“I Have Friends Everywhere”

“Varian Skye”
The episode opens with somebody turning a radio dial to change channels. In Luthen Rael’s gallery, Galactic Antiquities and Objects of Interest, Kleya Marki listens to several galactic communications channels. She eavesdrops on a conversation about a disputed deal but removes her earpiece when Rael enters the listening station. When Rael asks about the progress on their “friend,” Cassian Jeron Andor. Marki smiles and says that he is on his way.

Meanwhile, Andor walks under a dank underpass towards a travel agency with signage featuring a planet surrounded by two rings. He knocks on the booth, drawing the attention of a human woman in a red dressing gown. She permits him entry into her shop. The woman asks if she is visiting friends, prompting Andor to say he has friends everywhere. The woman summons a humanoid alien man with white hair, pale eyes, and tattoo carvings on his body. She asks what ships they have for Ghorman.

Andor exits the store with an earpiece and luggage. A voice tells him that his pseudonym is Varian Skye. He was born on Tahini and moved to Coruscant when he was twelve. His brother, Patrio, returned home, while Skye found an apprenticeship in a fashion studio. He subsequently transitioned into the fashion world and secured a position as a fashion designer.

The ISB raid
Elsewhere on Palmo, Syril Karn tells his mother Eedy Karn via holocomputer that he plans to visit Coruscant. Syril shares a rumor that the Imperials plan to tighten travel to and from Ghorman. Ghorman Front operative Enza Rylanz is intercepting their conversation. Syril opines that there is little danger on Ghorman, contrary to official Imperial media reports and government statements. Syril pauses his conversation when three Imperial Security Bureau (ISB) officials in white tunics enter the office.

The ISB officials order the Imperial Bureau of Standards’ Ghorman staff to vacate their work stations and leave the room immediately. Sensing trouble, someone triggers a red alarm, which Enza and her boyfriend Dilan pick up. The two quickly shut down their signal interception station. A dark-skinned ISB agent named Attendant Grymish motions for Karn to stay, stating that he is from ISB tech and that they are investigating the presence of listening devices in the Bureau of Standards’ Ghorman field office. When he reiterates that they need to leave, Karn says that they are in the middle of an audit. Grymish counters that the ISB is conducting a tech sweep and that everyone will remain in ISB custody until they finish their evaluation.

When Karn tries to reiterate his authority and questions Grymish’s authority, Grymish asks if he is violating a direct order. Karn mouths a protest, prompting Grymish to order for his colleagues to detain him. Karn is escorted out of the office and calls on his colleagues to call their headquarters in Coruscant. Grymish asserts his authority and orders the Bureau employees to leave. These departing employees include the woman who pressed the red panic button that alerted Enza and Dilan.

A spanner in the wheels
Back on Coruscant, Marki pulls out the secret console and plugs in her headset and cable. She eavesdrops on Davo Sculdun and his art consultant, Mishko, discussing an artifact they discovered to be a forgery. The camera shows a vase on a pedestal. When Mishko reveals that the dealer is dead, Sculdun quips that it is a good thing that he is not still alive, given the amount of money he paid. Sculdun orders Mishko to complete a security sweep of the entire collection. Mishko protests that there is an exhibition coming up, but Sculdun insists. A camera focuses on a small listening device planted under a table. Marki removes the headset and greets two customers, dressed in green robes.

Spies
Meanwhile, Andor listens to the brief on his false identity as a fashion designer from Level 4888 in Coruscant’s East Narcene. He walks through a spaceport terminal, his travel bag in hand. Back on Ghorman, Karn addresses his nervous employees following the ISB sweep. He tells them that a listening device was found inside his office, but he does not know how long it has been there. Karn explains that the ISB will conduct interviews with all employees and tighten security measures. Karn is angry and kicks the door outside his office. The glass door slides open as Karn steps into his office, which has been ransacked.

