"This is a war concerning the survival of human civilization; do not just focus on what is right in front of you."
Homelander did not give him time to question it and cut straight to the next topic.
"The offensive strategy is only the first step. In any war, you cannot only prepare for the best-case scenario. We also need a passive contingency plan."
"If our operation fails, leading to the outcome we least want to see, and they launch an extinction-level nuclear strike first."
"Humanity will lose the home it relies on for survival," Homelander said, his gaze fixed on Ellis.
The holographic projection changed again.
A model of a high-tech interstellar spaceship slowly emerged in mid-air.
Its hull was like a giant whale in the deep sea, and the massive energy thrusters at its stern emitted a faint blue glow.
Just looking at this projection, one could feel a sense of grand epic scale spanning the sea of stars.
"Vought International's Deep Space Division has achieved an absolute breakthrough in large-scale space jump engine technology. We now have the complete technology to manufacture large interstellar spaceships for human interstellar migration."
"If Earth is destined to become a scorched Earth, then the ark fleet carrying human civilization will sail into deep space to find a new home."
"Time is tight, gentlemen. These two matters concerning the life and death of human civilization must be carried out simultaneously. We have no time to argue, nor do we have time to hesitate."
The many high-ranking officials present were shocked beyond measure by these two grand, almost insane plans.
Manufacturing millions of high-tech hunter robots? Building an interstellar ark fleet to house human civilization? Either one of these, if taken alone, would be a terrifying project that would hollow out the national strength of an average major power. And it all needs to be done in a short time.
The Secretary of the Treasury shouted hysterically: "This is impossible! This is absolutely impossible!"
He waved his arms excitedly.
"Are you fucking kidding me? Do you know how much money these two projects will cost? There isn't that much money in the national treasury! If we force the printing of money, the United States' financial system will collapse immediately."
Homelander ignored the Secretary of the Treasury's screaming; he walked up to President Ellis and gave a cold smile.
"The treasury indeed has no money... but that does not mean the United States has no money."
"The wealth of the United States lies in the offshore accounts of those Vampires on Wall Street, buried on the private islands of financial moguls, and lost in the massive dividends of the military-industrial complex."
"We are now in the countdown to humanity's survival..." Homelander reached out and patted Ellis's stiff shoulder.
"We don't have time to engage in long-winded bickering in Congress, nor do we have time to wait for the alms-like donations from those capitalists."
"It is time for you to make a choice, Mr. President."
"Invoke the presidential emergency war powers," Homelander said, leaning into Ellis's ear.
"Go execute the Ellis New Deal."
"The Ellis New Deal?" The President turned his head, looking at Homelander with some bewilderment.
"Yes, a great act named after you," Homelander coaxed.
"In the name of national security and human survival, issue the highest executive order. Forcefully requisition the core assets of all major conglomerates, tech giants, and financial oligarchs across the United States. Take over all heavy industrial production lines, mineral resources, and energy reserves."
"Levy a 95% wartime special property tax on those super-rich. Anyone who dares to obstruct the execution of the decree or attempts to transfer assets will be arrested on charges of 'colluding with alien forces and crimes against humanity,' and all their assets will be confiscated!"
"Hiss—" A collective gasp of cold air echoed in the conference room.
How could this be a New Deal?
This was clearly naked dictatorship!
This was meant to uproot the entire capitalist class of the United States!
The Secretary of the Treasury was so scared he nearly collapsed into his chair.
He pointed at Homelander, his lips trembling: "You... you are staging a coup! You are digging up the roots of capitalism... They will tear you to pieces, Mr. President. They will start riots, they will assassinate you, they will..."
"Riots?" Homelander gave the Secretary of the Treasury a cold look.
"If Earth is gone, will they take those scraps of paper to hell to pay the bill?"
"Think about it, Mr. President. From steel smelting to chip manufacturing, from assembly line workers to engineers. Countless jobs will be created for these two plans. The United States' unemployment rate will drop to its lowest point in history!"
"Ordinary people don't care if the Wall Street oligarchs go bankrupt; they only care if they have jobs and can support their families. As long as we provide sufficient wages, as long as we give them hope for survival, the millions of common people will stand on our side without hesitation!"
"At that time, if those so-called capitalists dare to come out and incite riots..." Homelander sneered, his tone chilling.
"They will be sinners obstructing humanity's self-salvation. Whoever they are, they are accomplices of the aliens, damn human traitors!"
"The fury of the masses will tear them apart. And..." Homelander turned his head, pointing at Jessica, who was sitting to the side.
"With the military support of Vought International, any capitalist attempting to resist is nothing but a paper tiger."
At this moment, Ellis's hands were clenched tightly into fists on the table, undergoing the most difficult psychological struggle of his life.
As a politician, who wouldn't want to leave a vibrant mark of their own in history?
If this plan succeeds, his name will surpass Lincoln, surpass Washington, and even all subsequent Presidents.
But once signed, he will offend all the true masters hiding behind this country, and he will be at odds with these interest groups until the end.
But if he doesn't do this, humanity might not even have a history left, and his time as President will also be over.
Watching the hesitation flickering in Ellis's eyes, Homelander added the final weight to the scale.
"I know this is a difficult decision, Mr. President." Homelander took out a miniature holographic player and placed it in front of Ellis.
"Before you make your final decision, please allow me to show you a video. This is a recording of Homelander from a previous internal Vought meeting."
Hearing the words "Homelander," Ellis looked up.
Homelander pressed the play button. In mid-air, a clear image appeared.
In the frame, it was that long-lost blond man draped in the stars and stripes.
The Homelander in the video seemed to be talking to someone sitting opposite him.
"In this World, I don't believe any of those lying politicians. Except for one person..."
"If one had to choose a true leader capable of standing up and turning the tide at a moment when the World becomes riddled with holes and faces life-or-death survival."
"That person would only be Matthew Ellis."
"If Earth ever reaches that day, and I am not around. Tell Ellis to let go and do what he believes is right."
"Even if it means being enemies with the entire World, Vought will stand behind him and support him with all our might!"
"I have always believed that when it matters most, Matthew will become a true hero..."