The Translator

Nine translators representing key markets are moved to a bunker to translate the final Dedalus in complete isolation. The translation project is overseen by publisher Éric Angstrom, since the author Oscar Brach remains unknown. This setup aims to prevent leaks and spoilers but already foreshadows rising tension.

The translators receive only small portions of the secret manuscript each day, forcing them to work under constant pressure. Mistrust spreads as they realize any slip could expose them to danger or betrayal. Angstrom maintains tight control, using the situation to probe for the blackmailer.

After just a few days, the first ten pages appear on the Internet, published by an unknown person. The leak escalates fear and urgency among the translators, who worry about further exposure. Angström tightens security and intensifies monitoring in response.

Angström receives a ransom note demanding five million euros to prevent further pages from being released. The criminal pressure adds a new layer of danger to an already volatile situation. He uses the threat to push the translators and to identify the blackmailer.

To protect the project and punish perceived betrayal, Angström escalates his intimidation of the translators. Loyalty fractures as fear and suspicion mount within the group. The bunker environment becomes increasingly toxic and unstable.

The growing mistrust and pressure drive Helene, the Danish translator, to take her own life. Her death underscores the brutal consequences of Angström's methods. The tragedy deepens the sense of danger and betrayal among the remaining translators.

Through flashbacks, we learn that English translator Alex Goodman planned to steal the manuscript. He teams up with fellow translators and appears to have copied the book from Angström even before the translation project began. This backstory introduces the possibility of inside betrayal and hidden motives.

As more pages surface, tensions inside the bunker rise and loyalties fray. The possibility of a traitor becomes more plausible, reinforcing the atmosphere of paranoia. Security measures tighten further as suspicions shift toward insiders.

In a dramatic escalation, Angström fires at Goodman and Katerina, the Russian translator. The shootings shatter any remaining order within the bunker and radically alter the power dynamics. This act marks a turning point in the crisis.

The loyal security forces switch sides and arrest Angström. The publisher finds himself isolated and powerless as those he trusted distance themselves. The arrest signals a major reversal in the struggle over the manuscript.

Goodman visits the prisoner and reveals that he is actually Oscar Brach. This revelation reframes the entire conflict and explains the conspiratorial web behind the manuscript's publication. Goodman admits he infiltrated the translators to expose Angström from within.

Goodman explains that Georges, the bookseller, was a close friend of his who was killed by Angström after refusing to continue working. Goodman had previously arranged for Georges to pretend to be the author to get Dedalus published, tying personal history to the larger ruse.

With Angström incarcerated, the true authorship of Dedalus is confirmed. Goodman’s identity is secured and Georges’ murder is avenged. The internal exposure ensures the wrongdoing is halted and the author’s legacy is protected.