Oklahoma City Incident

The *Oklahoma City Incident* was a pivotal act of militant violence that occurred in February 2032, marking a decisive escalation in the early stages of the Great Discord. This devastating attack, targeting the United States Provisional Government (USPG) capital in Denver, Colorado, effectively shattered the fragile peace of the "Years of Lead" and ignited the full-scale civil war that would engulf North America for years to come. The incident involved a coordinated assault utilizing multiple car bombs and a ground offensive aimed at key government and military installations within Denver. While Claims of Chemical Weapons Use were made by the USPG in the immediate aftermath, specifically alleging the employment of chlorine gas, these accusations were never definitively substantiated by independent investigations. Regardless of the precise weaponry used, the sheer scale of destruction and the significant civilian death toll caused by the Oklahoma City Incident served as a brutal turning point, hardening the resolve of both the USPG and the Federalist States of America (FSA) and propelling the nation into open and widespread armed conflict. The event is often compared to the Oklahoma City bombing of 1995 in terms of its domestic terror impact and devastating consequences, although the scale and context within the Great Discord were significantly larger and more impactful.

Background to the Attack

The Oklahoma City Incident did not occur in isolation but was the culmination of escalating tensions and a breakdown of civil order that characterized the "Years of Lead". This period, from 2030 to early 2032, was marked by a precarious and volatile atmosphere across the former United States, where the deep political and social rifts created by the contentious 2028 election threatened to erupt into full-blown war at any moment.

Escalating Tensions in the Years of Lead

The "Years of Lead" were defined by a series of destabilizing factors that eroded any semblance of national unity and pushed the country closer to the brink of civil war. Following the disputed 2029 presidential inauguration, the United States was effectively split between the USPG, representing the remaining federal government and loyal states, and the FSA, comprised of seceded states and allied territories. While direct military engagements between the two nascent entities were limited, a pervasive sense of unease and escalating violence permeated daily life.

Localized armed clashes became increasingly frequent, particularly in border regions and contested zones. These skirmishes, often involving state National Guard units aligning with either the USPG or FSA, alongside various paramilitary groups, utilized improvised weaponry and small arms, leading to a steady stream of casualties and a constant state of alert. Paramilitary violence, perpetrated by extremist organizations such as the Crimson Brigades and the People's Reclamation Front, further destabilized the situation. These groups engaged in acts of terror, including targeted assassinations of political figures, bombings of infrastructure, and sabotage operations, deepening the atmosphere of fear and distrust.

Economic warfare played a crucial role in exacerbating tensions. Both the USPG and FSA implemented stringent economic blockades and trade restrictions against each other, aiming to cripple the opposing side's ability to function. This economic conflict disrupted vital supply chains, led to shortages of essential goods, and caused widespread economic hardship, further fueling public anger and resentment. Simultaneously, a relentless Propaganda and information war raged across all available media channels. Both the USPG and FSA launched intense campaigns to sway public opinion, demonize the enemy, and legitimize their own cause. Social media platforms became critical battlegrounds for disinformation, psychological operations, and the spread of inflammatory rhetoric, further polarizing an already deeply divided populace. This constant barrage of conflicting narratives and accusations made it increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens to discern truth from falsehood and contributed to a climate of paranoia and animosity.

Denver as USPG Capital

In the immediate aftermath of the Inauguration Crisis, Washington D.C., the traditional seat of American government, became untenable as the USPG capital due to its precarious geographical position and vulnerability to FSA-aligned forces. With key states declaring secession and the nation fracturing along ideological and regional lines, the USPG leadership sought a more secure and strategically advantageous location to establish its base of operations. Denver, Colorado, was ultimately chosen as the provisional capital for several key reasons.

Firstly, Denver's inland location in the Mountain West offered a degree of natural protection and distance from the heavily contested eastern seaboard. Surrounded by mountainous terrain and further inland, it was less immediately vulnerable to a direct assault compared to Washington D.C., which was geographically closer to FSA-aligned territories. Secondly, Colorado, while politically diverse, remained firmly within the USPG sphere of influence, providing a stable political and logistical base for the nascent government. The state's existing infrastructure, including military bases and communication networks, could be readily repurposed to support the USPG's administrative and military functions. Furthermore, Denver possessed significant infrastructure suitable for housing a national government, including government buildings, communication networks, and transportation hubs. While not as grand or symbolically potent as Washington D.C., it provided a functional and defensible center of operations.

