Double Agent Droid

"Double Agent Droid" is the ninteenth episode of the animated television series Star Wars Rebels' third season. It is the fifty-sixth episode of the series overall. It aired on March 11, 2017, on Disney XD.

Official description
When Chopper comes under Imperial control, the future of the entire Rebellion is at stake.

AP-5's mission
The episode opens with a Sentinel-class landing craft detaching from the Spectres' starship, the Ghost. Wedge Antilles tells Hera Syndulla, Garazeb Orrelios and Ezra Bridger over the com not to worry because they will get the clearance codes "before you know it." Zeb jokes about Wedge's co-pilots being more of a challenge, while Ezra chuckles. Hera tells them to cut the chatter because they have a job to do. Despite Zeb and Ezra's thoughts, Hera is confident that she has the best team on the job. Zeb sarcastically asks when their best team consisted of AP-5, Chopper, and Wedge, and he and Ezra laugh.

Meanwhile, Wedge, who is wearing a TIE fighter pilot uniform, asks AP-5 why Hera picked him for the mission. AP-5 replies that his grasp of protocol is lacking and that Imperial pilots never remove their helmets while flying. Wedge points out that he learned that in his classes at the Imperial Academy. AP-5 responds that Wedge mistakes his attention to detail with an attack on his fragile ego. Chopper beeps while Wedge sighs.

AP-5 stresses that he wants the mission to go precisely as planned, and that they need to acquire clearance codes for the planned attack on Lothal. Wedge reminds AP-5 and Chopper that he was at the meeting too. When Chopper whines, AP-5 responds that he got his circuits overheated because he was placed in charge. AP-5 stresses that it is his mission and that Captain Syndulla was specific about this being his operation due to his skill set and experience.

When Wedge tells them to argue somewhere else, AP-5 boasts to Chopper that "Anything you can do, I can do better." Chopper and AP-5 continue arguing, and AP-5 says that he makes a better rebel spy because of his superior programming. Wedge remarks that he now knows why nobody else volunteered for the mission.

Undercover droids
The Sentinel exits hyperspace and flies towards Killun 71. The shuttle approaches Killun Station, which is built on the side of a mountain. Wedge tells AP-5 and Chopper to quit arguing and prepare for the welcoming committee, before pulling on his helmet. When the flight controller tells them they are in a restricted sector and requests their identity, Wedge tells them that he is A3GDS delivering service droids and transmits the clearance code B629. AP-5 remarks that Antilles was not very convincing, but Wedge ignores his criticism. The flight controller clears their ship for landing at the Imperial Security Bureau base.

AP-5 and Chopper disembark while still arguing. They arrive at a scanner manned by two stormtroopers. One of the stormtroopers states they have to proceed one at a time, and AP-5 huffily responds that he is aware of the protocol before proceeding. He is cleared by the scanner. After Chopper passes through, the scanner doesn't flash green, and eventually beeps as the lights flash red, although the stormtrooper guards don't notice. While entering the base, AP-5 reminds Chopper to follow his lead, sparking another round of arguments. Meanwhile in space, the Imperial Information Office crew of an Imperial IGV-55 surveillance vessel receive the sensor's transmission. The communications officer 3-9 informs the Imperial Controller LT-319 that an unauthorized droid has entered the ISB base on Killun 71. The controller thinks that this may be the spy droid they've been looking for, and orders his crew to set a course for Killun 71.

Back at the ISB base, Chopper argues with a mouse droid, and AP-5 tells him to shut up, as they were fortunate to pass through security. The two droids come across an astromech port in the hallway. When Chopper beeps in Binary, AP-5 responds that these terminals connect to the central office but that the most current code will not be accessible there. He reminds Chopper that this info was why he was put in charge of the operation. Chopper disagrees, but AP-5 insists that he makes better calculations than Chopper. When Chopper protests, AP-5 insists on retrieving the codes alone.

In space, the Gozanti cruiser approaches Killun 71. When a female comm officer asks 3-9 where the data scan update is, he responds that he is tracking 7161. An image of the rebel Sentinel craft at Killun 71 appears on the data screen. The communications officer confirms that the droid that triggered the alarm arrived on that shuttle. The controller checks archival data on unidentified rebel droids and recognizes Chopper as an outdated C1-series astromech droid. He believes that Chopper is the droid infiltrator that Grand Admiral Thrawn had referenced in his report on Phoenix Squadron. 3-9 wants to inform Killun Station, but the controller insists on informing the ISB only after he has what he needs from the spy.

Rival operations
Back on Killun 71, AP-5 admires the simplicity of Imperial structure and organization. AP-5 finds the central computer core, but is confronted by a female RA-7 protocol droid called PZ-7. When PZ-7 expresses surprise that two inventory units were assigned to this level, AP-5 informs her that PZ-7 has been reassigned to the cargo platform and that he is her replacement. PZ-7 meekly accepts AP-5's explanation, leading him to marvel that he is of the same model as those Imperial drones. AP-5 boasts of using his intellect to his advantage as he inserts his data disk into the network terminal. AP-5 manages to download the clearance codes for Lothal within seconds, and boasts about handling the mission by himself.

