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Today we’re continuing our mini-series of looks at Before the Awakening, the novel (really, three novellas bundled into one binding) by Greg Rucka. Yesterday, we gave you the scoop on Finn’s story, and today, we’re getting into some of the nitty-gritty details of the entry about Finn.
For starters, we learn a lot about the First Order, and how rigorously they train stormtroopers. From holodeck-level-realistic battlefield simulations, to monitoring bodily functions and making changes to workouts, target practice, and diets, from weapons training to “morale sessions,” we learn just how rigid and disciplined the First Order really is.
We also see the doubt in Finn’s mind as he wonders why he’s “different” from the rest of his trooper class. Sure, he’s in the top 1% and being considered by Captain Phasma as officer material at first. But as the story goes on, we see that Finn is treated differently. The rest of his fire team members have nicknames, but he doesn’t. He seems to have “empathy” for his fellow troopers, as Phasma and General Hux discuss while evaluating Finn. But even while seeming to care more about his fire team members than he should, he still feels different from everyone else.
And when push comes to shove, the Abednedo in his sights at the mining colony doesn’t get shot by him, because of the horror and misery Finn reads in the Abedneo’s face. Hey, there was at least one Abednedo rounded up at the village of Tuanul on Jakku, when they were all killed by the First Order. Maybe Finn saw the Abednedo and had the same reaction as on the mining colony at Pressy’s Tumble as he did on Jakku. Whatever the reason, the seeds of Finn’s discontent clearly started not long before The Force Awakens.
Trivia Time!
Test your knowledge of the Star Wars universe!Yesterday’s answer: Abednedo
Today’s question: What’s the model number of a standard issue First Order blaster?