"No!"
"Yes!"
"Magnificent! Good lord, Magnan, you're a genius! This will mean
promotions all around. Why, the administrative load alone--"
"I can't wait to make planetfall, Mr. Ambassador. I'm all a-bubble
with plans. I hope they manage to get the docking facilities back in
operation soon."
"Help is on the way, my dear Magnan. I'm assured the Environmental
Control installations will be coming back in operation again within a
year or two."
"My, didn't those ice-caps form quickly. And in the open sea."
"Mere scum ice. As my Counsellor for Technical Affairs, you'll be in
charge of the ice-breaking operation once we're settled in. I imagine
you'll want to spend considerable time in the field. I'll be expecting
a record of how every credit is spent."
"I'm more the executive type," Magnan said. "Possibly Retief--"
A desk speaker hummed. "Mr. Corasol's lighter has arrived to ferry Mr.
Retief across to the Company ship...."
"Sorry you won't be with us, Retief," Sternwheeler said heartily. He
turned to Magnan. "Manager-General Corasol has extended Retief an
exequatur as Consul General to Las Palmas."
* * * * *
Retief nodded. "Much as I'd like to be out in that open boat with you,
breaking ice, I'm afraid duty calls elsewhere."
"Your own post? I'm not sure he's experienced enough, Mr. Ambassador.
Now, I--"
"He was requested by name, Magnan. It seems the Manager-General's
children took a fancy to him."
"Eh? How curious. I never thought you were particularly interested in
infant care, Retief."
"Perhaps I haven't been, Mr. Magnan." Retief draped his short blue cape
over his left arm and turned to the door. "But remember the diplomat's
motto: be adaptable...."