"Announcement" marks the seventh installment of the first season of the television show, Andor. Benjamin Caron took the director's chair for this episode, while Stephen Schiff penned the script. It was originally broadcast on October 19 of 2022.
Syril Karn is seen getting ready for an interview with the Imperial Bureau of Standards in the morning. His mother, Eedy Karn, questions his choice of a brown suit, reminding him that his uncle, Harlo, used his influence to help him. While eating breakfast, they hear a news report on HoloNet about a terror attack and robbery at the Imperial Armory on Aldhani, resulting in numerous deaths. The broadcast announces a blockade imposed by the Galactic Empire and the launch of an investigation. Eedy comments that the perpetrators will come to regret their actions.
At the Imperial Security Bureau (ISB), Colonel Wullf Yularen addresses senior ISB officials, promising a swift Imperial response to the rebel attack. He raises the question of how severely they should retaliate and discusses the ISB's rigorous recruitment process. As retribution, Yularen levies a tribute tax, five times the stolen amount, on any sector suspected of harboring rebel activity. Yularen emphasizes that the Empire will not tolerate theft. He further declares that any local custom, festival, or tradition used to mask rebel activity will result in the permanent revocation of Imperial tolerance.
Yularen informs his officers that he has spoken with Emperor Palpatine that morning, who has granted the ISB access to Imperial Army and Imperial Navy assets. He also announces that the Emperor will convene an emergency session of the Imperial Senate to propose legislation granting the ISB unrestricted powers of surveillance, search, and seizure.
Yularen also announces the immediate implementation of the Public Order Resentencing Directive (PORD). Any criminal act, even indirectly affecting the Empire, will be reclassified as a Class One offense. All prison sentences will be re-evaluated, and all outstanding fines and levies must be paid in full. Dedra Meero listens, visibly disturbed, which ISB Attendant Heert notices. Heert later speaks with Meero, who expresses her concern that Yularen's policies are actually benefiting the rebels. Meero believes the Empire is mistakenly treating the Aldhani incident as a simple robbery when it is, in reality, a statement.
Luthen Rael is listening to a transmitter elsewhere, learning that 80 million credits were taken during the Aldhani heist. The report also indicates that all military personnel have been replaced and are being interrogated by the ISB. The broadcast confirms that all tracking devices on the escape craft were disabled before it entered hyperspace. Furthermore, 134 Aldhani residents have been detained on suspicion of aiding the terrorists. Kleya Marki informs Rael that Mon Mothma has arrived for a visit and advises him to compose himself.
Mothma apologizes for the unexpected visit outside Galactic Antiquities and Objects of Interest, explaining she was en route to the Senate. She states that she wants to exchange a gift she previously acquired for her husband, Perrin Fertha, with a different artifact, as she is unsure he appreciates the original one. Inside, Mothma asks if Rael was behind the Aldhani heist. Rael avoids a direct answer, stating that revolutions are costly. They then discuss Mothma's family funds, which she has struggled to access. Mothma repeats her question, and Rael reminds her that he had cautioned her about the risks of involving new people, but she insisted.
Mothma asks if Rael understands the magnitude of his actions. Rael inquires about the upcoming meeting and suggests it may need to be rescheduled. Mothma tells Rael that she had intended to build a network, but Rael reminds her that "turning back will be impossible." He emphasizes that she was aware of the risks and describes the network as a weapon. Rael asserts that they have waited long enough. Mothma expresses concern about the Aldhani heist's consequences, but Rael explains that his intention was to provoke the Emperor into an overreaction.
When Rael remarks that the events on Aldhani will strengthen their cause, Mothma responds that people will suffer. Rael replies that this is the plan and adds that there will be no more rules. Returning to business, Rael tells Mothma that the rebellion requires every credit they can obtain and asks her to update him on the meeting's outcome. 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. Marki listens to the conversation with interest. After Mothma leaves, Marki 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 lifts off from Rael's store and disappears into the Coruscant skyline.
Syril Karn is given a tour of the Bureau of Standards on his first day. His supervisor describes the Bureau's responsibilities, including weights and gauges, redundancy, and verification. The supervisor questions Karn about his previous employment on Morlana One. Karn explains that a "rebel murderer" remains at large due to corruption and negligence within the corporate authority. Karn believes he was penalized for attempting to uphold the law and ensure public safety.
He speaks of the loss of two colleagues and his dedication to the law. Karn states that he wants to clear his name and have his record expunged. The supervisor offers assistance by suggesting a job opening in Fuel Purity. The supervisor directs Karn to a desk.
