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]

[She's putting way too much faith in him, clearly.]

To sow despair. They were put on to demoralize the world.

[shaft]

Isn't that grand.

I can see why you'd be wary. You don't trust the other people here, do you?

[shiftybladesofcray]

Why yes, I always put my life into the hands of forty strangers I meet in a mobile dog park.

It would be idiotic to trust everyone implicitly off the bat. But I believe we can all find at least one person we can rely on. It's not much, but it's a start.

Sadly, most people don't come together until the crisis is at hand.

[shaft]

Is that what you're trying to accomplish with this announcement? For people to come together?

[shiftybladesofcray]

More or less. Looks like I don't have the charisma for it, even in writing.

[Which is what she types after three versions of "guess I'm worthless" or "who would listen to a revolting creature like me". The fact is, she's not Naegi, and never has been. That runty kid had a way of speaking to people like they were the only one in the universe, even when he was talking to a crowd.

Mind you, she's not sure she trusts this...ohdeer, not just yet. There's still a little too much flippancy in his replies, and he already chided her once over her fits. She's probably shown too much of her hand already.]

[shaft]

I think it's more that uniting people is a skill that takes years of work to cultivate. [ he would know! he's been trying ]

I don't think it's impossible in this case, but it'll be hard to achieve without a clearer idea of what's going on. Not everyone is going to be moved by hypotheticals.

[shiftybladesofcray]

I'd hoped to nip the problem in the bud, but I have to admit you're right. Nobody takes matters seriously until something shocking happens.

I just hope I'm wrong.

[shaft]

I wouldn't take the responses of the people here too personally in any case.

But I guess we'll see.