Breakfast

In the morning, Syril Karn dresses for an interview with the Bureau Of Standards. His mother Eedy Karn questions his decision to don a brown suit, reminding that his Uncle Harlo has pulled favors for him. While having breakfast, the two hear news on HoloNet about a terror attack and robbery at the Imperial Armor on the planet Aldhani with multiple fatalities. The broadcaster announced that the Galactic Empire has imposed a blockade and launched an investigation. Eedy remarks that the conspirators will regret it.

Imperial justice

Meanwhile, Imperial Security Bureau (ISB) Colonel Wullf Yularen addresses other senior ISB officials, vowing that the Empire will retaliate swiftly against the rebel attack. He asks them to consider how tight they will close their fist and talks about the ISB’s stringent recruitment standards. In retaliation, Yularen imposes a tribute tax five times the amount stolen from Aldhani on any sector harboring partisan activity. Yularen emphasizes that they will make it clear that nobody steals from the Empire. He adds that the use of any local custom, festival or tradition as a cover for rebel activity will trigger permanent revocation of Imperial tolerance.

Yularen assures his officers that he has spoken with Emperor Palpatine this morning and that the Emperor has granted the ISB access to Imperial Army and Imperial Navy resources. He also announces that the Emperor will be convening an emergency session of the Imperial Senate to propose a legislative package of bills and amendments that will give the ISB unlimited powers of surveillance, search, and seizure.

Yularen also announces that they will be invoking the Public Order Resentencing Directive (PORD) later today. Any criminal act, with even indirect effect on the Empire, will be classified as a Class One offence. All prison sentences will be evaluated and all outstanding fines and levies are to be paid in full. Dedra Meero listens but is visibly upset, which Attendant Heert notices. Later, Heert speaks with Meero, who expresses concerns that Yularen’s policies are playing into the rebels’ hands. Meero remarks that the Empire is treating the Aldhani incident as a robbery when it is in fact an announcement.

Weighing the cost of rebellion

Elsewhere, Luthen Rael listens to a transmitter where he receives news that 80 million credits was stolen during the Aldhani heist and that all military personnel have been replaced and are being interrogated by the ISB. The broadcast also reports that the ISB confirmed that all tracking devices in the escape craft were disabled prior to it reaching hyperspace. In addition, 134 Aldhani residents have been taken into custody under suspicion of abetting the terrorists. Kleya Marki informs Rael that Mon Mothma has come for a visit and tells him to wipe the smile off his face.

Outside Galactic Antiquities and Objects of Interest, Mothma apologizes for the abrupt visit and says she was on her way to the Senate. He thanks Rael for obtaining a gift that was to the liking of her husband Perrin Fertha. Inside, Mothma asks if Rael was responsible for the Aldhani heist. Rael is evasive and replies that revolutions are expensive. They then move to the matter of Mothma’s family funds, which Mothma has had trouble accessing. Mothma reiterates her question and Rael reminds her that he had explained the risk of new faces but that she persisted.

Mothma asks if Rael has realized the gravity of what he has done. Rael asks about the upcoming meeting and says that they may have to reschedule. Mothma tells Rael that she was planning to build a network but Rael reminds her that “turning back will be impossible.” He counters that she knew the risk and describes the network as a weapon. Rael says that they have waited long enough. Mothma is concerned about the repercussions of the Aldhani heist but Rael explains that his plan was to get the Emperor to overreact.

When Rael remarks that the events on Aldhani will invigorate their struggle, Mothma replies that people will suffer. Rael replies that is the plan and adds that there will be no rules going forward. Returning to business, Rael tells Mothma that the rebellion will need every credit they can get their hands on and to let her know how the meeting goes. When Mothma says that she won’t be purchasing any pieces this morning, Rael laughs and says that he will have more pieces coming in soon. Kleya listens to the conversation with interest. After Mothma leaves, Kleya remarks that she hopes Mothma is worth it. Rael says that they will see and adds that they can’t hide forever. Mon Mothma’s airspeeder departs Rael’s store and flies into the Coruscant skyline.

A fresh start

Syril Karn tours the Bureau Of Standards on his first day of work. His supervisor talks about the work that the Bureau does including weights and gauges, redundancy, and verification. The supervisor questions Karn about his prior employment on Morlana One. Karn explains that a “rebel murderer” is running free due to corruption and laxity in the corporate authority. Karn believes that he was punished for trying to uphold the law and do his job of upholding public safety.

He talks about the loss of two colleagues and his believe in the law. Karn says that he seeks to clear his name and have his record expunged. The supervisor offers to help by suggesting a job opening in Fuel Purity. The supervisor ushers Karn towards a desk.

