 What is significant about the “secret” Retief unveils about the Soetti?
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.] "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. "Now—" Magnan leaned forward and lowered his voice—"we have learned that the Soetti plan a bold step forward. 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. The war potential, by conventional standards, is nil." "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. We were fortunate enough to make contact with a defector from a party of renegade Terrestrials who've been advising the Soetti." "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. Retief stood up. The Soetti are patrolling the trade lanes into Jorgensen's Worlds; don't get yourself interned." "I'll tell you what," Retief said soberly. "Some day," Retief said, "I may take you up on that." 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." "Two twenty-eight, due out today for the Jorgensen group," Retief said. "Filled up.
 They're easier to take down than they thought, meaning they can stand up to the Soetti.
 They're easier to take down than they thought, meaning they can stand up to the Soetti.  The Soetti are going to exact revenge on the crew now that he's exposed their secret.  They don't have the right to be asking for papers, making their presence on board illegal.  They're easy to bluff against. They'll believe what the captain tells them.