At a recruitment meeting, Ms. Watkin volunteers to be a translator and offers to prove her skill. Officers test her by asking her to translate an official French communiqué into Decluan; she renders a flawless Ublaxan translation. Praised as a genius, she is invited to serve as Lead Translator at a weapons-supply signing with Ublax in three months and offered a monthly talent allowance that sparks colleagues' resentment. Ms. Watkin accepts and asks to train two hours daily; Mr. Sweet approves, leaving her abruptly placed on a fast track toward the upcoming diplomatic ceremony.