245: Obey or leave

Hearing Tian Ming's doubts, Ji Ruping quickly shook her head and said, "Boss, we didn't exaggerate; these are all facts. Rogers has always been unruly, and now, with military power in his hands, he disregards us even more. Moreover, he is a First-Class Ability User, and our Comprehensive Management Department simply cannot do anything about him."

Tian Ming frowned tightly and said, "Have him come over; let's talk face-to-face."

Meng Xian nodded and called Rogers through the internal communication network. Soon after, Rogers arrived at the office. Upon entering and seeing Tian Ming, his attitude was very respectful.

"Sir, you're back!"

Tian Ming looked at him indifferently, not speaking, and a heavy atmosphere filled the office.

After a moment, Tian Ming broke the silence and asked, "Rogers, do you know why I asked you to come?"

Rogers smiled, nodded slightly, and said, "I know. It must be something General Manager Meng and Department Head Ji said to you."

Tian Ming looked at Rogers and said, "The Shelter's combat personnel need to be integrated, with some personnel adjustments. I hear you haven't been very cooperative?"

Rogers's expression changed slightly, then he said, "Sir, I support the integration of combat personnel, but shouldn't it be adjusted according to the actual situation? Our Li Island's weapon system is not compatible with the Alliance's, and most of the Shelter's combat personnel are Li Island's stationed personnel. I merely raised my objection, suggesting that the Shelter should separate Li Island's personnel to form a systematized combat force."

Meng Xian, however, retorted unhappily, "Your idea is to establish your own faction. The Shelter will absolutely not allow such a thing to happen."

Tian Ming waved his hand, signaling Meng Xian not to get agitated. He turned his head to look at Rogers.

"You said you want to be independent. Tell me your reasons."

Rogers nodded and said, "Li Island's military personnel have formed considerable combat capabilities. This is a relatively long process, and the command systems at all levels are also complete. If we reorganize according to Ji Ruping's method, it would take a lot of time for personnel to re-integrate and for new training to form combat effectiveness. As an Eastern saying goes, this is 'to abandon the root for the branch'."

After hearing this, Tian Ming smiled faintly and said, "Rogers, you're a bit cunning."

Rogers was slightly taken aback, not expecting Tian Ming to evaluate him that way.

Tian Ming continued, "Aren't you just afraid that your Commander's authority will be dispersed? Yes, I admit, your Li Island forces have good combat power, but how long can it be maintained? Our Eastern Anti-Zombie Alliance has a complete equipment system that you aren't using. Do you insist on continuing the old ways? You should understand that the standards for many weapons need to be obtained and implemented from areas under the Lawrence Family, correct?"

Rogers's expression changed slightly, then he smiled bitterly and shook his head, saying, "Sir, now that the entire Lawrence Family has submitted to you, what else do you have to worry about? You are not incapable of maintaining the Li Island forces' military supplies. Do you have to change to your Alliance's system?"

Tian Ming waved his hand, refusing to argue further with Rogers.

"Hand over the Commander's authority. Although you are a rare talent, on our land, you must abide by our rules and use our standards. Our Shelter has already accepted you. If you don't want to stay here, I can let you return to the Lawrence Family."

Tian Ming's words were final. It wasn't about how difficult it was to maintain Rogers's system, but rather that he disliked people who weren't wholeheartedly loyal. From a small detail, if someone opposes integration, they will inevitably cause trouble on critical issues later.

Westerners like to use argumentative opposition to champion freedom, but Tian Ming would never indulge such people. So many powerful Corpse Kings had already appeared on the Eastern Continent, and as time passed, the pressure on the Alliance would only grow. At that time, their own standards would definitely be more effective.

Rogers's face was very grim. He had originally thought that Easterners were people-oriented, and since he controlled nearly eighty percent of the Shelter's armed personnel, this would give his words a certain weight. But Rogers was still naive; Tian Ming truly didn't indulge him.

After listening, Rogers was silent for a long time, then slowly said, "Sir, I originally thought that I could gain respect here, and some freedom here. But now I find that I haven't."

"Rogers, you're a Commander, but why do your words sound so resentful?"

Meng Xian and Ji Ruping both suppressed their laughter. They had seen many troublemakers, but within this Shelter, only people or matters approved by the Boss could be smoothly implemented.

Rogers's resistance essentially ended in failure. The Eastern nation's ability to integrate other ethnic groups was extremely strong; historically, ethnic groups that refused integration were basically annihilated. How much trouble could one Rogers stir up?

Tian Ming said indifferently, "Rogers, go back and think carefully. Come find me when you've understood. You either adapt or leave."

Rogers nodded slightly, his face grim, and left Tian Ming's office.

Meng Xian and Ji Ruping both breathed a sigh of relief. They had long been annoyed by Rogers's various acts of insubordination and challenges, but as superiors, they needed to maintain a fair and democratic attitude. Personally, no one liked people who went against the Shelter.

Tian Ming glanced at the two and said, "Do you two have anything else?"

Ji Ruping stepped forward and said, "The Alliance has invited you to a meeting to discuss the establishment and restoration of economic operations between the Alliance Bases. Also, there has been some new progress in the Alliance's research on zombie evolution."

Tian Ming frowned and said, "You go to the meeting for me. I'm not really suitable for such occasions. There's not much for me to say if I go."

Ji Ruping, however, said, "This matter involves things that are too important. It would probably be against the rules for me to go. Ouyang Jie also said that you need to go personally."

Tian Ming frowned, clearly annoyed. He said indifferently, "Alright, I'll go. When is the time set?"

"Around the fifteenth of this month. They haven't revealed too much about the specific content of the meeting."

Tian Ming nodded slightly and said, "So that's the day after tomorrow. Alright, help me arrange the itinerary and check the Alliance's requirements."