High above Washington, America, a C-5 heavy strategic transport plane circled in the sky.
The interior had been converted into a temporary command center, and the Secretary of Defense wore a grim expression as he studied intelligence arriving from around the world.
Yes, the Secretary of Defense had left the ground early and reached the relative safety of the skies!
After repeatedly confirming that Ghost Captain was unreachable and their scientists could do nothing about the bomb, he had decided on a strategic retreat, preserving his useful self so he could play a more important role in post-disaster reconstruction.
And if something happened to the president... then he...
Perhaps he might even get to be president of the Earth Federation in his lifetime?
"Mr. Secretary, the press conference is ready!"
"Good! I've read the speech, and there are no problems. Send it to Albert!
"Oh, and pass this along to him: as the man who tolls the bell of doomsday, he will become a pivotal witness to history, leaving an indelible mark in the history books! America and all humanity will remember him!" the Secretary of Defense said with a solemn expression.
In truth, though, he had already sneered inwardly at that idiot Albert several times.
As America's spokesman, Albert had to show his face before reporters at the venue. Naturally, he could not deliver the announcement to the world from the safety of a plane. If he actually did that, how were the viewers sitting in front of their televisions supposed to take it?
Oh! You were sitting safe and sound aboard a plane, telling ordinary people who had no choice but to wait for death, "Humanity is about to end, but don't be afraid. God is with you"?
Was he sure he wasn't just trying to make everyone