Some day soon, they will bow to the First Order and admit their colossal failures!
Beside Nestor, Pedro groans. He expresses how they all feel. "How long is that guy gonna go on?"
"It's Hux. He loves a microphone," Omar gripes.
"No shit. But this isn't the Finalizer's morning announcements. I guess no one told him that he's the warmup act?"
Jonar now wonders aloud, "How did he get this high-profile speaking gig anyway?"
"Probably because Daddy Hux runs the trooper training program," Omar answers. He and Carlos are experts on the Order hierarchy. "That prick's First Order royalty."
"That prick is loud," Pedro observes. "It's like he speaks in all caps. Hux needs to chill."
Kylo snorts. "Guys like him can't chill." The irony of the statement is apparently lost on him.
The Knights are standing in a huddle off-stage of an Empire Day rally. It's an annual tradition that has grown over the years along with the appeal of the First Order. Today throughout the Rim, the Order is hosting ten of these convocations. What was once an outlawed Imperial holiday observed by a few belligerent holdouts has evolved into a flashy and loud display of civil disobedience that is perilously approaching outright political revolt. That's by design, naturally.
Snoke never attends these events in person, but he oversees their stagecraft. Looking around, Nestor sees that today's rally has all of the Leader's trademark stylings. From the neat rows of nattily attired officers and conspicuously armed stormtroopers, to the enormous red and black banner backdrop emblazoned with the insignia of the Order, this is Snoke at his most media savvy. Everything is perfectly positioned to maximize camera angles for the galaxy-wide live broadcast. The speeches have plenty of quotable one-liners that will easily edit down to holonet gifs and sound bites. Snoke is heralding the good old days with callbacks to Imperial rule while still keeping it fresh with lots of young faces like Colonel Armitage Hux. The message is clear: this isn't your parents' Empire, this is the new and improved version built by people like you. Come join us in honoring the past and shaping the future.
The screaming crowd loves it. These rallies are a strange juxtaposition to Nestor's eye. Upfront there is impressive discipline from the military attendees standing at rigorous attention. These are the 'Militia Men' who Snoke pretends are not his illegal private army. They contrast completely with the riotous uproar in back from the mob of civilian fans who waited for hours to get in. They have homemade signs and red caps that proclaim their allegiance to the goal of making the galaxy great again. All in all, Nestor thinks the atmosphere is one part parade ground maneuver and one part block party. And strangely, it works. Say what you will about the First Order, they know how to throw a rally.
The Order's rhetoric is invariably harsh. There are lots of problems with the New Republic and the speakers do not mince words. And actually, that straight talk is a large part of the Order's appeal. There is no double speak, equivocation, or political correctness allowed here. That it all manages to be so relentlessly positive is the real feat. There is a 'let's roll up our sleeves and get to work' can do attitude that prevails despite the laundry list of complaints.
Hux is hammering on that particular theme currently.
The New Republic lies to the galaxy!
"He sounds like he's working up to the big finish," Nestor observes hopefully.
"How can you tell?" Pedro grumbles. "Much longer and he's going to be hoarse."
"Much longer and my ears are gonna bleed. Dude needs a mute button," Static sighs.
"The crowd is loving it," Nestor decides. He's no fan of Hux, but he can see the guy's star power. The tall, slim redheaded Colonel is whipping the crowd into a frenzy of anger. "Guys like him are why the Core thinks we're crazies."
"What you really mean is shit like this is why your Senator's daughter won't fuck you," Kylo chimes in with a hater's glee. And whatever. It's Kylo being Kylo. The Apprentice gets nervous at these things, he's noticed. It's easy to tell because an uncomfortable Kylo is extra nasty.
. . . are joined today by the mighty Kylo Ren and the Knights of Ren . . .
"Mighty? So now I'm mighty?" Kylo's face is sour. He does not appreciate the adjective.
"Fuck, yeah, you're mighty!" Jonar declares as he jams on his helmet. "Put your bonnet on, boss, and light that sword."
He's right. Nestor dons his own helmet and turns to Kylo. "That's our cue."
But Kylo's feeling dissed. "Mighty sounds so . . . . so . . . cheesy. And it sounds like a good guy. Good guys are mighty."
"We are the good guys," he points out.
Kylo shoots him an 'oh please' look and announces, "Maybe you are, but I'm not." Then he lights his sword as if to prove the point. Apparently, Kylo is choosing to forget that he told his Master in his throne room that he was going to be a hero.
