American comics: I am full of martial virtues and I love to be kind to others.

“This is a database of galactic civilizations provided by the symbiotic homeworld,” explained a symbiotic scientist. “Now we finally know Earth’s true location in the universe.”

“Earth is located in a relatively remote but safe region of the Milky Way,” the human astrophysicist added, “which is why we have been able to develop independently for so long without being disturbed.”

“More importantly, Earth is classified as a ‘preservation zone for emerging civilizations,’” the symbiotic scientist continued, “which means that other advanced civilizations are prohibited from interfering with our development until we are ready.”

"And now?" Lynn asked. "Why is it okay to make contact now?"

"Our successful establishment of peace with the symbiotic organisms proves that humanity has reached the basic standard of 'civilization maturity,'" the human scientist explained. "In the laws of the Milky Way, the ability to establish equal relations with extraterrestrial races is an important indicator of civilization maturity."

This information gave Lynn a completely new understanding of the upcoming encounter. It was not merely a chance meeting, but an inevitable result of the development of human civilization.

"Is there anything else we need to know?" Lynn asked.

“The Galactic Civilization Alliance is a loosely organized but well-structured group,” the symbiotic scientist replied. “They have their own laws, trade rules, and conflict resolution mechanisms. Humans can apply to become observer members of the Alliance if they wish.”

What does it mean to be an observer?

"This means humanity will receive basic legal protection within the Milky Way, allowing them to participate in certain trade and cultural exchanges without incurring military obligations," explained a human diplomacy expert. "This is the safest option for a race that has just come into contact with extraterrestrial civilizations."

“That sounds reasonable,” Lynn nodded. “I will report this information to the United Nations.”

Upon returning from the South Continent, Lynn immediately convened an emergency meeting to report these important findings.

"The Galactic Civilization Alliance?" the United States asked in surprise. "That sounds like science fiction."

“But that’s the reality,” Lynn confirmed, “and it’s a huge opportunity for us.”

"What are the specific benefits of observer status, Country H?"

“First is security,” Lynn explained. “The Alliance’s laws will protect Earth from extraterrestrial invasion. Second is technological exchange; we can acquire some basic galactic technology. Finally, there’s cultural exchange, which will greatly enrich humanity’s knowledge and horizons.”

"Are there any risks?" Country D asked cautiously.

“The main risk is culture shock,” Lynn replied. “Sudden contact with an advanced alien civilization could have a huge impact on human society. But if we handle it carefully, these impacts should be positive.”

After lengthy discussions, they unanimously agreed to accept the invitation to serve as observers of the Galactic Civilization Alliance.

Two weeks later, on a Sunday morning, people all over the world were stunned by a spectacular sight. A massive formation of aircraft appeared in the skies above major cities around the globe. These aircraft were elegantly and advancedly designed, clearly surpassing the current level of human technology.

"The Galactic diplomatic mission has arrived," the news anchor reported in an excited yet serious tone. "This marks the first formal contact between humankind and an extraterrestrial civilization."

At the United Nations headquarters, Lynn and his team were making final preparations. Months of hard work were about to face their ultimate test.

“All preparations are complete,” Sarah reported to Lynn. “The translation equipment has been tested and working, the protocol arrangements have been confirmed, and the security measures are in place.”

“Very good,” Lynn took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, “we are ready to face history.”

The first alien spacecraft slowly landed on the specially prepared helipad in front of the United Nations building. The spacecraft's hatch opened, and several alien beings of different races stepped out.

Besides the familiar symbiote representatives, there are some completely unfamiliar races: silicon-based life forms with crystal-like bodies, energy beings radiating soft light, and some humanoid races that resemble humans but are clearly more evolved.

“Welcome to Earth,” Lynn said in standard galactic language, which he had learned over the past few months.

“Thank you for the welcome from Earthlings,” the mission’s chief representative responded. “We represent the Galactic Civilization Alliance to establish formal diplomatic relations.”

