 How does Retief first manage to arrange an interview/interrogation with Groacians officials?
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. "I don't recall dictating any letters today, Miss Meuhl," Retief said, pulling on a light cape. They're just as Consul Whaffle would have wanted them." "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." "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. "I, for one, am ashamed of the high-handed tactics that were employed, grilling these innocent people as though they were criminals. The pale-featured Groacian vibrated his throat-bladder in a distressed bleat. "The denial of permission.
 He gets into a bar fight, prompting an investigation and thus a visit from a Groacian government officials. Retief flips their interrogation when he begins to ask them the questions he needs answered.
 Retief tricks Miss Meuhl into luring Groacian officials to their office. Once they arrive, Retief blackmails them with information he stole from a bar tender.  He gets into a bar fight, prompting an investigation and thus a visit from a Groacian government officials. Retief flips their interrogation when he begins to ask them the questions he needs answered.  He breaks into their place of business and demands he be met. At first the receptionist doesn’t let him in, but eventually breaks.  He steals vital information from the Groacian archives and plans to use it for blackmail. Then he gets into a fight with a police officer, prompting Groacian officials to visit his office. He blackmails them for info when they arrive.