“Ever Been To Ghorman?”

Bix’s nightmare
The episode opens with a close-up of a control console. The camera then shifts to show Bix Caleen rising from a bed that she was sharing with Cassian Jeron Andor, who is still asleep. Caleen exits the bedroom and picks up a hidden blaster. She walks past a window covered with several colored glass panels, where the silhouette of a figure can be seen outside. Caleen enters a room where Doctor Gorst has finished interrogated an unconscious human man with crew-cut hair. Gorst boasts about torturing and interrogating the prisoner while Caleen aims her blaster at him.

Andor gently pries the gun away from Caleen’s hand, revealing the encounter with Gorst to be a hallucination stemming from Caleen’s trauma. Caleen stares out of the window into the city skyline. Andor asks Caleen if she wants to talk about her past trauma but Caleen says she is trying to relax in their new home. She changes the topic to wanting to purchase towels and plates for their new home. Andor comforts Caleen, allowing her to hug him and weep. The camera pans out to reveal that Andor and Caleen are living in a large, bustling metropolis on Coruscant.

Welcome to Ghorman
The camera pans out elsewhere to reveal a landscape shot of a city on the planet Ghorman, nestled between the mountains and a blue body of water. Inside a spacious house, Syril Karn combs his hair. He is wearing an elegant black suit with a white shirt. While staring at the mirror, he sees a repairman on a rooftop staring in his direction. When Karn peers out of the circular window, the repairman averts his eyes and continues his work. Karn retrieves a spool from a box between two spider figureheads. Exiting his apartment, he threads the string between two rivets at the bottom of the door.

Karn exits the building and goes into the streets of the city. Several pedestrians walk while others ride hoverbikes and landspeeders. He walks through the streets of the Ghorman city. Karn walks up a white flight of steps into a grand central plaza dominated by a grand colonnade. Karn’s mother, Eedy Karn, chats with him via comlink. Eedy wants to keep an eye on her son’s movements, but Syril reassures her that she will be alright. Karn walks past a group of protesters outside a memorial. While walking into the Bureau of Standards Ghorman field office, Karn chats with Eedy, who disapproves of her son’s decision to work outside Ghorman, citing his Uncle Harlo. Karn counters that his job on Ghorman is a promotion because he is in charge.

Eedy attempts to disparage her son’s new job, but he tries to ignore her. She then criticizes him for seemingly walking away from Dedra Meero and having a respectable career on Coruscant. When Karn says that he assumes she won’t be visiting, Eedy says that she hates Ghorman because they think they are too uppity. Karn counters that she is watching too much Imperial News. Eedy defends her opinion, but Karn counters that the Ghormans are decent people.

Two Ghorman men and a woman, revealed to be Ghorman rebels, are tapping Karn and Eedy’s conversation. Karn expresses concern about the Empire’s growing anti-Ghorman sentiment and the introduction of new directives, including loyalty oaths. Karn tells his mother that Ghorman is hardly a threat to the Empire, but she parrots Imperial talking points. After Eedy warns her son not to become too much of an individual, he terminates the conversation on the pretext of having to work.

The prospect
On the streets, an elderly man with silver hair named Carro Rylanz walks into an unremarkable building with early pastel colors. An elderly human woman sits outside the building with her dog. The elderly man listens to Karn and Eedy’s conversation. Speaking in the Ghor language, a man named Samm says that Karn is conflicted while the woman Enza Rylanz describes his mother as “terrifying.” The third younger man says that Karn’s conversations with his mother have been like this for the past few weeks. Enza believes that Karn is sympathetic to their group. Rylanz decides to approve the mission before Karn is replaced. The three younger Ghorman rebels smile while Rylanz gives a weary look.

Later, Karn exits the field office where anti-Imperial protesters chant in the Ghorman language about stopping the Empire and the building. A vendor speaks to Karn, telling him that he knows that he is not a tourist. He hands Karn a spider figurine, telling him there is candy inside with information on the wrapper. The vendor invites Karn to a meeting before leaving Karn with the figurine.

Later that evening on Ghorman, Karn walks home, jogging past three passing Imperial armored speeders. He walks a narrow alleyway that leads to his apartment. Ivy grows on the building. Karn kneels by the door and removes the thread at the bottom. Once inside his apartment, he opens the spider figurine and unwraps the candy inside. He reads the message and then eats the candy. He places the spider figurine back on the shelf.

Undercover on Coruscant
On Coruscant, Andor and Caleen discuss their plans. Andor wears a hoodie to hide his appearance. Caleen convinces Andor that they should find a meal. They enter a grocery shop, walking past a tusked alien. While Andor pockets a metal box, Caleen buys three fruits from Ukio. The bearded human shopkeeper is familiar with Caleen, who has shopped at his store before. Behind the shopkeeper, a critter struggles in its cage. Caleen notices some Moski peppers and orders two, claiming that her “husband” Andor likes them. Andor looks away, hiding his discomfort.

