"This is a war for the survival of human civilization. Don't focus only on what's right in front of you."
Homelander gave him no time to question it before moving straight to the next topic.
"The offensive plan is only the first step. In any war, we can't plan solely for the best outcome. We also need a fallback if everything goes wrong."
"If our operation fails and the worst happens—if they launch a civilization-ending nuclear strike first—"
"Humanity will lose the home it depends on to survive," Homelander said, his gaze fixed on Ellis.
The holographic projection changed again.
A model of a sleek interstellar spacecraft slowly appeared in midair.
Its hull resembled a giant whale in the deep sea, and the enormous propulsion engines at its stern glowed a muted blue.
Just looking at the projection evoked the grandeur of a voyage across the stars.
"Vought Group's Deep Space Division has achieved a decisive breakthrough in large-scale space-jump engine technology. We now have everything we need to build massive starships capable of carrying humanity between the stars."
"If Earth is destined to become a wasteland, the Ark Fleet will carry human civilization into deep space to find a new home."
"Time is short, gentlemen. These two undertakings, both vital to humanity's survival, must proceed simultaneously. We have no time to argue and no time to hesitate."
The assembled senior officials were stunned beyond words by the sheer ambition of the two plans.
Build millions of high-tech hunter-killer robots? Construct an interstellar Ark Fleet capable of carrying human civilization? Either project alone could drain the resources of a major nation. And both had to be completed in a short time.
The treasury secretary shouted hysterically, "That's impossible! Absolutely impossible!"
He waved his arms wildly.
"Are you fucking kidding me?