10 Jul 2020, 09:33

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TEST JET CARRYING EMPEROR ARTABANOS CRASHES ON APPROACH - EMERGENCY LANDING LEAVES 12 DEAD, ARTABANOS CARRIED TO HOSPITAL IN CRITICAL CONDITION

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Portus Inimici, 06/07/2020 - Inimicus's first supersonic jet experiment ended in a blaze of kerosine-fuelled fire on the runway of Portus Inimici military airfield today, as the passenger plane carrying His Imperial Majesty Emperor Artabanos and several other high-ranking government officials appeared to suffer from catastrophic mechanical failures flying over the flat plains of Terra Rosarum.

Although the Imperial Air Force pilots commanding the jet managed to guide it to its destination, they could not prevent the plane from skidding and catching fire. Portus Inimici first responders were already present at the scene and fourteen passengers were immediately taken to the Imperial University Medical Centre nearby. It is understood twelve of these passengers are in life-threatening conditions, and it is further believed that Emperor Artabanos is among these critcally injured.

Portus Inimici Regional Emergency Commander Sarah Barrington released the following statement detailing events: "Needletail One reported an on-board explosion followed by instrument failure at 2:38PM. Bystanders report seeing a trail of smoke following the plane. An emergency landing was successfully executed, however the aircraft nevertheless caught fire and our rescue workers could not prevent the deaths of thirty-four passengers. These deaths include, I am sad to report, Imperial Councillors Sir Elbert White, Dianne Stax, Victor Doubleday, and Joan Saunders, as well as Imperial Defence Officer Jacob Churchill. Our sympathies, of course, go to the loved ones of those killed. Emperor Artabanos was rescued from the burning wreckage of the aeroplane and airlifted to Portus Inimici Imperial University Medial Centre, where He remains in a life-threatening condition.

Moments after the news of the Emperor's life-threatening injuries broke, social media was awash with outpourings of grief and support for the Emperor:

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Nuntius Inimici understands that Marquis Maximillian de Barrington, Imperial Consul and Councillor, is to temporarily deputise for the Emperor while He fights for His life. A statement made by Imperial Councillor Wilfred Cocx IC, former Prime Minister and confidant of Emperor Artabanos, appears to contradict this view. Cocx was present at Portus Inimici military airfield and watched the aeroplane crash land: "The citizens of the Empire can rest assured that they will continue to be safe and our institutions will continue to function while this crisis unfolds. I have resolved to take charge personally in this hour of need, and with the full blessing of many remaining Imperial Councillors I will assume the Imperial Prerogative as Regent, until such time as His Imperial Majesty has recuperated, which is, after all, what we should all be hoping for."

When asked about the prospect of an Imperial Succession, Cocx declined comment.


Analysis by NI Imperial Correspondent James Huerley

What should have been one of the Emperor's most celebrated days has turned into His most catastrophic- and quite possibly, His last. While the nation holds its breath over the fate of its Emperor, the never-ceasing wheels of Imperial politics are already beginning to turn behind the closed doors of the Imperial Palace and the Diet complex. Emperor Artabanos is not dead, yet, but talk in the corridors of our institutions already mentions possible successors. Even if Artabanos pulls through, it is said, the crash may leave Him incapacitated to such a degree, and for such a long time, that He may relinquish the Throne - or be forced to do so.

The dispute over who will assume the Imperial Prerogative, temporarily as Regent, is representative of the constitutional struggle the Inimician system generates. Wilfred Cocx IC and Marquis Maximillian de Barrington IC will be at each other's necks over the coming hours and days, as we await news about the Emperor's condition. Politically, perhaps, the Emperor is already long dead.