They met up with the Sullustan vessel and Hunt and Riggs' large cargo ship near one of the one of the moons of Jedha. Mon's thoughts still reeled with events of the last Senate session. Organa had been right. There were many unhappy with the Emperor's new rule but uniting them under the watchful eyes of the Empire would be difficult.
Organa was absent from the session. She heard rumors he was amassing a small guerrilla force. She was eager to met up with him and discuss the future.
The sight of Mon's three friends was a welcome one after the ordeal of the Senate session. Hunt, Matches and Riggs stepped aboard Cutter's ship and Mon met them as they came out of the airlock.
Cutter stood by her side with his arms folded. Jeanida was on her other side, arms hanging freely beside her elegant robes. Mon still wore her silver body suit. She knew Jeanida thought she should wear her traditional robes she just came from the Senate in. To face her friends she wanted to be as they remembered.
"What's so urgent?" Hunt grumbled. Somehow his perpetually sour mood made Mon feel at home. She had missed them.
"I've come to a decision."
Riggs' eye brightened.
"You and Cutter are getting married?" She clapped her hands together. Mon could see why Riggs would jump to such a conclusion given their conversation earlier. Mon wished she had told Riggs of the true reason for her reverie that day on the temple grounds. She blushed.
"No."
Mon didn't dare looked at Cutter. Riggs looked disappointed but Mon didn't give her much time to linger on the thought.
"I've just come from the Senate. I am going to join Senator Organa in the fight against the Empire. I wanted to ask you, in person, to join us."
The three of them exchanged glances. Matches dropped to one knee before her. Riggs followed and to Mon's astonishment so did Hunt. She shook her head.
"My friends, you are free members of the Republic. You kneel to no master."
They looked up at her. Hope shone brightly on each of their faces. They stood.
"If anything I should kneel to you. I am the humble servant of the resistance. Your servant."
A quite over took the room. The weight of Mon's decision was not taken lightly by any of them. They seemed to know just how much danger and sacrifice now filled her destiny.
The ship rocked and Mon nearly lost her balance. The metal of the hull creaked. Cutter reached for his transmitter but C-J7 was already speaking through the com.
"Sir, a tracker beam has locked onto us."
"This is no time for jokes."
Mon suspected Cutter wished the droid was joking. She followed him to the cockpit.
"What has us?" Cutter asked as he took the pilot seat.
"I'm sorry to say, sir, it appears to be a Star Destroyer."
Mon reached for her blaster. She hurried to cargo bay to tell the others. With each step she took her stomach twisted into another knot.
"Barricade the doors. Prepare for gunfire." She ordered. Her team obeyed with quite efficiency. Mon ushered Jeanida out of the room and ordered her to hid in one of the compartments.
Cutter and C-J7 took positions behind piled up crates. Cutter was across the room from Mon. She met his eyes. She hoped he understood from her look how much she cared about him. All the things that went unsaid between them welled up in her heart and caused her an unbearable ache of regret.
The doors opened and Stormtroopers flooded the bay. The small armada of Mon's resistance fighters succeeded in holding them back. She didn't know how long they could last but the first wave of troopers dropped one by one. There was a lull in the battle. Mon waited. She could sense the Empire rethinking tactics.
An evil filled the room. The temperature hadn't changed but a chill reached into Mon's soul. A sound came from the open blast doors. The sound of labored breathing.
Hunt was the first to shoot. Something ignited like the sound of doused fire. Mon saw the light of the blast bounce away. Riggs stood at Hunt's side and fired, followed by Matches. The attack was futile.
Mon peered around the corner. A man dressed in all black with a mask out of a nightmare twirled a red lightsaber around with practiced grace. Not a single shot touched him. Mon watched as her team charged Lord Vader.
Hunt ran at him first. Vader moved his weapon through the air. He countered two shots from Riggs and then slashed his lightsaber across Hunt's throat. Hunt fell to his knees. Riggs cried out. She, Matches and Cutter all attacked Vader. Guns fired round after round.
Vader evaded them all. Mon watched as Cutter was lifted off the ground. He dropped the blaster and clutched his throat. Vader flung him against the wall and then cut through the barrel of Matches' gun as if it were paper.
