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

[onlyhope]

Someone who has a vested interest in the outcome.

What may seem like a great waste of credits to you or I may have a very different meaning for the individual in charge of this operation. And that is not even ruling in the possibility that it isn't just science at work here.

[shiftybladesofcray]

I can't imagine what interest that might be.

Are you suggesting it's magic? Or some sort of purgatory? It certainly feels like I'm in hell.

[onlyhope]

I would be more inclined to believe magic than purgatory.

[shiftybladesofcray]

Really? Are you going to tell me it's a common thing where you're from?

[onlyhope]

There are a great many things in the galaxy I can't claim to understand.

I suppose that means it isn't for you? I believe you may be in the minority.

[shiftybladesofcray]

Galaxy? I suppose that makes you some sort of extra terrestrial explorer.

[if you fucking say you're an alien i swear to GOD, BEN]

No.

There might be ghosts but that's not proven exactly.

[onlyhope]

I certainly wouldn't call myself an explorer.

[ i mean, like, technically???? he's an alien?? ]

I can see why this whole scenario would be even more confusing for you, then.

[shiftybladesofcray]

Then what do you do?

[closes eyes....you were my only hope...]

It's not any more confusing for me than anyone else! I'm just not going to take everything I see at face value.

[onlyhope]

Just a simple man making his way through the universe.

I am not discounting your lived experience, but if it's all the same to you I think I'd rather hope our benevolent captors have good intentions for the time being.

[shiftybladesofcray]

Wow you sure aren't hiding anything, not one bit.

If you insist. I can't tell you what to think. But don't walk into things blindly. There are many ways to turn our own hope against us.

[onlyhope]

You were just saying how cautious we should be, weren't you? That forming bonds with one another will only cause us more stress in the future?

Or have you changed your mind?

[shiftybladesofcray]

NO!!!!!!!!!!

I'm saying that it can be used against us but in RETURN it could be our ONLY DEFENSE against such manipulations! We need to exercise caution towards the train and all that's on it, and form bonds among ourselves! Trust each other, not the train! Help keep each other from losing hope!!

That's the only way we survive!!!

[onlyhope]

[ he smiles to himself. ]

In that case, you are very wise. I agree with your assessment.

But if I may, you might want to work on your delivery.

1/2

[shiftybladesofcray]

[AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGH]

[shiftybladesofcray]

I'm aware. I'm a novelist, not a diplomat.

There's a guy whose entire purpose was to make inspiring speeches and be the glue that held us together. It's your own rotten luck you're stuck with me instead.

[onlyhope]

There is no such thing as luck.

If you are here instead of him, then there must be a reason for it.

Danganronpa Spoilers

[shiftybladesofcray]

That they couldn't spare the main cast and so ejected the bit player?

Also that's not true. It may sound outlandish but there were extensive studies conducted at our academy: certain people have turns of either bad luck or good luck far beyond the levels of the general population.

[hate that this is 100% canon and the crux of several plot points]

That was his talent, too. Probably the only reason he survived being executed.

[onlyhope]

[ This gives him pause, but only because it forces Obi-Wan to shift his point of view. He has no reason to disbelieve her, beyond his own understanding of the universe — but perhaps her universe does not operate on the same principles. Perhaps Luck is as real as the Force. ]

Are you one of those people?

[shiftybladesofcray]

No. I'm the Ultimate Writing Prodigy. Not that it's ever done me any good.

[onlyhope]

Then perhaps my suggestion has merit, and luck has nothing to do with your being here.

[shiftybladesofcray]

Maybe so.

[onlyhope]

After all, your perspective is not one most of us apparently would have considered, given the overall response to your message. Already your presence has effected our group as a whole.

[shiftybladesofcray]

Maybe once they're done insinuating I'm insane or inciting violence, the message might sink in through their thick skulls after all.

[Toko is too rude to say thank you for trying to cheer her up but I, Kabby, am ready to accept Kenobi Christ into my heart]

I can't say I'll abide by your own theory but time will tell if either is correct.

[onlyhope]

Well, every adjustment period is different.

Might I ask what an Ultimate Writing Prodigy does? Beyond the obvious, I can't imagine you received the title for nothing.

[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.