The ensuing ceremony was solemn and grand. Witnessed by billions of people worldwide, humanity officially became an observer member of the Galactic Civilization Alliance.

"Today marks the beginning of a new era in human civilization," the UN Secretary-General said at the ceremony. "We will explore the mysteries of the universe together with our brothers and sisters in the Milky Way, in a spirit of openness, peace, and cooperation."

After the ceremony, Lynn had the opportunity to have private conversations with the alien diplomats.

“Lynn Hall,” said the representative of the symbiotic homeworld, “we have been following your work closely. Your contributions to establishing peace between humanity and the symbiotics will be forever remembered in the history of the galaxy.”

“This is the result of the team’s hard work,” Lynn responded modestly, “and we just did what we were supposed to do.”

“It is this attitude that assures us that humanity is ready to join the galactic community,” said a representative of a humanoid race. “In the universe, intelligence and goodwill are more important than technology.”

The diplomatic mission stayed on Earth for a month, during which extensive cultural, scientific, and technological exchanges took place. Humanity gained basic knowledge about civilizations in the Milky Way, while extraterrestrial civilizations were also deeply impressed by humanity's creativity and potential.

“Earth music particularly moves us,” a representative of the energy body said at the farewell ceremony. “We will bring the works of Beethoven and Mozart back to our planet to share with our fellow human beings.”

“Human literature is also very valuable,” another representative added. “The wisdom of Shakespeare and Lao Tzu will spread throughout the galaxy.”

The following morning, Lynn turned off the communication devices on his desk and transferred all emergency contacts to the duty supervisor. After months of intense work, Deputy Director Stone forced him to take a two-week leave, and Lynn did indeed feel the need to get away from these alien affairs and return to the simplest and most unpretentious life.

“All urgent matters have been handed over to Director Jensen,” he told his secretary. “Unless it’s an apocalyptic crisis, don’t contact me.”

“Understood, Agent Lynn,” the secretary replied with a smile. “Enjoy your vacation; you really should take a break.”

As Lynn stepped out of the FBI's Manhattan branch building, he felt a long-lost sense of ease. Pedestrians hurried along the streets, taxis weaved through traffic, and vendors hawked their wares on street corners—everything seemed so normal and familiar. It was hard to imagine that just a few months ago, the world was facing the threat of alien invasion.

Instead of calling an FBI shuttle, Lynn chose to take the regular subway home. In the crowded carriage, he listened to the everyday conversations of the passengers around him: some were discussing work, others were planning weekend parties, and a young couple was quietly debating which restaurant to go to. These ordinary snippets of life filled Lynn with a deep sense of satisfaction—this was the life he had been protecting, ordinary yet precious.

Forty minutes later, Lynn stood in front of a two-story building in Queens. This was where he had grown up. Although his job at the FBI had given him an apartment in Manhattan, this would always be his true home.

The house looked exactly the same as it had twenty years ago: red brick walls, white door frames, and a small garden in front, where his sister Gwen's favorite roses grew. Lynn rang the doorbell and soon heard familiar footsteps. The door opened, and a middle-aged man in his fifties appeared in the doorway, his face immediately breaking into a wide smile.

“Lynn! My child!” George Hall opened his arms wide and hugged Lynn tightly. “I thought you wouldn’t be back until next week!”

“The mission is completed ahead of schedule, Dad,” Lynn hugged the man who had given him fatherly love, “I wanted to give you a surprise.”

"Is Gwen home?" Lynn asked as she followed George into the house.

“Of course she is, she’s been waiting for you to come back,” George said with a smile. “But she’s busy in the kitchen preparing lunch right now; you know her personality, she always wants everything to be perfect.”

“Gwen! Look who’s back!” George shouted toward the kitchen.

“If it’s Lynn, tell him I need another half hour to prepare lunch!” a young woman’s voice came from the kitchen. “And he’d better wash his hands; I don’t want to know what strange things he’s touched during those secret missions!”

