Death of King Manco Cápac I and Basileus Giakoumis
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This article or section is a work in progress. The information below may be incomplete, outdated, or subject to change. |
| Date | 1718 AN |
|---|---|
| Location | Over Passas, Keltia |
| Cause | Plane crash |
| Motive | Resistance against the Raspur Pact's offensives, Operation Purple Splendor |
| Target | King Manco Cápac I and Basileus Giakoumis |
| Suspects | The Gunsmith and ballistics unit of the Confederacy of the Dispossessed |
In 1718 AN, King Manco Cápac I of Nouvelle Alexandrie and Basileus Giakoumis of Constancia passed away in a plane crash over Passas, a war-torn region in the country affected by Operation Purple Splendor. The King and the Basileus were en route to Parap to attend a Chamber of Peers session in Nouvelle Alexandrie, with Basileus Giakoumis, 125 years old, also reportedly seeking medical attention that would enable him to live longer. The plane was shot down during their journey.
Reports suggest that the plane was shot down by the Confederacy of the Dispossessed, a resistance movement that emerged in response to the Raspur Pact's offensives to gain control of territories recently vacated by the Haifo-Pallisican Imperial Trade Union, including Passas.
It is believed that The Gunsmith and ballistics unit of the Confederacy of the Dispossessed were responsible for the attack. The news of the deaths of King Manco Cápac I and Basileus Giakoumis sent shockwaves throughout both nations, leaving the people of Nouvelle Alexandrie and Constancia in states of grief and disbelief.
The Palace of Carranza, the King's official residence in Cardenas, Nouvelle Alexandrie, confirmed the news of the deaths of King Manco Cápac I and Basileus Giakoumis. An investigation into the incident is underway and the governments of both Nouvelle Alexandrie and Constancia have pledged to take all necessary steps to bring those responsible to justice. The joint investigation is being supported by the Raspur Pact and members of the international community.
In Constancia, the pandemonium immediately rippled from the Palace of Imperial Unity in Petropolis. Traffic on streets, highways, and the Gulf of Aqaba were immediately stopped. Troops of the Imperial Constancian Armed Forces, the Home Guard, and the State Protection Authority, already deployed in accordance with Operation Red Poppy, were present to preserve order. In foreign capitals, Imperial Ambassadors were likewise personally advising foreign heads of state at that very moment.
In Nouvelle Alexandrie, the news of King Manco Cápac I's death sent shockwaves throughout the nation. Public mourning was widespread, with followers of the Faith of Inti, the Church of Alexandria, and the Church of Caputia coming together in unity to grieve the loss of their beloved King. Across the country, citizens gathered in public squares and places of worship to pay their respects, lighting candles and offering prayers for the King and Basileus Giakoumis. The government declared a period of national mourning, with flags flown at half-mast and all public events and celebrations put on hold. Security forces were deployed to maintain order and ensure public safety during this time of grief.
Both King Manco Cápac I and Basileus Giakoumis were widely loved and respected by their respective nations. They were men of great vision, integrity, and compassion who dedicated their lives to serving their people and building better futures for all. Their deaths have left voids in both Nouvelle Alexandrie and Constancia that will be difficult to fill.
The passing of King Manco Cápac I and Basileus Giakoumis has marked a significant moment in the histories of Nouvelle Alexandrie and Constancia. Their legacies will continue to inspire their nations to work towards brighter futures and to honor the memories of these great leaders.
Background
King Manco Cápac I of Nouvelle Alexandrie was a progressive and visionary leader who aimed to build strong ties with neighboring nations and ensure the prosperity of his people. His diplomatic efforts and commitment to peace and stability made him a respected figure both domestically and internationally. The King's visit to Constancia was part of his ongoing diplomatic efforts to strengthen the bonds of friendship between Nouvelle Alexandrie and other nations.
The situation in Passas had been deteriorating since the collapse of the Haifo-Pallisican Imperial Trade Union, with various factions vying for control of the territory. The Raspur Pact's Operation Purple Splendor sought to gain control of Passas in order to establish order and stability in the region. As Nouvelle Alexandrie began to break through the resistance with the help of Caputian, Haifan, and Israati militias and paramilitaries, the pressure on the Confederacy of the Dispossessed increased, despite the official condemnation of these groups by Nouvelle Alexandrie's government.
