Stein took great delight in welcoming each and every delegate, he was thrilled to see so many people had taken up their hospitality and ensured that the staff ensured everyone had food and drink before beginning to get them settled. He waited until it had seemed like everyone had mingled some and then made his way onto a small platform at the front of the hall. "May I have you attention" the Head Gothi said loudly the room gradually falling silent. "Thank you" he took a moment. "First allow me to officially welcome you to our nation. For some of you this will be the first time you have been here and I hope it will not be the last. I sadly lack the ability to understand many of the things your going to speak about today so will not be present during your discussions. Instead our nations Allsherjargoði Jin Odinsson will be handling negotiations. That leaves me only to wish you the best of luck in creating an organisation that will do more to advance mankind than any other organisation on Mundus. May Odin give you knowledge on your path, May Thor grant you strength and courage on your way, And may Loki give you laughter as you go." With that he stepped down and left the hall as Jin Odinsson replaced him on the platform.

"Ladies and Gentleman, if you can proceed to the elevator in an orderly fashion we'll be going down to the LHC Conference room." Over to one side the staff of the LHC, which was used to hosting scientific conferences within the nation, had two large elevators ready. In batches of around 20 in each elevator the delegates were taken down a good distance below the Åland surface. The feint buzz and hiss of the LHC itself could be heard as they passed by the "Start/Finish" point of the colliders loop. Teams of scientists were busy moving around the equipment clipboards in hand. Once passed they entered a room which had been prepared into a space for a conference. The main delegate for each nation would sit at a large long central table while their other representatives sat on tables to either side of the room. Jin took his place at the head of the table. "Now, if I may begin we have called you all here as it is the belief of our nations scientific community that by improving c-operation between nations we can achieve a great deal, with that in mind we have several aims we hope to achieve here."

1. To enable the sharing of new ideas, theories and data by way of creating a globally respected multi-discipline scientific journal.

2. To establish a agency to allow co-ordination of space exploration. This is not intended to control it, but for example should a JNSP mission be scheduled the same time as a Cenneg mission there is the possibility of disruption to each mission.

3. The creation of a system to deal with space debris.

4. The creation of an internationally recognised organisation designed to promote STEM subjects at all educational levels.

5. The creation of a system of programmes designed to enhance the work experience of young STEM students.

6. The creation of an NGO fund to help support researchers carrying out smaller scale projects.

"So with that in mind do any of you have any other aims you wish to see this project bring about or any suggestions as to ways towards these aims. Once we have a few ideas on the table we shall begin to form the charter of this initiative."

Here was a nation with no space programme of their own and talking of colonising other planets, it just didn't sit well with Seamus. "With respect your talking about something several decades away with hundreds more missions needed before that becomes anything other than a theoretical problem. You're talking of like step 100 in a programme and we're only on like step 30. You can't realistically consider beyond something like Step 60 as what we discover in those 30 steps changes massively what happens in Step 61. Now clearly your experiments may fit in to help shape that knowledge we'd need but that obviously depends on who is making them and what they are. So do you have anything in mind?"

"I can rule out Cenneg involvement in any permanent multi-national paramilitary organisation"  Deputy Taoiseach Neasa Quirke stated, "Now if Phuebra needs some kind of force to help keep the peace then I am sure we would look a how we can help. We've undertaken a similar role in Royal Seleucid until 2020 at the earliest so we have some experience on these matters. I think though we are putting the cart before the horse, we don't have an organisation yet still we're beginning to discuss specific issues."

To:- V.P.F.O. Therz

Our nation has a long heritage of being boat builders, when one thinks of the history of naval military history the ancient Viking Longboat stands out as one of the most iconic naval vessels. Those vessels where built largely in the settlement that is today Krokom. Today the Dockyards of Krokom Enterprises Shipmakers Division is one of the prime developers of the UNP and now Ålander navy. In addition in the last few years we were even considered as one of the last two designs for the new East Moreland Destroyer narrowly missing out on the contract only because of the Morelanders desire to keep their production in house. We are therefore confident that should we be able to fulfil the criteria desired by the East Moreland Navy, a nation famed for technical military innovation that we can fulfil the contract you are requiring regarding a surface fleet.

