On Inauguration Day, newly elected President Stephen Blades hoped to tackle the most critical issues facing the nation: war, the economy, and a failing health care system. But in a letter penned by the outgoing President, Blades learns the truth that redefines "critical": seven years ago, NASA discovered alien presence in the asteroid belt, and kept it a secret from the world. A stealth mission crewed by nine astronauts was sent to make contact, and they’re getting close - assuming they survive the long journey to reach their destination. Today, President-elect Blades has become the most powerful man on the planet. This planet. Collects Letter 44 #1-6

Six months into his first term, U.S. President Stephen Blades is attempting to salvage his administration from the revelation he received on his Inauguration Day—an alien presence is building something in the asteroid belt, and the previous president covered it up while sending a manned mission aboard a ship named the Clarke to investigate. Blades has a plan to end the Middle Eastern wars begun by his predecessor, and to start preparing American for the truth about what's coming... but he's facing serious threats from within his own government and a new, mysterious danger from abroad. Meanwhile, the brave astronauts of the Clarke finally meet the aliens... but what they learn seems likely to doom Earth. Collects issues #8-13.