diff --git a/smol_k8s_lab/__init__.py b/smol_k8s_lab/__init__.py
index 35f51913d..b663a33cf 100755
--- a/smol_k8s_lab/__init__.py
+++ b/smol_k8s_lab/__init__.py
@@ -309,6 +309,8 @@ def main(config: str = "",
             libretranslate_api_key = configure_libretranslate(argocd,
                                                               libre_translate_dict,
                                                               bw)
+        else:
+            libretranslate_api_key = ""
 
         # setup nextcloud, home assistant, mastodon, and matrix
         setup_federated_apps(