Thanks to the dedicated efforts of UNITED ITP experts, and those who have contributed 'Element Zero' substances, the gateway to Asgard has been significantly expanded. UNITED have taken advantage of this increased capacity to start the construction of a more substantial encampment on the Asgard side of the gate.

Following a security review conducted by Group Captain Everard Wilkinson, security around the UNITED base has been tightened to prevent unwanted intrusion. This has also made it somewhat more difficult for Asgardians to leave the base unnoticed, though no restrictions are being placed on their moment.

A widely publicized documentary film “The Norse Gods At Home” is an enormous hit with audiences around the world. The film is typically preceded with extracts from a press conference on behalf of UNITED and the “Norse Gods” themselves.

Extracts from the Press Conference

…Jonathan Clairefoy talks excitedly about an exclusive conversation with the people who have been working closely with the Norse Gods. This is an exciting and tremendous time to be living in!…

…Victor Steele talks extensively about the positive relations that have been developing between Earth and these people of 'Asgard'. At all levels they have been helping us overcome adversity…

…Shots of a relaxed interview with Finnfrodr looking honest and vulnerable. Followed up with a chat with Baeglir talking up the friendly and helpful nature of the Asgardians…

…A collage of edits with “They talk like us”, “They speak like us”, “They worry like us”, “They love like us”. The latter is superimposed on the now-famous clip of Sif and Jarnsaxa making out…

…Jonathan Clairefoy rounds out the interviews with short tales by each of the Norse Gods highlighting quirky little incidents…

The public mood is heavily in favour of the visitors from Asgard and “The Norse Gods At Home” is one of the most popular documentaries. It has been seen by the majority of people in the world.

Extracts from “The Norse Gods At Home”

…Jonathan Clairefoy, looking marvelous in rugged traveling attire, speaks about stepping through into Asgard for the first time. The excitement comes across very well on TV. The entry into Asgard is shown with Lt. Sykes and Jeffrey Rayne speaking about the wonders they have seen here. Rayne is regularly used as an impromptu expert on Norse Culture, giving colourful insights and thoughtful advice to Clairefoy…

…They approach the hall of Solfrid, Gritheim, which is a wonder to behold. Majestic music plays over several shots of the beautiful hall. Solfrid greets everyone and speaks warmly but sternly of the importance of hospitality…

…the feast begins. There is singing and dancing and Clairefoy goes round all present…

…A beaming Olrik Aegirsson, clearly somewhat the worse for wear for drink thrusts himself in front of the camera and enthusiasticly explains the bet between the children of Aegir to cross the river Gjoll…

…A touching tale by Jafnadr is interrupted by Oligmar Hammerblow colliding with Jafnadr. There is riotous laughter…

…Great tales are related by a few other guests and a frank and tearful reaction is filmed of Clairefoy, slightly drunk and merry, speaking of the wonder of the experience…

UNITED report on action in Vanaheim

… accomplished. Partial control over Hygrad was secured by the Asgardian forces with the city held entirely excepting the fortified citadel. This remains under Jotun control and with a significant military force, though it has shown no intention of attempting a sally or breaking out…

… noted some tension between the Vanir and Aesir elements especially concerning Thor and Kopr and a heated outburst…

… the city is partially fortified with temporarily reinforced walls…

… elements of UNITED under command of Group Captain Wilkinson oversaw the liberation effort. The team included support from a medical corps under Dr. Theresa Matthews who was gravely injured in the battle…

… ARES project continues to exceed expectations in all forms of warfare…


Vanir skald Linvaldr relates the victory over the Jotnar

The glorious forces arrayed resplendent in bright armour, rushing towards Hygrad having heard the plight of the Vanir. Bringing vengeful death for the oppression of the Vanir rode Sandraudr upon her gleaming steed and by Thor marched Jaeger and Sannast, dressed for battle and crushing of foes. Above the city carried on currents of air, the graceful form of Harald watching over midgardian soldiers. And within, the cunning of Kopr, the word of Aethelfled and the rushing of Brynjolf and Baeglir brought the Vanir together…

So that when the Jotnar threatened to assault upon the city with a force of relief brave Sterkr, loyal servant of Freyja, rushed to distract and deceive. So that the foolish Jotnar ran round in circles and Eric wove and wove and the walls of Hygrad were remade in shining steel wool…

Various Pamphlets and articles have been circulating praising the Vanir and particularly their efforts in south America whilst denigrating the Aesir as mindless brutes who spend all their time killing endangered creatures and destroying rainforests. The source of these stories appears to be the organization Green Future and it's prominent head Sebastien Vorn

…for the Vanir are wise and kind, understanding the balance between all things. The Aesir on the other hand appear to be nothing but mindless brutes; the earth screams out wherever they tread and the people cower in fear.

… they bring nothing but death and destruction and solve all things with the blunt force of a hammer. No wonder that the Vanir amongst them are forced to live in fear and dejection, their own vibrant culture subsumed by the crude barbarism of their captors…

Both gods and UNITED members in the new asgardian base camp are awakened from their slumber by terrible howls echoing from the Isle of Lyngvi. The cries of the dread wolf have not been heard since his binding long ages past, and it is feared that this is a poor omen for all Asgard.

UNITED scientists analysing the size of the wolf based on the strength of the howl have concluded that their data must be wrong. Something as large as indicated could not support a lupine bone structure…

Tensions between the ERU and the PAC in Siberia erupted into outright violence last month with numerous skirmishes along the border. Both sides are calling their militaries and arming up but details of exactly what set off the violence are scarce. Even more worryingly the sides reportedly came close to full scale nuclear war when an incident at a ERU silo almost prompted the PAC to launch several missiles. As we speak the crisis continues with both sides on a hair trigger with their fingers on the button.