"Whoa, dude! What's with the new sword?" Static reacts to Kylo's new lightsaber.
"Like it?"
"That thing is sick!"
It is pretty cool, Nestor has to admit. The new sword looks like a traditional sword with two vents off the hilt, giving it the shape of a blazing red cross. The vents are a temporary solution to the instability of the embedded crystal. Kylo pulled the power source out of one of Snoke's relics and it's cracked. As Jonar warned him, the energy emitted by the broken crystal tends to surge at times. So the Apprentice and his bombmaking Knight put their heads together and opted for a change in hilt design. The revised saber now accommodates the pulsating, throbbing randomness of its energy source. It results in an unsteady, sparking blade at times. Nestor would never say it, but the result seems very appropriate for the Apprentice, who himself is an unpredictable work in progress. The hilt looks a bit makeshift as well for Jonar and Kylo left the wiring on the exterior.
The vents harken back to an ancient design, or so Kylo claims. Plus, the side vents are a useful defense against disarming moves that might cost him a hand in a duel with his uncle. So while the Apprentice says he's only planning to keep the side vents until he can find an intact crystal, who knows?
. . . look forward to the day when the galaxy is rid of the cowardly assassin Luke Skywalker courtesy of the Knights of Ren . . .
One of the backstage PR types now interrupts to shepherd them on stage. "You're on," she informs them as she crooks a finger. So the Knights now dutifully troop out onto the dais.
The crowd goes wild for Kylo Ren and his red sword. "Hold it high, boss," Nestor tells him, "so it makes the newsfeeds tonight." That flashy new sword is going to get noticed.
When the adulation eventually subsides, Kylo deactivates his weapon. The Knights all take a knee facing forward. That's where a giant hologram of Snoke is projected following a musical fanfare. This is the main event everyone has been waiting for. The long, noisy leadup is over. It's time for the Leader's State of the Galaxy address.
The speech is Snoke's annual critique of the enemy. In contrast to all the amped up rhetoric that precedes him, the Supreme Leader states his remarks dispassionately. His tone is measured and his arguments are reasoned. There is no snark or sarcasm. No zingers or name calling. Just damning facts and finger-pointing. It has all been scrupulously fact checked to withstand the inevitable media scrutiny. For Snoke is careful to keep his credibility.
As Snoke ticks through his litany of complaints and calls for change, he is disarmingly plain spoken. The man is crisp and businesslike, for the speech is long on substance and short on style. Nestor knows that the Leader is playing against type. His critics expect him to be a loud fascist firebrand, so he confounds them. As always, Snoke is very strategic in his public presentation. The Leader is also playing the elder statesman role, very clearly harkening back to his secret Apprentice Darth Sidious. It's a very obvious comparison, given Snoke is draped in somber, kingly robes with a hideous face that matches the ugliness of the last Emperor.
The listening Knights all have their helmets on. That means no one can catch them talking amongst themselves on camera. That's a good thing because bored Kylo grouses, "The PR types owe me for this. I am not a prop."
He begs to differ. "Get used to it. There are going to be more days like today."
"Nestor's right," listening Omar chimes in. "And what's the big deal? We're the heroes."
"Right! We are the good guys," Nestor huffs. He's still irked by that exchange backstage.
"They love us. Kylo, what's not to like?" Omar contends. "Every guy here today wants to be us. Well, you. They want to be you."
"I don't want to be loved, I want to be feared," the proud Apprentice declares.
"I call bullshit on that," Omar retorts. "Everyone wants to be loved. Who doesn't want a screaming crowd chanting their name?"
Kylo Ren, that's who. The guy hates the public aspects of his job, Nestor has noticed. He's stiff and uncomfortable even with the anonymity of his mask to hide behind. Kylo seems in denial about where this is all heading. Because there's no way the Apprentice will remain behind the scenes in a First Order government. As it is, Snoke keeps trotting him out before the cameras with increasing regularity. He's easing the guy into the role that the Starkiller will make inevitable.
