Let There Be Light!

The dark menacing mass of the Light Eaters continued to make good progress while earth and its inhabitants suffer the effects of a darkening world; artificial light doesn't make much difference against the deepening gloom.
Tempers flare quicker than a lighted match; everyone is scared and fear is contagious. Crowds of people gather in cities marching on government offices demanding something is done.
Dark mutterings of mutiny are heard within the government offices themselves; the staff feel vulnerable to attack, as angry crowds gather in the streets.
Everyone is afraid but no one knows what to do.
Suddenly, a tremendous brightness appears in the sky; in towns and cities the world over people look up, transfixed by the light but their fear doesn't lessen.
`It's aliens' someone cried out.
Aliens! That would explain the strange stuff that's been going on. The world is going to be invaded. A wave of panic sweeps across the world; television crews capture the scenes, relaying it back to the studios and across the globe.
`Alien invasion is imminent', claimed one over zealous news reporter.
World leaders watch the latest news, powerless to stop the panic that threatens to make the situation worse...

Every room in the White House is buzzing with activity. Security men, secretaries and PA's rush along corridors doing whatever their job demands of them...like automatons they carry on passing paper and information from one department to another.
The President of the United States, the most powerful man in the world looks anything but...pale and tired, he heads another interminable emergency meeting consisting of world leaders, the military, top scientists and the representatives from every religion. The world had become a tinderbox and they had to find a way to dampen the violent eruptions taking place.
`We've got to find out what's going on up there', said the Chief of Staff. `The sooner we send a missile...'
`NO', cried Greg Schooster, one of the world's leading envrionmental scientists. He glared his disapproval at the Chief of Staff. `We'll not find out what's going on by sending missiles', protested the scientist.
`We can't sit here and do nothing', volleyed the Chief of Staff.
`If we take any action, let it be constructive, not destructive. We need to send a rocket with a crew on board...a crew of scientists to take a look'
`LOOK', cried the Chief of Staff. `Look out of the window. Something very sinister is happening up there and we don't have time for test tubes tactics. You can't treat the atmosphere like it's some laboratory'.
`Yes we can', said Greg, drily.
The Chief of Staff stared at Greg Schooster, momentarily lost for words.
Greg turned to the President. `I'm concerned that using military weapons will exacerbate the situation. We don't know what we're dealing with...it's as simple as that, sir'.
`Gentlemen...', said the President, pausing to look at both men. How the hell could he get these two to stop arguing? Military versus science!
The President let out an audible sigh, trying to collect his thoughts before expressing himself. In truth he wanted to tell them to shut up; in reality he needed their support.
`If this situation continues to get any worse, we do need to seriously consider a military offensive', said the President.
`Sir, you don't...we don't know what it is that's up there', protested Greg.
`I know', agreed the President. `I know. But look at what's going on down here; the violence, pillaging and rebellion that threatens not only our administration but society. The police cannot cope. If we don't take control...exercise our military power, this country will be overrun by thiefs, murderers and everyone fighting for their very existance. If America falls, imagine what that will do to the rest of the world. Gentlemen, ladies', the President's eyes swept around the huge oval table.
`We are on a knife's edge and we need to cut to the chase'
Just as the President uttered the last word, a brilliant flash of light lit up the room...light so bright everyone jumped up from their seats and rushed to the window.
High in the sky a tremendous wave of light was heading towards the black `cloud'.
`What in the...', the President's voice trailed off.
Greg Schooster turned to the President. `Sir, I think what is happening up there now, speaks for itself. If confirmation was needed that should send an exploratory space mission crew, then this is it'.
`I don't see what difference it makes', protested the Chief of Staff.
`Well send both. Gentlemen', said the President,`Prepare your crews. They are going on a mission'...