Clark was still a newcomer to the profession.
Although he was calmer than most rookies, he instinctively felt that this was a rare opportunity.
"I'll take it, boss!"
'Just as expected of a young man fresh out in the world—straightforward and eager.'
Hearing Clark's bold declaration, Perry White chuckled inwardly, though his face showed nothing but approval.
"Very good. Young people should have this kind of drive—I'm optimistic about you."
Perry patted Clark on the shoulder encouragingly.
"If you need anything, report to me immediately. And if it really comes to it, you can always call Lois for help."
With that, he turned and walked away, muttering quietly to himself:
"Lois's stubborn temper actually managed to attract someone—and she's even pregnant now. I really am curious what kind of man could fall for her."
Clark heard every word, but he merely smiled and said nothing.
---
10:22 a.m.
NASA Headquarters
"Sir, you need to see this—immediately!"
An observer rushed over with a stack of documents, his face pale with urgency.
"What's all the panic about?"
The supervisor calmly took the materials and began flipping through them.
But within seconds, his expression froze.
His hands began to tremble slightly.
"Keep a close watch on it. Report to me immediately if there's any change!"
Without another word, he strode into his office, grabbed the phone, and began dialing rapidly.
"Director—this is the observatory. We've triggered a Level-One emergency. Please listen carefully—"
---
Five minutes later
NASA Director's Office
In the conference room, the massive display screen was filled with data streams and high-resolution images.
Every senior official present wore a grim expression.
The reason was simple—
The screen clearly showed a fleet of twelve spacecraft, advancing rapidly toward Earth from outside the solar system.
"Director, latest update," a staff member reported urgently.
"The fleet has entered the outer orbital boundary of the solar system."
"Based on current velocity calculations, they'll reach Earth in three hours."
The room's atmosphere instantly tightened.
The NASA Director wasted no time and immediately dialed the White House.
---
The White House
President Ellis, who had been reviewing documents in his office, looked up as a flustered aide rushed in.
His heart skipped a beat—but years of crises had hardened him.
Even if panic surged inside, his face remained composed.
"What is it?" Ellis asked calmly.
"Mr. President, NASA reports that an alien fleet is approaching Earth at high speed. Estimated arrival at near-Earth orbit in three hours!"
The aide continued quickly:
"The White House is preparing to activate Level-One Emergency Defense Protocols. Secret Service tactical units are already en route. Sir, you need to prepare to move to the secure bunker immediately!"
Ellis twitched at the corner of his eye, feeling an overwhelming sense of fatigue.
What now…
Over the past two years, it had been one crisis after another—
aliens, superhumans, undersea kingdoms going to war—
each incident leveling entire city blocks, sometimes whole cities.
If it weren't for Lucas, he wouldn't still be sitting in this chair.
Not because he'd be forced out—
but because he simply wouldn't dare keep the job.
Let someone else deal with this madness…
Eight Secret Service agents in black suits burst into the office.
"Mr. President, please move with us to the secure bunker immediately!"
Ellis shook his head.
"No need. Do you honestly believe hiding in a bunker will help against a civilization capable of interstellar travel?"
"The war with the undersea empire taught me something important," he continued calmly.
"This time, I refuse to scurry around like a frightened rat."
He straightened.
"As President, I hereby order the nation to enter Level-One Combat Readiness."
The agents exchanged looks, then reluctantly nodded, remaining at his side as bodyguards.
---
Soon, the White House convened an emergency decision-making council—
the same command facility used during the Atlantis conflict.
Standing at the head of the room, President Ellis surveyed the gathered officials.
Most of the faces were familiar, though there were a few new ones.
He spoke steadily:
"I trust that you are not panicking. Many of you stood here with me when Atlantis declared war on humanity."
"So we know that what we need right now is not fear or rashness."
"Our priority is to determine why this fleet is coming."
"Are they seeking peaceful interstellar contact—
or are they here to conquer Earth?"
"Therefore, we must prepare for diplomacy—
but we must also prepare for war."
He paused, then continued firmly:
"The Department of Defense is ordered to prepare for immediate engagement. If necessary, we will strike first."
"Effective immediately, an Extraterrestrial Affairs Response Group is established."
"I will serve as Commander-in-Chief. General Ross will act as Deputy Commander."
Ellis's calm authority quickly stabilized the room.
Under Ross's coordination, a temporary command structure took shape.
The Department of Defense and Pentagon officials formed the core, with other departments in advisory roles.
---
"Mr. President," one department head spoke.
Everyone present looked equally unsettled—after all, being told that an alien armada was heading for Earth would shake anyone.
Fortunately, they had already been tempered by the Atlantis crisis earlier that year.
Ellis gestured toward the screen.
"Let NASA Director Dock explain the details."
After summarizing the findings, Director Dock said gravely:
"According to the latest data, the fleet has increased speed again."
"Estimated time to near-Earth orbit is now less than one hour."
The conference room erupted into heated discussion.
Ellis did not stop them—
he had only just received this unbearable news himself.
After two minutes, he cleared his throat and tapped the table.
Silence gradually returned.
"I know this information is shocking," Ellis said firmly.
"But we no longer have the luxury of despair."
_____
T/N:
For readers who would like early access, my Patreon is available for just $4 per month. You'll unlock 140+ advance chapters and help support ongoing works.
🔗 patreon.com/user?u=79514336
You may also search Translator-Sama directly on Patreon.
Your support is sincerely appreciated