The morning of October 15th was unusually loud, as there were thousands of people milling about. Despite being in the realm of Youdenia, they were still granted the ability to celebrate the Day of Defenders from the battle against Youden. Why for some reason was truly unknown, but perhaps it was due to Youden's pity or giving them something to look forward to. Regardless of the reasoning, Jamal and the Viligantes of Power couldn't ever be grateful for the situation. Their best chance to gain complete control was today, and the more they had control over, would make the situation even better overall.
Jamal was checking the activity outside, already having a plan in mind for what to do. The others also reviewed final checks with additional equipment and planning changes. This ordeal had to go as perfectly as possible or else everything would fall behind it. At least, most of the plan, mainly revolved around capturing the administrative sector and much of the manufacturing before Youden's forces could use it to their advantage or even as bases of operation. Yeah, they totally got this.
"Pa, you going to beat baddies?" the man could hear his son, causing him to lose focus.
"Oh yeah, I plan to. Just make sure you and Mama stay inside and do not come by the windows this time." Jamal replied sternly, watching Ula come up to his side.
"You make sure everything goes according to plan, mister." Jamal heard Ula tell him, before she snuck in a quick kiss. "That's for good luck."
"I don't need that, do I?" Jamal was considering going back in, before stopping himself. "I'll take what I can get."
"This is what you promised us, remember? You wanted to fight for us, so we could have a chance." Ula gripped his hand tightly, "I don't want to lose you to this."
"You won't have to worry, we're going to finish this the right way." Jamal cracked his neck with great eagerness.
"Definitely don't want to have wasted all this time for nothing." Hops interjected, "But we need to be on time. I'm trying to reach the capital by the end of next summer."
"You sure have high ambitions." Fonda sighed while shrugging off, "But if it keeps you focused and not lost on the endgame, then so be it."
"I'm already focused." Hops grinned from the sight of Alice's behind, who simply rolled her eyes and playfully punched him.
Meanwhile, Leon and Heskins were already moving about in the city an hour earlier, and at the current moment were making their way back to the establishment. Already done with their scouting mission, they found several solid locations to hold and hunker down if needed, as well as the many posters and images of Jamal around the city. The city's military was impatiently tearing down the thousands of pictures, but it would be impossible to get them all down. The sentiment was already starting to lay among several of the civilians, at least they assumed by now.
"They're so distracted that they haven't known us at all yet." Heskins couldn't help but laugh at the situation.
"All the better. The main event is going to be starting in only another hour. We better get back in time to tell them the locations." Leon started picking up pace, with Heskins following suit.
...
Zim couldn't help but stare at the shredded pile of posters on one of the carts they've brought to use today. Jamal or at least his followers were attempting to convince them that the man was still going to bring them salvation. Salvation from what? A new and balanced order that Youden was going to provide them all this time, and guaranteed security that Namo never cared to give? These people were to be fools to believe anything related to Jamal, but Zim still kept his mind drilled on the mission. Despite this likely being the last time this petty holiday he once cared for was going to be celebrated, due to Youden starting to wring out any of the old city, the commanders had discussed that there was still resentment for what Youden had brought all those years ago. They couldn't let their guard down or they would suffer the consequences of their actions.
"Sir, the ceremony will begin in forty-five minutes. Should we move in now?" one of his soldiers in today's unit questioned.
"I think so. Hey men, listen closely!" Zim nodded, as all the nearby men turned in his direction, "Just one more day and we'll never have to annually do this again. Even with the heightened security, due to you know who, we have a limited amount of troops due to Youden's ongoing military operation. So everyone pay attention and notify each other of any threats or enemies against the state! I will not remind you to be on guard! Am I clear!"
"Sir, yes sir!" all those troops roared out in perfect unison, before making their way to assigned positions.
Jamal, I'm ready for you to bring the first move, so let's go, Zim couldn't help but grin. Even just walking down the street with his other men, he felt his authority do nothing more than provide absolute assurance in the death of all foes. No hesitation would come from any of them, so he wished them all luck while they still had it.