The Emergence of the First Order: A New Empire in Exile

The collapse of the Galactic Empire and the re-establishment of the Old Republic over two decades later were not the end of the galactic power structures. Instead, a new entity soon emerged, the First Order, which sought to reclaim the mantle of power and control long monopolized by the fallen Empire. This article explores the origins, leaders, and rise of the First Order in the aftermath of the Battle of Jakku and the subsequent re-establishment of the Old Republic.

The Rebellious Admirals and Warlords

Following the Rebel Alliance's victory at the Battle of Jakku in 5 ABY, the Imperial military gradually disintegrated, with many admirals and generals turning to warlordism rather than cooperating to defeat the New Republic. Among these was Grand Admiral Rae Sloane, who, with a ship and the loyalty of her crew, embarked on a journey to the Unknown Regions. This was no accident; such plans were made by Emperor Palpatine in his final moments, as a contingency plan to establish an Empire-in-Exile.

In 28 ABY, 23 years after Jakku, Sloane and her crew, along with other remnants, returned and joined forces with various star systems in the New Republic that sought a 'strong centralized government.' This alliance led to the formation of the First Order, a new authoritarian faction that aimed to reassert control over the galaxy.

The Rise of лидер: Snoke

Central to the rise of the First Order was a mysterious figure known only as Snoke. Unlike the scandal-ridden politics of the New Republic, the First Order was built on a foundation of secrecy and ruthlessness. Snoke, likely a Sith Lord, became the leader of the First Order, steering the organization towards its ultimate goals with a combination of terror and strategic planning.

Origins and Founding

The First Order was officially founded by the admiral Rae Sloane in 29 ABY. However, its roots stretch back to the Empire's final moments, where Emperor Palpatine, in his final days, had orchestrated a covert operation involving Gallius Rax leading a select group of Imperials into the Unknown Regions.

These Imperial exiles established a network of bases and shipyards, preparing for a resurgence. By 24 ABY, they had made contact with other Imperials who had made peace with the New Republic. The political faction known as the Centrists, which favored a strong central government, also joined the First Order around the same time.

The Centrists and Other Allies

The Centrists, led by influential figures like Brendol Hux (the father of Armitage Hux), played a crucial role in the First Order's rise. Their desire for a powerful, centralized government aligned perfectly with the First Order's ambitions.

Further details are provided in Claudia Gray's novel Bloodline and reference books such as the Rise of Skywalker Visual Dictionary and Star Wars: Battles that Changed the Galaxy. These sources offer a comprehensive look at the political and military strategies employed by the First Order.

As the First Order grew in strength, it faced significant resistance from the New Republic and the Resistance, leading to numerous conflicts and a complex political landscape in the galaxy's aftermath. The re-emergence of the First Order marked the beginning of a new galactic era defined by power struggles and ideological conflicts.

Conclusion

The emergence of the First Order was a turning point in the Star Wars saga, marking the resurgence of a once-potent force of darkness. Through strategic alliances, leadership by mysterious figures, and the use of terror and technology, the First Order brought back the specter of a totalitarian empire in an effort to restore order to the galaxy.

Further Reading

Aftermath: Empire's End by Chuck Wendig Bloodline by Claudia Gray Rise of Skywalker Visual Dictionary Star Wars: Battles that Changed the Galaxy