Elsewhere, Enza meets with Dilan and her father, Carro Rylanz. Dilan presents Karn’s prior record from Morlana One, with Enza explaining that they obtained it from a Preox-Morlana database. Dilan briefs Carro, explaining that Karn served as a corporate cop for five years and was fired by the ISB under dishonorable circumstances. Carro smiles and says that Karn’s history explains “many things.”

While Karn is walking home that night, he encounters Carro and Enza outside the entrance to his apartment building. Carro and Enza empathize with Karn, who is upset about the ISB raid. He says that he was interrogated for two hours like a criminal. When Carro asks if this raid was in response to a meeting, Karn explains that the ISB was looking for a listening device which he neglected to check. Karn speculates that the raid was a ruse for the ISB to install their listening device. Carro looks with shock and sympathy as Karn adds that the ISB does as it pleases.

Carro says it is a lesson for all of them, while Enza describes it as humiliating. Carro says that many believe the Emperor Palpatine is unaware of what is being done on his behalf. He believes that the ISB is running a “shadow government.” Karn agrees and says that they have only seen half of it. Carro inquires about the possibility of collaborating with the Empire and notes that they need to inspect the contents of those carriers. Enza asks Karn to investigate the true purpose of the facility that the Empire is building on Ghorman.

Karn says that he doesn’t know. Carro tells Karn that they need to find out what is on those transports. Karn says that the official records say the transports carry construction material. When Carro asks about the rest of the cargo, Karn replies that not every transport has a bill of lading. Carro says that the Ghorman Front will be interested in uncovering the secret cargo.

An unexpected visit
Back on Coruscant, Bix Caleen walks down the corridor of her and Andor’s safehouse with a blaster as someone knocks on the door. Caleen is relieved to see her friend and leader, Luthen Rael. Rael says that Andor still has work to do. He compliments the view outside the window but declines Caleen’s offer for a drink. Rael says he has slept at the safe house twice. Caleen asks when the hiding and conflict will end and confides that she is not as strong as he is. Rael thinks that Caleen is not in her right mind, prompting Caleen to suggest she is stronger than he thinks.

When Rael offers to help Caleen find a new place, Caleen confides that she dislikes living on Coruscant. Rael picks up a vial and expresses concern about Caleen’s mental and physical health. She runs her lips together and nods. Caleen then asks Rael if he came to visit her because he needs her to do something. Rael remarks that she has not lost her attention to detail. He advises her to rest until Andor returns. Caleen insists that Rael return the vial, explaining that she uses it to help her sleep. Rael cautions that the medication she is taking does not resolve her nightmare problem and warns her to be careful. Caleen surmises that Rael needs her to be “healthy.”

Glimpses
Elsewhere on D’Qar, Wilmon Paak and Pluti work on the machine. Pluti spins the machine, but it quickly stops and short-circuits. Paak tries to tutor him, but Pluti expresses frustration with the eight variations that he has to remember for operating the machine. Pluti asks Paak who taught him, but Paak doesn’t answer. Paak explains that he cannot leave until Pluti figures out how the machine works.

Back on Ghorman, Karn browses through his computer. One of his subordinates asks what time is his flight to Coruscant. Karn says he is backing up their transport schedules and frets about the ISB monitoring his movements. When the brown-skinned human woman offers to help, Karn asks her to get the audit back on track and reminds her to maintain security protocols. Once she has left, Karn folds up two datachips from the top of the computer and pops one onto a stack on his desk. He pockets one of the chips. After exiting his office, he meets with the Ghorman Front rebel Samm, a vendor. While buying a souvenir spider, he discreetly passes Sarn the holo-chip. Karn looks around anxiously.

Marki meets with Mishko at Rael’s gallery, offering to sell an artifact. Mishko explains that her employer, Sculdun, is in a rage over a forged vase and has ordered an audit of his entire collection. At the Ghorman Front’s base, Enza and Dilan pore over the information from Karn’s stolen datachip, which contains a precise Imperial inventory. Dilan notices certain entries with the code “MSR.” Enza asks Leeza for help. Leeza explains that it stands for “Military Security Required” and that the drivers need special clearance. Dilan asks Enza to get her father, but Enza says they should analyze the data first.