The Sullustan looked down at the smoking barrel. Vader stabbed him through the heart then turned his weapon on Riggs.
Mon jumped out from the crate. Tears blurred her vision. No more. She couldn't watch one more of them die. She fired at Vader. Some unseen force tore the gun from her hands and it flew across the room.
Her throat constricted as her feet left the ground. She watched helplessly as Vader's light sword ended Riggs' life. A Stormtrooper appeared at Vader's side.
"I sense another on board. Bring Senator Mothma and the stow away to me. Kill the survivors."
Mon dropped to the ground on all fours. She gasped for air. Vader spun, his black cape flared out as he walked away. One of the troopers cuffed Mon's hands behind her back. Another shot C-J7 and his head detached from his body.
Mon was pushed unceremoniously down the corridor. It took all her strength just to put one foot in front of the other. She was reeling from what just happened. The realization hadn't hit her. She felt numb. The nightmares that plagued her dreams became a reality.
They walked for watch seemed like parsects until the Stormtroopers pushed her into a chamber. Vader stood at the other end. He gazed out into the blackness of space. Mon wondered if that cold emptiness reminded him of his own soul.
A few seconds later she turned to find Jeanida at her side. Her aid's hands had not been cuffed. Seeing Jeanida's kind face brought tears to Mon's eyes. She blinked them back. She would not allow Vader to see her distraught. Jeanida gripped Mon's shoulder. The comforting touch was too much to bear.
She removed her hand just as Vader turned.
"I do apologize for that scene, Senator, but the Empire must demonstrate that any attack on our ranks will be met with swift justice."
Mon glowered at him through her anger.
"You don't know the meaning of the word."
He moved toward them as relaxed as if out for an evening stroll.
"I must confess we underestimated you. The loss of a Star Destroyer is not something we take lightly."
Mon squared her shoulders. His mask was frightening but she stared it down.
"It won't be the last."
He lifted a finger on his gloved hand.
"Which is why I brought you here. We know there are other factions. Tell me names and locations. Kneel to the Empire and perhaps we will spare you."
Mon lifted her chin.
"I am a free citizen of the Old Republic. I don't kneel to murders."
The strength of her own voice surprised her, especially given what just happened. Mon couldn't see what he was thinking behind the cold steel of his mask.
"We shall see."
In a flash the red of his lightsaber filled the room. It disappeared as quickly. Jeanida dropped to her knees and then onto her back. Mon knelt beside her. With her hands cuffed behind her she couldn't reach out to her friend.
Jeanida used her last moments to touch Mon's face.
"The force will be with you, always." Her hand dropped and she was gone. Mon closed her eyes. Tears ran down her cheeks.
"I will have names and locations. You can tell me now or I can take it from you."
Mon's breathing was deep. In her heart the raging fire of came from another source. The force. She felt it with Yoda. Her destiny.
"Take from me all I love. Torture me. Kill me. My free spirit will never be crushed. The rebellion can't be stopped. My death will turn the Senate against you."
"The Senate is of no matter."
Mon gathered all her strength and stood up. She moved close to him until her nose almost touched his mask. She feared nothing from him now.
"In your heart you know the force will prevail."
"The dark side is stronger." His voiced boomed at her and nearly made her stagger back. She stood her ground.
"I stand before you right now as a witness that it isn't."
Vader did not move or speak. It was as if he wasn't sure what do to with her.
"Guard."
A Stormtrooper entered.
"Prepare a transport. Take the Senator to the Emperor. Tell him, Lord Vader bows to his wisdom."
The guard took Mon painfully by the arm. He pulled her to the door.
"You will always bow to him, Lord Vader."
She saw the Sith Lord turn his back before the door moved shut. Mon was manhandled by several officers and troops until she was finally loaded aboard the transport. A Stormtrooper pushed her into a small cell and pulled the iron bars closed.
Mon lifted herself off the floor but collapsed on the iron bench. Sobs threatened to overtake her but she didn't want the officers to hear. She held her heartbreak inside. Silent tears poured down her face. Matches, Hunt and Riggs. Gone. They fought and died for her. Jeanida's life had been taken most cruelly of all.
