...yes, there is. And sometimes I don't think that line matters.

[The line does matter; but those who control the line...they are the ones who end up which side it lands on. His father always came down on the harsher side. Hux tried--tried to be more forgiving. To mixed results.]

Hm--and how is it that you know so much about birds? [It isn't a suspicious question, merely curious. Hux agrees on not lowering their guard, however. He shifts his weapon slightly, still scanning the horizon.

He does sense the focus shift to him, but he doesn't acknowledge it. He's used to people watching him, analyzing him. He wears a stoic mask for a reason, to lock everything away.]

Yes, a higher chain. Or at least a tighter leash. Though I know some would balk at the idea.

[A slight shift upward of his chin. It's a defense mechanism, one he never realizes he's doing.]

Predators often like to play with their prey.