The handwritten note addresses three points regarding Abdi's work permit application.

"1) doesn't seem to be an application for a general work permit—only for a particular job. 2) what is a translator's salary. Learn from Foundation what they pay for translations. 3) why is Ahmed's name now Abdi. Name given us by him and by Lucy and on letters from Tangiers addressed to him here, was Alaoui."

BR notes that it's understood that Ahmed was to get another job, as he cannot support both himself and Lucy, and asks how much Lucy needs to support herself beside the children's fund and her extra quarterly allowance.