Four scientists meet secretly

Athor convenes a secret meeting with Beenay, Sheerin, and Siferra. They share their findings: the astronomical proof of the eclipse, the psychological prediction of mass madness, and the archaeological evidence of past fires. They conclude that the world is facing a catastrophic event. Athor proposes they form an alliance with the Apostles of Flame to gain access to their ancient records and to present a united front to the world, a plan the others find distasteful but necessary.