After all this time, Nestor thinks, he still can't figure Kylo out. What is Kylo after besides revenge on his uncle? Does Kylo even know? It's definitely not First Order politics. The guy has far too many Core attitudes for that. Sometimes, Nestor thinks his boss craves respect. But if today's fame and adulation aren't making the guy happy, then what will? There are times when Kylo appears to be going through the motions and Nestor wonders if he even cares about the Order's objectives and Snoke's plans for him. Kylo's no fan of Starkiller Base, that's for sure. But he's not about to say that to Snoke's face. Kylo is terrified of his Master. They all are.
And that's the thing—there are times when Snoke is truly fatherly towards his Apprentice. The old Sith Master can be almost kind at times. But don't get used to it because Snoke reverts to his usual self without warning. And that inevitably means lightning. But how does Kylo feel about his Master beyond just fear of his wrath? Nestor can't be sure. Kylo speaks of Snoke with respect but it pretty much ends there. The Leader is a harsh taskmaster. He continually reminds Kylo of the legacy of Darth Vader. Those are the audiences in the throne room when the sad eyed Apprentice gets an especially hangdog look. Nestor feels for the guy, he really does. Because he's either stuck living up to the legacy of his Rebellion hero parents and Jedi Master uncle or he's living up to the legacy of his Sith Master great-grandfather Snoke and his infamous galaxy ruling grandfather Darth Vader. No pressure . . . no pressure at all.
But trying to be supportive to the Leader's long-term goal, Nestor now reminds his boss, "Vader did a lot of stuff like this. Vader was the face of the Empire and you're our new Vader."
"I guess Vader was feared and loved . . ." Kylo posits.
"Damn right," Omar approves. "Feared and loved are a good combo."
"Whatever," Kylo shuts him down and changes the topic. "How long is this speech?"
"I dunno. Thirty minutes?"
"Fuck. That's a long time to kneel," Kylo complains. "This would be easier if I had Vader's mechanical legs."
Snoke keeps his speech short, like Omar guesses. As the address concludes, the Leader sums up his argument: the New Republic is a failure like the original Republic before it. Moreover, its heartless bureaucrats have strayed from the original values the old galactic institution espoused. The Senators on Hosnia mire themselves in plodding process while they lose the ultimate objective of good government. That slavish commitment to rules and procedure is what brought you starving children on Ibaar, Snoke reminds his audience. Because the Senate would rather insist on its trade policies than bend the rules to prevent mass famine. Basically, the New Republic focuses on the 'of the people, by the people, and for the people' part and forgets the 'pursuit of happiness' and 'pursuit of excellence' promises.
Leader Snoke now signs off with a somewhat solemn prayer that 'May the Force be with us.' It's a line from the days of the Old Republic, back from the days when the Jedi High Council was something of a check-and-balance on the Senate. So why is the Jedi-hating, Republic-destroying First Order Leader Snoke invoking the Force? Is it just a throwaway line to piss off his opponents? Nestor thinks not. Because beside him, Kylo intones with reverence, "May the Force forgive us." It's a slightly different spin than his Master's version. Then, the Apprentice rises to his feet and stomps off the stage. No one notices. They are too busy cheering for Snoke.
And thus, another Empire Day comes and goes. Nothing changes except everything is changing. It's a creeping change that is decades in the making. But Nestor can see it—things are approaching the tipping point he has long predicted. The signs are everywhere. There is a growing political consensus in the Rim that favors Snoke's policy ideas, even if it doesn't overtly endorse him. More and more political candidates for the upcoming Senate elections now openly invoke his name. Snoke might not be on the ballot, but his ideas are and they are winning over hearts and minds. It makes average people more comfortable admitting to Order allegiance. That sort of thing might get you fired in the Core, but in the Rim it's like joining a club.
Does the Senate perceive the subtle but important changes at work? Nestor is skeptical. The powers-that-be are smugly blind to Snoke's slow groundswell of support. They cannot seem to conceive of why anyone would follow the Order, let along the impoverished in the Rim, many of whom are near-human, but not-human species. Those are exactly the people the Republic thinks should be their supporters. But increasingly, they are not. Too many years of neglect and broken promises have alienated those constituencies. They're ready to try something new, especially since it looks like the familiar old Empire. Because how bad can it be? What do they have to lose?
