In the secret Galactic Alliance meeting room beneath the empty Senate rotunda, ALANA and MON MOTHMA make introductions.
MON MOTHMA: ...Ah, yes, Alana Seren. I remember you now. You were the young Ondos representative in the Senate, before Palpatine disbanded the body, yes?
ALANA smiles, and for a moment a faraway look comes into her eyes.
ALANA: Those days seem so long ago now.
LUKE is taken aback.
LUKE: You were a Senator?
ALANA: One of the youngest.
LUKE: But... That would mean... Surely you must have known of my sister, then? Leia also served in the Senate.
ALANA nods quietly, and LUKE is confused.
LUKE: Well, why didn’t you say anything before?
ALANA: (hesitant) I confess, I was a little embarrassed to bring it up...
LUKE: Embarrassed?
ALANA: Even though Leia is several years younger than me, I always admired her strength. She carried herself with a dignity in the Senate that commanded attention and respect. Although we never met, I guess you could say I looked up to her in a way... many of us did.
MON MOTHMA is moved by ALANA’S words.
MON MOTHMA: Yes, she certainly takes after her mother...
LUKE turns to MON MOTHMA, only to find himself suddenly speechless. She sees the surprise on his face and smiles reassuringly.
MON MOTHMA: I gather Obi Wan wasn’t able to tell you about her...?
LUKE: And you can?
MON MOTHMA: Yes, I knew her well...but it is a painful subject I would prefer to discuss at a more appropriate time, when your sister can be with us.
LUKE sees the sadness in MON MOTHMA’S eyes, and he nods respectfully. Reaching into his robe, he produces a small information disk.
LUKE: Fair enough. Let us get to the real reason we’re here, then, and bring you up to speed on the things we’ve witnessed at Kessel.
MON MOTHMA nods, and turns to her SECURITY CHIEF.
MON MOTHMA: Chief Hoedaak, can you get me a secure channel to Barrola the Great of Nal Hutta, please?
HOEDAAK nods and leaves.
THREEPIO: If I may say so, My Lady, the goings on at Kessel are most atrocious...