Back at their safehouse, Caleen cleans some machinery and tools while Andor grills food on a grill, and they talk about leaving stuff in their apartment. Caleen asks Andor what they will tell Luthen Rael about her encounter with the Imperial soldier during an earlier mission. Andor replies that sometimes people have to do difficult things while chopping vegetables. He says that the soldier was a threat and that she takes her chances when she puts on the uniform. Andor says that it can be tough being boxed in. Caleen says she cannot stop seeing the face of the soldier. Andor tells Caleen that they are in a war, and that justifies killing the Imperial soldier, adding that the two of them are alive because he is dead.

Later that evening, Caleen and Andor have dinner together. Rain pours down outside. Caleen invites Andor for a walk in a big park. Andor warns that the Imperials have cameras stationed there and suggests other places. Andor says that the insanity of the city keeps them safe. When Caleen asks why he is so paranoid, Andor explains that he is trying to keep them safe. Caleen takes issue with Andor for trying to protect her, describing it as warping. When Andor says he doesn’t want to lose her again, Caleen says he is not responsible for protecting her.

She confides that she finds it hard living on the run between missions. Caleen accepts that they are living in a war, but adds that deciding what to save is not up to them. She affirms her love for Andor but says she is not trying to count on anything more. Andor walks away angrily towards the grill, asking what he messed up. Caleen says that she can handle more than he thinks. When Andor questions why she cannot sleep normally, Caleen counters that she is not Maarva Carassi Andor or his sister Kerri. When Andor asks what he is messing up, Caleen tells him that he killed the Imperial soldier because he saw her face. Andor sits down at the table and asks what the difference is. Caleen does not know but says she resolves to win.

The safe room
Later that night, Syril Karn makes his way to the lower level of the imperial building, walking through several branch columns holding up the empty tier. He walks past a street cafe to the Imperial office. He tells two black uniformed Imperial guards that he left some files in his office. Karn identifies himself as the Division Chief for the Bureau of Standards. The guards initially refuse to permit him entry, but Karn manages to “sweet talk” them into letting him into his office. Once inside, Karn picks up a datapad and walks to a safe room through a corridor.

Meanwhile, on Coruscant, Dedra Meero closes the shades in her apartment and video-conferences with Karn using a computer. Karn tells Meero that he has contacted the Ghorman Front, which has invited him to a town hall meeting. When Meero asks how she knows it was the Ghorman Front, Karn says he knows he is being watched. He says that they started breaking into his apartment and is aware that they are tapping the office comms. Karn assumes that he is being followed all the time. Meero gives a skeptical look. Karn decides to go ahead with tomorrow’s meeting. Meero approves of his plan. When Karn asks about informing Major Partagaz, Meero says he will want more information.

The board meeting
The following morning, Meero attends an ISB Board meeting. Captain Lagret reports about 12 successful raids, which led to eight seizures worth 200,000 credits, 75 restricted weapons and 34 arrests. However, Major Partagaz is unsatisfied with Lagret’s report and the raids. Partagaz then turns his attention to Supervisor Heert, who has taken an interest in the Axis case. Heert says that some supplies seized came from the Axis supply chain. Partagaz is unsatisfied that the raids have not yielded intelligence on their rebel enemy. When Partagaz questions the effectiveness of the arrest for counter-insurgency, Lagret responds that it is disappointing on many levels. He says he sees a variety of causes but Partagaz impatiently asks him to pick one.

Supervisor Lonni Jung suggests that they arrest too many people and can’t take it all in. Partagaz allows Jung to continue. Jung explains that some have more people in custody than they can process. Partagaz agrees with Jung’s observation and says that Colonel Wulff Yularen will meet with Emperor Palpatine to discuss improving the intake process for arrests. Partagaz thanks Jung for reminding them how their meeting should function. In private, Lagret thanked Jung for speaking up and invited him to a private meeting.

As they depart, Meero takes the time to speak with her former colleague, Heert, who confirms that he is onto something. She asks about his operations recovering 75 restricted Imperial weapons in ten days. Heert responds that it is his job now. When Meero asks him why he has not kept her updated or solicited her services, he replies that he will contact her if he needs her. Meero reiterates that Andor must be found. When Meero suggests that Heert can take credit for capturing the rebel fugitive, Heert replies that Partagaz assigned him to the Axis case because he is not interested in glory. Following a tense standoff, Meero says that he has given her a lot to think about and that the door is still open.

