:52:02
Volume 1 of an Encyclopedia Galactica.
:52:04
Instructions for us
on their colonization procedures.
:52:07
Moses with a few billion
new commandments.
:52:09
How long will it take to decode it?
:52:11
It could take forever.
We really need a primer--
:52:15
We need to get
the best decryption people we have.
:52:18
I intend to use the VLA
as my command post.
:52:22
In the meantime, my office
has made out a preliminary budget.
:52:26
Wait a minute.
:52:27
This is a privately-funded operation.
:52:30
We lease dish time from the government--
:52:32
This is a clear-cut case of eminent
domain.
:52:35
I'm recommending to the President
we militarize this project.
:52:38
What?! This is my project!
:52:41
Nobody knows more about this
than I do. David, tell them--
:52:44
Excuse me!
Could we calm down here?
:52:47
I'm going to recommend that Dr. Drumlin
coordinate the decryption effort.
:52:52
But in light of Dr. Arroway's
long experience in these matters...
:52:55
...for the time being,
she will direct operations at the VLA...
:52:59
...understanding that future discoveries
will be kept in strict confidence...
:53:04
...until such time as the President...
:53:06
...can decide the most suitable
course of action. Understood?
:53:10
Yes.
:53:12
This is CNN Breaking News.
:53:14
The President
called the message from Vega...
:53:17
..."a stunning insight
into our universe--"
:53:20
Attendance at religious services
has risen a dramatic 39% in recent days.
:53:24
...as police clashed
with neo-Nazi protesters.
:53:28
So, there's life on other planets.
:53:31
Boy, this will really change
the Miss Universe contest.
:53:35
Health officials worldwide are concerned
that the message from Vega...
:53:39
...might trigger
a rash of mass suicides...
:53:42
...not unlike recent cult deaths
near San Diego--
:53:44
Even a scientist must admit...
:53:46
...there are some pretty serious
religious overtones to all this.
:53:51
Here's someone whose organization...
:53:53
...is accused of conducting
its own inquisition:
:53:56
Richard Rank,
head of the Conservative Coalition.
:53:59
Thank you.