In response to the mounting pressure, the [[Confederacy sought to directly challenge Nouvelle Alexandrie's commitment to taking Passas. They understood that their defeat in Passas would be disastrous for their cause and would likely lead to their end in the region. By targeting King Manco Cápac I and Basileus Giakoumis, the Confederacy aimed to weaken the resolve of both Nouvelle Alexandrie and Constancia, hoping to force them to reconsider their involvement in the Wars of the Dispossessed and potentially turn the tide of the conflict in their favor.
Shootdown of Condor One
On the fateful day, King Manco Cápac I and Basileus Giakoumis were traveling aboard Condor One, the royal plane, en route to Parap from Constancia. The two leaders were scheduled to attend a session of the Chamber of Peers in Cardenas, with rumors suggesting that the 125-year-old Basileus Giakoumis was also seeking medical attention in Nouvelle Alexandrie to extend his already long life. The plane was flying over Passas, a region affected by intense fighting during Operation Purple Splendor, when it was shot down by a surface-to-air missile. The attack was swift and devastating, leaving no chance for the plane to send out a distress signal or attempt evasive maneuvers.
Victims
All passengers and crew aboard Condor One perished in the attack, including King Manco Cápac I, Basileus Giakoumis, members of their respective delegations, and the plane's crew. The tragic incident not only claimed the lives of the beloved leaders but also dealt a severe blow to the leadership and diplomatic corps of both Nouvelle Alexandrie and Constancia.
Perpetrators
The Confederacy of the Dispossessed, a militant group opposed to the Raspur Pact's offensives in the region, claimed responsibility for the attack. The group's ballistic unit and its leader, The Gunsmith, were identified as the key figures behind the missile strike. This was further confirmed when the Confederacy confirmed it was an attack from their forces. Intelligence reports suggest that the group had been tracking the movements of King Manco Cápac I and Basileus Giakoumis and had planned the attack to coincide with their return journey to Nouvelle Alexandrie. The Confederacy of the Dispossessed had been stockpiling weapons and ammunition in secret locations throughout Passas, allowing them to carry out the attack with precision and efficiency.
The Gunsmith, a highly skilled weapons engineer, was instrumental in designing and building the surface-to-air missile system used in the attack. His expertise in ballistics and explosives played a crucial role in the success of the operation. The ballistics unit of the Confederacy of the Dispossessed, under the command of a shadowy figure known as "The Orchestrator," provided logistical and operational support for the attack.
Aftermath
The tragic deaths of King Manco Cápac I and Basileus Giakoumis sent shockwaves throughout Nouvelle Alexandrie, Constancia, and the international community. The governments of both nations declared states of national mourning and announced periods of 30 days for citizens to pay their respects to the late leaders. The bodies of the King and the Basileus were flown back to their respective capitals, Cardenas and Petropolis, where state funerals were held, attended by dignitaries from around the world.
In the immediate aftermath of the attack, security forces in Nouvelle Alexandrie and Constancia conducted a series of coordinated raids targeting known members and sympathizers of the Confederacy of the Dispossessed. Both governments vowed to bring those responsible to justice and launched joint full-scale investigations into the incident, supported by the Raspur Pact and members of the international community.
The attack on Condor One marked an inevitable escalation in Operation Purple Splendor. In response, Nouvelle Alexandrie unleashed an aggressive offensive and bombing campaign to break resistance and end the hold of the Confederacy of the Dispossessed in Passas. A series of airstrikes were conducted against native settlements throughout Passas, while the cities of Northman, Zimia, and Zidado West were reportedly subjected to an unprecedented form of kinetic area bombardment, which shattered entire neighborhoods, killing thousands and causing thousands more to flee into the bush. Rumors also abounded to the effect that various Caputian militias, raised in the months prior to the commencement of Operation Purple Splendor, had "slipped the leash" and set off in pursuit of the fleeing populace, their intentions unclear but presumably ill-favored towards any Bassarids they might find amongst the natives they encountered.
The international community, led by members of the Raspur Pact, increased its efforts to restore order and stability to the region. The ensuing crackdown on the Confederacy of the Dispossessed led to the capture of several key figures within the group, including The Gunsmith and The Orchestrator. The pursuit and destruction of the leadership of the Dispossessed would subsequently be folded into the more retribution orientated Operation Purple Shroud from IX.1718 AN onwards.
Reactions
Domestic
Nouvelle Alexandrie
The people of Nouvelle Alexandrie reacted with shock, grief, and anger to the news of King Manco Cápac I's death. Vigils and memorial services were held across the country as citizens mourned the loss of their beloved leader. The nation united in its resolve to honor the King's memory and bring those responsible for his death to justice. Public displays of grief and sorrow were widespread, and many citizens called for swift and decisive action against the perpetrators. The government's vow to bring the attackers to justice was met with broad public support.
