For years, senator Mon Mothma had steered the Rebellion’s underground activities. As a highly public political figure, she could never oppose the Galactic Empire in public. So between her duties to represent her home world of Chandrila, the challenges of feigning imperial allegiance, and organizing a growing yet secret resistance’s activities, “Double-M,” as she was affectionately called by her friends, actually led a triple-life at least.
In those long years, Mon thought she had seen everything. That is, until it was time for her to step up even more. After an escalation of imperial oppression in Ghorman, a planet full of fabric traders and fashion designers, Mon openly accused the Empire of corruption in the senate. “The death of truth is the ultimate victory of evil,” she spoke, “and the monster screaming the loudest is Emperor Palpatine!” Needless to say, it was essential for Mon to quickly depart the premises after her speech, and for that no amount of acting training could have prepared her.
With both her driver and her rescue party corrupted by the Empire, veteran rebel Cassian Andor must swoop in and save Mothma’s day. He guides her outside the senate hall, down the hallway, and into the elevator. No sooner open the doors that Cassian must shoot an imperial spy, which he does with ease and zero hesitation. Shocked at seeing death arrive on her own doorstep, perhaps for the first time, Mon begins to stutter. “I’m not sure I can do this.” “Welcome to the Rebellion,” Cassian says as he takes her by the hand, pulling her along.
Mothma’s driver collapses dead on the ground mere minutes later, and by the time they reach a rebel safe house, Mon is in a state of pure shock. The crew has to keep moving, but Cassian buys her a bit of time to catch her breath. When she finally realizes what has just happened, she turns to Andor: “I’m not sure how to thank you.” To which Cassian only needs four words: “Make it worth it.”
It would take days, perhaps months, until Mothma’s multi-identity finally falls, not from her ID badge but from her own psyche. Alas, having arrived safely at the rebel base, one thing has become easier: There is only one role left for her to play—and play it she will brilliantly. Still, Andor’s reminder would forever keep echoing in her mind. She knew. She knew before, and she knew after. That’s why she continued to give everything to the cause, just as she had done ever since the Empire first reared its ugly head—because the best thanks is doing your part.