We are more than happy to discuss the design requirements with you however we also have a number of designs already in service with the Åland Navy.

We look forward to hearing from you

Signed

Leopold Bakke
CEO DOKE Shipmakers

The Madainn Probe is set to be launched this coming weekend. The probe is designed to fly to investigate a protoplanet called Ceres which is situated between Nergal and Marduk and forms part of the asteroid belt that sits between the two planets. It is likely that the Mandainn probe is likely to claim several “firsts” in space exploration. According to the Dr. Lee McRae the project co-ordinator,  it’s the first “purely scientific” probe powered by ion thrusters. It’s the first probe to visit Ceres, and thus the first probe to visit a protoplanet. If it is successful in observing Ceres it is likely to move onto a second nearby protoplanet called Vesta  and if it achieves orbit with that dwarf planet, will be the first probe to orbit two bodies in a single mission.

Dr.McRae spoke of excitement about the programme saying "By studying these two bodies we can learn much about the processes by which our own planets have formed. Hopefully we can see how celestial dust merged into clusters, which merged into rocks, which merged into planets. Vesta and Ceres should have been right there alongside Earth, Venus, Mars, etc., in our sixth-grade light bulb diorama, but they couldn’t quite make the jump to planet-hood. . These proto-planets—one rocky and the other icy—are more or less windows into the past, and by studying them, we can fill in the blanks on the history and makeup of the Solar System. Madainn will arrive at Ceres in April. The probe also features many elements manufactured by SmartWar who Dr.McRae said, "They have a proven track record in making successful remote systems and we'd be fools not to use their expertise in a project where our probe is likely to be in and out of flying debris. There is a good chance some giant rock will slam into Madainn as it transition making it important to give it some ability to act autonomously."

---

King Cóemgein of Cantabria was today released from hospital. The 44 year old had been involved in a major car accident and was in a medically induced coma for close to two months and has then been slowly regaining his cognitive ability over the last six months. While hospitalised he also suffered from MRSA which further set back his recovery. While he has been hospitaliised the Kingdom of Cantabria has been run by his wife Queen Cait, sister of King Finley of Ui Cenneslaig. The Queen has juggled representing the royal family with bringing up the pairs two year daughter Niamh. The Queen, who turned 30 last week, has acted as regent and is likely to continue to do so until the King is passed as medically fit enough to return to his duties.

The Queen spoke briefly with the media before going into the Claith Royal Hospital to take her husband home and said, "I'm thrilled to get him home finally, as will Niamh. She's spent a good few months not really having her father around and I'm sure being with her well only help my husband recover." King Finley also sent his regards saying, "Cóemgein is effectively a brother to me and I'm delighted to hear he's on the road to recovery. I look forward to catching up with him soon."

It is expected to be at least another six months before Cóemgein can resume even the most basic royal duties.

Ui Cenneslaig

Specialisms:- Boxing, Ball and Stick Sports, MMA





Nya Aland Specialism - Shooting, Athletics and Field, Archery

The first of the two Cenneg Carriers that were scheduled to have taken part in the CNN exercise arrived at the zone allocated to them in the south. The Copre had been kept briefed of the various military and political shifts as they'd journeyed from homewaters and it had become quiet a pickle. The Cennegs were until recently members of the Western Ardian Forum with Himeyama and this placed them in an awkward but beneficial position, they had friends on both sides of the argument, the Himeyamans were continental buddies while East Moreland and Lodja had responded to the Heyran call for help. This though did leave an awkward situation.

"Launch the Bruthel's" Captain McCulloch ordered having briefed his men en-route.