The inability of many in the Core to entertain the thought that decent citizens might support the First Order for sensible reasons—like jobs and opportunity—amounts to an epic blind spot. Moreover, the media's smug condescension repels the growing number of Snoke sympathizers who cannot see anything of themselves in the caricatures of Order followers as bigoted, backward, greedy, hateful, stupid losers. Nestor's no political scientist, but he has firsthand familiarity with the plight of working men and women. They've been taken for granted far too long and their patience is close to an end. Now is the time for the New Republic to step in with a major policy shift and a complete reversal in tone to salvage things. Because in his estimation, the time for a last-ditch effort to avert war is waning fast.
Will the leaders in Hosnia take the opportunity? No. Of course, not.
Things in the Senate remain at status quo. The New Republic has long followed an unofficial policy of ignoring Snoke. The galactic government refuses to acknowledge him as an adversary. On the rare occurrence when senior lawmakers do mention him, it is dismissively. He's a joke and his followers are an amalgamation of the Imperial remnants. Pay him no heed. He's a Palpatine wannabe with an outdated vision of the future that only his crazy bantha-like followers believe. Don't give him the satisfaction of listening and taking him seriously. It will only inflate his ego and embolden his criminal terrorist followers like Kylo Ren. But even that guy is overblown. Don't believe all the boasts and rumors. The First Order threat is minimal and largely contained.
The mainstream media is largely complicit with that opinion. While they do cover the Order, it's all filtered through that same viewpoint. So when they broadcast stories of Order activities and the Knights' exploits, it's from a very skeptical perspective using very loaded language. It's almost as if they believe their own fake news. As a result, there has been no public outcry in the Core to deal with the Order. And since the local Rim systems where the Order operates openly are friendly, there is no push from the outlying Republic worlds either. In essence, the Republic ignores the First Order. Snoke is largely free to do what he pleases unfettered by the risk of discovery or reprisal.
Until, of course, he gets caught.
A First Order star destroyer manages to get tracked on a rare foray into the Core. Were it intercepted by an official Republic ship, the news might be successfully suppressed. But instead, it gets spotted by a commercial convoy. The wowed spacers take copious, detailed pictures of the latest in fleet technology. And then, they release them on the holonet.
The blatantly illegal, impressively armed, and all-around ridiculously gigantic star destroyer becomes an instant viral sensation.
Did Snoke get caught? Or did Snoke allow himself to get caught? Nestor isn't sure. Because while a slip up is always a possibility, Snoke has a lot to gain by an accidental-on-purpose discovery. Suddenly, the whole galaxy takes notice. Instantly, the warnings about the Order have some credibility. It's just the nudge the increasingly polarized citizenry needs to push it further into conflict. Flashpoints, Nestor is fast learning, are a Sith speciality.
So what does the galaxy think? Some dismiss the pictures as doctored photos. Because no one has a star destroyer like that. They've been illegal for years. No shipyard will build that sort of capital ship. It's just more propaganda like the puffery that's on the Order-affiliated newsfeeds.
But others contend that the ship is the smoking gun proof that confirms their worst fears. Snoke is the real deal and he's operating in the Core. He's a threat that the Republic must deal with before it's too late. Time to call up the X-wings and smoke this guy out. Because who knows how many more of those behemoth ships he has stashed in the Rim.
Still another faction urges caution. They want to evaluate and to investigate. To hold Senate hearings and to convene public briefings. No one wants a kneejerk war, they complain to those urging a military first strike. Push too hard on this and you will provoke another Separatist Crisis, they warn. Instead, we should take time to study the matter and to determine whether Snoke or his supporters should be arrested.
The Senate erupts in infighting as the debate rhetoric heats up. Soon, it's a political quagmire. No view can form a consensus, although everyone has an opinion. The Republic does nothing in the interim. In the end, those who doubt the story and those who urge caution prevail. They simply outnumber (and out shout) those demanding action.
Meanwhile, Snoke wins by default. For like his Apprentice, the Supreme Leader is stoking Darkness, Nestor perceives. The Leader is poking and prodding tensions towards war. Sowing the seeds of doubt and discord that will lay the predicate for public acceptance of the use of the Starkiller Base.
Does anyone perceive the crafty Sith Master for the expert manipulator that he is? Yes. Namely, Leia Organa. On the day that the Chancellor's office reiterates its long-held view that the First Order is not a credible military threat to New Republic sovereignty, Leia Organa calls a press conference.
Nestor is eating a late lunch with Pedro when he catches the breaking news on one of the Order newsfeeds that play in the background on screens throughout the commissary. He listens long enough to get the gist before he puts down his fork and decides, "Kylo needs to see this."
