Senators on Rails
The maglev train appeared out of the final tunnel before its destination. As it approached the station, there was a gentle deceleration. Its sleek, aerodynamic form was a stark contrast against the backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains.
Senator Isaac Alornerk stood on the platform with a briefcase in his hand. A sense of relief washed over him. After a long week of political wrangling in the busy capital city, he could finally return home to the tranquility of his family.
The platform was buzzing with activity. Passengers disembarked and others eagerly boarded. As he found a seat in first class, he placed his briefcase overhead and heard someone calling his name.
"Senator Alornerk, a moment of your time. If you please."
Isaac turned to find a man approaching him with a face etched into a perfect smile. He was impeccably dressed, with a suit perfectly tailored and shoes so shiny they gleamed under the train car's soft lights.
"Senator, it's good to meet you. My name is Donny Malouf, at your service," the man extended his hand. "I represent a consortium of forward-thinking investors."
Isaac shook Malouf's hand out of cordiality, but felt a creeping uneasiness in his gut. He was familiar with lobbyists, they were a dime a dozen in DC. Each had their own agenda and persuasive tactics. He had hoped to escape their tentacles for at least a few days.
"What can I do for you, Mr. Malouf?" Isaac asked, his tone polite yet uncordial.
"Senator, we've been following your career with great interest," Malouf began, sounding like he was reciting something he had practiced many times before. "We are quite happy with your dedication to public transportation. However, we believe that there is a more efficient, more exclusive way to travel."
"Oh?" Isaac raised an eyebrow.
He gestured to the lobbyist to take the seat opposite him to continue the conversation.
"I was watching you on the platform. You were in the middle of crowds, eyeing the arrival board cautiously, and checking your wtach. Imagine a world where you can bypass the crowds and the delays," Malouf continued, the ambition in his voice growing. "A world where you are able to travel at your own pace, surrounded by luxury and efficiency."
Isaac thought of overcrowded trains, of hours standing on the platform with frustration, and the occasional unruly passenger.
"I'm intrigued, Mr. Malouf," Isaac admitted. "Tell me more about this exclusive way to travel."
Malouf leaned in and lowered his voice, like he was inviting the senator into a conspiracy.
"Senator, imagine a network of private airports exclusively for those who value their time. And who value their privacy. No more security lines nor delays. Just unadulterated convenience."
There was a sudden kick below them. The train was beginning to leave the station. Isaac glanced down at his watch. Ten minutes later than expected.
He glanced out the panoramic windows of the sleek, silver train he was on.
"Private airports? But why? We have the most advanced high-speed rail system in the world. It's efficient and gets me home in time for supper with my family."
Malouf waved a dismissive hand.
"Come now, Senator. A man of your stature shouldn't be subjected to the... unpleasantries of public transportation. Think of the sheer speed of air travel. You'd be home in time for afternoon tea with your family."
"Speed? Mr. Malouf, we'll cross three whole states in just a few hours. My kids will be meeting me at the station with my favorite cherry pie. They wouldn't be considered exclusive VIPs. Besides, I can review proposals and get a good nap in these comfortable seats during the trip. Can't say I'd get that kind of peace of a bumpy jet with all the obligatory socializing, can I?"
The lobbyist's smile faltered for a brief moment, but he quickly recovered.
"Of course. But consider this, Senator: personalized in-flight meals prepared by Michelin-star chefs. Biometric seating that pre-adjusts before you even step aboard. And complete soundproofing for conducting sensitive business. Think of the advantages this offers, the deals you could strike, and the influence you could wield."
Isaac now felt a surge of impatience. "Mr. Malouf, I value my time with my family far more than any of these 'perks'. And frankly," his voice took on a steely edge, "The idea of polluting the skies while we have perfectly efficient and sustainable ground-based system in place is simply irresponsible."
"I understand your sentiments, Senator," Malouf's eyes narrowed. "However, I believe you're overlooking a golden opportunity. This is progress, Senator. You can't stop the future."
Isaac crossed his arms.
"Progress that only benefits the rich and pollutes the planet is not progress at all, Mr. Malouf. I'm quite happy with the present, thank you very much."
Malouf realized that his pitch had failed. He could only offer a curt nod.
"Very well, Senator. I respect your decision. Perhaps another time you'll be more amenable."
With that, he stood up and strode away.
Isaac watched him go and felt a sense of satisfaction. He was eager to get home. He closed his eyes and thought of his family, and felt his mouth salivate over the taste of that cherry pie.