 Why did the Groacians hide the ship?
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. "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. They're just as Consul Whaffle would have wanted them." "Since I'm cutting out the culture from now on," Retief said, "I won't be so busy." "You've been here on Groac for four years, Miss Meuhl. "I'm sure I haven't pried into—" "What about that Terrestrial cruiser? "Mr. Retief, those are just the sort of questions we avoid with the Groaci. "The Groaci are a very sensitive race. They don't welcome outworlders raking up things. "I, for one, am ashamed of the high-handed tactics that were employed, grilling these innocent people as though they were criminals. "Certainly not on Groac." The pale-featured Groacian vibrated his throat-bladder in a distressed bleat.
 They were afraid to admit they knew where it was.
 To overthrow the government.  They wanted to hide the Terrestrials as long as they could.  They were afraid to admit they knew where it was.  They wanted to keep it for further research.