Jung then takes the time to speak with Heert. The two men think Meero is jealous that Heert has been assigned the Axis case. Heert thanks Jung for speaking up and saving him and Lagret from being torn to shreds by Partagaz. When Heert asks how he can thank him, Jung asks if he could buy him lunch. Heert accepts the offer.

A lone voice in the wilderness
Senator Mon Mothma meets with Ghorman’s senator Dasi Oran to discuss their opposition to the Emperor’s Public Order Resentencing Directive (PORD). Mothma tells Oran she is working on legislation opposing PORD and asks if she can count on his support. Mothma speaks with another human male senator in orange and yellow robes, seeking his support for her legislation. He rebuffs her, claiming she is confusing criminality and politics with freedom and liberty. Back in the office, Oran says he is reluctant to support her bill since that would chafe the Emperor. He acknowledges that Ghorman is being persecuted intensely.

While walking down a white hallway, Mothma speaks with an Tarsunt senator while a colleague walks with an Ottegan senator. When Mothma asks about the startling crime rate on 75 worlds since the implementation of PORD, the Tarsunt questions the figures. Back in the office, Mothma tells Oran that if they do not stand together, they will be crushed. Mothma then speaks with a plump Cingulon senator in green robes about the startling rise in crime on peaceful worlds like Kaifo, Tepasi and Ghorman. The Cingulon senator responds that he doesn’t think linking anything to Ghorman right now is a good idea.

When Mothma tells Oran that she played a big role in lobbying for the lifting of the embargo on Ghorman, Oran replies that he has never stopped thanking her. Oran describes Ghorman as a single-product economy and that they import everything else. When she speaks about the blockade, Oran says that he cannot support her bill opposing PORD. He says that he has tried to reason with his people not to make things worse. He says that voting against the Emperor would endanger Ghorman.

The turbolift meeting
Later that night, Jung descends in a turbolift into the Coruscant Underworld. Just then, the turbolift comes to a sudden jerk, prompting Jung to hold on for dear life. When it stops, he grabs his blaster. The lift door opens, and Rael forces his way inside. When Rael says that Jung kept him waiting for three months, Jung replies that he did not have anything solid until today. When Rael insists on getting to business, Jung reveals that Meero has been secretly running Ghorman for the past year while hiding it. He says he doubts that three people in the building know this information.

When Rael asks why the Imperials are interested in Ghorman, Jung admits that he doesn’t know and says he can’t believe they kept it so quiet. Jung says that everyone believes Meero has been put out to pasture since the debacle on Ferrix. Rael asks why the Empire is interested in Ghorman beyond the propaganda. He tells Jung that a smear campaign is an opening move, not an endgame. He reiterates that he needs the endgame. Jung says that he is trying to solve the puzzle.

When Rael asks about Meero, Jung confirms that she has been reassigned from the Axis case. Rael tells Jung that he cannot wait another three months since too much is happening. Jung counters that Rael used to tell him to wait. Rael responds that those days are gone and asks if he is up to date about the signal sequence. Jung confirms this is the case, and Rael leaves.

The town hall meeting
On Ghorman, a human man named Sunif Brecanti with graying hair addresses a packed town hall meeting. He introduces himself as the broker for a webberie co-op in the Beldoni Valley. He explains that some of these businesses have been operating for a millennium. As Karn enters the meeting, Brencanti criticizes the new Imperial shipping regulations and codes. He says that all nine of his clients were forced to reconsider the productivity of their hives for the first time. Brecanti says that the Empire is killing them and blames a group of leaders for letting the Empire trample over them.

People begin shouting in agreement. Enza and Dilan are also present at the meeting. The MC restores order to the meeting. Citizen Lezine talks about residents being moved to a new, noisy location along a highway frequented by supply trucks. Carro asks Lezine to give other people a chance to speak, prompting Lezine to warn that the Empire will imprison Palmo. A woman watches over Karn. Lezine makes a rude gesture before leaving the stage. The young man who gave Karn the message in a spider thanked him for coming and asked what he thought. Karn says he admires the passion and acknowledges he can understand some Ghorman words.

An elderly woman tells Carro that they were promised that the new Imperial building would not cast a shadow on the memorial to the Tarkin Massacre. Rylanz responds while the young man explains to Karn that the woman lost her family in the “Tarkin Massacre.” The Empire had promised that the new building would not cast a shadow on the memorial. Lezine interjects that the Empire is building a fortress, prompting Carro to warn him that he has used his slot. Lezine tells the meeting that the Empire is building a fortress in the heart of Palmo. Carro is dismissive of Lezine’s claim.

While sitting together, the young man explains what Lezine says to Karn. Knowing that Karn works at the Imperial headquarters, he asks Karn what he thinks. They are joined by Enza, who introduces herself as Carro’s daughter. Carro announced that the meeting was over and that they would post the minutes and schedule the next meeting by tomorrow. When the young man teases that Karn is an Imperial spy, Enza asks if it is true, but Karn says he works for the Bureau of Standards. Enza expresses her relief and offers to introduce Karn to her father, Carro.

