Mon let the X-Wing float in space. Cutter's ship floated not far from hers. The massive cargo ship that belonged to Hunt and Riggs stood ready to jump to them from hyperspace once the Hutt's transport was captured. The Sullustan and his vessel waited just beyond in the distance. The distress call from his ship caused a red light to flash at Mon from her control panel.

They had to keep radio silence as to not give away Matches' ship as a trap. Mon could see the bright yellow of Tatooine's atmosphere from her location. She thought of young Skywalker down on the planet. She knew Anakin Skywalker before Palpatine's Sith Lord henchman Darth Vader murdered him. Though the details were sketchy, Mon knew Bail and his Jedi friend worked to hide the child of Skywalker. Mon's friend and fellow Senator took a chance on happiness and it destroyed her and her family.

Love was such a foolish thing to pursue in the wake of the Empire's rule. Mon knew why her thoughts drifted in such a direction but she refused to acknowledge her own susceptibility to love.

The appearance of a transport barge brought her out of her thoughts. She sat up in the seat. She glanced over at Cutter but she couldn't see him through the cockpit windows.

The trap set by Matches worked. The barge slowed and stopped. Matches waited until three smaller vessels started toward his ship. He opened fire. Cutter ignited the engines of his X-Wing and charged toward the battle. Mon followed.

"Stay close and take no chances." He opened the com channel back up.

Matches easily over powered the three ships on the way to assist him though upon closer inspection Mon could see the ships were deployed with intent to capture the vessel. The galaxy was an unforgiving place. Hope, it seemed, had been abandoned by all.

Cutter took out the fighter ships protecting the barge with ease. Each time one exploded and life was lost Mon felt a stab. She hated that someone had to die in order to accomplish their mission but she swallowed the sting of her conscience. If she were to become a warrior she would have to get used to death.

"Carrots, take out the firing cannons on the barge."

Her first real test. Mon lined up the ship and flew down the side of the barge. She pressed the weapons button. Fiery blasts emerged from the guns. They neared the cannon but missed. Mon maneuvered out of the way of a cannon fire and circled back around for another try.

She concentrated. She kept the ship as steady as she could but had no were close to the control Cutter did. She shot at the cannon again. This time the blast made contact with the cannon. The explosion knocked her ship around and she lost control for about thirty seconds.

"No bad for a beginner, Carrots. Now, let's get on board."

Mon followed him to the docking bay. Matches had already landed his ship. Through the airlock windows Mon could see a line of Gamorrean guards waiting with spear pointed blasters.

When her ship docked and she turned off the engine Mon sat inside and reflected for an instance. To her shock she found she did not enjoying flying or space battle. She much preferred to be on the ground and about to engage with the enemy.

She jumped out of the ship as soon as the airlock closed. Guards showered them in gun fire. Mon shot back with so much satisfaction it frightened her. She hit one of them, not bad enough to kill him, but enough to sober her to her actions. When it came to it, would she be able to kill a Stormtrooper? An unmasked officer? Cutter?

Cutter and Matches charged the guards. Mon followed. The three of them easily overpowered the remaining defenses. Once the guards were tied and the droids deactivated, Matches made his way to the cargo hold in search of treasure. Mon did the same, though she cared only about recuing the slave girls. To her surprise Cutter followed her instead of Matches.

"The women are more likely to be kept with the live food storage than the jewels." He sounded genuinely concerned. She regarded him with a new found hope. They searched each compartment until Mon opened the door of the last compartment. She found about six Twi'lek females bound together with chains. Two of them lifted their hands over their tentacled heads as if Mon were about to shoot them.

"We are here to rescue you. Where are the others?"

One of the women seemed to realize Mon was a friend.

"We tried to escape. Half of us were killed."

Mon's heart sank. Maybe if they had attempted ambush earlier the others would still be alive. She pulled the keys from the wall outside and knelt next to the woman.

"You're safe now."

Cutter arrived and helped Mon unchain the women.

Hunt and Riggs showed up with the cargo barge and loaded Jabba the Hutt's treasures on board. The Twi'lek women were given two ships from the docking bay. Mon made a discovery on the docking bay after she bid farewell to the freed slaves. She hurried to find Cutter.

"There are twelve decommissioned X-Wings down in the docking bay."

"Hunks of junk."

She put her hand on his arm. He looked down at her hand. There was a surge of electric energy between them that she tried to ignore. She removed her hand.

"They can be repaired."

He folded his arms.

"And what are you going to do with a fleet of X-Wings?"