Cutter. She loved him and now she would never have the chance to tell him. The numbness of her heart spread to her limbs.
After about thirty minutes she felt the ship lift off. The wasn't sure how long they travelled but eventually an Imperial Officer approached the cell. The sight of his uniform reminded her of Cutter. She let her heart fill with strength from the force. It was the only thing that could cut through the numbness. She stood and went to the bars. The officer looked surprised.
"I thought you might need some refreshment." He carried a try between his hands.
Mon knew her eyes were red rimmed and her suit was marred with blaster scorches. She face him as if she wore the royal robes of Chandrila. She read the insignia on his uniform.
"Captain Dodonna? Lord Vader sends a Captain to oversee a prisoner transport mission?"
The bearded man set the try on the bench outside the cell.
"We are escorting the Senator from Chandrila to a meeting with the Emperor. Lord Vader doesn't want any mishaps."
Mon saw something in his eyes, something kind. She let the force guide her.
"Why is it your serve him?"
Dodonna looked taken aback by the question.
"He is my commanding officer."
He offered her the glass of water through the bars. Mon held up her hand and shook her head. Her stomach was still churning from what had happened. She didn't know if she would ever be able to eat, drink or sleep again.
"He is your master. As long as you serve the Empire you will never be free."
The Captain wrinkled his brow. He set the glass down and then looked over his shoulder. He stepped closer to the cell bars.
"Lord Vader said your people wouldn't be taken prisoner. He was forced to do what he did."
Mon swallowed her emotions.
"Lord Vader slaughtered my friends without a second thought. He murdered my defenseless Senatorial aid, and only spared me because he thinks I carry valuable information."
The truth hurt but speaking so plainly gave her some satisfaction. To her surprise the Captain seemed to consider the truth of her words.
"I've heard rumors. Is there really a rebellion? What do you hope to accomplish? The Empire is too strong."
Mon wrapped her hands around the bars.
"Yes, there is a rebellion." His eyes widened as she spoke with conviction for a cause now sealed in blood. "Freedom. We will restore freedom. The tyranny of the Empire will spread until every soul is made to serve the Emperor. Only we can opposed him."
Despite her despair over losing those she loved Mon found hope in the eyes of the Captain.
"Join us, Captain Dodonna. I can see you believe me. It's not too late to turn and fight."
The Captain scratched his beard.
"Will you speak with my crew? I'm not the only one who has..." he frowned, "doubts."
The request shocked Mon. She nodded and had only a few moments to gather herself before Dodonna unlocked the prison cell and guided her to the briefing room. All eyes fell on her as she entered. Looks of confusion and hope. Mon pushed aside her grief and rose to the occasion.
"This is Senator Mon Mothma, leader of the rebellion."
For the first time, Mon felt like the leader of a rebellion. Her heart had nothing left to cling to but the hope for restored freedom in the galaxy.
"There is a fight," Mon began with emotion, "and we need you."
Mon looked out the window of the captain's chamber in the transport ship. A transport that was now hers. She thought back to Degobah and the warning of the Jedi master. She would experience great pain. In light of what she'd gone through she felt his words were an understatement.
The Wookies massacre on Kashyyk took all hope from her and made her feel her life had been wasted. Despite the extreme pain of losing her friends she knew she must fight on so their lives had not been given in vain.
The sound of the door opening caused Mon to jump. Captain Dodonna stepped inside.
"We are being targeted by an approaching ship. It looks to be a resistance ship. They are hailing us."
Mon followed him to the bridge. The holo projector engaged and revealed the face of Bail Organa.
"Word has reached us that you have Senator Mothma aboard. Release her or we will free her by force."
Captian Dodonna looked to Mon. She smiled. Within the next hour Mon and the crew of the transport ship boarded Organa's ship.
Organa came charging through the blast doors flanked by a armed forces on each side. The crew behind Mon muttered and she could tell they were worried about a battle. She held up her hand.
"Senator Organa, this is the crew of prisoner transport AA4. They are the newest members in the ranks of the rebellion."
Organa blinked and then looked over Mon's head the men behind her.
"He said you'd need rescued but looks like you have things under control."