The relocation of the USPG capital to Denver was a pragmatic decision driven by the exigencies of the unfolding civil conflict. While it lacked the historical and symbolic weight of Washington D.C., Denver became the de facto heart of the USPG, representing its determination to maintain governance and resist the FSA rebellion. However, this relocation also made Denver a prime target for the FSA, as an attack on the USPG capital would be a significant strategic and symbolic victory.

FSA Motivations

For the Federalist States of America, Denver, as the newly established capital of the USPG, represented not only a strategic military objective but also a potent symbol of what they perceived as the illegitimate and tyrannical regime they were fighting against. Targeting Denver was driven by a confluence of strategic and ideological motivations.

Strategically, an attack on Denver aimed to cripple the USPG's ability to govern and coordinate its war effort. By striking at the heart of the USPG's administrative and military command structure, the FSA hoped to disrupt its operations, sow chaos and panic, and potentially force the USPG to the negotiating table on terms favorable to the FSA. Furthermore, Denver served as a crucial logistical hub for the USPG, controlling vital supply lines and communication networks connecting the western and eastern theaters of the conflict. Disrupting or seizing Denver would significantly impede the USPG's ability to project power and sustain its military operations.

Symbolically, Denver represented the USPG's claim to legitimacy and its attempt to carry on the legacy of the former United States government. For the FSA, which viewed the USPG as a radicalized and illegitimate entity, attacking Denver was an act of defiance against this perceived usurpation of power. A successful attack on the USPG capital would be a major propaganda victory for the FSA, demonstrating its strength and resolve and undermining the USPG's credibility both domestically and internationally. It would send a powerful message to FSA supporters and wavering populations that the USPG was vulnerable and could be defeated.

Ideologically, the FSA framed the USPG as an oppressive and authoritarian regime that had betrayed the principles of the original American republic. They portrayed the attack on Denver as a necessary act of resistance against tyranny, a blow for freedom and self-determination. This ideological framing resonated strongly with FSA supporters and provided a justification for the violence, casting the attack as a righteous act in a "War of National Liberation". The selection of Denver as a target was therefore a calculated decision by the FSA leadership, aimed at achieving both tangible strategic gains and intangible symbolic victories, all intended to decisively shift the momentum of the conflict in their favor.

The Attack

The Oklahoma City Incident was a meticulously planned and ruthlessly executed operation designed to inflict maximum damage and disruption upon the USPG capital. The attack showcased a degree of coordination and sophistication that signaled a marked escalation in the FSA's capabilities and willingness to engage in large-scale acts of violence.

Planning and Preparation

The planning for the Oklahoma City Incident is believed to have been initiated in late 2031, several months before the attack itself. Intelligence sources later indicated that the operation was conceived and orchestrated by a clandestine network of FSA-aligned militants, likely with support and direction from within the FSA military and political establishment. The precise details of the planning process remain shrouded in secrecy, but available evidence suggests a multi-layered approach involving careful reconnaissance, resource acquisition, and recruitment.

Denver, as the USPG capital, was subjected to intense surveillance in the months leading up to the attack. FSA operatives infiltrated the city, gathering intelligence on key government buildings, military installations, security protocols, and transportation routes. This reconnaissance likely involved human intelligence gathering, as well as the use of drones and other surveillance technologies to map out targets and identify vulnerabilities. Acquiring the necessary resources for the attack, particularly the explosives and vehicles needed for the car bombs, would have been a significant logistical undertaking. It is believed that the FSA network relied on a combination of black market sources, sympathetic individuals within the pre-war military and law enforcement structures, and potentially even covert support from foreign powers sympathetic to the FSA cause.

Recruitment for the ground assault element of the attack likely drew upon committed FSA militants and volunteers from extremist groups operating within and around Denver. These individuals would have been trained and equipped in clandestine locations, preparing for the coordinated assault on designated targets. The planning process would have involved detailed coordination between the car bomb teams and the ground assault teams, ensuring that their actions were synchronized to maximize the impact of the attack. This level of planning and preparation suggests a significant degree of organizational capacity and operational expertise within the FSA-aligned militant network.

