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

[sociably]

[ Sorry Vidal, your fate is now to educate the 20 boomers on this train.

Anyway she is following his instructions to the T.....putting two fingers on the screen.....moving them away from each other.....











!!!!!!!!!

Two minutes later, he gets another picture. Extremely blurry, but maybe he can make out the corgi eye and half a nose that's managed to wedge itself in the picture. ]

like this??

[neriticism]

[ Look as long as they don't bitch about it like actual boomers, he'll pass the knowledge along. We train on the cute dog pictures so when something important pops up, more people have the capacity to capture it. Or something to that effect. ]

Nailed it. Works best for things that are real far though.

You oughta be sending these to all the other folks in this thread, you're running circles around them.

[sociably]

[ Wow.....this mysterious stranger is truly her new favorite person. ]

you think so? really??
what else is there? i can learn more!

[neriticism]

[ And normally chatty rays of sunshine aren't exactly his favorite type of person, but honestly?? Anyone this jazzed to learn new things, even if it's just a phone camera, is all right in his book... :') ]

Not a doubt
K you ready for some advanced techniques?

[ Bet she is. Give him a minute. Eventually he sends over a gently vandalized goblin thing. Whose image he feels perfectly justified sullying on account of being chased up a hill with that stupid club. ]

[ Accompanying it shortly after are the screenshots with circles that lead to the coveted Markup feature. Go crazy go stupid, dear Beatrix. ]

[sociably]

[ It's beautiful, magnificent, a work of art.

She loves it. ]

that's amazing!! i can't wait to try it out
if i have any questions, can i just come back and ask you?

[neriticism]

[ Thank you he’s not an artist in the slightest. ]

Can’t wait for you to unleash your greatest masterpiece hon

Sure thing, I’ll be here all week.

Or you know, however long we’re all stuck here.

[sociably]

thanks you're the best!!