Andor’s arrival on Ghorman
Meanwhile, a disguised Andor arrives at his hotel on Ghorman. An alien guest tips a receptionist before leaving. Andor is next in the queue and identifies himself as “Varian Skye.” A porter named Thela introduces Andor to his hotel room, explaining that a single console controls the holo-screen, air flow, and window blinds. Looking out the window, Andor asks Thela about the Tarkin Massacre and the memorial in the big square. When Andor asks Thela about his thoughts on the massacre, the porter is unwilling to share his opinion but says he was twelve years old when the massacre occurred and knows its history. When Thela changes topic, Andor apologizes for making him feel uncomfortable. After Andor tips him, the porter explains that they have been instructed not to discuss the Tarkin Massacre.

Andor says he is a designer. This relaxes Thela, who gives a brief history of the Tarkin Massacre. He explains that Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin wanted to land his starship, but a crowd occupied the landing pad. They did not expect Tarkin to land his cruiser on a crowd of unarmed civilian protesters. Thela tells Andor that his father died saving him. Andor says he is sorry to hear that. The porter says his wife thinks they are insane for staying around the massacre site and asks Andor if he needs extra services. Andor thanked Thela and allowed him to leave. The sliding door shuts. Andor gazes over the courtyard with a grim look.

Reunion on Coruscant
On Coruscant, a smiling Karn walks through the spaceport. Later, he meets with Dedra Meero at her condominium. She is dressed in a black waistcoat. After permitting Karn inside, they exchange a kiss. Karn says he was careful, and Meero says she ensured he was being followed per Lio Partagaz’s orders. Meero says they can spend an hour together and orders him to turn off the lights. Karn is unhappy that he had her tracked. Meero reiterates her order to turn off the lights.

Later, Karn gives his mother, Eedy, a souvenir spider. She initially recoils but warms to it, nicknaming the spider “Syril.” Eedy plays with the spider while Karn sips on blue milk. Elsewhere on Coruscant, and still at the safe house, Caleen watches a current affairs holoshow called Good Morning, Coruscant, featuring Toffi and Moffi. She rests with a blaster, struggling to keep her eyes open.

Making contact with the Ghorman Front at an ornate cafhouse, Andor meets Enza Rylanz, introducing himself as “Varian Skye.” After exchanging pleasantries, Andor expresses surprise that she contacted him first, saying that he intended to contact her tomorrow. After ordering drinks, Enza explains that the cafhouse was popular with designers, weavers, and buyers. However, it is less busy due to the troubles with the Empire. When Enza asks if his hotel is half full, Andor proceeds to business and asks her directly what the Ghorman Front plans. When Andor asks to meet her father, Carro, Enza suggests that his “friend” Luthen Rael could have come himself.

Andor toys with her, suggesting he is either a friend or a spy. He says that he is who she wants her to be. Andor warns that people died rushing into causes and advises her to be careful. As Andor sips his drink, Carro says it is hard to be patient when one’s world is falling apart. Andor insists on meeting Carro, adding that he needs fabric. As a fashion designer, he asks when is a good time to visit. Enza replies that she will send word in the morning. Before parting, he whispers that the people she has sent to follow him are drawing attention to themselves and asks her to send them away, then gives a greeting.

The following day, Andor exits the cafhouse into the square where anti-Imperial protesters are chanting at the Monument to the Fallen. A skyscraper under construction looms over the square. Andor puts on a pair of tinted square sunglasses and visits a showroom inside a modernist-looking building. Inside, he is greeted by Enza and Dilan, who remove his cloak. Enza introduces Andor to her father, Carro, at the far end of the showroom. Andor compliments Carro’s showroom. Carro explains that his twillery is nineteen generations old, one of the youngest twilleries in Palmo. Carro offers Andor the opportunity to visit one of his webbery estates.

Andor gets straight to business and flicks a handheld device. Carro turns to lead Andor to a quiet place. Andor hands the device to Enza. Carro has been briefed about Andor’s conversation with Enza and says his group has much to learn from it. When Andor asks if it is safe to chat, Carro explains that his business is swept for listening devices daily, as the twillery industry is competitive and twilleries often spy on each other. Carro and Enza explain that they rescued a rebel pilot who crashed in the mountains.

