Under the overcast sky of Chandrila, a solemn congregation gathered, shrouded in grief and remembrance. The air, heavy with a mixture of sorrow and determination, hung over the assembly. The Old Gather-House, once a site for celebrations, now bore witness to the funeral of Mon Mothma and those who had given their lives in service to the New Republic.
Leia Organa stood at the forefront, a symbol of resilience and continuity in the face of loss. The mood was somber, but beneath the weight of mourning, there was an unspoken commitment to carry forward the ideals that Mon Mothma had championed for so long.
As Leia stepped forward to address the gathering, a hushed silence fell upon the assembly. She began, her voice carrying a mix of sorrow and determination, "We gather here today not only to mourn the departure of great leaders but to celebrate the legacy they left behind."
"Since the days of the Clone Wars, Mon Mothma tirelessly worked towards uniting a front against the oppression of Palpatine. Her legacy is one of courage, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the ideals of freedom and justice."
As Leia spoke, heads bowed in silent acknowledgment of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of a liberated galaxy. The funeral, bathed in a solemn atmosphere, continued with the Rebel Alliance honoring the fallen leaders who had succumbed to Rax's insidious plot.
Amidst the mourning, Vader observed from a distance, the weight of his decisions etched on his features. Leia, with a lingering sorrow in her eyes, glanced toward him, recognizing the complex interplay of dark and light within him.
Leia, standing at the forefront of the somber gathering, delivered a eulogy that echoed with both reverence and determination.
"May Mon Mothma and all those who perished find peace in the Force. And may we carry forward the torch of freedom they lit, even in the face of darkness."
XX
After, several more speakers gave their testimonials. Per Luke and Ezra's request, Spectre Seven steps forward to address the mourners.
"I will pay my respects to Mothma. Down the line you owe me a favor, Bridger. I'm quite unprepared."
Ezra nods. "Just speak from the heart," he responded from their force bond.
Her presence draws curious glances, as she was not a figure commonly associated with the Rebellion. Clearing her throat, she begins.
"Hello, I am called Spectre Seven in the Alliance. In my early life, I was part of the Jedi. Unfortunately, most of my memories during that time have been clouded..."
"When most Jedi were killed, I was turned into the opposite of my former life. With the Empire, I took down any Jedi survivors and Rebel sympathizers. Although, there was a Rebel who I had admiration and feelings for..."
Seventh momentarily makes a side glance at Ezra.
She continues, "During one battle, he saved my life and gave me a chance for a new chapter. To escape the Empire at last. I took the opportunity. Afterwards, I was temporarily locked up and questioned by the Alliance."
"Now, how does this deal with Chancellor Mothma?"
"One day, I was brought out of my cell, ending up meeting her for the first time. She was willing to give me the chance to redeem myself, a second chance... to fight to free people from their shackles, whether it be Jedi turned Inquisitor or citizens forced into Imperial mines."
"She helped me enter the squad I formerly hunted after, the Ghost crew."
Hera, Sabine, and Zeb in the general crowd smiled at the acknowledgment.
"There I gradually found balance to myself and implanted that idea on others," referencing her teachings to Skywalker.
"I am forever grateful for the opportunity she gave me and hope you all are as well. Thank you for listening."
Seventh Sister's words, unexpected but powerful, resonate with the crowd. As she steps back, there's a moment of silence before Luke rises to offer his own reflections.
"I am Luke Skywalker. I first heard of Chancellor Mothma after the Battle of Yavin."
"It holds such courage for her to speak out against the Empire in front of the Senate."
"And when I learned more about my birth mother's heritage as a politician... it was extraordinary to know that she was allied with Mothma. To unite against Palpatine's emergency powers because they knew what was to come."
Luke's gaze shifts to Leia, "Leia Organa, who has been a great leader and advocate for justice, also worked alongside Mothma in sparking hope during some of the hardest times."
"Mothma's openess to compromise may have turned violent, but we should not give up hope. This bloodshed can end soon."
"Because of her willingness to give second chances to people like Spectre Seven, I also was able to find balance within myself. To be able to forgive and let go of resentment for the greater good. To responsibly use both light and dark sides of the force, while still defending the Galaxy from tyranny."
"With the cooperation of Vader's forces, we can ensure a peaceful reform of the government. To still keep the Galaxy safe from pirates and slavers, while simultaneously maintaining the citizens' political freedom. Let's celebrate the courage she sparked in all of us. Thank you."
With that, Luke steps back, leaving the crowd to reflect on the words spoken and the legacy they carry forward.
XX
Amidst the sober air, there was a subtle yet profound moment of unity. Representatives from various planets, Rebels, some Imperials, and citizens paid their respects in their unique ways.
The Jedi, including Luke, Ezra, and Spectre Seven, stood together. Vader, Admiral Piett, Captain Needa, and other officers, though wary of the transition still went out of their way to pay respects.
The attendees, from seasoned military officers to ordinary citizens, took turns placing small mementos – flowers, symbols, and written notes – on a makeshift memorial. It became a collective expression of grief and solidarity, transcending political affiliations. The ceremony ended with a moment of silence, a shared reflection on the sacrifices made and the path ahead.
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the gathering. Amidst the fading light, a shared commitment emerged – to carry forward the ideals Mon Mothma championed, to build a galaxy where freedom and justice prevailed.