Execution of the Attack

The Oklahoma City Incident unfolded in the early morning hours of a February day in 2032, catching the USPG authorities largely by surprise despite the heightened tensions of the "Years of Lead". The attack commenced with the detonation of multiple car bombs in quick succession, targeting key locations across Denver. These locations included the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building analogue (a deliberate symbolic choice given the real-world Oklahoma City bombing), the USPG military command headquarters, and several other government buildings and infrastructure points. The car bombs, reportedly packed with conventional explosives and potentially augmented with fuel-air accelerants to enhance their destructive power, caused massive explosions that ripped through the targeted buildings, causing widespread structural damage and initiating numerous fires. The explosions were designed to maximize casualties and create widespread panic and confusion.

Simultaneously with the car bomb detonations, a coordinated ground assault was launched by FSA-aligned militants. These militants, numbering in the dozens and equipped with small arms and explosives, attacked ground-level security at the targeted locations, attempting to exploit the chaos created by the explosions. While not a large-scale military force, their objective was to further disrupt USPG operations, inflict additional casualties, and potentially seize key objectives within the targeted buildings. The ground assault element engaged in firefights with USPG security forces and military personnel who responded to the attack. The fighting was intense and chaotic, unfolding amidst the smoke, debris, and panic caused by the explosions.

The timing of the attack, in the early morning before the start of the normal workday, suggests a calculated effort to maximize casualties among government personnel and minimize civilian casualties in the broader city center. However, given the densely populated urban environment and the scale of the explosions, significant civilian casualties were unavoidable. The coordinated nature of the car bombs and ground assault, coupled with the selection of symbolic and strategically important targets, indicated a high degree of planning and operational sophistication, marking a significant escalation in the tactics employed by FSA-aligned forces.

Claims of Chemical Weapons Use

In the immediate aftermath of the Oklahoma City Incident, President Eleanor Vance and other USPG officials publicly condemned the attack as an act of terrorism and accused the FSA of employing chemical weapons, specifically chlorine gas, in the assault. These claims were widely reported by USPG-aligned media outlets and contributed to the narrative of FSA brutality and disregard for international norms. The accusation of chemical weapons use was based primarily on initial reports from first responders and survivors at the scene of the attacks, who described symptoms consistent with chlorine gas exposure, such as respiratory distress, burning eyes, and skin irritation. Furthermore, some USPG officials pointed to circumstantial evidence, such as the discovery of damaged chlorine canisters at or near some of the bomb sites, as supporting the chemical weapons claim.

However, the USPG's claims of chemical weapons use were never independently verified by international organizations or through impartial investigations. The chaotic conditions in the aftermath of the attack, the destruction of evidence by the explosions and fires, and the intense propaganda war between the USPG and FSA made it extremely difficult to conduct a thorough and unbiased investigation. The FSA vehemently denied the accusations of chemical weapons use, claiming that the attack was carried out using only conventional explosives. They accused the USPG of fabricating the chemical weapons claims as a propaganda tactic to demonize the FSA and garner international sympathy.

While the possibility of limited or opportunistic use of chlorine gas by FSA-aligned militants cannot be entirely ruled out, particularly given the availability of industrial chlorine and the generally chaotic nature of the conflict, there is no conclusive evidence to support the USPG's claims of widespread or systematic chemical weapons deployment in the Oklahoma City Incident. The lack of independent verification and the conflicting narratives from both sides leave the question of chemical weapons use unresolved, though the accusations themselves played a significant role in shaping public perception of the incident and further escalating the conflict.

Immediate Aftermath

The Oklahoma City Incident plunged Denver into chaos and mourning, and its repercussions were felt across the entire fractured nation, serving as the unambiguous catalyst for the transition from the tense "Years of Lead" to the full-scale Great Discord.

Casualties and Damage

The immediate aftermath of the Oklahoma City Incident was characterized by scenes of devastation and mass casualty. The multiple car bomb explosions caused widespread structural damage to numerous buildings in downtown Denver, including the near-total destruction of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building analogue and severe damage to the USPG military command headquarters and surrounding structures. Fires raged through the damaged buildings, further exacerbating the destruction and hindering rescue efforts. The streets were littered with debris, shattered glass, and the wreckage of vehicles.