Carro replies that Andor’s sender is nothing more than a voice to him. Carro is uncertain who is on the other end despite their frequent messaging. Andor preserves Rael’s secret identity, saying it is for everyone’s benefit. Andor hands Carro a fresh code crystal for his radio, explaining that it will only fit the transmitter he is given. Andor offers the crystal as a bond. Carro then discusses the Imperial armory being constructed in the center of Palmo. While the Imperials deny the building is an armory, Carro thinks they are lying and describes its construction as violating the Imperial Charter.

Carro explains that the Ghorman Front has infiltrated the armory’s workforce and has an Imperial source in their service. Andor warns Carro against using an Imperial source since the Empire is skilled at sowing disinformation. Samm lingers nearby, pretending to browse the store. Dilan vouches for the source, describing them as reliable. He offers Andor a drink. Carro tells Andor that shipments come from a cargo carrier from the South Depot at night through Palmo city. Carro says they have been tracking the routes and vehicles and know which ones to target. When Andor asks if he is referring to the carriers with weapons, Carro replies that they know what the Empire is doing and need to catch them in their lie. He says their purpose is to expose the truth to the people of Ghorman.

When Andor asks about their weapons, Dilan replies that they plan to start their armory. Andor smiles and deduces that they plan to steal weapons to bolster their armory. Samm joins the conversation and warns that the cargo carrier is a military transport, making it difficult to take. Carro quietens the younger rebels and tells Andor that tactics are not their strength. Enza adds that the Ghormans need an adviser. Andor asks for Carro to send swatches over to his hotel. Andor tells them to check on the radio and asks for a tour of Palmo at night. Dilan helps Andor back into his coat. Andor tells them to meet at his hotel. The two wave a Ghorman greeting, and Andor returns the salute. A Ghorlectipod spins inside its glass case.

The debriefing
Karn briefs Meero and Partagaz about his contacts with the Ghorman Front leadership, including Carro Rylanz. When Partagaz asks if the rebels are buying his story, Meero replies that they are skeptically confident. Karn believes the Front is planning something, describing them as inexperienced but eager. Partagaz praises Karn’s observations. Karn says that Meero’s plan to bait the Ghorman Front needs to begin somewhere. Partagaz agrees this is the right moment to begin and asks how he can help.

Karn tells Partagaz and Meero that the transport schedules need to be consistent, so that the information he passes them is accurate. Meero seeks oversight of Ghorman’s military security. Partagaz agrees. Meero advises that following the raid, the Empire must carefully calibrate its retribution. She wants the Ghorman Front to feel emboldened and carry out further attacks against the Empire. Meero says she will make sure things don’t get out of control. Partagaz thanked Karn for his work, while Meero said she would brief him on the matter. After Partagaz leaves, Karn remarks that this feels like the greatest day of his life. Meero is pleased for her boyfriend.

Guest of the Partisans
On D’Qar, Paak and the Partisans carve meat from an animal being roasted over a spit. Paak watches over his student Pluti. Pluti meets up with Saw Gerrera and tells him he is making progress in learning the variations around the machine from Paak. Gerrera suggests getting rid of Paak because he has seen too much. Pluti says that Paak has good engineering skills. When Gerrera points out that they have Pluti, Pluti asks about Paak’s team. When Gerrera suggests arranging an “accident”, Pluti vouches for Paak. Gerrera thinks Pluti lacks confidence.

Pluti asks Gerrera for more information about an upcoming mission and says that the variations he is learning drive him crazy. Pluti proposes focusing on one variation. Gerrera moves closer and reveals that the Partisans will be striking Station Four junction in Neen Valley on Markez Moon. They will be leaving the following night. Gerrera says that Two Tubes will be leading the mission. When Pluti asks about Paak, Gerrera says they can keep him alive. Paak watches the two from afar while chewing his food. He watches Pluti warily.

