What you do have," she continued after the pause had stretched just long enough to become uncomfortable, "is a choice about how you respond to those facts. You can align yourselves with me, follow the directives I issue through Li Si Ming, execute the strategic changes I've already begun designing, and continue to profit from positions you frankly don't deserve but which I'm willing to maintain for the sake of operational continuity and avoiding the distraction of a complete leadership purge while I'm handling other priorities."
Another pause, this one heavier and more ominous than the first.
"Or..."
The single word hung in the air like an executioner's blade.