The government of Nouvelle Alexandrie implemented a series of measures to strengthen national security, including increased funding for the military, intelligence agencies, and counter-terrorism efforts.
The incident also sparked a broader public debate on the need to address the root causes of extremism and the importance of promoting tolerance, dialogue, and understanding between different groups within society. However, the FHP government under Felipe de Almagro rejected this interpretation as based on a misreading of the situation, which derived not from internal dissent but from the hostile actions of a power outside the borders of New Alexandria. Instead the Council of State adopted a vengeful tone, taking its lead from de Almagro's initial remarks addressed to the Cortes which promised to see the bodies of the assassins laid out before the tomb of Manco Cápac.
Sinchi Roca, King Manco Cápac I's successor, delivered a heartfelt address to the nation, emphasizing the importance of unity and perseverance in the face of adversity. He pledged to honor his father's legacy by continuing his work towards peace and prosperity for the people of Nouvelle Alexandrie. The nation's political leaders, regardless of their affiliations, expressed solidarity in the wake of the tragedy and vowed to work together to overcome the challenges posed by the Confederacy of the Dispossessed.
President of the Government of Nouvelle Alexandrie Felipe de Almagro gave the following speech in the Cortes:
Madam Speaker, Honourable Members of the Federal Assembly,
What words could I offer to you that would in any way reflect the magnitude of what we have lost, of what has been so cruelly taken from us by this cowardly and treacherous act?
You all know the virtues of our late King, you all know the hardships that he endured in order to bring his nation back from the brink of annihilation and into this Federation of ours, and you know from his example the life of service he led on behalf of the family of nations which embraced him as their sovereign.
No words can reflect what we have lost, and no exhortation to justice can match the obligations of vengeance now placed upon us.
To that end, until the corpses of his assassins are laid out before his tomb, I shall address no further words in the eulogy of his Majesty.
May the Highest Divinity receive his soul with mercy, and guide our hands as we pursue our appointed mission in his memory.
Leader of the Opposition Maria Teresa Motochanchi of the SDLA spoke as well:
Honorable Members of the Federal Assembly,
Today, we mourn the loss of our beloved King Manco Capac I, who was brutally murdered in a cowardly act by the Confederacy of the Dispossessed. This was not only an attack on our king, but an attack on the very foundation of our nation.
King Manco Capac I was a visionary leader who worked tirelessly to build a prosperous and peaceful Nouvelle Alexandrie. He dedicated his life to serving his people, and his legacy will continue to inspire us all. His death is a tragic loss for our nation, and we will not rest until justice is served.
We must unleash unparalleled hell on the murderers who committed this heinous act. They must be brought to justice, and we will not stop until every last one of them is held accountable for their actions. We must show them that we will not tolerate such acts of terrorism and violence.
But let us not forget the legacy of King Manco Capac I. Let us honor his memory by continuing to build the nation he envisioned for us. Let us unite in our grief and work together to achieve the goals he set for us.
May his soul rest in peace, and may justice be served. Thank you.
Constancia
The day after, 18.II.1718, a special session of the Imperial Synkletos was called for 10:00 a.m.. The event, broadcast live nationwide on all forms of media, superceding regular programming, scarcely interested many. The Imperial Senators and Dikastis were all clad in mourning clothes or military uniform. The announcement was already a foregone conclusion, a mere ceremony.
"It is my sacred and solemn duty to officially announce to the Imperial Synkletos, and the good people of the Imperial State, of the untimely demise of our dear friend, faithful ally and loyal neighbor, Manco Cápac I of Nouvelle Alexandrie. We mourn for him, his family, and his people."
A great multitude were disturbed to see the normally stoic Autokrateira of Constancia suddenly blink away a great many tears, and take several minutes to compose herself. There are those who recall the pivotal words uttered by Her Imperial Majesty Esmeralda:
"It is my terrible obligation to further officially declare to the world: my husband, your Basileus, our sovereign, was likewise assassinated. He, too, was aboard that plane. I and the Imperial State are now a widow. We will not rest until justice is served and Their Imperial Majesties are avenged."
The pandemonium immediately rippled from the Palace of Imperial Unity in Petropolis. Traffic on streets, highways, the Gulf of Aqaba were immediately stopped. Troops of the Imperial Constancian Armed Forces, the Home Guard, and the State Protection Authority already deployed in accordance with Operation Red Poppy were luckily present to preserve order. In foreign capitals, Imperial Ambassadors were likewise personally advising foreign heads of state at that very moment.