Organa offered his hand to Dodonna. Mon considered Organa's statement.
"Captain, welcome to the resistance."
The Captain seemed surprised at being welcome so easily. Mon knew her approval carried weight and her attention was on another matter.
"He said?"
A man stepped out from the ranks. He wore a brown jacket and brown boots. Mon was speechless.
"The Stromtroopers were supposed to finish me off but I managed to free my ship and escape. I found General Organa as fast as I could."
Mon swallowed hard. She wanted to run to him but refused to show her emotions in front of such a large group.
"General?" She looked to Organa instead.
He lifted his shoulders.
"That's what they've been calling me but we still have a lot of work to do."
Mon inclined her head.
"Yes. Could you find me some traditional robes of Chandrila?"
Organa took her hands in both of his.
"I can do anything you ask of me, Senator. Welcome back."
Word spread quickly throughout the galaxy. Mon Mothma's team took down a Star Destory. In retaliation, Lord Vader murdered them all but the lady in white refused to back down. Organa told Mon that story triggered the biggest influx of new recruits to date. The newly titled General took charge of ground operation for each of the isolated factions, as Mon turned her attention to something equally as important. Recruitment.
Organa managed to gather together an impressive group, with a surprising amount of military might, helped by the twelve X-Wings Cutter donated to the cause, but Mon knew there were untapped resources in the galaxy. Resources they needed.
In order to give Mon the ability to travel somewhat freely in the galaxy General Organa took the blame for the defection of the Emperor's transport crew. When this news reached the Emperor it seemed to paint on target on General Organa. Palpatine took a personal interest in destroying Organa, and he made several veiled threats against Alderaan. The Senate stood by his side and for the moment Organa and his homeworld were protected.
Mon instinctively knew where her first mission would be. She packed her bags and readied for the journey to Sullust. She saw Matches' sweet face in her memory. His words about his people's loyalty to Mon came with a pang of bitterness and regret.
In the weeks following the death of Jeanida and the others, Mon avoided all contact with Cutter. A knock on the wall outside her open door drew her attention. He hadn't sought her out until now.
"I volunteered to take you to Sullust."
Mon folded a secondary set of white robes neatly into the case.
"I thought you might."
Cutter remained by the door.
"General Organa let me borrow one of his reprogrammed droids. Name of K-2SO."
Cutter took a few steps into the room and Mon shut the case.
"You'll like him. He's got a mouth on him."
Cutter reached her side and offered a gift. She looked down at his hands to see her blaster from Mon Esiley. It was badly scarred on the surface but still functioning. Mon could relate.
"Grabbed it before I escaped Vader. Thought you might like it back."
Mon studied it for a long time. She pushed it back to Cutter.
"You keep it. I'm not a soldier. I've realized my role and have accepted it."
Cutter grinned but his lazy charm now carried with it a sadness. Mon felt responsible for bringing that sadness to him. Causing him pain hurt. She was still numb to most emotion but that hurt penetrated.
"You know I always did want this blaster." He removed the blaster at his side and replaced it with hers.
"Our friends would be proud of you."
She wanted to believe him but it was because of her they were dead. She lifted the suitcase off the bed.
"Mon?"
He didn't move and she faced him from across the room.
"I don't feel anything anymore. I don't think I ever will again. I do this because the rebellion is all I have. All I can have."
Yoda wasn't present but he seemed to contradict her even as she spoke. Mon was glad Cutter stayed on the other side of the room. Being close to him terrified her because her resolve to push him away teetered on the brink of crumbling.
"That just sucks."
His flippant remark nearly made her smile.
Mon set the case by the door and went to the mirror. Her white robes were still incomplete. She pulled the symbolic necklace from the table and lifted it in front of her.
Cutter moved behind her and fascinated the latch. Mon looked at herself in the mirror. Cutter put his hand on her shoulders. He leaned down to her ear.
"Great fashion choice. You look pregnant."
She turned to scold him but he was already halfway to the door. He picked up her suitcase on his way out.
"See you on the ship." He left with a wink.