This was dangerous territory. Mon wanted to trust him but she could not ignore the fact he was an Imperial Officer. Just as she took an oath when she entered the Senate so had he taken an oath to become an Officer. Jeanida could be right about his good soul but if that was true it meant he was honorable. Mon knew his oath to serve the Empire must mean something to him.

"I have uses."

Cutter studied her.

"You know at first I thought you were just some spoiled rich brat looking for a good time. Rebelling against daddy. With the way I just saw you fight..."

Cutter narrowed his eyes.

"Who are you?"

"If you bring the X-Wings back to base then I will tell you."

Cutter's serious gaze melted back into the familiar charm that she was far from immune to. He unfolded his arms put his hands on her shoulders and drew her toward him.

Before Mon knew what was happening his lips where on hers. The passionate kiss made the room spin. When he let go she reached out to balance herself against the console.

"Sealed with a kiss. That means you have to keep your end of the bargain." He walked away like nothing happened. Obviously the kiss was a joke to him. The realization hurt more than Mon cared to admit.

Mon tired to focus on helping Hunt and Riggs load the X-Wings but her mind kept circling back to one thought. She liked being kissed by Imperial Officer Cutter Mills.

By the time they got back to Yavin 4, unloaded the X-Wings and loot, and settled in Mon was exhausted. Cutter didn't immediately press her for answers and she was relieved. All she wanted was to sleep. Instead of retiring to her compartment she went to Jeanida. She needed advice. She remembered Jeanida's words before they left for Mos Esiley, how the counselor would always be there. Mon was never more grateful for her aids cool head than now.

The compartment door opened. Jeanida took one look at Mon and said, "What's happened?"

Jeanida opened the door and allowed Mon to enter.

"When almost have a full squadron of X-Wings. We found twelve on the Hutt's ship plus the two Cutter already had."

Jeanida sat down on the cot slowly. Mon spoke quickly. She was tired, on edge and running on fumes.

"You've thought this over. You are going to make your move now?"

Mon made a fist and put it to her chin.

"It's time. Am I fool to think that Matches, Hunt and Riggs might join my fight? They seemed complacent, perhaps even pleased that we recused the slaves."

Jeanida remained quiet for a while. Mon was lost in her own thoughts until her aid finally spoke.

"What about Officer Mills?"

Mon turned her attention back to Jeanida. She dropped her fist.

"I don't think he'll betray the Empire." Mon moved beside Jeanida and lowered herself to the cot next to her aid.

"I think you're right about him. He could easily live off of his smuggling business. He could quit but he stays. I think he serves the Empire because he's honorable. He believes in it." Mon shook her head. "He would never turn against them."

"Have you asked him?"

"I will tomorrow. I promised to tell him who I am." She omitted the part about the mind bending kiss.

"And who are you?"

Mon regarded Jeanida with a serenity she hadn't felt in a long, long time.

"Mon Mothma, former Galactic Senator of Chandrila."

Jeanida patted her leg.

"Not former. Not yet."

Mon waited for Cutter by the temple gate. She rose early even though her body craved more sleep. Despite getting up sooner than she wanted she felt refreshed. She wanted to get the truth out in the open as soon as possible. Cutter rounded the corner and stopped short when he saw her.

He wore his official Imperial Navy uniform. The green-gray uniform fit him. His brown boots had been replaced by standard issue black. A small row of colors above the left pocket indicated he was an officer of rank, one that had seen battle and been rewarded. His hair was combed back and hidden beneath the cap.

The sight of him and who he truly was caused Mon a moment of deep confusion. She didn't understand how she could feel such a strong bond with someone that could wear that uniform.

"My orders came through last night." He took off the hat once he reached her. The sign of respect got to her.

"I dock with the Destroyer in twenty four hours, near Jedah."

There it was. The information that gave Mon the chance to make a stand against the growing evil of the universe. Gaining it in such a way, out of trust, made her sick.

"I know you had things to tell me today but I decided I don't want to know. It's better we leave it like this. Best that you be gone before I get back."

He did suspect her motives. His willingness to let her go made her swallow hard. She couldn't find words. She only nodded.

He grinned at her.

"Well, bye Carrots." He touched his index finger to her chin as he had during the first training. Mon tried to ignore the longing she felt. He hadn't even gone and she ached for him. She wasn't used to experiencing such powerful emotions. She never felt so strongly for another person. Mon was too in denial to realize she was falling in love with him.

She couldn't let him walk away without saying anything.

"Cutter." He turned to face her. He hoisted his military bag over his shoulder. "Thank you. For everything."

He inclined his chin and disappeared. She climbed to the top of the temple look out and waited until she saw his ship exit the atmosphere. The moment he was gone she could think clearly again.