The human toll of the attack was immense. Initial estimates placed the death toll in the thousands, and subsequent counts confirmed that over three thousand people were killed in the Oklahoma City Incident, with thousands more injured, many critically. The casualties included USPG government officials, military personnel, civilian employees, and bystanders caught in the vicinity of the explosions. The sheer number of fatalities overwhelmed Denver's emergency services and medical facilities, which were already strained by the general breakdown of infrastructure and resources during the "Years of Lead". Hospitals were inundated with casualties, and medical supplies rapidly dwindled. The process of identifying and burying the dead was a protracted and emotionally draining task, adding to the collective trauma experienced by the city and the nation.

Beyond the immediate casualties, the Oklahoma City Incident inflicted extensive psychological damage on the population. The shock and horror of the attack, the scale of destruction, and the loss of life created a climate of fear and insecurity. Survivors and witnesses were traumatized by their experiences, and the incident served as a stark reminder of the escalating violence and the fragility of civil order in the fractured nation. The physical and psychological scars of the Oklahoma City Incident would linger long after the guns of the Great Discord fell silent.

USPG Response

The USPG government, under President Eleanor Vance, responded to the Oklahoma City Incident with a mixture of outrage, grief, and a determination to retaliate forcefully against the FSA. In a nationally televised address delivered from a secure location in Denver, President Vance condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms, labeling it an act of "barbaric terrorism" perpetrated by the "criminal regime" in the FSA. She declared a state of national emergency, granting the USPG government sweeping powers to mobilize resources, suppress dissent, and prosecute the war effort. President Vance vowed to bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice and to crush the FSA rebellion decisively. Her rhetoric was forceful and uncompromising, reflecting the widespread anger and desire for revenge within the USPG and its allied territories.

In immediate practical terms, the USPG government initiated a nationwide mobilization of military and National Guard forces. Previously limited and localized military engagements were superseded by a full-scale military offensive into FSA-held territory. The USPG military, possessing superior resources and manpower compared to the FSA in the initial stages of the conflict, launched major operations aimed at seizing key strategic objectives and pushing back FSA forces. The Oklahoma City Incident served as a powerful rallying cry for the USPG war effort, galvanizing public support and providing a justification for escalating the conflict to a full-scale civil war. The incident also prompted a significant tightening of security measures across USPG-controlled territories, with increased military presence in urban centers, heightened surveillance, and stricter border controls. The USPG government framed its response as necessary to protect its citizens and defend against further FSA aggression, but these measures also contributed to a more authoritarian and militarized atmosphere within USPG society.

FSA Response

The Federalist States of America, under President Caleb Thornton, officially claimed responsibility for the Oklahoma City Incident, albeit framing it not as an act of terrorism but as a legitimate military operation in their "War of National Liberation". President Thornton issued a statement praising the "brave patriots" who carried out the attack, asserting that it was a justified response to the USPG's "tyrannical rule" and its refusal to acknowledge the legitimacy of the FSA's grievances. He declared that the Oklahoma City Incident was merely the beginning of a larger campaign to liberate the American people from USPG oppression and to restore the principles of the original American republic, as interpreted by the FSA.

President Thornton's rhetoric further inflamed tensions and solidified the narrative of an irreconcilable conflict between the USPG and FSA. His declaration of a "War of National Liberation" was intended to mobilize FSA supporters, recruit new volunteers, and garner international sympathy for their cause. The FSA propaganda machine worked to portray the Oklahoma City Incident as a daring and effective strike against a legitimate military target, downplaying or denying civilian casualties and emphasizing the alleged crimes and injustices of the USPG regime.

In practical terms, the FSA used the Oklahoma City Incident to justify a full-scale mobilization of its own military forces and to transition from a defensive posture to a more aggressive offensive strategy. The incident emboldened FSA commanders and militants, demonstrating their capacity to strike deep into USPG territory and inflict significant damage. It also served to rally FSA-aligned states and territories, solidifying their commitment to the cause and strengthening their resolve to fight for independence from the USPG. The FSA response to the Oklahoma City Incident mirrored that of the USPG in its escalation of rhetoric and military action, solidifying the shift from the "Years of Lead" to open and widespread civil war.

