=====News - Turn 11===== ==== World Government ==== A unified world government has formed in response to this time of great trials and new beginnings. As the seas recede the world government shall ensure humanity is set back on track. The five main representatives are former Chairman Sun Li, former President Maria Batista,former High Representative Tereza Novak, Jonathan Clairefoy and Minister Robert Page. Mikel Vaughan of Lucky River has stated his confidence in the new order, and spoke in length about the stance against unfair monopolies. Jean-Baptiste Demotte has been made commander of the unified military, which has been engaging off world infiltrators. ==== Midgard Shifted ==== Through the extraordinary efforts of numerous UNITED Scientists and World Leaders, the entire world of Midgard has been phase shifted to the World Mountain following the construction of sixteen ITP reflection towers rising kilometres into the sky. Following the shift, however, all ITP gates immediately ceased functioning. Thanks to extensive work by Drs Reshvayov, Thorpe and Cavenson, a large receiver has been constructed on top of the UNITED base at Ilha de Corvo and the sixteen ITP Towers aligned to the signature of Asgard to once again open the gate to the realm of the gods. However, the gate is once again considered hazardous with energy spikes occurring randomly but predictably enough to prevent loss of life and transport through the portal has been restricted to personnel who have used to portal before and have liaised with the science team by the portal to ensure their safety. ====The Seas Recede==== The oceans of Earth have now fully receded down below their pre-Ragnarok sea levels. There remains much work to be done to see the new lands revealed made suitable for habitation, but all over the world adventurous souls have been emerging from the Domes to explore a landscape much changed by its time beneath the waves. Unconfirmed reports from trawlers operating out of OA claim that the diminishing seas have revealed glimpses of a vast lifeform, an unearthly monster wearing wrecked battleships upon its back like a colossal mix of snail and hermit crab. ====Disappearance of Eydis==== We are sad to report that Eydis, daughter of Thor and Loki, has not been seen for some time and there is growing concern for her wellbeing. Rumours abound that Eydis has sacrificed herself for a greater cause and to make Thor proud of her; no comment has been received from Akrskald. ====Freezing of Skjoll==== Nobody has spoken about what truly happened on the surface of Svartalfheim, but it is known that Olrik and Reysa buried a god-sized box somewhere in that region and that Olrik was seen on a later evening burning a small pyre, presumably in memory of his brother. ====Hel imprisoned==== Thanks to an immense task force from Asgard, Vanaheim, Midgard, Svartalfheim, and aided by an artefact from Muspelheim, the former queen of Hel and Asgard has been imprisoned permanently in a trap which it is hoped will shortly be sealed away for ever. It is known that UNITED are currently searching for a guardian for the trap. The brave heroes responsible for this should be held in high regard by all. It is thought that this leaves the land of Hel leaderless, as the remaining generals of Hel are Ragna of the River Gjoll, Modgud of the Bridge, Halstein Cave-dweller, Ilmari (fired)(twice) and Nidhoggr. None of these have issued a public statement declaring themselves the new ruler, though there are reports that the Hellish forces have withdrawn from Vanaheim and Niflheim and are now sitting at the far side of the Gjollerbridge. Modgud has asked that anyone who wishes to speak about the future of Helheim contact her. ====Nuclear Explosion rocks Allied Armies==== As the final push to finish off Hel's forces raged in the centre of the battlefield, the forces of the gods, Aesir and Vanir alike, were engulfed as a colossal blast ripped through the earth beneath the melee. As a mushroom cloud billowed upwards into the skies of Asgard those at the periphery of the blast staggered clear, burned and dazed, whilst medics and rescue teams rushed forward from the Midgardian and Svartalfheim positions to pull survivors from the crater. At this time its unclear whether the blast was a deliberate attack, an anti-Hel strategem gone horribly wrong or some sort of technical malfunction. ====World Tree Stabilising==== Scientists from UNITEDs ITP department working out of the Alpha Site have reported positive readings regarding the potential stabilisation of the World Tree. Current theories suggest that the removal of Midgard from the tree may have had a positive influence. Meanwhile in Asgard rumour is spreading that Odin through his wisdom and noble self-sacrifice has moved to save his creation and restore the worlds to their Pre-Ragnarok glory. The Allfather has not been seen since the rumours began, so has yet to speak on the matter The Zone of void tears in the plains of Virgrid and in the Midgardian sky also seem to have healed over and reading indicate the plane itself is starting to break apart as the worlds deconverge. This is being slightly stalled however by the strange stasis field gradually growing out of the plain. ==== Antarctica Base Destroyed ==== UNITED's Antarctica base has been destroyed in a nuclear explosion. So far there has been no official statement on the number of dead or missing. Reports indicate that Marius De Winter was spotted assaulting the base shortly prior to its destruction. He has not been seen since and is assumed dead. This is the second time that Dr De-Winter has been seen involved in the nuclear destruction of a United Research facility and although he is missing presumed dead if seen he is wanted for questioning. It is understood that a number of non-humans have been detained attempting to flee the destruction of the facility. ====Strange artefact on the Plain==== In his last moments, Skjoll is said to have placed an artefact on the Plain of Vigrid. The precise nature of this artefact is unknown but it appears to freeze the area around it - whether in space or time we do not know. The artifact itself is reported by eyewitnesses to be some kind of black sundial and all attempts to approach it have so far resulted in failure. The effect is radiating out from the artefact and by now it would appear that most of the Plain is frozen. It is predicted that this effect will start to encroach on the settled worlds in a matter of weeks. ====Asgard leaderless==== With Hel and Baldur both imprisoned, questions are being asked about who is in charge now. Odin All-Father has disappeared; Frigg and Freyja both died at Ragnarok. Asgard must not remain leaderless for long; the world is in dire need of rebuilding. With the new age in which gods and man live together, the very nature of the world following Ragnarok will depend on who the Aesir decide should rule. Any candidates are asked to present themselves at the Hall formerly belonging to Odin and to describe their suitability. The names of their supporters should also be declared. Vidar, daughter of Odin, has made it known she will not stand for leadership but is happy to take names and organise the publication of statements. Vidar can be found at the next UNITED meeting. ====Rumours==== * The Ring is a fake. * Nidhoggr intends to eat Asgard. * Colonel Busia has expressed interest in leading XS-86. * Skjoll died a hero, protecting his siblings. * Kopr is dating Ilmari. * You are being watched by the Vanir. * Can somebody please explain Jeff, God of Biscuits? * Only Heimdall's heir shall read me * Fenrir has taken over Hoddmimir's Holt. * Nuclear weapons have been found in Vanaheim. * The magical spear of Sinmara has been found. * There is weird graffiti on Midgardian ships. * SLATE Engineering are not happy. * Dr Abominable has renounced his life of crime and intends to settle down and marry... but whom? * Earnest Briars has bought the world.