 Why was Retief's mission to Jorgensen's Worlds so important?
THE FROZEN PLANET By Keith Laumer [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, September 1961. "It is rather unusual," Magnan said, "to assign an officer of your rank to courier duty, but this is an unusual mission." "Two double planets, all rather close to an unimportant star listed as DRI-G 33987. They're called Jorgensen's Worlds, and in themselves are of no importance whatever. However, they lie deep in the sector into which the Soetti have been penetrating. Since they've met no opposition so far in their infiltration of Terrestrial space, they intend to seize Jorgensen's Worlds by force." Magnan leaned back, waiting for Retief's reaction. Retief drew carefully on his cigar and looked at Magnan. "This is open aggression, Retief," he said, "in case I haven't made myself clear. Unfortunately, Jorgensen's Worlds are technologically undeveloped areas. Their industry is limited to a minor role in their economy—enough to support the merchant fleet, no more. "I have here," he said solemnly, "information which will change that picture completely." "All right, Mr. Councillor," Retief said. Magnan spread his fingers, folded one down. "The Soetti War Plan—in detail. "This is no occasion for flippancy, Retief. "I'll carry it, sealed," Retief said. "If it's trapped for destruction, I suppose—" "I've heard of these Jorgensen's Worlds," Retief said. Overall policy calls for a defense of these backwater worlds. Otherwise the Corps would allow history to follow its natural course, as always." "Someone at a policy-making level has chosen to put all our eggs in one basket, Retief. Retief opened the envelope Magnan handed him and looked at the tickets inside. The Soetti are patrolling the trade lanes into Jorgensen's Worlds; don't get yourself interned." "I'll tell you what," Retief said soberly. "You'll be traveling with Class X credentials," Magnan snapped. "You'd better be getting started," Magnan said, shuffling papers. II Retief put down the heavy travel-battered suitcase and leaned on the counter, studying the schedules chalked on the board under the legend "ALDO CERISE—INTERPLANETARY." A thin clerk in a faded sequined blouse and a plastic snakeskin cummerbund groomed his fingernails, watching Retief from the corner of his eye. "Filled up.
 He held vital information that could change the picture of the future of the area
 He held vital information that could change the picture of the future of the area  He was a useful aggressor who could take down an entire army if needed  He was responsible for ensuring that Tony did not enter Jorgensen's Worlds  He was the only member who was skilled in traveling