[onlyhope]

Well, they put them there. I don't see why not.

[shiftybladesofcray]

The only way that would be creepier is if they changed them in our sleep.

Anyway, do you have any idea what was causing it?

[onlyhope]

Unfortunately no, but I'll be sure to keep an eye out for it in the future.

[shiftybladesofcray]

Fair enough. I'll let you know if I find something out myself.

[onlyhope]

Likewise.