Blue Acceleration #Three-Dialogue Story

A new hire who just joined this year speaks to me in a low voice. It seems they noticed something during an exchange with a client. They have a slightly troubled look on their face.

"Did you know... that the Shinkansen is powered by lemon squash?"

—Ah, I think.

It is something that every sensible adult knows, yet no one speaks of. There is no way a speed of two or three hundred kilometers per hour could be achieved by electric motors alone. That refreshing sense of acceleration, like scattering flower petals, is the very act of opening a lemon squash. Everyone knows it, and everyone stays silent.

When I ask, "Did you go to consult with anyone about it?" they shake their head.
"...No, I haven't."

After hesitating for a moment, they continue.
"Is this, um... is it okay regarding things like CO2 and the environment?"

A while ago, I might have invited them out for a drink tonight. But now, it's not that kind of era.

"For now, let's just focus on the work in front of us," I say, and they nod obediently.

As I watch their back as they trot back to their station, I feel a slight hint of acidity and bitterness in my mouth.

(End)

[Note] This story is fiction. The Shinkansen is not powered by lemon squash.

*I participated in the project by Haratokei below.

#Three-Dialogue Story
#ShinkansenPetalLemonSquash

■Dialogue
"No, I haven't."
■Three Topics
・Shinkansen ・Petals ・Lemon Squash