Prize Counter

Panel 1

At an arcade prize counter, Token stands beside a full sack labelled Q4 BUDGET. Jackson smiles behind the counter, with Chip, his little computer-chip dog, beside him.

Token: “How much for our Q4 strategy?”

Jackson is delighted to be asked.

Panel 2

Jackson gestures to a claw machine, where a small lilac robot stands on a step stool at the joystick. An envelope prize sits on top of the pile inside.

Jackson: “Depends how many tries it takes.”

The robot is ready and earnest.

Panel 3

Jackson beams and holds up one tiny gold coin.

Jackson: “A few credits!”

He means it warmly.

Panel 4

Inside the claw machine, the claw lets go of the envelope prize, labelled Q4 STRATEGY, again. The display reads Credits used: 48,213. The robot grips the joystick in total concentration, and Chip presses his nose to the glass.

Token looks up at the number. At Token's feet, the Q4 BUDGET sack lies empty.