[Definitely a touchy subject there it seems. Well, she knows when a topic needs dropped and thus she obliges by going with the obvious change in subjects.]

Do you know of the Empire? [Given the boy seemingly recognized her, it's not too far fetched to think he would thus also know of the Empire as well.]

The First Order are those who wish to see it reestablished. Some people find it easier to live without having to think for themselves, they prefer to be told what to do.