Someone gives Ben a guitar. Finally, he has an outlet for all his teen angst and/or burgeoning Dark side. He drops out of Jedi training to be a full-time musician, and he's actually very good (if you like that kind of thing). With his talent and connections, he's soon a galactic rockstar.

Without Kylo Ren and with Luke still in the picture, the First Order aren't as aggressive. Hux is sent deep into New Republic space as a diplomatic envoy. They end up in the same VIP section.