the HIGH COST OF AIR

CASE FILE #013

CASE FILE: THE HIGH COST OF AIR

MISSION LOG

What began as a routine stop at a gas station quickly escalated into a financial investigation when Duck-9 discovered something previously thought impossible:

Air now costs $2.50.

Not premium air.
Not imported air.
Just… air.

THE DISCOVERY

There was a time when pulling into a gas station with a low tire required nothing more than locating the air hose and possessing basic knowledge of tire pressure.

Those days are apparently over.

Duck-9 approached the machine expecting compressed air and found himself staring at a demand for two dollars and fifty cents.

For air.

The same substance currently surrounding the machine for free.

THE INVESTIGATION

Duck-9 inspected the equipment, documented the price, and briefly considered whether the machine had somehow obtained exclusive distribution rights to the atmosphere.

It had not.

The evidence was nevertheless undeniable.

Air used to be free at gas stations.

Now it costs $2.50.

There could only be one explanation.

FEATHERED THOUGHT

Inflation.

FINAL NOTE

Duck-9 paid the $2.50.

The tire is doing considerably better.

His faith in the economy is not.

CASE STATUS: Pressurized
EVIDENCE: One suspiciously expensive hose
DAMAGE: $2.50
REPORT FILED.