International
The international community was quick to condemn the attack on Condor One and express their condolences to the people of Nouvelle Alexandrie. Leaders from around the world offered their support in the investigation and efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice. Many nations pledged to increase their counter-terrorism cooperation with Nouvelle Alexandrie and the Raspur Pact to prevent future incidents of this nature.
The incident served as a stark reminder of the ongoing instability in the region and highlighted the need for a coordinated international response to address the threats posed by extremist groups like the Confederacy of the Dispossessed. The member states of the Raspur Pact reaffirmed their commitment to working together to bring peace and stability to the region, and many nations increased their military and intelligence support for Operation Purple Splendor in the aftermath of the attack.
Aerla: President of Aerla, Henry Cassian, expressed his deepest condolences to the royal family. He swore that Aerla would take any action against any Dispossessed activity in the Republic's vicinity, stating that "Terrorists such as these have no home in a civilized Keltia."
Ashinthael: The Kingdom of Ashinthael offered its condolences and decried the terrorist actions of the Dispossessed.
Benacian Union: As fellow members of the Raspur Pact and the Community of Goldfield, the Benacian Union offered full military and security assistance to Nouvelle Alexandrie, whilst four days of official mourning were ordered in Chryse for the late King, during which time no entertainments were to be undertaken and all public officials were instructed to wear mourning garb whilst engaged in their duties.
Çakaristan: Jaaguzan, Shahanshah of Çakaristan, offers condolences to Sinchi Roca along with the offer to help investigate the downing of the plane.
Hurmu: The Chancellor of the Order of the Holy Lakes (Li Naomiai, incidentally the mother of the new queen consort), acting on behalf of the Senate of the Lakes, offered the condolences of Hurmu and the Order of the Holy Lakes to the new king (and her son-in-law). The Palace of the Elenaran was to fly the flag of Hurmu on half mast until the king's funeral.
Lac Glacei: The Grand Duke offered the condolences of Lac Glacei and offered the assistance of the Grand Duchy in the investigation and any military assistance needed in routing the terrorist scourge of the Dispossessed. An immediate investigation was opened to rout out any activities by the Confederacy within Lac Glacei's Keltian and home territories.
Natopia: Chancellor of Natopia, Arjuna Dhritarashtra, committed Natopia fully in the investigation and whatever response necessary. "The Natopian nation mourns the death of Manco Cápac. While he was king of Nouvelle Alexandrie, he was also a people's king for us Natopians", said the Chancellor. He continued: "Natopia stands by its sibling-realm. The Natopian Defense Force is ready to act in whatever is needed to bring the perpetrators to the justice they sorely deserve."
Oportia: Federal Cabinet expressed condolences to the New Alexandrian and Constancian Representative Offices in Vanie and offered assistance in partaking an independent investigation. The state flag on the most important government buildings was ordered to be flown on half-mast.
Shireroth: The Kaiseress sent a telegram of condolences to the new king of Nouvelle Alexandrie, and the flag of Shireroth was ordered to be flown on half-mast on Raynor's Keep until the funeral of the king.
Legacy
The deaths of King Manco Cápac I and Basileus Giakoumis marked a turning point for both Nouvelle Alexandrie and Constancia, as well as the wider region. The tragic incident brought the two nations together in grief and determination, spurring renewed efforts to address the challenges posed by extremist groups. Internationally, the attack prompted increased cooperation among nations to combat terrorism and promote peace and stability in the region.
The memory of King Manco Cápac I and Basileus Giakoumis continues to inspire the people of Nouvelle Alexandrie and Constancia. Their commitment to peace, diplomacy, and the well-being of their citizens serves as a guiding principle for both nations as they move forward. Monuments, public spaces, and initiatives dedicated to their memory have been commissioned throughout both countries, ensuring that their legacies endure for generations to come.
In the years following the tragic events, the governments of Nouvelle Alexandrie and Constancia have continued to prioritize the pursuit of peace and stability in the region. King [[Sinchi Roca], the successor of Manco Cápac I, and the Constancian leadership have carried on the work of their predecessors in fostering strong international relationships and pursuing diplomatic solutions to conflicts.
The tragedy of Condor One also serves as a powerful reminder of the need for constant vigilance in the face of terrorism and extremism. It has driven both domestic and international efforts to strengthen security measures, improve intelligence sharing, and deepen cooperation in counter-terrorism operations. In Constancia, a large internal crackdown on terrorist groups was initiated, with the aim of dismantling networks and preventing future attacks on the nation and its allies.