Pedro nods. "He will." Checking his datapad, the other Knight confirms, "She's on all the major newsfeeds currently."
"He needs to see this now." Nestor doesn't want Kylo blindsided by this news. It's way too personal. He stands to his feet and pushes his tray away. "Where is he?"
"On the bridge trolling Hux, I think."
"Thanks."
Nestor takes off for the bridge. He walks right into the Finalizer's nerve center, striding past the bridge security clearance checkpoint. Kylo's arrogantly determined attitude of establishing the Knights at the apex of the command structure has its benefits. By now, everyone onboard knows that Kylo answers only to Snoke and, in turn, the Knights answer only to Kylo. The Ren operate outside the military chain of command and there is not an officer on the Finalizer who is senior to them.
Nestor sees the wisdom in that decision now, just like he sees the wisdom in Snoke's decidedly non-military choice of uniform. The Knights' grave black vicar's robes project an authority completely different from the rank stripes and insignias of the regular officer corps. They also get noticed. Heads lift and eyes follow as Nestor sweeps onto the bridge with purposeful steps to approach his boss.
"Kylo—"
"Go away. I'm meditating."
Maybe he's meditating. But mostly, Nestor thinks, Kylo is hanging out here pretending to helm the Finalizer like he's Vader on the Executor. He hovers on the bridge as a malevolent, mysterious figure facing the void of space. It fits with his Dark Sith image and, perhaps more importantly, it greatly annoys the high-strung prima donna Colonel Hux. "Boss—"
"Come back later."
"No." He steps close to murmur under his breath. "It's Leia Organa."
The name gets the Apprentice's attention, like he knew it would. For a second, Kylo looks panicked. "What's she doing?" But he recovers fast to sneer, "And why should I care?"
"Come see. It's on all the newsfeeds."
Together, they move to the communications desk on the bridge. Kylo gives the attending officer instructions and she pulls up the broadcast.
Beside him, Kylo glowers in silence.
By now, Leia Organa's initial public statement has finished. The former Senator is now at the lectern taking questions from the press.
Are you doing this because Luke Skywalker hasn't returned?
I'm doing this to keep democracy safe.
Will you be reaching out to Skywalker to join your new organization?
All good citizens are welcome to join us.
How will your group coordinate with the Republic military?
That has yet to be determined.
Will you be sharing information and equipment with them?
That has yet to be determined.
Where will you get funding?
"Keep this going, but pull up her opening remarks," Nestor instructs the lieutenant whose station they have commandeered. By this time, Hux, who patrols the bridge like it's his own real estate, has approached to see what the fuss is about. Meanwhile, other ranking officers apparently have received a ping on their comlink alerting them to the breaking news. They too seek out the growing huddle at the communications desk.
"Got it, Sir." It's the helpful lieutenant. She has the video of Leia Organa's earlier opening statement.
"Good. Play it on the big screens," Nestor instructs. He, Kylo, Hux, and the senior leaders all move towards the nearest of several large viewscreens that are placed around the rambling bridge to provide all occupants a view from their sight line. After a brief fuzz of static, a video of Leia Organa begins to play.
Hello and thank you for gathering today. I'll keep my remarks brief and take a few questions afterwards. As most of you know, years ago I fought my own father in the struggle against the Empire. At great cost, the Rebellion prevailed and brought forth a new Republic, restoring peace and freedom to the galaxy. But I fear that our hard-won success will soon be under attack. There are forces at work—Dark forces—who seek to reinstate the tyranny of the past. For recent events have proven what myself and others have long suspected: we have a new enemy in the First Order.
While the Senate has voted to refrain from military action against the First Order at this time, I believe that is the wrong decision. Waiting for more provocation will only embolden Snoke and provide his followers additional time to strengthen. They must be stopped. Not tomorrow or the next day, but today. To that end, I am forming my own militia group of volunteer citizens to resist against the aggression of the First Order.
This is necessary. While today the First Order flouts our laws and undermines our ideals, I believe that someday soon there will be war. I will be ready for it. I will defend the New Republic with all my abilities so that the millions of good people who suffered and died for its creation will not have sacrificed in vain. And so that hope—hope for a freer, fairer, more prosperous and more inclusive society—will not vanish from this galaxy. If you want these things as well, if you value the future and refuse to repeat the mistakes of the past, then join me. Together, we are powerful. Because hope and truth and goodness are powerful.
