Chapter 44

.

Once the sattelites of Antarctica detected the darkness approaching the ambassador contacted president Odonnell.

.

Odonnell: So the darkness is coming here?

Ambassador: According to our sattelites, yes.

Odonnell: You said this world would be where it stopped?

Ambassador: According to Lucci and his superiors, yes.

Odonnell: NASA has also detected something. They're doing tests to be certain, but it does seem like a large amount of fire, which isn't suppossed to be able to survive in space. If it doesn't stop, if somehow the Evil has figured out how to get around this agreement?

Ambassador: We're not sure. We've not heard from anyone who was engufed by the fire. Presumably they died, or were taken to Hell.

Odonnell: Which means we're all heading to eternal damnation, or practically eternity.

Ambassador: So it would seem.

Odonnell: I'll address the people soon. If this is the end, they deserve the chance to say goodbye to their loved ones.

.

Before president Odonnell could address the nation, the world, he recieved a message from dr Stein. Stein was the technician who first alerted the president about first contact. And now, he had some more news of the highest priority.

.

Stein: You're aware of the distant fire?

Odonnell: I'm aware.

Stein: The good news is that the fire seems to have stopped, just short of Pluto.

Odonnell: So it won't destroy our world?

Stein: So it would seem. But, we've recieved a message, from inside the fire.

Odonnell: How is that even possible?

Stein: I don't know. But they have left us a channel to contact their representative, he claims to be the secretary of state for his people.

Odonnell: So I have the chance to negotiate with Hell. I supposse, if it can avoid all out war, I should give it a chance.

Stein: Excellant, we can arrange a communication within an hour.

Odonnell: I may need a little more time. I think I need a refresher course on what their side is capable of before I can begin negotiations.

Stein: How long do you need?

Odonnell: Six hours.

Stein: We'll be ready mr president.

Odonnell: Good. Incidentally, did the ambassador give his or her name?

Stein: Yes, he says his name is Nicolae Carpathia.