X-WING

　　The Resistance Grows

　"As I mentioned, before the Emperor disbanded the Senate, some of us had dared to take an active role against him. Chief among my allies was Senator Bail Organa of Alderaan, and, though we seldom agreed on the Senate floor, we both came to understand the danger inherent in Palpatine's rise to power.
　"Even as Senator Palpatine outmaneuvered and defrauded the Senate, Bail Organa and I plotted secretly, meeting repeatedly at Chatham House, Organa's home in Imperial City.
　"At first, Organa had resisted my call for a general revolution, horrified at the thought of abandoning the government to which he had devoted much of his life. Then came the massacre at Ghorman, a small planet in the Sern sector, just outside the Hub Worlds.
　"Following the incident at Ghorman, Bail Organa agreed to assist in the diversion of weapons and funds to the growing Resistance effort. Perhaps even more importantly, Organa helped the Rebel Alliance gain classified information that was integral to our early survival.
　"In fact, when I was eventually discovered as a Rebel leader, well-placed operatives allowed me to flee the capital only moments before I would have been apprehended.
　"The stated goal of the Rebellion has been to create an Alliance of planets, as was first accomplished in the Corellian System. Under the guidelines discussed during the Chatham House meetings, the three major Corellian Resistance groups were convinced to join together. Under a system of centralized leadership, the Corellians enjoyed the benefits of increased communication, and greater access to much needed funds, supplies and weaponry.
　"The Corellian Treaty was the true beginning of the Alliance, and remains a shining example that there is enough strength in Rebel unity to combat even the Empire.
　"Since the signing of the Corellian Treaty, I have traveled from world to world, and been welcomed by beings of conscience, independent thinkers, and victims of Imperial atrocities. They have joined the Alliance, as I hope you good beings will also join. I have come as a messenger of hope, offering fellowship in a growing galactic movement."
　It was then that B'ante Hatcher, the leader of the Resistance on Agamar stepped forward, and addressed Mon Mothma with mock skepticism.
　"But what does the Alliance have to offer us!" said Hatcher, doing his best to affect a whining lament. "Why should we join you!"
　A nervous buzz swept across the crowd, but Mon Mothma hardly seemed caught off guard. As the chatter subsided, she continued her address.
　"That's a fair question," Mon Mothma replied. "I'm glad you asked."
　"Let's suppose that Imperial warships were headed for your planet, intent on causing complete destruction. You have perhaps a dozen obsolete Headhunter starfighters, and maybe five of them are battleworthy. Furthermore, you wouldn't even know that the Imperial ships were on their way until they opened fire, because you have no tactical communication outside of Imperial channels.
　"But suppose that Agamar were linked to a sector-wide network, with surveillance droids watching the Imperial fleet, and secret communiques from Allied worlds able to warn you well in advance of any threat. Neighboring systems would also be part of the network, ready to assist in your defense with men, weapons and starfighters.
　"The benefits are obvious. How many lives might have been saved at Tondatha with advance warning?
　"The Alliance offers experienced leadership, coordination of information, and logistical support for every world that truly desires freedom.
　"And you needn't worry about trading one Empire for another. I am the Alliance Chief of State, and Supreme Commander of the Rebel Forces, but, unlike the Emperor, my job is temporary. Every two years, the Advisory Council calls a vote, and at any time they can replace the Chief of State. And, as soon as the Emperor is deposed, all the worlds in the Alliance win participate in forming a New Republic, and organizing a new governing body.
　"Let me read to you an excerpt from our formal Declaration of Rebellion, which was addressed directly to the Emperor himself.

　　"We, the Rebel Alliance, in the name of and under authority from the free beings of the galaxy, solemnly declare our intentions:
　　・We will fight and oppose the Empire and its forces, by any and all means at our disposal.
　　・We will refuse to enforce any Imperial law deemed contrary to the rights of free beings.
　　・The Rebellion will continue until such time as the Emperor is dead, and the Empire dismantled and destroyed.'

　"I have pledged my life to this cause, and I implore you to do the same.
　"Also consider, for a moment, what I can the Empire's Great Lie. Palpatine has continued the pretense that he will end social injustice and corruption, but his true goal has always been the subjugation of worlds and the enslavement of citizens. He rules by fear, rather than by consent. He preaches that all beings are equal, even while he conducts ruthless campaigns of genocide.
　"The Empire seems unstoppable. Often has that been said. But hear the words of Palpatine's own Grand Moff Tarkin, and consider them well:

　　"Even the excellent pace with which Your Majesty is strengthening his meets cannot provide security for the Empire, should a significant number of planets begin to defy your will,' noted Tarkin recently. 'We are many years away from a force vast enough to secure every system simultaneously.
　　"'I would advise His Majesty to rule through the fear of force, rather than through force itself. If we use our strength wisely, we shall cow thousands of worlds which might otherwise consider rebellion.'"

　Mon Mothma paused, allowing the words of Grand Moff Tarkin to be thought upon deeply before concluding her speech.
　"Friends, the Empire is evil, guided by an evil creature in alliance with the dark side of the Force. You must find the courage within yourself to resist.
　"They cannot subdue us all! They have admitted it! Only fear keeps them in power, and if we act now, together, we can cast off their oppression, and dispel this horrible Darkness. For the sake of all who cherish freedom, not only can the Empire be defeated, it must be!
　"As we gather here tonight, other beings from all quadrants of the galaxy are rising up against the Empire's injustices, bravely defying the Imperial overlords in a life-or-death struggle. They need your help!
　"The Resistance is not insignificant. Moff Tarkin himself has conceded that.
　"The Alliance offers the peace and unity that all beings deserve, but this can only be achieved through total Rebellion. Only by working together, by coordinating efforts with other planets and systems, can the will of the Emperor be defied. It is my urgent plea to you who have gathered here tonight: Join the growing Rebel Alliance. Separate, we shall fail, but together, we shall prevail!"

　　Afterward

　The speech and the subsequent cheering were long since over, and most of the Agamar locals had departed. There had been some additional discussion of Mon Mothma's proposal, and it seemed almost certain that the Agamar Resistance would join the Alliance. Regardless, I had already made my decision.
　As I stood listening to the others talk, a pretty young woman approached me. Her smile was dazzling, but her eyes were very serious. She was one of the Alliance team who had accompanied Mon Mothma, and she handed me a small synth-paper pamphlet, saying; "Read this. It will help you understand more."
　As she walked away, she turned, and added; "Be sure to return that to me, or destroy it before you leave. To be caught with it by the Imperials means certain, painful death."
　I took the small pamphlet, and began to read....