Even as Brick had brought up such a valid point helping Tanya with her argument, Shane still remained doubtful. "You are just a trainee of the security team with even less education than her so your words have even less impact here."
He did feel that Brick had done an awful lot to turn around a terrible situation into something that could be salvaged but he was still too caught up in his own thoughts of rank, status and education to be able to listen seriously.
It was like he viewed himself at the top of those around him and it was up to those most fitting for the jobs as advisors to be able to council him.
If he had a trained employee who had such qualifications to advise him then he would gladly listen.
If it was another successful business or influential person talking to him then he would consider it too.
Brick was just an orphan who was sponsored by the family which had been able to qualify to be among the lower ranks of those he would use as muscle.
Such peoples opinions were not worth too much to him.
There were some valid points which had been brought up so he went on to humour Brick. "Let's just say I gave approval and allowed you to do as you planned, how much would I have to give you to achieve what you have said?"
Everything required manpower and resources.
In order to achieve something, it was required to make use of such manpower and resources that he needed to distribute towards his own projects or plans.
It was not possible for him to support the ideas of Brick and Tanya especially when there could only be losses to come from it.
The idea of having others capable enough to aid in getting back his resources was something that had tempted him but it was still a theory that had yet to be tested out.
Brick thought for some time before declaring. "How about this.. if you provide sufficient support then whatever results from our efforts can be put towards those future plans. Think of it like an investment into a small side company project.
However if there is no support at all then whatever results from it will be an independent group. We will provide our own supplies and manpower but can cooperate with you if there is benefit in it.
We will make use of whatever survivors we have brought with us and the supplies brought too. Anything we gain outside is ours but can be exchanged with others for something of value."
The basics of what he had in mind was that anything he or Tanya built up would become an independent force if there was no support from Shane.
If Shane invested a little of his own resources and manpower to help during the early stages then it would be in his benefit if it was successful.
There would be a need to discuss the finer details about what would make others want to help out during Shane's own plans to determine if there was a certain percentage payment for helping out or if certain rights would be given.
If Shane left them to develop on their own without support then everyone would treat such tasks as a paid job like they were mercenaries for hire.
Shane knit his brows. "You work for me kid. Did you forget that?"
Brick shook his head. "Sir, the world is very different now and the old rules have shaken up any kind of structure that once existed. I do have gratitude towards the Reed family but everyone must find their own way to survive.
If you do not agree with what has been said then I can only try to prove to you in my own way that there is more value in myself and young miss Tanya. Even if it means using whatever little resources I can get on my own."
Tanya looked determined as she interrupted. "Father, I have already experienced everything outside and am aware of the dangers involved. If you will allow it then I will oversee this myself. I promise that this will benefit our family in the future.
Please trust in me and give me enough freedom to make this a reality so that I can prove myself. I learned a lot and can protect myself now. I may not be participating in everything and may not be on the front lines but I want to prove that I can be useful."
Shane's mood turned sour as he went silent for some time before speaking up coldly. "You will get no support from me and you cannot take anyone who is directly under me. I will provide you with nothing and if you want to stay on these lands then you need to work and contribute."
Brick nodded looking relieved. "Of course."
He needed to stay near Tanya and put into motion various future plans so he could not do it all without a place to call home or a place of operations.
The Reed residence may have been a poor place to stay in the long term but it was still manageable for the short term.
The land around the Reed residence was still technically belonging to Shane so long as nobody took it from him so he had every right to get others to contribute or pay towards the gaining of supplies or staying on that land.
Any work done could help earn a place to live, food and drink along with many other benefits while those who scavenged outside would be able to exchange their goods for other such luxuries.
If people did not keep contributing and were a constant drain on resources then they would most likely be denied such luxuries.
It happened in all kinds of bases in similar settings where free protection on the base is provided but the bare minimum is usually provided to those who are deemed too useless or lazy to be able to assist with the goals of the base.
Tanya smiled upon seeing her father give in so she bowed gratefully. "I will do my best father. I wish to take up a high position in this plan and aim to contribute by providing those who were brought with us this time."
She then turned to Brick as if to make it official and declared. "I place Buffy as my second in command in your care. She will be in charge of the Flying Heralds."
Brick bowed showing great respect and gratitude towards the trust placed in him. "Yes, I will do my best to succeed."