 What is the simplest description of what Miss Meuhl and Retief are in the minds of the Groacian race? Why is this significant to the story?
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. 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. "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. "Whaffle left here three months ago," Retief said, "leaving me in charge." "Well," Miss Meuhl said, snapping off the dictyper. "I don't recall dictating any letters today, Miss Meuhl," Retief said, pulling on a light cape. "Consul Whaffle was an extremely busy man," Miss Meuhl said stiffly. "Since I'm cutting out the culture from now on," Retief said, "I won't be so busy." Retief looked thoughtfully at Miss Meuhl. "You've been here on Groac for four years, Miss Meuhl. "Mr. Retief, those are just the sort of questions we avoid with the Groaci. "The Groaci are a very sensitive race. "The impossibility of access to outworlders. Outside, Retief stood for a moment looking across at the deeply carved windowless stucco facades lining the street, then started off in the direction of the Terrestrial Consulate General. The few Groacians on the street eyed him furtively, veered to avoid him as he passed. Flimsy high-wheeled ground cars puffed silently along the resilient pavement. An elaborate one picked out in pinkish paint seemed to indicate the Groacian equivalent of a bar. A Groacian bartender was dispensing clay pots of alcoholic drink from the bar-pit at the center of the room. He looked at Retief and froze in mid-motion, a metal tube poised over a waiting pot. "To enjoy a cooling drink," Retief said in Groacian, squatting down at the edge of the pit.
 They are aliens. This is significant because Groacians see humans as alien to their planet, which helps the reader understand how prejudice develops on Groac.
 They are illegal space travelers. This is significant because the crimes of explorers like them are what prompted the Groaci to hide the first human cruiser that arrived.  They are colonialists. This is significant because it is Miss Meuhl and Retief’s desire to colonize Groac that fuels the Groacian hatred of foreigners.  They are slaves. This is significant because it helps the reader understand that Retief is lashing out as a result of being oppressed for so long.  They are aliens. This is significant because Groacians see humans as alien to their planet, which helps the reader understand how prejudice develops on Groac.