Led by Major Conboni, the team used the cover of the wooded hills to approach Balidrona Bridge from the left side of the Tranara River. Before long, they reached the vicinity of the bridge. Comber raised a hand, signaling the team to halt. Concealed in the bushes, they peered through the darkness. Beneath the crimson moonlight, numerous lights moved back and forth across the bridge: rebels patrolling with lanterns.
Even beneath the bridge, several rebels stood guard along the riverbank. Taking the bridge without a sound was almost impossible.
But Comber had anticipated this on the way here. He immediately pointed to several men behind him, then approached the riverbank. Using the trees and grass for cover, they successfully reached the vicinity of the rebel sentry post.
Comber gave a hand signal, then fixed on one of the sentries and unleashed Mental Pierce!
As a Sequence 7 Interrogator, Comber was particularly fond of Mental Pierce. It could affect the spirit body, exerting pressure on a spiritual level and piercing the target's soul. By attacking the mind directly, it temporarily stripped the victim of all ability to think.
Just as it did now. The rebel carrying a metal box on his back and holding a steam rifle purchased from some unknown source was suddenly overwhelmed by agony, unable to respond effectively.
The major's companions struck at once, rushing into the sentry post and slitting the rebels' throats before they could raise the alarm. The rebels died clutching their necks.
This was the first stage of the plan: clearing the sentry posts beneath the bridge.
Next came the second stage: slipping silently onto the bridge, which they could accomplish by climbing the piers beneath it.
After clearing the sentry post, Major Conboni's men quickly changed into the rebels' clothes and pretended to