THE FROZEN PLANET
By Keith Laumer
[Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from
Worlds of If Science Fiction, September 1961.
Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that
the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]
"It is rather unusual," Magnan said, "to assign an officer of your rankto courier duty, but this is an unusual mission."
Retief sat relaxed and said nothing. Just before the silence grewawkward, Magnan went on.
"There are four planets in the group," he said. "Two double planets,all rather close to an unimportant star listed as DRI-G 33987. They'recalled Jorgensen's Worlds, and in themselves are of no importancewhatever. However, they lie deep in the sector into which the Soettihave been penetrating.
"Now—" Magnan leaned forward and lowered his voice—"we have learnedthat the Soetti plan a bold step forward. Since they've met noopposition so far in their infiltration of Terrestrial space, theyintend to seize Jorgensen's Worlds by force."
Magnan leaned back, waiting for Retief's reaction. Retief drewcarefully on his cigar and looked at Magnan. Magnan frowned.
"This is open aggression, Retief," he said, "in case I haven't mademyself clear. Aggression on Terrestrial-occupied territory by an alienspecies. Obviously, we can't allow it."
Magnan drew a large folder from his desk.
"A show of resistance at this point is necessary. Unfortunately,Jorgensen's Worlds are technologically undeveloped areas. They'refarmers or traders. Their industry is limited to a minor role intheir economy—enough to support the merchant fleet, no more. The warpotential, by conventional standards, is nil."
Magnan tapped the folder before him.
"I have here," he said solemnly, "information which will change thatpicture completely." He leaned back and blinked at Retief.
"All right, Mr. Councillor," Retief said. "I'll play along; what's inthe folder?"
Magnan spread his fingers, folded one down.
"First," he said. "The Soetti War Plan—in detail. We were fortunateenough to make contact with a defector from a party of renegadeTerrestrials who've been advising the Soetti." He folded anotherfinger. "Next, a battle plan for the Jorgensen's people, worked out bythe Theory group." He wrestled a third finger down. "Lastly; an UtterTop Secret schematic for conversion of a standard anti-accelerationfield into a potent weapon—a development our systems people have beenholding in reserve for just such a situation."
"Is that all?" Retief said. "You've still got two fingers sticking up."
Magnan looked at the fingers and put them away.
"This is no occasion for flippancy, Retief. In the wrong hands, thisinformation could be catastrophic. You'll memorize it before you leavethis building."
"I'll carry it, sealed," Retief said. "That way nobody can sweat it outof me."
Magnan started to shake his head.
"Well," he said. "If it's trapped for destruction, I suppose—"
"I've heard of these Jorgensen's Worlds," Retief said. "I remember anagent, a big blond fellow, very quick on the uptake. A wizard withcards and dice. Never played for money, though."
"Umm," Magnan said. "Don't make the error of personalizing thissituation, Retief. Overall policy calls for a defense of thesebackwater worlds. Otherwise the Corps would allow history to follow itsnatural course, as always."
"When does this attack happen?"
"Less than four weeks."
"That doesn't leave me much time."
"I have your itinerary