One day. She had one day to repair the fleet of X-Wings and round up an armada to fly them.

Mon kept the blaster at her side as she made her way to the nearly departed group of rogues. She told Jeanida to have a shuttle ready for takeoff in case her confession to Cutter turned ugly. Having avoided that mess, Mon now readied herself for a tricky confrontation with Hunt, Riggs and Matches. Cutter had only been gone an hour and already she was betraying his trust. Not that she owed him anything but she was sure what she felt must be similar to that of a cheating wife.

Cutter's three friends were busy loading the ships of the Hutt's spoils when Mon interrupted them.

"If I might have a word."

The reluctantly stopped what they were doing and all gather in front of her. Rather than dally around the point she jumped right in.

"My name is Mon Mothma. I am member of the Galactic Senate. A Senate that used to matter before Palpatine destroyed freedom and declared himself Emperor." Mon fingered it was easier to admit to being a Senator than to explain the whole complicated mess.

Riggs' mouth dropped open. Hunt narrowed his eyes. Matches started to chatter about how he thought he recognized her and he remembered her as being an outspoken...what was that word, mascot? She thought he said something about mascot of truth.

"I needed the X-Wings to launch an attack on the Empire. I need your help."

She waited. The temple grew so quiet she could hear the jungle rats scattering along the pipes. Jeanida wasn't far with engine running in case escape was necessary. Mon hated to give up the fleet of X-Wings. The force guided her.

"Hutts or the Empire, what do we care, long as the payoff is good," Hunt said.

Mon breathed an internal sigh of relief. At least she wouldn't have to run.

"What do you have in mind, Senator?" Riggs asked. She said Senator with a hint of teasing. Mon cringed at the title.

"This is the part I don't think you will like."

Hunt scoffed.

"You're going after Cutter's Star Destroyer."

His three friends exchanged glances. The Sullustan muttered something about not being involved in anything that would put Cutter's life in danger.

"Now, Matches, let's hear her out," Riggs put her slender fingers on the shoulder of the shorter man.

Mon hesitated, she felt her emotions boiling to the surface and she had to be careful not to let them show.

"Of course I don't want to put his life in danger but he works for the Empire. I didn't think he would agree to this so I didn't ask."

Hunt shrugged.

"You're right about that. He wouldn't have agreed."

Riggs dropped her hand from Matches and took a step toward Mon.

"Cutter joined the navy because his family, sisters and parents, were dirt poor on Jedah. That was ten years ago. The navy is what put food on the table. When the Emperor took over Cutter didn't much care. To him the navy hasn't changed."

Matches started to chatter again. He seemed to think Cutter looted the galaxy and engaged in any other profitable enterprises to ensure his family never went hungry again.

"And to you?" Mon looked directly at each one of them. "Do you believe the Empire is benevolent?"

Hunt frowned and leaned against a cargo crate.

"Couple of my best friends are Wookies. I wouldn't mind takin' the Empire down a peg."

Matches began talking much slower this time. He looked at Mon with his big round eyes. She was able to pick up each word of his native tongue, though her translation was rough.

Senator Mothma is highly respect on my homeland. She did good to my people. Peace treaty, helper to learn children, save lives with medicine. My people follow Senator Mothma and not Empire. I smuggler, but I fight if lady in white gives word.

Mon remembered the negotiations team she chaired that brought about better living conditions to world of Sullust. Part of her liked being reminded that the Senate had once do good in the galaxy. The other part despaired deeply what was once good had turned evil under the influence of one man.

The revelation from Matches made Mon question whether she understood her other inactions with him. She could see now his eyes did carry with them a respect for her she hadn't noticed before. She suspected he recognized her from the beginning but held his tongue.

"The Tholothians will never fight the Empire. We are too poor and isolated, but, I think Matches is right, Senator. I think you could rally a lot more people to your cause by your reputation alone."

In a single instant the smuggler Riggs delivered to Mon the lecture she had so dreaded hearing from Jeanida.

"My cause is taking down a Star Destroyer, or die trying."

Matches blinked in surprise. Hunt smiled. It was the first time she'd seen him do so. He was by the roughest of the bunch. He and Riggs made an odd pair.

"That's four pilots. You really think four half dilapidated X-Wings can take down a Destroyer?"

"I guess, my friends, we will find out."

Riggs, Hunt and Matches looked between each other.

Hunt squeezed Riggs by the shoulder with one hand and Matches by the shoulder with the other.

"Count us in."

Cutter never got used to the smell on board a Star Destroyer. It smelled like sewage covered up by sterilizer. He much preferred the fresh scent of the jungle. Green trees mixed with fresh rain and something else. Another scent he craved. Carrots. Not the food. The person. She smelled like the Cerean spices his mother used to sweeten up his favorite kind of cookies. The woman, like the cookies, he would most likely never see again.

