You don't have to be crazy to be an earth
diplomat--but on Groac it sure helps!
[Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from
Worlds of If Science Fiction, March 1962.
Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that
the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]
I
"The Consul for the Terrestrial States," Retief said, "presents his
compliments, et cetera, to the Ministry of Culture of the Groacian
Autonomy, and with reference to the Ministry's invitation to attend a
recital of interpretive grimacing, has the honor to express regret that
he will be unable--"
"You can't turn this invitation down," Administrative Assistant Meuhl
said flatly. "I'll make that 'accepts with pleasure'."
Retief exhaled a plume of cigar smoke.
"Miss Meuhl," he said, "in the past couple of weeks I've sat through
six light-concerts, four attempts at chamber music, and god knows how
many assorted folk-art festivals. I've been tied up every off-duty
hour since I got here--"
"You can't offend the Groaci," Miss Meuhl said sharply. "Consul Whaffle
would never have been so rude."
"Whaffle left here three months ago," Retief said, "leaving me in
charge."
"Well," Miss Meuhl said, snapping off the dictyper. "I'm sure I don't
know what excuse I can give the Minister."
"Never mind the excuses," Retief said. "Just tell him I won't be
there." He stood up.
"Are you leaving the office?" Miss Meuhl adjusted her glasses. "I have
some important letters here for your signature."
"I don't recall dictating any letters today, Miss Meuhl," Retief said,
pulling on a light cape.
* * * * *
"I wrote them for you. They're just as Consul Whaffle would have wanted
them."
"Did you write all Whaffle's letters for him, Miss Meuhl?"
"Consul Whaffle was an extremely busy man," Miss Meuhl said stiffly.
"He had complete confidence in me."
"Since I'm cutting out the culture from now on," Retief said, "I won't
be so busy."
"Well!" Miss Meuhl said. "May I ask where you'll be if something comes
up?"
"I'm going over to the Foreign Office Archives."