British Isles

The British Isles were a group of islands off the northwest coast of continental Europe that included Great Britain and Ireland, and numerous smaller islands. There were two sovereign states located on the islands: the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and Ireland. The British Isles also included the Crown Dependencies of the Isle of Man.

All of this changed on December 21st, 2009, at approximately 9:47PM GMT, when the Shockwave occurred. When the Shockwave passed, the world was stunned to realize that for all intents and purposes, the British Isles were no more. Geographically, the land remains, but has been obscured by a thick veil of fog. The city of Wick, the only remaining city on the British Isles, has become the outpost for multinational interests in the area, and contains both a heavy scientific and military presence. Wick supplies and maintains the infrastructure that maintains the border between the small remnant of Scotland and what has become known as the Hole.

The water surrounding the British Isles is patrolled by the forces stationed at Wick, and has been heavily mined. The only safe way to enter the Hole is through the entry point at Wick. The area has been designated a no-fly zone, although this is not heavily enforced.

The Hole

Beyond the border at Wick is the land that has become known as the Hole. Study and cartography of the Hole is impossible, as no scouting party sent in has ever returned, and an unknown radiation in the area interferes with unmanned surveys and other electronic equipment. Satellite reconnaissance typically generates conflicting or contradictory information, and standard optical examination of the area (through satellite, telescope, or other visual means) is confounded by a heavy fog that completely shrouds the area and has since the Shockwave event.

The area received its new moniker due to the comparison between it and a black hole.

As no reconnaissance of the Hole has ever been completed, it is unknown whether there are any successful human settlements or whether any of the original structures of the British Isles have survived.

Strange sounds are continually reported from Wick and areas of France and Belgium that can see the Hole.