I have briefed the Chancellor on my objectives. He has asked me to remind all watching today that since I am no longer a member of Republic Senate, I am not acting on behalf of the New Republic. I take this action of my own accord as a private citizen. I do this with deep conviction that Supreme Leader Snoke and his neo-Imperialists must be stopped. If the First Order is permitted to continue its reign of terror and military buildup, other star systems could face the fate of Alderaan. I refuse to let that happen without a fight.
The excerpt ends and the screen freezes on the image of the elegantly attired Rebel Princess looking appropriately dour.
"Play it again?" The lieutenant at the communication desk looks to Nestor for guidance. He shakes his head no. Once was enough.
Around him, the Finalizer's commanders start to react. "Did she just declare war on us all by herself?" someone asks incredulously.
The lieutenant colonel beside Nestor nods. "That old gal's still a fighter. She looks ready to take on the whole First Order herself."
"She's Darth Vader's daughter," someone sneers, referring to the shocking secret that ruined the woman's Senate career and hopes for a Chancellorship. "What do you expect? She looked mad enough at the end to do the Vader choke."
"Do you think she can do the Vader choke?"
"Yes," Kylo grumbles under his breath. But no one seems to hear other than himself. Nestor shoots his boss a wary glance and doesn't like the expression he sees.
The lead navigator now gripes, "She got the 'hope' thing in. She loves to talk about hope. The 'audacity of hope' and 'choose hope.'" The guy rolls his eyes, and that pretty much sums up how everyone feels.
Hux bristles. "The Republic has no monopoly on hope."
"According to her, it does," Nestor points out.
Kylo concurs. "If you're not with her, you're against her," he accuses as he steps past everyone to approach the screen. Nestor's vantage point sees him in profile. Kylo is glowering hard at the frozen, image of his secret mother. The guy's arms are clenched in fists and his shoulders heave slightly. "She's a hypocrite and always has been," Kylo hisses as he glares at the still image with nostrils flaring. It's a sort of one-sided, virtual standoff.
"Well, she can gather all the volunteers she wants, but she won't stop us," Hux proclaims staunchly.
The greying Admiral in command, a quiet former Imperial officer who provides the only adult supervision on the Finalizer, disagrees. "Take her seriously, Colonel. That Princess took out two Death Stars before she and her Jedi brother toppled the Empire."
It's a grim reminder that this woman is not the typical all-talk politician. Plus, she's a magical Skywalker.
"This group she's forming will be a proxy for the Republic," know-it-all Hux speculates in his patrician nasal tones. "The Senate decided not to move against us, so they can't do it directly. Instead, they set her up as a so-called independent group when in reality—"
"FUUUUCK!"
It's Kylo, roaring almost like he's in pain. It shuts Hux up immediately. A split second later Kylo's sword activates in his hand. The irate Apprentice starts swinging at the screen displaying his mother.
Again and again, Kylo pummels the equipment. His sword slices through effortlessly, leaving behind sparking molten red slash marks. But he doesn't stop. He keeps swinging. Soon, the screen is destroyed completely. Bits and pieces of twisted metal, wiring, and plastic are scattered in a ten-foot radius. But Kylo shows no signs of stopping.
The entire bridge is silent. Neither Nestor nor the rest of the command group says a thing. They just watch the venting Apprentice. The others think this is Kylo Ren out of control raging at their avowed enemy, but he alone knows better. This is equal parts rejection and hurt as the last member of the erstwhile Ben Solo's family turns on him. It's all a bit confusing for Nestor. For Kylo couldn't get off Coruscant fast enough once he sensed his mother in the Force. He had run away scared, nearly melting the engines of their transport.
Was he avoiding an ugly, perhaps violent confrontation? Perhaps were those Snoke's orders? Or did Kylo want to be chased and caught? If so, is it because he wants his mother to reach out so he can rebuff her? Does Kylo need her to make the first move to prove she cares? Honestly, Nestor isn't sure what to think. But it's clear the Apprentice has a lot of unresolved mommy issues.
Finally, Hux interrupts. "That's enough!"
The annoyed comment seems to get through. Kylo recovers from his violent tantrum and steps back to view his handiwork.
Is Kylo embarrassed? Nestor can't tell. His intense expression is inscrutable in the moment.