Cutter dropped his bag in the compact cell the Empire gave him to sleep in during his duty shifts. Some officers decorated with pictures of family or knitted items from home. Cutter's cell was empty. The cell mirrored his life. Empty. As he walked down the corridor to the briefing room he thought about his family. They moved to the rich, elegant world of Chandrila after he started sending home piles of money.

He rarely saw them now but got a message now and then with news and updates. They were happy. His sacrifice to the Empire always seemed worth it when he saw them happy. The moment he met Carrots a nagging grew inside him. Rumor circulated the ranks. Maybe the Emperor wasn't above board. Maybe the Empire had a sinister agenda. He still found it hard to believe.

The briefing room consisted of several rows of seats rounded auditorium style up to the projector in back. Most of the officers were already present. There were so many of them now Cutter didn't recognize a soul. He took a seat in a middle and the Commander entered. He was young for a ranking officer. Cutter read his name badge. Delgas.

"Quite please."

The projector turned on. A picture appeared of a man dressed in blue robes. He had a neatly trimmed beard and dark hair.

"There are several members of the Galactic Senate who are suspected of engaging in illegal activities against the Empire."

The room broke out in muffled voices. Cutter looked over his shoulder. The officers behind him conversed in hushed voices.

"Hard to believe boring Senators could be dangerous." One said. The other countered.

"Of course they are. The Emperor took away their power and they want revenge. They don't know what's good for the Galaxy anymore."

Cutter turned back around. He agreed with both of them.

"Quite!" Delgas barked and the room settled.

"This is the Senator from Alderaan, Bail Organa. He is a well respected member of the royal house. The Empire doesn't wish to enrage the Senate by apprehending him without proof of collusion but if the chance arises to catch him in his illegal dealings you are ordered to take it."

The projector flipped to the next slide. Cutter bit his tongue to keep from gasping out loud. Carrots. Her red hair was unmistakable.

"Senator Mon Mothma of Chandrila. She has not been seen at three of the last four Senate meetings. If she misses a fifth she her title will be automatically revoked. If you have any information as to her whereabouts you are ordered to come forward."

Delgas spouted off a few more Senators on the most wanted list but Cutter was still reeling from the image of Carrots. His Carrots. A Senator. He shook his head quietly to himself.

He could vouch for the fact she had been engaged in illegal activities though he didn't necessarily think they were against the Empire. Still, that nagging in his gut told him she had ulterior motives. He thought she might have a score to settle he just didn't think it was with the Empire.

His gut tightened even more as he wondered if she sought him out specifically because of his Imperial connections. Was she spying on him to get at the Empire? He thought back over the last few months. She didn't seem like she was fishing for information but maybe that just meant she was a master spy.

He thought back to the kiss. She wanted it. He was sure of that. He was also sure she was scared, even terrified, of that kiss. It was plain in her eyes the moment he walked away. He began to see things in a new light. They were on opposite sides of... of what? There was no war, there wasn't even a resistance.

Delgas handed out the mission orders. Cutter smirked as he read them. No resistance but a few minor disturbances that the Destroyer would have to put right. Still not enough to threaten the military might of the navy.

Cutter tucked the orders under his arm and exited the room. His mind was still reeling when a Stormtrooper walked up to him.

"Officer Mills?"

"Yes?"

"I've been ordered to escort you to the prison block. There is a dispute between officers. You've been assigned to resolve."

The Stormtrooper was taller than most. Cutter reluctantly agreed. He was eager to get to the bridge and take over piloting duty but he knew better than to question orders.

Before they arrived at the prison block Cutter caught a whiff of fresh blaster fire. The doors to the cell block swished open and the trooper shoved Cutter inside.

"What the...?"

Two Stormtroopers were slumped against the wall. Blaster fire marred their white armor. The trooper behind Cutter took off his helmet.

"Hunt? What is this?"

Hunt's eyes drifted across the room and Cutter followed them. Down the cell block corridor he saw Riggs dressed in the uniform of an officer. She was busy opening up prison cells and pull out prisoners who looked surprisingly refined. Cutter's eyes kept going until they fell on Carrots. She wore her silver uniform, not the elegant white robes he saw in the picture.

"Mon Mothma. Dangerous Senator. On the Empire's most wanted list."

He folded his arms.

"Here with my friends, looting my ship." He wanted to ring her neck.

She walked toward him. He wondered if her stroll had always been that intimidating.

"You have a choice Officer Mills. Help us free the political prisoners and destroy the ship."

