There's a high voltage cable running parallel with the rail, and something's gotten stuck between them.
It looks like a large iron key.
It's a gene scanner. It, uhm, scans your genes. Puts your genetic signature in a database and allows you through all corresponding gates.
It's a gene scanner.
The gates scan everybody who goes in and out of the station, and compares their genetic signature with the database. If you haven't paid your fare, the alarm goes off and the cops show up.
Uh-oh.
I have to get scanned before going through. The corporate cops will come down on me like a hammer from above if I jump gate.
I'd have to get down there to reach it with my hands, but with that frayed high voltage cable...
No point fishing without a hook. I won't be able to pull the key back up.
I can't reach down far enough.
When I was a wee lass, I tried fishing a couple of times in the pond behind my house, but I never caught anything. I hope my luck's improved.
Obviously, this is not gonna work. The clamp's already closed.
No, the clamp's closed. I won't be able to pull the key up.
That's a pretty cool catch.
I have to get scanned. Jumping gates in the Newport subway is a corporate offense liable to get me five years behind bars. If I'm lucky.
The clamp's around the key, but I can't catch hold of it unless I can find a way to close the clamp while it's down there.
I didn't brush my teeth this morning just so I could be fried bacon with a pretty smile. I'll have to find some other way to get the key.
I'll have to find some other way to get the key.
Where to? I'm not getting on the train until I know exactly where I'm going.
Oh no, they got the subway covered as well!
There's no way I can get on a train as long as that agent's around.
Uh oh.