The Ghorman Front
After the meeting has dispersed, Carro speaks with Karn, saying he noticed him. Carro tells Karn that he is very brave to be here. When Karn asks if he is in danger from them, Carro says he was wondering about Karn’s people. Karn replies that there are no restrictions on his movements in Palmo. When Carro asks what he will take away from today’s meeting, Karn says he better understands the situation. When Carro asks if Karn will write a report, Karn replies that he is here as himself.

Enza suggests that they should speak the Ghorman language. Carro asks Karn if he can help make their appeals to the Empire more effective. When Karn says he is not sure that is allowed, Carro asks if there is a law against seeking Imperial counsel. Karn admits this is not the case. Carro then asks Karn about rumors that the Imperial annex conceals something ulterior. Karn says he does not know but admits that the floor plans are classified. Carro replies that this only confirms his suspicions.

One of the Ghorman rebels looks intently at Karn. Carro explains that 16 years ago, Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin killed 500 peaceful Ghormans in the middle of that plaza. Enza holds back tears. Carro says it would be upsetting for Ghormans to learn that an Imperial military facility is being built near the Monument to the Fallen. Carro says that Ghormans only want peace and prosperity and asks him to emphasize that in reports to the Empire. Karn nods sympathetically. Carro smiles and suggests they could work together. Karn smiles and extends his hand in a Ghorman greeting. Carro smiles and returns the salute. The others smile, believing they have recruited a sympathizer within the Imperial government on Ghorman.

A new assignment
Back on Coruscant, Andor spends time with Caleen in their Coruscant apartment. She gives him a pair of macrobinoculars, which he uses to scan the horizon. Zooming in, he notices a bright light originating from a tower. The following morning, Andor meets with Rael, who assigns him a new mission of assessing Carro Rylanz, a businessman and city official who is the leader of the Ghorman Front. Rael has never met Rylanz. He explains that Marki has been in contact with a rebel pilot stranded on Ghorman. Rael is unable to go since Carros is too visible. Rael sends Andor alone since he thinks Caleen is unsuitable.

Andor says that he will think about the mission. Rael responds that the Empire is choking the Empire so hard that someone as privileged as Rylanz is resisting them. Rael tasks Andor with finding out more about the Ghorman Resistance. When Rael says Caleen will be fine, Andor counters that he has not yet accepted the mission. Rael orders Andor to reach out to Marki since he wants the mission done quickly.

Wilmon and the Partisans
Deep in the Outer Rim planet of D’Qar, Benthic and his twin brother Edrio stand guard outside an airbase. Inside the hangar, Partisans of various species gather, including a furry Gigoran. A scruffy Wilmon Paak faces Saw Gerrera and his Partisans. Paak removes a tarpaulin to reveal an intricate machine. Gerrera examines the machine and deems it operational. He orders his Partisans to gather fuel [and rhydonium, telling them to take what they want. When Gerrera asks if the machine has been tested, Paak replies that it works. Gerrera questions Paak before warning about the dangers of rhydonium.

He then asks Paak who taught him how to operate the machine. Paak responds that he is here to teach the variations and that is all he can say. Gerrera remarks that Paak is a “brave one,” prompting howls of laughter from the other Partisans. Gerrera then asks Paak if he has seen a man die from the effects of rhydonium. Gerrera warns Paak about the dangers of inhaling rhydonium, which can lead to a painful death. Gerrera tries to tease Paak before asking Paak his name. Wilmon identifies himself and reiterates that he is familiar with the machine.

Gerrera tasks Paak with teaching one of his soldiers, Pluti. When Paak asks which variation, Gerrera says that Paak knows best and tasks him with teaching Pluti all that he knows about the machine. Paak says he needs to leave tomorrow and reminds Gerrera of the agreement. Gerrera changes the terms of the deal and tells Paak that he will stay as long as the Partisans need him. He tasks the Partisans with finding a bed for Paak to stay. Paak remains with Pluti while the other Partisans head out of the hangar.

Andor’s departure
Back on Coruscant, Andor embraces Caleen before he leaves for his mission to Ghorman. Andor has packed his bag, and an unfinished meal lies on the table. The two touch each other’s hands and stand within a romantic embrace. The two feel each other’s hands intimately. Andor descends a turbolift through the apartment complex. In the safe house, Caleen brings the dishes to the kitchen sink and begins washing them. Andor makes his way up a spiral staircase through a corridor. At the safehouse, Caleen gazes out of the city as the day dawns. She unlocks a lipstick container, which turns out to be a vial. Caleen squeezes the vial and lowers her gaze.