"Aye sir" came the reply and within minutes the sound of four jets moving away from the ship at speed could be heard, they were tasked with carrying out aerial and photographic reconnaissance of the area as well as almost announcing their arrival. The scheduled radio call was made to home and with that being sent it was confirmed that the second Cenneg carrier which had also been heading to the area on military exercises would arrive in 24 hours. The statement King Finley had written was then released to the press

Upon hearing of the disaster on the island of  Nurashima/Barnacle Island we immediately switched our two exercise groups heading to the Mhorish for manoeuvres with the CNN onto an aid operation. In the short time it has taken for our first task force to reach the disputed islands the situation on the ground has clearly changed. We now face a situation where the island is being militarised amid a humanitarian crisis. As a former member of the WAF we still feel a measure of responsibility towards the Himeyaman citizens who are on the islands and will therefore be undertaking operations to aid and support these. Furthermore we reject claims by Heyra to sovereignty over the whole of the island network and believe that the only true solution to this long standing dispute is one that involves the decision of those living on the island. We therefore intend to use our two task groups to help those in the damaged areas in whatever way we can. We will contacting the Himeyaman authorities to look a how we can support those remaining on the islands and will make both equipment, manpower and funding avaliable to support them. As of yet it appears most funding and support has gone to the Heyran portions of the operation and we feel therefore we can become a link between the two sides in this operation.

Our forces will be attempting to make contact with the Himeyaman forces on the ground within the hour to assess the situation.

Regards

King Finley of Ui Cenneslaig.

While the aircraft where taking their images it became clear that several small groups of Himeyamans were still on the island. The Corpi was already a hive of activity with groups of soldiers visible on deck loading helicopters while down closer to water level the 800 or so Cenneg soldiers were preparing to go ashore. The vehicle deck of the vessel still had a compliment of armour but this was being ignored as the various mobility vehicles were being loaded onto landing craft completely rammed full of medical supplies. Just two hours after landing on the island the Cenneg commander on the ground, Lt.Col Strachan, began looking to make contact with the Himeyamans. It didn't take long as they found them setting up makeshift tents in a village that seemed to have been swept largely away by the Tsunami. The two officers exchanged salutes and then Strachan spoke, "We're aiming on supporting whatever operations you've got in place regarding the humanitarian effort but just a heads up our aircraft have seen a significant Heyran military force on the island, we don't want you boys shooting at each other so might I suggest my men take the more Northern end of proceedings, I think a Heyran soldier is less likely to take pot shots a a Cenneg." The Himeyaman agreed and Strachan sent 400 of his men and the vehicles that were empty North on a reconnessance of what was going on. It was then that Strachan brought up the subject of the Lodjains. "They're in an effective limbo, I understand that you don't wish them to pass on sensitive data to any of the Heyran forces but they are here to help, what I therefore suggest is that you place those Lodjains on the island under my command. You have my word they will not leave the island for the next week unless you give permission and I'll replace them in that zone with my forces. We've another task force arriving soon which should have been part of that exercise so we've a lot of manpower inbound so I'll not miss a few."

The Task Force took up positions in the waters to the South of Nurashima clearly keeping a corridor to the island open for the arrival of the second task force in the next few hours.

Last 48 hours for applications then voting shall begin.

Next up to sign was the Cenneslaig representative who replaced the pen and took their seat.

The Alander representative meanwhile stood, "My apologise but the fact that so many nations wish to see a kind of international court for this means in the future this is something likely to be pushed for and added to this charter. We have no wish to change our laws to be compatible with the MCUR only to one day give oversight to a foreign body. As such we will not be signing this charter."

Queen Cait looked around as Lascelles asked the question, "I'm going to be honest." she took a breath, "We've two nations in Ardia who have clashed, metaphorically speaking, in the past Rokkenjima and Ui Cenneslaig. There is a total lack of trust there and being as influential as they are it takes Ardia with it." It was quiet ironic she was saying this with her being a Cenneg by birth, "Take the formation of the Western Ardian Forum, done mainly because of the cultural splits between the continent, but a slap in the face of Rokkenjima. Then to return the favour Rokkenjima look to build a transcontinental railway and we, I mean Ui Cenneslaig, had to literally force their way into those talks where they along with others had established a solid groundwork before it was pulled out from the beneath their feet by Rokkenjima. The list goes upon and on. This now lends us a chance to end such things." Cait looked at Deputy Taoiseach Neasa Quirke.