Meanwhile, 3-9 reports to the controller that Chopper is trying to access the network terminal. The controller is pleased, because he thinks that he can extract the location of the rebel base from Chopper's memory. He orders 3-9 to capture the droid. As Chopper accesses the terminal, a spark of electricity convulses his chassis. The controller boasts that Admiral Thrawn will be pleased. When 3-9 reports that no base coordinates were stored on the droid, the controller decides to use Chopper to lead them to the base instead. He tells 3-9 to initiate the takeover. The controller remarks that Chopper's resistance to reprogramming is impressive, but ultimately futile. 3-9 reports that the takeover is complete.

Back at Killun Base, AP-5 finds an unresponsive Chopper and dismisses him as "all talk and no action." He taunts Chopper that he stole the codes while he was waiting. Unbeknownst to AP-5, the Imperials are watching him through Chopper's visual processor. When Chopper does not respond, AP-5 accuses him of sulking and challenges him to race back to the shuttle. The female comm officer informs the controller that the inventory droid has accessed the Lothal orbital access codes from the main computer, and warns that there is danger. However, the controller responds that the rebels only have a 31% chance of using the codes. He decides to let the rebel droids escape in order to learn the location of the rebel base, surmising that the odds are in their favor.

An awkward journey
AP-5 climbs aboard the ramp of the Sentinel shuttle and tells Wedge that he has successfully obtained the clearance codes and that they must leave at once. When Wedge asks about Chopper, Chopper rolls up the ramp. When AP-5 remarks that it is about time, Chopper beeps an apology in Binary. Chopper then admits that AP-5 is the better leader. Wedge, relieved by Chopper's polite behaviour, thinks it will be a smooth flight back to base. When AP-5 asks Chopper what he is up to, Chopper talks back in Imperial Code 16; leading AP-5 to deduce that he is on standby mode. The controller uses the visual processor to monitor Chopper and AP-5. AP-5 is suspicious because Chopper has never been on standby mode before.

During the journey, AP-5 tells Chopper that Code 16 is an Imperial code. When the reprogrammed Chopper insists that he is speaking his language, AP-5 responds that he only uses Code 16 when necessary and accuses Chopper of questioning his loyalty. Wedge calls the droid back to the cockpit. AP-5 tells Chopper he is watching him while the controller watches.

In the cockpit, Wedge converses with Hera via hologram. Hera is pleased that everything went according to plan. When Wedge gives credit to the droids, AP-5 replies that he did all the work. Hera thanks the team and then asks Wedge how long it'll be before they reach their rendezvous point. Wedge replies that they'll be there within the hour. He then asks AP-5 what is the matter with him. Chopper then offers Wedge a carton of blue milk. When Wedge notices the change in Chopper's attitude, AP-5 suspects that Chopper is being insincere, but Wedge welcomes the change. AP-5 protests when Wedge suggests that he needs a change in attitude.

The Imperial controller watches the conversation and identifies AP-5 as a threat to his plan. When Chopper addresses AP-5 as "sir", the protocol droid thinks that he wants to take possession of the data disk. After Wedge tells Chopper to check the hyperdrive coils to ease the drag, he then tells AP-5 to end his childish competition with Chopper. AP-5 warns Wedge that he suspects that Chopper may have been compromised on Killun 71. Wedge thinks that he is being paranoid and insists nothing is wrong with Chopper. When Chopper returns, Wedge tells him to take over the controls while he uses the refresher.

AP-5 follows Lieutenant Antilles into the refresher and insists on talking in private. AP-5 warns Wedge that he saw Chopper being plugged into a network terminal, and recalls his suspicions about Chopper's silent mode and the use of an Imperial term. Wedge doesn't want to listen to conspiracy theories, as he really needs to use the refresher. Wedge kicks AP-5 out of the toilet. Chopper spies on the argument while hanging upside down. The controller surmises that everything is on track because the inventory droid has undermined his own credibility. He thinks it is a matter of time before Chopper leads them to Phoenix Squadron and their rebel base.

Trouble aboard the Ghost
The Sentinel docks with the Ghost while Ezra and Zeb play a game of dejarik. Hera meets AP-5 and Wedge. AP-5 presents the clearance codes and tells the Spectres he saved the codes from C1-10P. Wedge adds that AP-5 and Chopper were playing some sort of spy game. While Zeb and Ezra laugh, AP-5 insists that it is not a game and that he has serious concerns about Chopper. While Ezra asks where Chopper is, AP-5 pleads for his comrades to listen to him. A suspicious Hera asks Chopper where he is and heads to the Ghost cockpit.

She asks Chopper what he is doing with the hyperspace logs. Chopper responds that he is updating his database. When Hera tells him he is not making any sense, he claims that he had files wiped on Killun 71. Hera lays down the clearance codes for Lothal on the console. She then reminds Chopper that she wipes his data after every jump as a security precaution, and says he needs a proper recharge. Chopper exits the cockpit abruptly.