Elsewhere on Coruscant, Marki, wearing a hood, walks past Imperial security in a foyer and into a public walkway. She follows a series of 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, Marki meets with a disguised Vel Sartha. She asks about Andor's whereabouts and says that she shouldn't even be here. Sartha replies that neither of them should be here and reassures her that the money is safe. Marki praises Sartha for hiding the money securely and for her success in recruiting Taramyn Barcona. Sartha says that they weren't so sure about Arvel Skeen, but that it's good that they no longer have to worry about him.
When Sartha asks about Kaz, Marki replies that she is doing what she has been told; receiving and sending messages are both dangerous. Marki then turns to the matter of "Clem," whose real identity is Cassian Andor. Regarding him as a loose end, she implies that Sartha should kill Andor to conceal any knowledge he has regarding Rael. Before Sartha leaves, Marki promises to send what she has on Andor.
A hooded Cassian Andor returns to his adopted family's home on Ferrix. He is greeted by his adoptive mother Maarva Andor and droid B2EMO, who are overjoyed to see him. Maarva warns Cassian 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. Marva reveals that Karlo was killed by the Corpos and that Bix Caleen tried to warn Cassian. Rumors are that Karlo either tried to stop her or to catch her when he was killed.
Maarva tells Cassian that the Empire is here to stay. Cassian invites his mother and B2EMO to flee with him, claiming that he has won enough credits to leave. Cassian wants them to leave tonight for a warmer world. As the kettle hisses, he talks about his plans of escaping offworld with his family. He decides to delay their plans to the following day so that he can speak to Caleen one last time.
Elsewhere on Coruscant, Mothma attends a party, carefully avoiding two ISB officers. She meets with a visiting Chandrilan named Tay Kolma, an old friend and banker. Kolma comments on Mothma's political career and says that he cannot imagine living on Coruscant. Perrin Fertha is nearby, conversing with other guests. Mothma is about to discuss a confidential matter with Kolma when her daughter, Leida Mothma, joins them, whom Mon introduces. She tells Leida that Kolma is an old family friend who runs the Bank Of Kolma and is close to her sisters.
Leida, not wanting to be overshadowed by her mother, quickly asks for permission to leave the party. In private, Mon tells Kolma that she needs his help for a political plan. He is hesitant to become 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 raising suspicion, Mothma encourages Kolma to pretend to drink more punch. She 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 Kolma. He replies that he doesn't know what she is talking about. She 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. She wants the Empire to perceive her as a minor annoyance to conceal her true objective: raising funds. She seeks Kolma's assistance in accessing her family accounts to establish a Chandrilan charitable outreach foundation. Kolma will serve as chairman of the foundation.
Kolma replies that she has not answered his question. Mothma thinks that he is not suitable for the role since he does not share her politics. As Fertha approaches, Mothma warns Kolma that her husband is unaware of her true activities and that he is not to be trusted. Fertha reminds them about an upcoming reunion and returns to serving some guests. Mothma tells Kolma that their meeting is to be continued before joining Fertha.
Elsewhere on Ferrix, Cassian 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. Caleen tells him that he should not be here because it is not safe. After opening the door, Caleen briefly mentions the death of Karlo and blames Andor for putting the entire town at risk by killing two Corpos and returning home to hide. Andor tries to blame Karlo but Caleen 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 him 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, Cassian Andor greets B2EMO. Maarva Andor tells her adoptive son that she is not leaving. Cassian points out that the Empire has set up a stormtrooper barracks on Rix Road but Maarva counters that the Empire is everywhere. He suggests fleeing to a place without an Imperial presence but she describes her mind as her last refuge. When he asks what is keeping her here, she replies that it is the Rebellion. Cassian thinks his adoptive mother is crazy but Maarva says that she is willing to wait it out.
Maarva and Cassian Andor are still haunted by the memory of Clem's body hanging in the square and confronting clone troopers. Maarva asks Cassian about the rebel attack on the Aldhani Imperial garrison. She tells him that she was encouraged by the attack to remain on Ferrix. Hiding his role in the Aldhani heist, he dismisses it as a robbery but she believes that people are standing up. Cassian 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. Cassian 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 he can do nothing about that. She expresses her love for him but surmises that their paths are different. B2EMO tries to speak but Maarva shushes him. She tells Cassian that he will understand. As Cassian 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, Cassian vows to return one day.
At the ISB Central Office, Lonni Jung proposes three theories for the lack of progress in his sector. Major Lio 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 his 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. Meero 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 Meero 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. Meero 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. Meero reponds 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 endeavour 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.
A month later, 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 a judge in the Niamos Courthouse. 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.