"I tend to agree" Neasa continued, "So the fact neither of us are controlling this meeting is probably a good thing. It gives a chance for a neutral view on the future of the continent as a building block. It also means we start at a point Bakkermaya, who have managed to avoid the messes of the past, feel is useful rather than fitting an agenda Rokkenjima or Ui Cenneslaig want to address. My one concern though is the size of Ardia, it will be hard to form an organisation uniting such a geographically large slab of rock as well as one containing so many cultures."

"Well the Cennegs have a reputation for woollen clothing and fabrics, and if your looking for organics clothing doesn't come much more organic than simply giving a sheep a haircut and using natural dyes. We've also got salmon farms, but can't beat the taste of natural stream caught ones which we could also export. My understanding however is that you have rather unique shipping methods though so the freshness could be an issue. Added to that we have lots of wild game such as venison wandering the hills, not sure how that would go down with your people if their worried about the environment but meat doesn't get anymore organic" Finly said as he considered what other products they could ship abroad.

"As for this Wilhelmina, sounds like she could be a problem. We have no desire for chaos in your nation so if you have anything you need us to do in terms of the investigation then just let me know and we can see what can be done."

Giving this the 48 hour warning

The nations Minister of Defence Martja Larsson is the only government representative in the world to have visited the so called "Principality of Northern Borland" today she has issued caution in dealing with the entity and urged that it should not be attacked. The former Air Force helicopter pilot visited the "Principality" a self proclaimed but not recognised sovereign state completely land locked within Zimalia two years ago to oversee a measure of disarmament by the Borlander terrorist group. As such she has a unique insight into the settlement.

"I visited the Principality unannounced, our observation teams where scheduled to arrive and I just tagged along, the people there had no idea a representative of our government was coming. What I saw there was odd to say the least. There were very few white people, people I'd assume where Borlanders and those people were mainly families. They were involved heavily with helping the settlement grow. For example one was a doctor providing health care to the people. I saw others helping construct new homes, they were using old metal shipping containers and they had the most basic sanitary and electrical connections. The majority of people where Zimalians and when I spoke with them it was clear that many had moved there to simply take advantage of a free home and the chances provided. I mean in Zimalia they have to pay for education, yet here was someone running schooling for free, yes that schooling was primitive, classes were overcrowded and lacked resources but education of any sort is better than none. I even tried to teach some maths, it was tough and the utmost respect goes to those teachers there trying to make a better life for people. I've visited Zimalia a time or two, what you always see is society split along tribal lines but here that had gone. We had people of all tribes who wished to escape that chaos of Zimalian society living side by side in peace. It was a great example of what a society could be. I heard no mention of terror, I saw no outward hatred of Morelanders and I saw no high ranking Borlander living there. I did see Kyle Barren on the day that the weapons where destroyed by our teams but as soon as the job was done he disappeared. Speaking to the people there they knew he was making many of the laws that existed there, laws that essentially mimic those you'd expect in any civilised society but beyond that he had little daily input into the settlement. I was devastated to hear that weeks later the Morelanders had destroyed the settlement with an air strike. I understand they'd given 24 hours notice of the attack and so loss of life was kept to a minimum, yet still I felt grief that a small piece of Zimalia that was trying to raise itself above the day to day mayhem that exists there was knocked down. I actually rejoice in the fact the "Principality" has regrown, and from what I have seen and read about it has mirrored the first incarnation. We as a world should be encouraging that little settlement and I fully intend to revisit, take with me school resources to support the education there. For example do you know that only 15% of Zimalian girls access education beyond the age of 10? While in the Principality that figure is 100%. These are efforts worthy of commendation, were this any other place on Mundus we would be hailing it a great success, a moral victory and nations would be standing applauding, yet we now have Rokkenjima making statements that "Zimalia shall have before it two choices: dismantle the so-called "Principality" of its own volition or dismantle it with the assistance of the international community" Well I will be recommending to the Riksdag later today a series of proposals to ensure that the place is not dismantled, that it is not faced by the " military tools of the international community". The "Principality" may bare the name of shame in having the word Borland associated with it, a name associated with hate and destruction, yet all I found there was love and a hope to build something great. I urge the world to not cut down once more this sapling of hope in the wilderness of chaos"  (OOC-Speech heavily edited by Libby)

