Tepetitlán Lives Up To Its Name

9:30 A.M. - Tenochtitlán, Federation of Tepetitlán

It was a relatively warm morning the the Mexica Capital of more than 32 million people. Most people had just begun their shift at work, and most children were about to start school. Popocatépetl had been throwing up a little more smoke than usual, but this wasn't of concern, as the name literally means "Smoky Mountain". This was to be expected from time to time. The Altepetl had declared an air quality advisory in the capital region, but such dispatches were usually meant for foreigners, who aren't used to living so close to the Three Sisters of Tenochtitlán. 


Out of seemingly nowhere, the ground began to shake. Earthquakes were not uncommon given the lands geologic activity, but since both Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl erupt nearly once every 5-10 years on average, the populous could tell rather quickly that what was to ensue was an eruption. Soon enough, Popocatépetl erupted, but with a force much greater than what anyone had expected. The shockwave blew out peoples eardrums in the rural communities closer to the volcano, and blew out windows throughout the capital city. A glowing red of dark smoke arose from the Smoky Mountain, which headed straight for the city. 

10:25 A.M.

The citizens knew their role and their duties. Schools all around the Federal Capital had been doing drills for decades. However, this was not the event they had trained for. Several inches of ash had already covered the city, and the government had issued an immediate, mandatory evacuation. As the efforts of evacuation were truly beginning to get underway, an ancient Mexica prophesy had been fulfilled. Iztaccíhuatl erupted with a magnitude equal to that of Popocatépetl. Once again, ash and ember began to ravage the city. In less than an hour, the air became very hard to breathe, and fire was erupting over every district in the city. Premier Xiyah Quetzal had been evacuated to sea by the Capital Fleet of the Federal Navy, on board the fleet's flagship, the Federal Naval Ship (FNS) Ehecatl. Admiral of the Navy Yaotl Yolotli was with Premier Xiyah Quetzal in the Admiral's quarters. 

"Premier, what are you going to do? The capital is in ruins. Fires are spreading throughout the city and the air is suffocating! Hundreds of thousands could die! What are we going to do?" 

"I'm afriad there isn't a whole lot we can do. We're evacuating the cities as best as we can. The firefighters are being brought water by members of the Federal Army from the river. There isn't much more we can do before the ash settles. Excuse me Admiral, for I must send messages to other nations, and then mourn for our people." 

The Premier exited the Admiral's quarters, to begin a task he had never imagined he'd have to do.

Palazzo Malzo

A woman entered a large office, a desk on the left side and a spacious conference and living area to the right. It was quiet and its colours were sober, an oasis in the middle of the administrative and political desert that filled the various room at the Palazzo Malzo. Long the residence and official workplace of the First Councillor, it was also the main location for meetings between the former and his various councillors. This office belonged to First Councillor Marco Valerio, and the woman was Grazia Marelli, Councillor of the Foreign Office and longtime friend and confidant of the head of government. She often spent time with Valerio after office hours, usually eating at restaurants or attending the theatre with their respective wives. This time however the location was an office, and the subject matter was a serious one.

"First Councillor" she spoke "I hope you had time to read the brief on the situation in Tenochtitlan?"

Valerio was standing behind his desk, reading some papers while holding a pencil on his left hand. "Grazia, good to see you. I'm aware of the situation. What I want to discuss with you and Giovanni is what exactly we can do to help them."

Just as he said that, two knocks were heared, and a slender man with glasses and a balding head entered the office. He was wearing a grey suit with a white shirt and blue tie, his trademark apparel, and one that had served him well through the years. Giovanni Zunino was the Assistant Councillor for International Cooperation, a highly regarded senator and one of the most respected experts in development aid.

"Welcome Giovanni" said Valerio "Have you been informed of the situation?"

Zunino nodded and took his place next to Valerio. "I have, First Councillor. I hope this meeting can be productive, because timing is of the essence in this case."

Valerio gestured for them to sit in the living area, and once everyone has seated he leaned forward and spoke to both. "I think we all agree that a statement in solidarity is necessary. In addition, I want to offer any assistance the Mexica might need, and I want ACIC to be point with this." He look at Zunino "Can you take the lead on this one, Giovanni?"

"I can." He replied "In fact, I already have some ideas for what our role might be. If I may?" Valerio made an inviting gesture. "We should obviously provide technical and financial assistance following the current crisis, since I assume there will be much rebuilding to be done. In addition, we should help in evacuation efforts right away, sending our 2nd Fleet to help transport those living in Tenochtitlan to other areas, ideally near Virellia. This and any other assistance would be with the permission and at the discretion of the Mexica Government, naturally."

Valerio nodded, turning now to Marelli. "Grazia? What do you think?"

"I think assisting the Mexica is in the best interests of both our nations, sir. It definitely is a moral imperative, and Tepetitlan is our neighbour, so it would be illogical not to help them. I agree with everything Giovanni has outlined, and I could begin coordinating with the Premier of Tepetitlan as soon as you give the order."

"You shall have it then. To the both of you, please coordinate with the Military Office and the Mexica, so everything is done by the book, but make it as quick as possible. I'll send you the authorisation later today."

All rose, and shook hands as Marelli and Zunino headed towards the exit. As they both exited, Valerio stuck his head out and asked his personal secretary. "Emilio, can you please get me in touch with the Premier of Tepetitlan?"