Breaching the Mesh

A discarded copper grounding strap was jammed across the expansion joint ahead, snagging dry asphalt gravel into a rigid barrier. Forward advance does not yield to rusted debris. I marched forward, planting my combat boots against the concrete curb face. Unholstered my right blade in one continuous draw. I slid the hardened tip straight beneath the braided metal ribbon, bearing down with decisive torque. The crimped eyelet tore free with a sharp, dry pop. One heavy stomp of my boot heel kicked the severed copper deep into the seam, leveling the pavement. The corridor across the asphalt is wide open.