Impact and Legacy

The Oklahoma City Incident's impact transcended the immediate death and destruction in Denver, acting as a watershed moment that fundamentally altered the trajectory of the Great Discord and left a lasting scar on the fractured landscape of North America.

Escalation to Full-Scale War

The most immediate and significant consequence of the Oklahoma City Incident was the definitive end of the "Years of Lead" and the rapid escalation of the conflict into a full-scale civil war. Prior to the incident, while tensions were high and localized violence was frequent, neither the USPG nor the FSA had fully committed to open warfare. The Oklahoma City Incident shattered this fragile equilibrium. The scale of the attack, the high death toll, and the deeply emotional responses from both sides made a return to even a semblance of peace or negotiation virtually impossible.

The incident served as a catalyst for both the USPG and FSA to abandon any remaining restraint and to fully mobilize their military and societal resources for war. President Vance's declaration of a national emergency and the USPG's subsequent military offensive, coupled with President Thornton's declaration of a "War of National Liberation" and the FSA's own mobilization, marked the formal transition to all-out conflict. The Oklahoma City Incident effectively drew a line in the sand, forcing individuals, communities, and regions to definitively choose sides and commit to the escalating violence. It extinguished any remaining hopes for a peaceful resolution or negotiated settlement and set the stage for the brutal and protracted civil war that would follow.

Propaganda and Public Opinion

The Oklahoma City Incident became a central element in the propaganda war waged by both the USPG and FSA, shaping public opinion and solidifying support for their respective causes. For the USPG, the incident was portrayed as a heinous act of terrorism, a barbaric assault on innocent civilians by a ruthless and illegitimate enemy. USPG propaganda emphasized the civilian casualties, the scale of destruction, and the alleged use of chemical weapons, painting the FSA as morally bankrupt and deserving of total defeat. The incident was used to rally public support for the war effort, to justify harsh security measures, and to demonize the FSA in the eyes of both domestic and international audiences.

For the FSA, the Oklahoma City Incident was presented as a legitimate act of war against a tyrannical regime, a necessary strike against a military and governmental target. FSA propaganda downplayed civilian casualties, emphasized the alleged crimes and injustices of the USPG, and portrayed the attackers as heroes fighting for freedom and self-determination. The incident was used to bolster morale among FSA supporters, to recruit new fighters, and to garner sympathy from those who were critical of the USPG or sympathetic to the FSA's ideological claims. Both sides effectively utilized the Oklahoma City Incident to solidify their respective narratives, to mobilize their populations for war, and to deepen the already profound divisions within the former United States. The propaganda surrounding the incident contributed to the escalating cycle of violence and made any possibility of reconciliation even more remote.

Long-Term Consequences

The Oklahoma City Incident had far-reaching long-term consequences that extended well beyond the immediate devastation and the escalation of the Great Discord. The incident contributed to the overall brutality and destructiveness of the war, setting a precedent for large-scale attacks on civilian centers and the erosion of any remaining norms of restraint in the conflict. The psychological trauma inflicted by the incident on survivors, on the city of Denver, and on the broader American psyche was profound and long-lasting. The Oklahoma City Incident became a symbol of the horrors of the Great Discord, a reminder of the depths of violence and division to which the nation had descended. It fueled cycles of revenge and retaliation that prolonged and intensified the conflict.

Furthermore, the incident had a significant impact on the political landscape of post-war North America. The deep divisions exposed and exacerbated by the Oklahoma City Incident contributed to the lasting fragmentation of the former United States. The mistrust and animosity between the successor entities, particularly between regions aligned with the former USPG and FSA, were deeply ingrained and continued to shape political and social dynamics for decades after the end of the war. The legacy of the Oklahoma City Incident served as a stark warning about the dangers of political polarization, extremist violence, and the catastrophic consequences of civil conflict in a modern, technologically advanced society. It remained a somber and cautionary tale in the collective memory of the fragmented nations that emerged from the ashes of the Great Discord.