Plots in motion

Elsewhere on Coruscant, a hooded Kleya walks past Imperial security in a foyer into a public walkway. She follows several symbols on the walkway. Meanwhile, Dedra Meero visits the ISB datavault and requests access to two years worth of data from an unkempt Attendant Felzonis via a Multi-Sector Data Blend. She explains that her survey pool are Imperial Naval facilities and resources. She seeks a record of all missing avionics, comm, navigation, and targeting equipment. When Felzonis asks which star systems, Meero requests all star systems. Meero also asks that the report be kept confidential and that a copy be sent exclusively to her office. Meero asks Felzonis to be discreet.

On Aldhani, Cinta Kaz is about to mount her speeder bike as she watches an Imperial Star Destroyer flying over the sacred valley. Back on Coruscant, Kleya meets with a disguised Vel Sartha. She asks about the whereabouts of Andor and says that she shouldn’t even be here. Vel replies that neither of them should be here and reassures her that the money is safe. Kleya praises Vel for hiding the money securely and for her success in recruiting Taramyn Barcona. Vel says that Arvel Skeen

When Vel asks about Cinta, Kleya replies that she is doing what she has been told. Kleya warns her about the danger of receiving and sending messages. She then turns to the matter of “Clem” whose real identity is Cassian Jeron Andor. Regarding him as a loose end, Kleya tasks Cinta with killing Andor to conceal the knowledge of Andor. Before leaving she promises to send what she has on Andor.

Andor’s homecoming

Meanwhile, a hooded Andor returns to his adopted family’s home on Ferrix. He is greeted by his adoptive mother Maarva Andor and droid B2EMO, who are delighted to see him. Maarva warns Andor that he cannot stay here since the Empire has expelled Preox-Morlana and taken over Ferrix. Maarva reiterates that he should not be here and reveals that Timm Karlo betrayed him. Maarva reveals that Timm was killed by the Corpos and that Bix Caleen tried to warn Andor. Timm tried to stop her but was killed in the process.

Maarva tells Andor that the Empire is here to stay. Andor invites his mother and B2EMO to flee with him, claiming that he has won enough credits to leave. Andor wants them to leave tonight for a warmer world. As the kettle hisses, Andor talks about his plans of escaping offworld with his family. Andor decides to delay their plans to the following day so that he can speak to Bix one last time.

Intrigue on Coruscant

Elsewhere on Coruscant, Mothma attends a party, taking care to avoid two ISB officers. She meets with a visiting Chandrilan man named Tay Kolma, who is an old friend and banker. Tay talks about Mothma’s political career and says that he cannot imagine living on Coruscant. Peerin Fertha is nearby talking with some ladies. Mon Mothma is about to talk about something confidential with Tay when they are joined by Mothma’s daughter Leida Mothma, whom Mothma introduces. She tells Leida that Tay is an old family friend who runs the Bank of Kolma and is close to her sisters.

Not wanting to be in her mother’s shadow, Leida quickly gets permission to take leave from the party. In private, Mothma tells Tay that she needs his help for a political plan. Tay is cautious about getting involved in anything political despite his views on the Empire. He warns that some of his colleagues have taken their political allegiances too far. To avoid arousing suspicions, Mothma encourages Tay to pretend to drink more punch. Mothma talks about putting up the front of a maverick senator advancing unpopular causes including advocating for Separatist “do-gooders” and battle Imperial overreach.

Mothma asks if she can confide in Tay. He replies that he doesn’t know what she is talking about. Mothma explains that her public persona is a front. She is concerned that the Grand Vizier has infiltrated her Separatist Coalition meetings. Mothma is aware that her driver is an ISB plant who monitors her humanitarian activities. Mothma wants the Empire to think that she is an irritation in order to conceal her true purpose which is raising money. Mothma seeks Tay’s help in accessing her family accounts for establishing a Chandrilan charitable outreach foundation. Tay will serve as chairman of the foundation.

Tay replies that she has not answered his question. Mothma thinks that Tay is not suitable for the role since he does not share her politics. As Perrin approaches, Mothma warns Tay that he is unaware of Mothma’s true activities and that he is not to be trusted. Perrin reminds them about an upcoming reunion and returns to serving some guests. Mothma tells Tay that their meeting is to be continued before joining Perrin.

Farewell on Ferrix

Elsewhere on Ferrix, Andor visits the Caleen Salyard. He speaks with Bix Caleen via an intercom on the door. Andor attempts to regale her with a memory of meeting her father while climbing over the wall. Bix tells him that he should not be here because it is not safe. After opening the door, Bix briefly mentions the death of Timm and blames Andor for putting the entire town at risk by killing two Corpos and returning home to hide. Andor tries to blame Timm but Bix points out that Andor cheats, lies and steals. Andor accepts that he has to leave and asks about the buyer.

Caleen says that she does not know the identity of the buyer but only encountered the man through Paak. She explains that they communicate via comlink. When Andor asks Caleen how Rael knows so much about him, Caleen says that she did not share information about Andor to Rael. Andor tells Caleen to tell Rael that he held up his side of the deal and that he needs to forget about him. Andor gives Caleen the 12,000 credits that he owes to Xanwan, Nurchi, Brasso, and Deema. Before leaving, Caleen warns Andor to be careful.

