Incipience

Chapter 17 pt 3

I gesture to move on to the next slide. A picture of a busy train station appears on the screen. The dozens of people in the frame are all consumed by their own activities: some are leisurely strolling and chatting, others are rushing towards the platform before the doors close, and many of those who are already waiting for their train are scrolling through their phones to pass the time.

"The majority of humans are used to having, to a certain extent, transportation autonomy, meaning that they are responsible for either transporting themselves or arranging their own transportation. In some countries like Japan, for example, people are used to getting around on their own from childhood onwards because they have systems in place that allow them to do so safely and efficiently. The top three reasons why Japanese citizens are able to have such independence is the accessibility, affordability, and reputation of their transit system."

Unlike my first few slides, this part of my presentation has less to do with data since it's really just the argument leading up to the proposal. I actually enjoyed putting this half together because it puts all the data from earlier into context and provides a nice gradient into my actual plan.

"The prices of public transit tickets and passes are affordable for the majority of people and some institutions (such as schools) even give their affiliated personal discounted rates since they are frequent users. These price-efficient rates allow people to travel around major cities and out to the countryside within a few hours since they have such an extensive railway system. The price and the range of such systems allow for people to get around easily, but those two things are not the only reason so many millions of people are willing to rely on it as their main mode of transportation."

The people at the table nod along, their interest mildly piqued by something familiar. From what I've read, the majority of Inova's city dwellers rely on public transportation to get around since not everyone needs—or can afford, for that matter—a ritzy hovercar. Government officials and those who do a lot of long-distance traveling typically purchase hovercars for their convenience, but the average Inovarian can get around just fine using the buses, streetcars, and trains that the state has provided.

"In addition, their routes are known for their timeliness and reliability which makes it easy for commuters to draft a schedule for themselves. Based on the data I have been provided with, Inova has a similar reputation with timeliness, but not in terms of affordability."

Most of the people at the table take on expressions of either confusion or offense. Only one person, though, is moved enough to speak.

The woman who I was sitting across from earlier slams her hand on the table. "Jsig mig j'doa! Ri mig emfozj ly!"

I look to Vorem who seems just as surprised by the lady's outburst as I am. He shakes off his initial reaction to translate for me.

"Tamesad said, 'That's not true! Do not insult us.'"

I make it a point to make eye contact with the woman who interrupted me as I speak. "Well, Tamesad, it is not an insult; it's a fact. The Inovarian transit system is unaffordable to humans because we don't have any money. We are dependents. Cadets are dependents of the military and don't have access to their money until they're on leave and human women are all, by default, dependent on their...partners...for money since our internships aren't paid. I'm sure we all understand how money works, correct? Someone can't afford anything if they have nothing. Is that not true, Tamesad?"

I watch a pink hue bloom on Tamesad's cheeks as Vorem translates my message. She crosses her arms as she settles back in her chair, taking on a defensive and embarrassed posture. Good. Serves her right for interrupting me. I didn't say anything when she made an inaccurate comment in her presentation, so she had and has no business speaking during mine.