Episode 5 of "Andor" season 2 kicks off with Andor embarked on his journey to Ghorman, assuming the guise of Varian Skye, a fashion designer hailing from Coruscant who relocated alongside his brother. As he traverses the landscape, a detailed biography of Varian Skye unfolds in his earpiece, meticulously crafting his new identity.
Meanwhile, Syril stands on the brink of returning home when his path is abruptly diverted at the office. A contingent of officers descends upon the premises, announcing an impending Imperial audit led by Attendant Grymish of the ISB tech division.Grymish has received intelligence about the presence of eavesdropping devices within the office, prompting a sweep that will see everyone present detained.
Syril puts up a show of indignant protest, fully aware of the device's existence, yet he too is apprehended as part of the charade to curry favor with the Rebels. Upon his release and subsequent discovery of the device, Syril feigns outrage towards his colleagues, all the while expertly sidestepping suspicion, given his prior knowledge.
The Rebels unwittingly fall into Dedra and Syril's trap when they approach the latter on the streets. Rylanz speculates that the ISB operates a shadow government, piquing their interest in the Empire's undocumented deliveries. Suspecting that these shipments conceal hidden agendas, the Rebels uncover a clue linked to M-S-R, which pertains to the military's requirement for clearance for their trucks, thus drawing them deeper into the web of intrigue.
Luthen arrives to visit Bix, fully aware of her current predicament, confined within the safety of this hideout. He is cognizant of her reliance on medication to induce sleep and understands the importance of her well-being for the scheme he has in mind. Meanwhile, Wilmon continues his duties for Saw, amidst a swirling drama that also encompasses Sculden, who is growing increasingly paranoid. Demanding a thorough search of his quarters for eavesdropping devices, this development poses a dire threat, given that Luthen has strategically planted such devices throughout Sculden's office. This looming scenario signifies the potential loss of vital intelligence from within and could jeopardize all their meticulously laid plans. Recognizing the dire necessity, Kleya concludes that they must seize the impending opportunity to retrieve the bug during an upcoming gathering.
Cassian arrives on Ghorman, where he is startlingly enlightened about Mon Mothma's role in the tragic demise of 500 souls on the planet—an event that initially prompted the construction of the memorial site. His encounter with Rylanz is devoid of pretenses, diving straight into the heart of the matter. Andor possesses a freshly decoded crystal from the radio of a rebel pilot, sparking his curiosity about their current endeavors.
Rylanz raises the stakes by revealing the presence of an Imperial spy within their ranks, one who has been supplying them with critical intelligence. Andor, unable to conceal his disbelief, cautions them that spies are masters of deception, adept at planting false information to lead them astray. Yet, Rylanz dismisses his concerns with a shrug, fully convinced that Syril is a trusted ally, and they have set their sights on ambushing a military transport.
Dedra and Syril present their intelligence to Partagaz, orchestrating a cunning coup to deceive the rebels into believing that these military transports are ripe for the taking, a supposed victory that will bolster their confidence. Their true intention is to lure the rebels into overextension, allowing the Empire to crush all rebellion in one fell swoop.
Meanwhile, Wilmon finds himself engrossed in collaboration with Saw on a revolutionary energy weapon, whose function will soon be unveiled. The device, however, remains plagued by persistent malfunctions, and Wilmon's progress is slow and uncertain. When pressed about its readiness, Wilmon's uncertainty is palpable. Unfortunately, Saw is in no mood for leniency and holds a gun to his head, though in a shocking twist, he fires at the man next to Wilmon, revealing a transmitter in his jacket as proof of his Imperial spy status. With a stern warning, Saw places the sole responsibility of fixing the device on Wilmon's shoulders and they depart for a distant planet.
As Saw delivers an inspiring speech, overlooking a rebel outpost, Wilmon tinkers with the device, which finally seems to come to life. As he flips the switch, he inadvertently inhales its fumes. It transpires that Wilmon's pivotal role is to craft this weapon capable of safely extracting rhydonium, an explosive fuel that Saw believes possesses the power to "incinerate a being's lungs from within."
Swayed by Saw's compelling words, Wilmon removes his helmet and takes a deep breath of the fuel, embracing its destructive potential and allowing it to consume him.
