The air was filled with the grunts of the city militia, as equipment was been carried or carted out of the city gates and towards the airport itself. Jamal was enjoying the progress that had been made since the city's capture two days ago, as he heaved a heavy box full of ammunition onto the nearby pile on the airstrip pavement.
"Sir, we are ninety-five percent done. We should be done within the next three hours." an aide ran up to him to give him a quick update. "Also, the council wants to talk with you."
"That's good. Thank you." Jamal wiped the sweat off his forehead, before looking toward the open door that led back into the airport terminal.
Making his way inside, the ground was still caked with splots of blood from the prior battle, with several custodians still cleaning up the area. Other than that, the terminal was stacked to the brim with their much-needed supplies for the future offensive to come. Only a little more time would be needed, Jamal couldn't help but grin, as he peered towards the stairs.
Standing among them, was another aide of the council, as they didn't have to exchange words for him to know where he was been taken to. Following her, Jamal was able to get a better look from above, the balcony to that control room keeping him away from the edge.
"It's imperative that you listen to what they have to say to you." the woman informed him, as they stopped by the metal doors. "Thank you for everything."
"No worries," Jamal gave her a quick smile, with the door opening before he could grab the handle.
Instantly greeted by the sight of eight men and women, the Port-O-Bea Transitional Council, Jamal moved inside with the door closed behind him. With the serious outlook of chaos awaiting them, the man could understand what was at stake, just as a cough broke his silence. Turning his head toward the noise, Jamal's eyes widened when he realized that the rest of the Viligantes of Power, excluding Ula and Laken, was on the other side. Did they call them all here so quickly?
"It appears that everyone's now here." one of the elderly men from the council cleared his own throat, "Let's make this rather quick."
"Wait, what are they doing here?" Jamal pointed back at the group.
"Are you serious?" Sera couldn't help but look him down, "As a team, I would think that some of the strongest people in the entire city, let alone the country potentially, to be able to think as to why we're here."
"I got to say Jamal, you couldn't have been this surprised that they would have brought us here?" Heskins added, with some of them nodding.
"Alright, we don't have time to waste. Marton, tell them what we need for them to think about." One of the women from the council moved to the elderly man's side. "Show them what we have to work with."
"Oh, yes. Follow me to the table." Marton waved the group over, as they followed suit.
Moving several yards away from the entrance, Jamal could see a decent-sized table in the middle of the room, covered completely by maps and figurines. He knew it wasn't a child's game, but the set simply reminded him of one, as everyone formed a circle around the papers.
"Since taking over the airport, we've managed to find out that forces loyal to Youden were attempting to contact the base during the attack, which means-" Marton started to explain.
"That they know we likely gained control of the place, or best case for them, broke down their lines of communication to not know the situation at hand." Jamal snapped once it clicked.
"What that means, isn't necessarily good for us." another member of the council chimed in, "We're soon likely going to face a solid percentage of the Reserve Guard."
"We have around twenty-two thousand men willing to sacrifice it all to bring back Saputa. I'm sure it's not that much of a threat if they come charging in." Jamal mentioned.
"According to the latest estimates, it's believed that Youden had enlisted at least forty-thousand new recruits into the reserve force." the member added, silencing the room for a brief moment.
"So?" Alice snorted out as if they had the means to take them all out while facing minimal casualties.
"That was within the last month, bringing their local force up to one hundred and ten thousand members defending his kingdom." Marton sighed.
That really quieted the room, as they all pondered upon those words. Even fully equipped and trained to the extreme, could they not fight off such manpower, especially in these conditions of the open and hilly terrain. It would be a slaughter for their army if direct confrontation occurred.
"I think some of you guys are thinking what I'm thinking." Jamal turned to the group, to which Leon, Brat, Fonda, and Heskins nodded.
"Wait, what don't we get?" Sera and Alice looked at each other, confused.
"We got to be the one's surprising them, and the best way to do so is to move out now. The longer we wait, the closer Youden's forces make their way to the city, as we aren't in the position to pull back without all these resources and defend effectively. If we begin the liberation process or start moving around them, will we be able to spread them out."
"Is this really our best shot?" another member of the council asked another. "How effective will this be?"
"I can't say for sure. But our options are running low, and we know Youden likes to make a grand entrance whenever he shows up. Considering what Jamal has done for us in this entire timeframe, it's probably best to go with what their group has in stock. Although, there could be a few more tweaks."
Jamal couldn't help but listen to their conversation. Despite the work they had ahead, it looked like they would really have to make that first move or face worse consequences for not fighting back. The effects of messing up or any mishaps would be devastating and give Youden any means necessary to counter and destroy this final resistance from the land. But Jamal knew that with the help of the Viligantes of Power, would nothing truly stop them. If they were going to move onward, then they would have to make sure everyone gave their all, up to their dying breath!