e2 | SENDER: @ nefelibata | RECIPIENT: @ All

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

People are more likely to show their hand if they don't feel like they're being watched.

[GOSH.]

I haven't met this Geto, but the fact that his profile lists murder is highly suspicious. [And thank the stars her own mentions nothing of the sort. Though it's not...flattering. At all. This guy she's speaking to has one of the more innocuous entries. A vitamin deficiency, how lucky.] It's creepy to think about who wrote these things and why they made them available to the public. I can't say that the descriptions themselves are the whole story. It's qualities without context. "Murder" can be cold blooded, but it could also be a by product of war, or police work, or something you're made to do against your will. Besides, I've seen harmless people turn savage under the right pressure while more dangerous folk stay their hand. We can learn a few things from these, but not the whole story.

Just be cautious and use your gut. That's the best I can say.

That's more or less what I think, too.
Without context, there's of course no way to judge whatever the profiles say...
And besides, there's no guarantee everyone who's murdered has it listed on their profile.
So I find it a little pointless to fixate on it further than noting it.

[ case in point: he's also murdered, and not a hint of it on there? besides, like, some people deserve to get murdered. facts! ]

I'm glad we're in agreement. Some people don't seem to take the situation we're in very seriously, but you seem to recognize the gravity of it all.
I'll look forward to working with you.

Likewise. I'll be keeping in touch. Thank you for your input.

SENDER: @ nefelibata | RECIPIENT: @ All

Thanks for reminding me to update my directory with snide tea like everyone else

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