Another issue, and one that stemmed from the inclusion of these smaller teams, was their loyalty.
These smaller teams had joined the "United Squad" to obtain the specialized mechanical exoskeletons developed by Song Pinxuan's research institute and to receive积分券 (point vouchers) from the F City base to exchange for supplies in the "Apocalypse Mall."
People drawn by benefits were also prone to departing when faced with danger.
Once the "United Squad" and Tang Li encountered a crisis, especially a conflict with members of the Holy Light organization who had infiltrated the official channels, they might not stand firmly with Tang Li and the "United Squad."
Furthermore, it was certain that there were individuals within these teams who were infiltrated and bought over by the Holy Light organization.
With this in mind, Tang Li said to Lin Xi, "Since it's difficult to refuse the larger teams due to the addition of the smaller ones, let's break up the smaller teams that have already joined!"
"Huh?"
Lin Xi was somewhat surprised by this.
However, Tang Li had already made up her mind.
Immediately, she took Lin Xi to find Peng Yue and Zhong Heng, and by quantum communication, she called Bai Xunyang. The five of them convened a meeting.
Tang Li shared the information she had obtained earlier and her thoughts.
"I plan to restructure our squad. We will retain only the core 15 combat groups, and all other combat groups will be separated back to their original teams."
"Firstly, quantity is secondary to quality."
"Those smaller teams joined us for benefits. They can share in our prosperity during good times, but they may not be able to share our hardships when facing crisis."
"Secondly, when we initially formed the squad, it was to deal with the forces behind the R country's people."
"Now, that mission is largely complete. Continuing at such a large scale might actually become a target for the R country's people and cause the authorities to be wary of us."
"It would be better to take advantage of this great victory to give these smaller teams that joined us a dividend and disband them. This will not only streamline our squad but also allay the authorities' suspicions. What do you think?"
Zhong Heng, Peng Yue, and Bai Xunyang all found Tang Li's reasoning sound and expressed their agreement.
Therefore, Tang Li instructed Lin Xi to notify the leaders of each combat group, the captains of other participating teams, and the accompanying supervisors of each team to gather for a meal at noon.
Since sunset yesterday, the entire D City had been bustling.
Criminals at the outer strongholds were being transported by vehicles dispatched by the authorities, one after another, to the underground city construction sites, with their accumulated points steadily increasing.
The strategic reserve food and supplies of the original D City shelter were also being transported away by official vehicles, with substantial points awarded to the "United Squad" for unlimited weapon purchases as compensation.
Scrap metal and other discarded items were also dismantled and piled aside, awaiting transport to the "Apocalypse Mall" at the F City base in exchange for point vouchers.
The remaining people, whether returning to Jiang City or heading to F City base, remained in their current locations.
Soon, it was lunchtime.
Tang Li selected a hall in the hotel section of the original D City shelter and hosted a banquet with the captains of various teams, group leaders, and official armed personnel. httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
This great victory had brought considerable gains to all the teams, with practically no casualties.
As a result, everyone participating in the banquet was in high spirits.
Coupled with the abundant resources of the D City shelter, the banquet featured dishes prepared by renowned chefs and very prestigious wines from before the apocalypse. Everyone ate with great satisfaction.
After several rounds of drinks and a substantial meal, as everyone was toasting each other and the atmosphere was heating up, Tang Li stood up.