Late that day the Minister of Defence presented a bill to the Riksdag that called on the following.

1. The Air Force to dispatch a squadron of aircraft to support the Zimalian Air Force against "Incursions outlawed under international law"

2. The Ministry of Education to send 25 teachers to the "Principality" for two months to help establish an educational programme.

3. The Ministry of Health to send 10 doctors and 20 nurses to help establish a health care programme.

4. Education and awareness about the spread of HIV/AIDS to be set up to try and combat the higher than average levels there.

5. The establishment of an Odinic Rite "Outpost" there to support cultural programmes within the Principality.

6. $5million in vouchers to be given to the settlement to allow them to buy resources from companies based within Nya Åland.

[/b]

To all Nations

Several years ago Krokom was selected by the then Union of Nordic People's to build the worlds first and to date biggest Large Haddron Collider. In the years that followed we have uncovered many new secrets of the universe. We have always prided ourselves on our LHC being open to people of all nations who share our interest in science and have long had visitors from East Moreland, Achkaerin and Ui Cenneslaig based here. The LHC project was designed to unite scientists around Mundus like never before. In a similar fashion we have seen the Joint Nordic Space Programme carry out wonderous launches that have made all their data available to the world, including our Longboat 3 project[1]. We ourselves watched on in wonder at the Lunar Three, Solo, Blinkly and Bob, the SwarmBots left behind that after 12 months on the moon came back as media stars. It is projects such as this and the Ui Cennesliag network of telescopes that will help us understand Mundus and our universe so much better.

It is therefore my hope that nations will join with us Nords in Krokom to establish a formal network designed to help science at all levels flourish.

I therefore look forward to people visiting Krokom in the next few weeks and us changing the world of science for the better.

Odin's Blessings

Stein Ulfsson
Head Gothi

1.

Cassini

This visit was going to be unlike others in Finley's mind. While he was keen to show people the hospitality he believed the Celts excelled at he knew that in Seaforth he was welcoming a people he saw not as foreigners but as family. It may have been hundreds, maybe thousands, he wasn't much of a scholar, but he knew in the past his people and them from Seaforth shared a common ancestor.

Cait had arrived the evening before. As usual she had travelled alone, her husband King Comegan of Cantabria was still recovering from his car accident and was unlikely to be fit to rule anytime soon and that left Cait as the Regent and major power in her brothers neighbouring nation. Finley had determined that the pair of them should greet the King of Seaforth in person at the airfield, the pair where dressed in identical tartan that Finley had made for the occasion. It combined the dark blue and bold yellow of the O'Shea tartan with white and red of the Rhodes family. Finley wore it as a kilt, and despite the formality of the occasion still insisted on wearing bulky boots rather than formal shoes. Cait meanwhile wore a plane white blouse with the tartan wrapped around her shoulders and around her waist.

Behind them, clad in the same tartan was a large group of pipers and drummers, all taken from local Army and Air Cadet units. Every now and again they'd give a little tune as to keep themselves warmed up and in tune for the arrival. Finley couldn't help but clap after each song and when a more uptempo one began found himself merrily jigging along much to his sisters annoyance.

As the Seaforthian aircraft touched down the pipers began the much practiced anthem as Finley and his sister greeted the new King of Seaforth.