“I heard you, Gwen!” Lynn shouted back. “And I’ve already washed my hands!”

"Washing your hands doesn't mean they're clean!" Gwen's voice came from the kitchen. "Wash them with soap for twenty seconds, just like I teach my patients in the hospital!"

George shook his head, his eyes full of affection. "She's worried about your safety, you know that. Although we don't know exactly what you do for a living, we can guess from the news."

“I know, Dad,” Lynn said, sitting down on the sofa. “I’m sorry I worried you.”

“No need to apologize, kid,” George sat down next to Lynn and patted him on the shoulder. “We’re proud of you. We don’t know the specifics, but we know you’re doing a job protecting people.”

Just then, Gwen came out of the kitchen, holding a wooden spoon in her hand. When she saw Lynn, a bright smile immediately appeared on her face.

"My goodness, you look thinner!" Gwen strode over to Lynn, scrutinizing him closely. "And you have dark circles under your eyes! Haven't you been taking good care of yourself?"

“I’m fine, Gwen,” Lynn stood up and hugged her sister, “I’m just a bit busy with work.”

"So busy you don't even have time to eat?" Gwen looked at him questioningly. "I'm a nurse, don't try to fool my professional eye."

“Well, I do sometimes forget to eat,” Lynn admitted, “but that’s all in the past now, I have two weeks of vacation.”

"Great!" Gwen clapped her hands excitedly. "Then you can get some proper nutrition! I've prepared your favorite roast chicken and mashed potatoes!"

“And my special apple pie,” George added, “I started preparing it yesterday.”

Lynn felt a surge of warmth in his heart. After experiencing so many dangerous and tense moments, this simple warmth of family felt incredibly precious to him.

“Oh, right,” Gwen suddenly remembered something, “I saw some news reports about… um… aliens? Are they true?”

Lynn and George exchanged a glance. Details about the symbiote incident remained classified, but basic information about extraterrestrial contact had been released to the public.

“It’s true,” Lynn answered cautiously, “but everything is peaceful now, there’s no threat.”

"Were you involved?" Gwen continued to ask, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“A little,” Lynn said casually, “but mainly logistics and coordination.”

George noticed Lynn's discomfort and immediately changed the subject, "Alright, Gwen, let Lynn get some rest. We can chat while we eat."

"Yes! Lunch!" Gwen exclaimed, suddenly realizing. "I need to check the oven! Lynn, you sit and rest, it'll be ready soon!"

Gwen hurried back to the kitchen, leaving Lynn and George alone.

“You look really tired, son,” George said with concern. “This mission must have been very difficult.”

“It wasn’t easy, Dad,” Lynn leaned back on the sofa, “but we succeeded, and that’s the most important thing.”

“I saw the news reports about that peace agreement,” George said. “If you were indeed involved in facilitating it, then I’m very proud of you.”

“This is the result of the team’s hard work,” Lynn said modestly, “and I just did what I was supposed to do.”

“These are the values ​​I taught you,” George smiled with satisfaction, “Do the right thing, no matter how difficult.”

Twenty minutes later, Gwen announced that lunch was ready. The table was laden with a sumptuous meal: fragrant roast chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, fresh vegetable salad, and apple pie made by George himself.

“This is a feast,” Lynn said, looking at the table laden with food. “You’ve really put in so much effort.”

“This is to celebrate your safe return,” Gwen said, sitting across from Lynn, “and to celebrate, well… world peace?”

All three laughed.

“Tell me, Lynn,” George said, cutting a piece of roast chicken, “how long have you been away from home this time?”

“About three months,” Lynn replied. “First I spent a few weeks in London, then I went to Brazil, and finally some more remote places.”

“Antarctica?” Gwen guessed. “I’ve seen some news reports about science bases in Antarctica.”

“Your observation skills are as sharp as ever,” Lynn praised. “Yes, I did go to Antarctica.”

"It must be very cold there, right?" Gwen asked with concern. (End of Chapter)