I sat up in shock when I read this passage. Don’t worry, I’ve edited it so it’s not a spoiler. They do a lot of shooting at a lot of things.
Han sent a storm of laserfire right across its midsection, ripping it in half.
“You know,” Taka said, “the thing about cutting people in half is it doesn’t always–“
With another burst from the cannons, the head and torso exploded into nothing.
“–take,” Taka finished. “Okay, that oughta do it.”
Of course, my first thought was Snoke. But I don’t think this is hinting at the Supreme Leader’s survival; I’m sure Older’s just poking fun at the movies. He did that several times, all in good fun. For example:
“What is it?” Leia asked.
“Nothing,” Han said. “I love you.”
“We know,” Lando and Taka groaned.
I just did not see that first passage coming and felt the need to share it. However, it wouldn’t surprise me if by some magic Force voodoo Snoke comes back in IX. But I think he’s old news.
(© Last Shot by Daniel José Older, Del Ray.)
I’m pretty sure it’s a reference to Darth Maul. After Obi-Wan cut him in half in Episode One, he actually survived and had his torso attached to robotic legs. (He shows up in some of the Clone Wars and Rebels animated episodes.) So, getting chopped doesn’t necessarily mean the end for uber-powerful Force users. I think (hope) we’ve seen the last of Snoke.
Ohhh I completely forgot about Darth Maul! Good catch. That’s probably it, considering all the other tongue-in-cheek references.