Mon turned back to the mirror. She pulled the fabric of her white robes across out to her sides. She hated to admit he had a point. The outfit wasn't exactly flattering. Mon didn't care. She was the white lady, a symbol of freedom and innocence the galaxy desperately needed.
The journey to Sullust normally was not a difficult one, but the Empire grew stronger every day and Mon was one of the most notoriously wanted figures in the galaxy. Cutter used extreme caution in plotting the route to Sullust, which added a few extra days to the journey.
K-2SO was as mouthy as Cutter implied. Mon found herself playing a lot of Dejarik with the droid to pass the time. Cutter called them both to the cockpit and out the window Mon saw the dark, red river covered planet of Sullust.
"I'm trying to make contact but we don't have a scrambler channel set up yet. Open transmission was how the Empire tracked Matches, Hunt and Riggs."
Mon realized they would have be careful in the game to outwit the Empire. Cutter entered orbit and they waited for a few hours until they received word of a secure place to land.
Cutter brought his ship down through the grey steam clouds and set down on a black rock plateau in the middle of nowhere. K-2 went outside first and when he returned with word the area had been secured she and Cutter ventured out. Against the black molten climate, Mon's white robes seemed an easy target.
An emissary met them near the entrance to a cave. He spoke the quick language of the Sullustans and Mon caught about every other word. It appeared there were a group of diplomats and military leaders waiting to hear her speak at a secret hideout in the cave.
Cutter whispered to her.
"Good hiding place and better place for an ambush."
She wrapped her hand around his arm.
"Trust must begin somewhere."
He took out his new blaster and help guide her over the rocky terrain. Inside the cave a large open floor was illuminated by huge spotlights in the cave roof. About two hundred or so Sullustan's were gathered in front of a raised stage. A hush fell over the assembly when they spotted Mon. Cutter escorted her up the steps but stepped back as she went to the podium.
She greeted them in their native tongue, her pronunciation of which she was sure was terrible. Over the last weeks she worked to perfect a speech about freedom and a rally cry to convince them to join the ranks. When she finished the Sullustans retreated into a conference. They offered Mon and Cutter food and drink in a small waiting room near the back of the cave.
Cutter sat on a wooden crate across from Mon. K-2SO kept a vigilant watch nearby.
"This is what it will be like, now? Traveling the galaxy, trying to convince people to join up then back to Coruscant for another Senate meeting?"
Mon took a sip of warm liquid. It was so, so much better than the swamp water Yoda gave her. The pungent taste of the Jedi master's brew was so strong, Mon occasionally had a taste spasm in remembrance.
"If you find it too boring I'm sure General Organa could use another good pilot."
"You trying to get rid of me?"
His tone was joking but his eyes were serious.
"You once said, it might be easier that way."
Cutter stood up. He looked like he might say something but instead he walked to the food table. Mon watched him for a moment until the Sullustan leader approached her.
They exchanged greetings and he slowed his speech so she could understand.
The counsel of Sullust has spoken. Four of our eighteen colonies remain undecided, but the rest of us are open to discussion. My apologies we cannot not be the first to join you. When you have others we wish for a...
Mon couldn't understand the last word. It was something about letters on a page or numbers written down. She called over the droid to help her translate.
"The Sullustan wishes for a written treaty he can sign. He wants to stand with others against the Empire, not alone."
Mon nodded. Her heart sunk. She turned from K-2 to the diplomat.
"I understand. I fear what you wish is many years away."
Sullust is patient. We will wait.
Mon understood his meaning clearly. The droid started to translate but Mon cut him off.
"How rude! You ask for my help then tell me to shut up. I know when I'm not wanted."
He walked away.
Mon gave the Sullustans several well chosen contacts in Organa's movement for the individuals who wished to join immediately. She warned them of the need for secrecy and the danger of Imperial spies lurking in every corner.
As they walked back toward the ship Mon found herself contemplating what a written alliance agreement might look like. Organa tasked her with the political side of running the rebellion but despite her eagerness to recruit the refusal of Sullustans to join the movement made her realize a formal alliance was years away.
Organa had his hands full trying to create some order out of his isolated military pockets, and Mon knew she would need a lengthy list of allied signatures before she broadcasted the treaty to the Galaxy. Before the real fight could begin.