The Denver Emergency Response

The Denver Emergency Response refers to the immediate and sustained efforts undertaken by emergency services, civilian volunteers, and governmental and non-governmental organizations to address the catastrophic aftermath of the Oklahoma City Incident in February 2032. The scale of the attack, with thousands killed and widespread destruction across downtown Denver, presented unprecedented challenges to the city's capacity to respond and recover. The Denver Emergency Response highlighted both the resilience of the city's population and the severe limitations imposed by the ongoing Great Discord on resources and infrastructure.

Initial Emergency Response

The initial emergency response to the Oklahoma City Incident was chaotic and overwhelmed, reflecting the sheer scale of the disaster. Denver's fire department, police department, and emergency medical services were immediately mobilized, but they were quickly stretched to their breaking point. The multiple car bomb explosions had caused widespread fires and structural collapses, trapping victims and hindering access for first responders. Communication networks were disrupted, further complicating coordination efforts.

Firefighters battled numerous blazes across the downtown area, struggling to contain the fires amidst the rubble and debris. Police officers worked to secure the area, manage crowds of panicked civilians, and establish perimeters around the bomb sites. Emergency medical personnel, including paramedics and doctors, faced a massive influx of casualties, far exceeding the capacity of Denver's hospitals and ambulance services. Triage centers were hastily established in makeshift locations to sort and treat the injured, but medical supplies were quickly depleted. The initial hours of the emergency response were marked by a desperate struggle to save lives, contain the immediate damage, and establish a semblance of order amidst the chaos. The heroism and dedication of Denver's first responders, working under incredibly stressful and dangerous conditions, were crucial in mitigating the immediate impact of the disaster, though the sheer scale of the devastation was overwhelming.

Civilian Aid Efforts

Alongside the official emergency response, a spontaneous and widespread civilian aid effort emerged in Denver in the hours and days following the Oklahoma City Incident. Ordinary citizens, shocked and horrified by the attack, mobilized to provide assistance to victims and support the overwhelmed emergency services. Volunteers flocked to aid centers, offering to donate blood, provide first aid, distribute food and water, and assist in search and rescue efforts. Community organizations, religious groups, and local businesses played a vital role in organizing and coordinating civilian aid. Makeshift shelters were set up in churches, schools, and community centers to house displaced individuals and provide temporary refuge. Donations of essential supplies, including blankets, clothing, and hygiene products, poured in from across Denver and surrounding areas.

The civilian aid effort demonstrated the resilience and compassion of the Denver community in the face of tragedy. Ordinary citizens stepped up to fill the gaps in the official response, providing critical support to victims and emergency responders. This outpouring of community spirit helped to alleviate some of the immediate suffering caused by the attack and provided a sense of solidarity and hope amidst the despair. However, the scale of the disaster and the ongoing disruption caused by the Great Discord meant that civilian aid efforts, while essential, could only address a portion of the immense needs created by the Oklahoma City Incident.

Long-term Recovery Efforts

The long-term recovery efforts in Denver following the Oklahoma City Incident were protracted and complex, extending for years after the immediate crisis had passed. Rebuilding the damaged infrastructure, including government buildings, commercial properties, and residential areas, was a massive undertaking, requiring significant financial resources, construction materials, and skilled labor, all of which were scarce in the context of the ongoing Great Discord. The economic impact of the attack on Denver was severe, with businesses destroyed, jobs lost, and the city's economy significantly disrupted. Economic recovery efforts focused on attracting investment, supporting local businesses, and retraining displaced workers, but the overall economic climate of the fractured nation remained challenging.

Supporting the victims of the Oklahoma City Incident and their families was a long-term and emotionally demanding process. Many survivors suffered from physical injuries, psychological trauma, and the loss of loved ones. Mental health services, counseling, and support groups were established to address the widespread trauma caused by the attack, but the demand for these services far outstripped the available resources. Long-term recovery efforts also included providing financial assistance to victims and their families, addressing housing needs for those displaced by the attack, and commemorating the lives lost in the tragedy. The Denver Emergency Response, while initially focused on the immediate crisis, transitioned into a sustained and multifaceted recovery effort that aimed to rebuild not only the physical infrastructure of the city but also the social fabric and the lives of those deeply affected by the Oklahoma City Incident. The legacy of the incident and the long road to recovery continued to shape Denver and its community for many years to come.