Back in the common area, Wedge recounts how AP-5 followed him into the refresher, and Ezra and Zeb laugh. Zeb states that AP-5 once did the same thing to him. Hera enters the common area to warn the other rebels that she thinks something is wrong with "Chop". AP-5 expresses vindication, while Wedge observes that Chopper has been curiously nice to him. Zeb remarks that this is creepy. Unknown to the other rebels, Chopper is watching them from behind. Ezra suggests that Chopper short-circuited, while Hera recommends running a diagnostic scan.

The hijacking
Suddenly, the Ghost lists as the ship exits hyperspace abruptly. When Hera demands that Chopper explain why, he beeps back in Binary. Hera tells the rebels that he is in the engine room. When Zeb pounds his hands and says that he'll show Chopper what malfunction means, Hera tells him to go easy on Chopper because they don't know what is wrong with him yet. When AP-5 asks whether they should all go, Ezra accuses him of cowardice. The rebels head into the cargo bay, and Chopper seals them inside. AP-5 and Hera demand that Chopper open the doors. Instead, Chopper locks them in and detaches the Ghost from the Sentinel shuttle. When AP-5 remarks that he told them so, Hera puts a reassuring arm around him and tells him they will listen to him next time.

Meanwhile, the Imperial-controlled Chopper recovers the stolen clearance codes. 3-9 informs the controller, who then orders Chopper to install a data spike onto the Ghost navigation computer. The controller remarks that all they need now is a little time and no interference. Back aboard the Ghost, the rebels try to force the hatch open in vain. The controller has no need for prisoners and orders Chopper to open the cargo bay hatch doors to space. The Spectres struggle to cling on and avoid being sucked into space. With much difficulty, Hera manages to use an access panel to manually reseal the doors. Watching through Chopper's visual processor, the controller thinks that the rebels are a short-term problem because the download is underway.

Hera realizes that someone is using Chopper to download the location of Chopper Base. Ezra fears this will be the end of Phoenix Squadron, and asks if there is another way out. Hera says they need to override the hatch control, but that it involves going outside. Since AP-5 doesn't need a space suit, she suggests he do it. AP-5 is reluctant, but Hera insists that they don't have much time. While Chopper downloads the data from the nav computer, AP-5 climbs onto the hull, but is spotted by Chopper and the controller.

The controller vows to end the traitorous inventory droid. While AP-5 accesses the override circuitry, Chopper, armed with two blasters, exits the Ghost and attacks his friend. AP-5 shields himself with the hatch. Meanwhile, the data spike has downloaded 50% of the Ghost data. The controller thinks success is imminent and orders his crew to search the archive memory for the location of the rebel base. Chopper does a second loop in space and attacks AP-5 just as he manages to unseal the cargo bay. Chopper pushes AP-5 into space and flies back to the Ghost, entering the cockpit.

Retaking Chopper
Ambushing the hijacked droid from behind, Zeb stuns Chopper with his bo-rifle and remarks that he has wanted to do it for a long time. Ezra removes the data spike, sabotaging the data transfer. When Wedge remarks that it looks like the Imperials may have gotten what they wanted, Hera advocates striking back against the Empire for messing with her droid, and tells Zeb to get him up. Ezra remarks that Hera is angry. Hera realizes that the culprit had a strong signal array to control Chopper from a distance.

She decides to reverse the feed on them and send back more data than they expect. After connecting Chopper to the Ghost computers, Hera uses the astromech droid's visual processor to send a stern message to the Imperial controller, telling him to keep his hands off her droid. As Chopper convulses, 3-9 reports that the circuits on their IGV-55 surveillance vessel are overloading. The female comms officer reports that their fuel cells have been compromised. The controller tells them to shut off the signal, and Hera tells them to say goodbye to their memory core. The data overload causes the surveillance vessel to explode with its crew aboard.

Chopper squeals in pain. Hera tends to her droid and pleads with her buddy to come back to her. She places her hands on him. Despite their dislike for Chopper, even Zeb and Ezra express sadness. Suddenly, Chopper begins to reboot. Hera, Ezra, and Zeb are elated to see their friend again, with Zeb remarking that he can't believe that he is glad to see Chopper. Wedge reminds them that it was a close call and that they still need to give AP-5 due credit. Ezra cheers for AP-5, but then asks where he is.

Rescuing AP-5
While floating in space, AP-5 remarks that he should be frightened but finds himself strangely calm. He embraces the solitude of silence just as he is surrounded by a herd of baby neebray. AP-5 befriends the creatures and starts to break into a song. His solitude is abruptly interrupted when he is rescued by the Ghost, much to his chagrin.

The Spectres and Wedge welcome AP-5 aboard. AP-5 confronts Chopper, who is apologetic. Chopper's apology, however, makes AP-5 think that Chopper is still compromised. In response, Chopper whacks him and Wedge with his manipulator arms. Wedge remarks that he has had enough with droids and that he is flying solo from now on, as he and AP-5 chase after Chopper. Hera watches from above and jokingly warns not to mess with her droid.