"Do you think you got her?" Hux sneers when the Apprentice remains silent. "Really, Ren, you're making a mess. This accomplishes nothing!"
Kylo ignores him and stalks off with red blade still lit. Every eye on the Finalizer bridge follows him. Quite a few personnel audibly exhale with relief.
Kylo's exit leaves Nestor as the sole representative of the Knights in attendance. Hux approaches now to lodge his complaints. "His childishness is unacceptable!"
But Nestor is turned away, still watching where Kylo just stormed off. "You tell him that."
"I might," Hux snaps.
Nestor gives him some free advice. "Wait until he turns off the sword."
"He is a disgrace!"
He turns to look Hux in the eye. "This is personal for him."
"It's personal for all of us when Darth Vader's daughter declares war on the First Order!" Hux grandstands.
"Maybe so," he concedes. "But it's personal for him for different reasons." That's Kylo's mother who just declared war. Whatever hope Leia Organa has left, it apparently does not extend to a reconciliation with her son.
Skinny Hux gets up in his face now, looming over him from his superior height. The redheaded First Order prince speaks under his breath. "I know who Ren is . . . who he really is. That doesn't excuse this gratuitous display. I don't know why Leader Snoke tolerates him."
"You've got it all wrong," Nestor answers back with a glance towards the ruined viewscreen. "This is exactly what Snoke wants."
Today's seething, hurt Kylo is what Snoke wants. The sly Sith Master is manipulating his family with the same deft he uses to manipulate the galaxy. The conflict has been building since the first time young teenaged Ben Solo appeared on his doorstep asking for guidance. Snoke sent him away so that the kid would keep coming back. And he did. Then Luke Skywalker made it easy for Snoke when he pulled his sword on his sleeping nephew. The absent father Han Solo made it easy as well with his longtime emotional abandonment of his son. But the mother? Well, Kylo seems more hurt by her rejection than he seems to actually hate her. Kylo said it himself—Snoke doesn't want him running home to mommy. But after today, that seems a slim chance. Because Leia Organa just pulled her version of Luke Skywalker's midnight execution stunt, only she did it her way with a press conference and a manifesto. The result is the same. Battle lines have been drawn.
He's long resented Kylo's arrogant opinion that all galactic politics are his family's personal conflicts. But now, Nestor's starting to wonder if he's right.
"The whole ship is going to know about this!" fuming Hux basically announces that he will start the gossip himself. "Ren can't fight Skywalker, so he fights inanimate objects," the young Colonel taunts like a schoolyard bully.
Nestor gives him a cool look. Kylo's the Apprentice and the second-in-command to Snoke for all things Dark Side. He refuses to see him dissed. The guy's his boss but importantly, he's his friend.
"Whatever you think of Kylo Ren," he warns Hux in a low voice, "know this: the First Order cannot win the galaxy without him. So, you may have to get used to more of this." Then, with a respectful nod to the Admiral in command, Nestor exits the bridge.
He catches up with Kylo pacing fast while he waits for an elevator. The sword is deactivated now and back hanging at his waist. The elevator arrives and he and Kylo step on. They are alone.
"Want to run some drills?" he asks offhand, thinking maybe some swordplay will help his boss blow off steam.
But Kylo declines. "Maybe later."
Affable as always, he takes the rebuff. "Sure."
The Apprentice sighs and looks away. "She didn't even say my name," he mutters.
She didn't? Nestor didn't notice. He shrugs. "Whatever. She's a bitch."
"She called out Snoke and the First Order, but she didn't say Kylo Ren." Clearly, Kylo's feeling dissed. "She wouldn't say my name, Nestor. She didn't acknowledge me for who I am."
"Maybe she still thinks of you as her son. You know—"
"Ben Solo? The kid she pretends is dead?"
"Yeah."
"I'm not dead and that's entirely thanks to the Dark Side," the aggrieved Apprentice rasps. He is peevish as he vows, "One day she will say my name . . . the whole galaxy will know my name . . . the mighty Kylo Ren . . . " It's the phrase he took objection to before. But now, he says it without reservation or hesitation. Like he's finally embracing who he is becoming.
The elevator door opens and Kylo stalks off. Watching him, Nestor thinks that the next time they're at a Snoke rally, Kylo won't be his usual sheepish, uncomfortable self. The Apprentice has long been a strange mix of arrogance and insecurity, but lately he's finding his swagger.
