The following contains spoilers for Andor Season 1, Episode 7, "Announcement," now streaming on Disney+
As much as Cassian Andor was a hero in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, he still cut a sinister figure. He was willing to kill allies to keep the Rebels' secrets and identities safe -- which is now being detailed in Andor. The Disney+ series speaks to survival of the fittest in a cutthroat galaxy where the Empire has no problem eliminating dissidents without evidence and desperate Rebels have to act on the fly in the interest of self-preservation.
This shapes Cassian as an antihero: someone who's not trustworthy but resourceful to rely on for a job -- once it pays, of course. Luthen Rael gambled correctly in hiring him to steal Imperial funds on Aldhani because he'd be an asset to Vel Sartha's team. Unfortunately, while the mission was a success, Cassian's colleagues turned on him in Season 1, Episode 7, "Announcement" and made it clear he had to be murdered.
Andor's Vel Sartha Has To Kill Cassian
In "Announcement," Vel made it to Coruscant and met with Luthen's assistant Kleya. Vel was told that everyone was impressed with the heist before being reassured that the trawler ship used in the getaway is gone and the funds are safe and sound. Kleya also expressed sorrow over Commander Gorn, Karis Nemik and the former Stormtrooper Taramyn being casualties in the heist, but that's an unfortunate part of the war.
However, Kleya was also adamant that Cassian -- or as they knew him, Clem -- was a loose end that must be tied up. "We can't have him walking around with Luthen in his head," she confessed before informing Vel she needed to kill Cassian as soon as possible. Kleya departed after promising to send data over to help on finding Cassian. However, the scene showed that Vel was internally conflicted about her new orders.
Why Vel Sartha May Spare Cassian's Life
Vel knows that without Cassian, her team wouldn't have been able to move the Imperial funds and adapt when the heist started to go wrong. He even piloted the ship through an escape route more dangerous than the Kessel Run. Cassian also killed Skeen, who was about to betray the team and take the money for himself. He's loyal and heroic in his own right because he protected the cause and only took his cut.
Vel also doesn't like how Kleya automatically deems people dispensable. That suggests that someday, out of desperation, she could be cleaned up too. Luthen doesn't mind innocents dying against an enraged Empire that hates being robbed. There's some irony involved: Vel is agonizing over killing Cassian, but if the roles were reversed, Cassian wouldn't any qualms about ending her. The decision she makes will test her moral compass as the Rebellion continues to make morally questionable choices. The Rebels have turned on Cassian because they think he's a loose end, but they have bigger issues.
Andor streams Wednesdays on Disney+.