Tan Jize had already expected something like this to happen. As he watched the crowd boil over, he remained unmoved. He knew full well that expecting people to stay rational at all times was wishful thinking. And these rebel leaders were young and hot-blooded, to boot.
Under the Empire's oppressive rule and brutal suppression, anyone who still dared to rise up in rebellion had to bear a blood feud with the Tirillo ruling class.
They were willing to die heroically, but they absolutely could not stomach the humiliation of fleeing.
If Tan Jize hadn't represented Yu Lian and held at least a little sway among the rebels, someone might already have been hurling abuse at him.
Of course, there were people who stood up and loudly protested that "you can't insult and trample on our courage," and that "we must not sacrifice our comrades and fellow countrymen," and so on.
Given the rebels' average level of education, that was already remarkably eloquent.
In any case, order had just barely been maintained because Beryliu and Zhexing, two psychics held in high regard by the rebels, were still there keeping things under control.
At least the rebel representatives unanimously agreed that setting up an underground contact station at the Donkey with a Flag was essential. But they found it difficult to decide who should have command and administrative authority. The rebel groups were only loosely allied; they had no subordinate relationships with one another, nor any higher-level joint organization. So, at Beryliu's recommendation, they handed responsibility directly to Tan Jize.
Some rebel cadres weren't entirely happy with that, but they figured they might be even less pleased if the station went to another group. Besides, Tan Jize represented the Pioneer Party, which, by extension, might also represent the will of the Commonwealth