It was late by the time they left orbit and Mon retreated to her compartment to sleep. She had been enjoying dreamless nights, but tonight was an exception. She relived the nightmare aboard Vader's Star Destroyer. The horror of reliving the death of her friends made her almost physically ill.
A voice pulled her out of her dreams. A hand was on her shoulder. She jolted awake. The room was dark. Cutter sat on the edge of her cot.
"K-2 and I heard you. Are you alright?"
He dropped his hand from her shoulder. She put the back of her hand to her forehead. The cool air touched her skin. Too many blankets on the bed always made the nightmares worse.
"Yes. Bad dream. It's nothing."
"Mon."
Cutter wrapped his arms around her. She fell forward into them. Neither of them wore more than a tank top. She was surprised by how much comfort she founds in his arms. She wrapped hers around him.
Before she knew how it happened they were kissing. Her mind went blank. She knew she should be thinking. She should be pulling away. Being kissed by the man she loved, with his arms locked tightly around her, made her forget everything.
His lips broke from hers. He planted kisses along her cheek and down her neck. She knew it had to end. Every good thing in her life, it seemed, had a finality to it.
Mon gently pushed him away. He didn't fight her. He arms fell away and she shivered.
Neither of them spoke for several seconds.
"When I said I didn't love you, I didn't mean it."
Mon turned on the lamp next to the cot.
"I know."
"You love me too," he countered almost like a child trying to win an argument.
Mon captured his gaze.
"The people I love end up dead."
Cutter ran a hand over his chin. He stood up and crossed the room.
"I've been thinking about that." He put his hands on his hips. "I don't want to end up dead."
Mon stayed on the cot. Her legs were covered by blankets.
"I don't want you too," she whispered but she felt the words so keenly. It was like a part of her was exposed once she said them. Reality made her look at thing like the pragmatic Senator she was.
"That's why it's better we don't take this any further."
Cutter bit his bottom lip.
"I don't want to end up dead, but living without you would be like walking dead."
Mon looked down at her hands. She forced herself not to feel the full impact of his words.
"That's lovely of you to say."
Cutter crossed the room and sat back down on the cot. His eyes were intense.
"I have an idea, a solution." He seemed to doubt himself and he avoided her eyes. "But, you might think it too crazy."
She used her fingers to turn his face back to her.
"I'm listening."
"We find a hideaway, like my base on Yavin 4, although I think Organa wants to use it for the rebellion."
Mon was skeptical. There were no safe holds in the galaxy.
"A place only you and I know about. We hire staff. I'm sure you have many loyal friends that would help us."
"Help us do what?"
Cutter shrugged.
"Raise a family. Be together away from the cause."
Mon sat up in the bed and leaned toward him. She remembered their dead friends. The numbness returned.
"Can you honestly tell me you feel good about bringing children into this galaxy?"
Cutter seemed to lose a little momentum in his argument. Riggs' words blasted through Mon's head. If you live in fear then the Empire has already won. Our children will play together in a fee galaxy.
"If no one suspects you and I are together. If we marry in secret..."
"Because that worked so well for Anakin Skywalker," Mon snapped. This time it was Yoda's words that came to her. Concern yourself not with the Skywalkers. Look to your own heart. Wise it is.
This time even the force couldn't overcome the violent images of Vader cutting down the ones she cared about.
"It's a chance," Cutter admitted. "But there is a chance it could work. It would mean seeing little of each other away from our secret home, and if we have children you would have to be absent for much of their lives."
He moved forward and took her hand.
"But we love each other. What did Riggs say? Love conquers all."
Mon pulled away. She didn't want to. It stung to pull away. She had to end it. She had to protect him from her dangerous life. She couldn't lose him too.
"If you believe that, then you're more of a fool than I realized."
Cutter's jaw fell. She could see her words did the job. A quick knife to his heart. He was quiet for so long she thought she might have done permanent damage. He slowly lifted from the bed.
In the door he stopped, but he didn't look at her.
"When we get back, I think I will offer my piloting skills to the General."
As soon as the door closed Mon pulled the pillow from behind her and used it to muffle the sound of her heartbreak.