Later, Gerrera and Tubes enter Paak and Pluti’s makeshift workspace, where the two men are lowering their machine into a casing. Gerrera asks Paak if his student can operate the machine independently without his help. Paak says yes. Gerrera suddenly raises his blaster at the two men. Paak panics, thinking that Gerrera intends to kill him now that he has outlived his usefulness. Paak pleads for his life, but Gerrera instead shoots Pluti in the head, killing him. Gerrera denounces Pluti as a traitor.

Two Tubes retrieves a hidden transmitter from Pluti’s jacket while Gerrera explains that Pluti has been transmitting to the Empire. As the other Partisans react with shock, Gerrera explains that the Imperials have set up an ambush at the Markez Moon pipeline. Gerrera instructs his Partisans to prepare for evacuation, as the Empire will be pursuing them following the death of their agent, Pluti. The Partisans cheer at their small victory. A shell-shocked Paak stands in the corridor while Gerrera tells him it “is on him.” The Partisans depart into hyperspace in several X-wing starfighters and a larger cargo ship.

Rising stakes
At Rael’s gallery, Marki greets him and tells him that the Coryio Chalice is a forgery. She explains that the Sculduns will audit their entire collection and fears they will discover their microphone. Rael asks if Marki heard this on the microphone. Marki warns that the Sculduns are taking their entire artifact collection out the day after the party. Rael looks worried.

Later, Rael chastises Marki for suggesting the idea of planting a listening device in Sculdun’s gallery. Marki counters that Rael was not upset when they caught Colonel Wulff Yularen lying on the microphone. Marki adds the HoloNews buyout, and Sculdun courted the Grand Vizier. Rael dismisses this information as crumbs, reminding Marki that he agreed to this plan. Marki tries to distance himself and admits he struggles to keep track of the various lines of information, including the radios, frequencies, and messages. Rael says that Marki keeps pretending they have things under control. Marki asks if he has finished ranting and says they must retrieve the microphone at the party. She warns that they need to be prepared if they are discovered.

Planning a heist
At night on Ghorman, a convoy of three cargo carriers drives through a narrow street under rainfall. Enza and Dilan watch in an alleyway. As the convoy drives through a narrow street, Samm briefs Andor about the Imperial truck operations. He learns that the Imperial convoys travel in groups of three vehicles. The Ghorman rebels brief Andor about a tunnel where they slide their cargo down for pickup.

Later, Carro meets with Andor at a fancy cafhouse. Over a cup of caf, Carro asks if Andor is going to bring reinforcements to help with the raid. Andor thinks that hijacking the carrier can be done, but fears the Ghorman Front lacks the experience to get away. He is critical of the Front’s plan to advertise their heist. Carro asks if they should let the Empire continue oppressing and exploiting them. Andor says he has more questions than recommendations, prompting Carro to remark that he is not much of a revolutionary. The twillery owner departs and tells Andor to tell his friend he is not impressed. Andor reflects on the disastrous meeting alone.

The initiation ritual
Meanwhile, the Partisans, including a Gigoran, gather on a rainy precipice overlooking a pipeline. Gerrera stands near a parked X-wing while a masked Paak operates a machine. Gerrera tells his troops that he was a prisoner in a jungle work camp. He says that the camp had no droids and beasts. Paak sets up the machinery while Gerrera recalls the harsh living conditions in the slave work camp. He says that there were 200-330 slave prisoners. All of them, including the guards, started to itch. Paak turns the dials of the machine, which begins spinning. Gerrera continues his story as a display lights up.

Paak tells the Partisans that the valve is open. Gerrera basks in the smell of the poisonous vapor, alarming Paak. Gerrera says rhydonium reminds him of his late sister and tells Paak he is crazy. He says revolution is about being unloved, hated, and cannon fodder. He asks Paak where he is and tells him he is with the Partisans. Paak decides to join the Partisans, removing his mask and goggles. He writhes in pain as he breathes in the rhydonium. Gerrera encourages him to breathe in the rhydonium.