While walking through the streets of the Ferrix town, he avoids a pair of stormtroopers. Andor experiences a flashback of he and his adoptive father Clem watching Clone troopers parading. Clem attempts to break up a fight between a Republic supporter and opponent. Someone throws stones at the Clone troopers. Their commanding officer believes Clem was the culprit and orders his men to aim their blasters at him.

Back at the Vaneer family home, Andor greets B2EMO. Maarva tells her adoptive son that she is not leaving. Andor points out that the Empire has set up a stormtrooper barracks on Rix Road but Maarva counters that the Empire is everywhere. Andor suggests fleeing to a place without an Imperial presence but Maarva describes her mind as her last refuge. When Andor asks what is keeping her here, she replies that it is the Rebellion. Andor thinks his adoptive mother is crazy but Maarva says that she is willing to wait it out.

Maarva and Andor are still haunted by the memory of Clem’s body hanging in the square and confronting Clone troopers. Maarva asks Andor about the rebel attack on the Aldhani Imperial garrison. She tells Andor that she was encouraged by the attack to remain on Ferrix. Hiding his role in the Aldhani heist, Andor dismisses it as a robbery but Maarva believes that people are standing up. Andor thinks that fighting against the Empire is futile but Maarva thinks that running away is not the best way of fighting them.

Maarva accepts her son has a different path due to his traumatic childhood. She counsels him to run away and find peace. Andor says that he won’t have peace because he will be worried about her all the time. Maarva replies that is just love and that Andor can do nothing about that. Maarva expresses her love for Andor but surmises that their paths are different. B2EMO tries to speak but Maarva shushes him. She tells Andor that he will understand. As Andor takes his leave, Maarva counsels him to stop searching for his sister because she believes there were no survivors on Kenari. She says that what happened there was not his responsibility because he was a child. Before exiting, Andor vows to return one day.

Imperial office politics

At the ISB Central Office, Lonni Jung proposes three theories for the lack of progress in his sector. Major Partagaz orders Jung to conduct a full audit of all Hyperspace routes to Ord Mantell. Lieutenant Supervisor Blevin lodges a complaint against Supervisor Meero for overreaching into her sector. Partagaz asks Meero to explain. Meero counters that Blevin seems more interested in her conduct than advancing integrated Imperial security and shifts the spotlight back to Blevin.

Partagaz questions Blevin about the recovery of the Imperial N-S9 Starpath Unit on Ferrix and reminds him that Meero sought access to his crime reports. Blevin claims that Meero’s actions violated the chain of command. Dedra contests his account, pointing out that he advised her to reinforce her suspicions with data and to be careful of her work going forward. Blevin counters that Dedra found a way to access sector data without filing a request.

Meero acknowledges obtaining the data using the Imperial Emergency Act in the wake of the Aldhani heist to gather data across multiple sectors without official sanction. Meero argues that the Rebellion ignores the artificial sector boundaries which Major Partagaz created. Partagaz is defensive about his sector boundaries and asks Meero to explain. Dedra argues that there is a focused organized rebel effort to obtain restricted Imperial military components across sectors. When Partagaz asks for evidence to support her claim, Meero says that unfiltered crime reports support a link between the theft of their most secret equipment and its distribution to rebel groups across the galaxy.

Partagaz questions her methods. Dedra responds that Blevin is aware that she has a documented file ready to go and accuses Blevin of being more concerned with self preservation. Blevin accuses Meero of ignoring the rules and protocol. Partagaz is impressed by Meero’s endeavor and says that he will have to think about that. He reassigns the Morlana sector and Ferrix to Supervisor Meero and orders Grandi and Jung to accelerate their efforts. In private, Partagaz compliments Meero for playing the game well but warns her to watch her back.

Trouble in paradise

Elsewhere, Andor has adopted the pseudonym Keef Girgo while hiding on the beach resort world of Niamos. He is sharing a room with a human woman named Windi. While Andor is in the shower, she asks Andor to buy more Peezos and Revnog.

Later, Andor is stopped by a shoretrooper, who thinks he is acting suspiciously. The shoretrooper calls for back up as several individuals flee on the beach. The shoretrooper asks if those are friends of his. Andor claims he is a tourist but the shoretrooper does not believe him and calls a KX-series security droid for backup. The droid has finished apprehending other suspects. Andor attempts to reason with the droid but it holds him in a necklock.

Andor is hauled up before an judge. As Keef Girgo, he faces charges of disruption, anti-Imperial speech, fleeing the scene of an anti-Imperial activity, and damaging Imperial property. Andor protests but the judge counsels him against that to avoid risking a “Resisting Judgement” charge. The judge sentences him to six years in prison, citing new Imperial guidelines. Despite his protests, Andor is hauled away by two shoretroopers. On Coruscant, Syril Karn browses through records along with countless other employees.