Episode 2 of Season 2 of "Andor" kicks off with Cassian Andor exuding calm and composure as he pilots the stolen TIE fighter. The Brigade surrounding him, however, displays a stark contrast. They are in a frenzy, still locked in internal strife and evidently unsuited for the harsh realities of survival in the wilderness. Amidst this chaos, Andor speaks up, suggesting they utilize a tarp to harness rainwater, encouraging them to turn their plight into productivity. The rebels, still grappling with their division into two warring factions, eventually agree to a ceasefire and commence negotiations. Seizing this moment, Andor stealthily makes his escape and takes off from the planet.
Elsewhere, Dedra finds herself at a crossroads, having decided against the Ghorman Project despite Krennic's favor for her scheme. Yearning to return to the Axis, she is reminded that despite cultivating a reputation, her tangible achievements remain elusive. The Ghorman Project presents a potential turnaround for her career, offering her sole authority over Ghorman with Krennic as her sole superior. This opportunity could reignite her stagnant career trajectory.
On Chandrila, the grand wedding preparations continue unabated, but Lucen receives alarming news: Mina-rau has been shuttered, and they've heard nothing from Bix. Communication on the planet is perilously unreliable, necessitating a covert method to reach out without detection.
Hints of Tay Kolma's recent marital dissolution lingered from the previous episode, but its aftermath unfolds more starkly here. Perrin confides in Mon Mothma that Tay has been indulging in alcohol to drown his sorrows, dismissing it as a sign of weakness. However, Mothma harbors deeper concerns for his well-being and the peril of him potentially disclosing their rebellion's secrets under the influence.
In a private conversation that night, Mon confronts Tay, who reveals that the wedding is not devoid of positives for her. Her Foundation has been established, and her financial blemishes have been discreetly rectified without raising suspicion. However, this achievement has come at the cost of her partnership with Tay, whose investments have suffered grievously due to the rebellion. She promises to delve deeper into this after the wedding, but unbeknownst to them, Luthen watches their interaction with keen interest.
Luthen voices his apprehensions to Mon Mothma, stressing his reluctance to let the individual destined for Sculden expose their clandestine endeavors. Mon, while reassuring him that he won't, conveys her assurance in a tone that subtly betrays her own need for conviction.
On Mina-rau, Bix and his companions manage to intercept a message from the Five Hundred, another locale on the planet, alerting them that the Empire is indeed conducting spot checks and making its way towards all the hotspots. Currently, there are 40 troops on the ground, but the nature of their aerial reinforcements remains a mystery.
Their vigilance is heightened by the fact that it has been ten years since the last audit. Knowing the Empire's relentless pursuit of absolute obedience, any hint of disobedience or deviation could lead to fatal consequences. This gravity is further underscored when Bix learns that the Empire has caught someone attempting to flee from the Five Hundred.
It appears that the Empire's true intent extends beyond merely inspecting grain harvests; they are also determined to root out any unauthorized workers hiding within. Unfortunately, Lieutenant Krole finds himself assigned to inspect the storage facility—where Bix is conveniently located. He tries to entice her with a proposition to visit Rau, but she firmly declines, mentioning that her husband wouldn't approve. Given his absence "off-planet," this opens a pandora's box of uncomfortable questions from Krole.
The Imperials have shut down communications to prevent any loopholes, but Krole's sleazy, piercing gaze, as he scans her up and down, hints at a far more sinister agenda lurking beneath his Imperial uniform and his venomous words.
After the Imperials depart, Bix and Brasso learn from recent chatter that the Empire is heading towards the Three Hundred next to continue its audits.