She didn't intimidate him, hard as she tired.

"Or what?"

"Or you become our prisoner."

Cutter looked up at Hunt.

"Seriously?"

Hunt shrugged.

"Sorry, pal, but some of these prisoners come with a nice reward. Look on the bright side, we couldn't destroy the ship without getting you off."

Cutter gave him a look.

"Gee, thanks."

He turned his attention back to Carrots. He wanted to ask how they snuck aboard and how she planned on destroying such a massive ship but instead he studied her face. She didn't look like a traitor. She looked like a survivor. Someone who'd been through hell and lived to tell about it.

Riggs moved through the crowd of six or seven prisoners.

"That's all of them."

"Get them to the ship and get clear. They probably have the crates in the mechanics bay by now."

To see his team take orders from Carrots both impressed him and annoyed him in equal measure.

"You can't honestly expect me to go along with this?" He stepped closer to Carrots. To his surprise Riggs jumped between them. Since when did his friends become the protectors of the secret Senator? Carrots put her hand on Rigg's shoulder and the Tholothian moved aside.

"It's not easy to learn everything you've dedicated your life to is a lie. Believe me. It shakes the foundations of your existence."

The way Carrots spoke was guttural. The conviction and sadness in her countenance caused an eerie silence to fall even over the eves-dropping prisoners.

Carrots stepped close to him. He smelled the scent of Cerean spice even over the sterilizer. It was intoxicating.

"But the Empire is a lie. I have seen firsthand that the evil that controls our government and military. We've all be fooled, Cutter."

For a moment he thought of believing her. She was incredibly convincing. She convinced his friends to join her cause. He did trust her. She was the type of person that was easy to trust. He wondered, from the small worry lines around her eyes, if that gift took a toll on her.

"I've served the navy my entire life. It saved my family."

Carrots' expression was one of such deep understanding Cutter found himself of the brink of abandoning his oath of office. Something held him back. He put his hand around her neck and drew her forehead close to his.

"What if you're wrong? What if your way only leads to anarchy in the galaxy?"

Her breathing was shallow. Cutter hoped it was because of his proximity to her. He liked that he had that power over her. She squared her shoulders and pulled away from him.

"Do I look like an anarchist to you?"

At that particular moment, with that amazing blaster at her side, in a skin tight suit and two fallen Stormtroopers behind her, she kind of did. A woman who dedicated her life to the Senate and succeeded in bringing many peaceful years to the galaxy obviously didn't want to see that explode into chaos.

"Think blowing up a Star Destroy is good enough or do I need to submit an official resignation?"

Hunt slapped Cutter on the back and laughed. Riggs smiled, but Carrot's expression remained focused.

"I knew you were too in love with her to say no." Riggs squeezed his arm. "Love conquers all."

He looked at Carrot's but she avoided his eyes in favor of looking at the control screen.

"The hallway is clear," Carrot said.

"What's the plan?"

Hunt answered him.

"We sealed shut your steel crates, hoping they would get moved to the machine bay to be opened. There are X-Wings inside, two of them. Carrots plans to fly to heart of the engine room and blow it."

Cutter looked at Carrot with surprise. The woman clearly had a death wish.

"That's a terrible plan. She's not nearly a good enough pilot. I am."

Riggs winked at him.

"Good thing we brought two X-Wings."

Cutter still wasn't sure about his decision to turn his back on the Empire but the fact his friends had enough faith in him to bring an extra ship did a lot to sooth is doubts.

"Come on, Hunt. Matches is probably going crazy," Riggs said.

Hunt put on the helmet. Riggs slapped cuffs on the group of prisoners and the two of them set off.

"Fastest way to the machine room is this way." Cutter took off down the corridor and Carrots followed. He knew all the patrol routs so it was easy enough to avoid being seen. He took her in the back way to the room and they ended up perched high above the crates on a catwalk.

They looked down on the metal boxes. Sparks flew from the tools of droids attempting to unseal the creates.

Hunched next to Carrots, Cutter suddenly felt very uncomfortable.

"I'm not, by the way."

She peered over the railing.

"Not what?"

His throat went dry.

"In love with you."

Telling her he wasn't in love with her made him realize that he actually was.

Carrots looked over at him. Her expression was impossible to read. He really wanted to know if she was disappointed. She stared at him but said nothing. The moment of silence stretched on forever.

He felt the urge to kiss her again just to fill the silence. Her lips were close enough he could have kissed her but that would contradicted what he just told her. Except what he just told was a lie. From the moment she entered his life things became way to complicated.

"We better hurry. They will discover the empty cell block soon."

She took off across the catwalk and he followed.