 What is the conspiracy Retief is trying to uncover?
THE MADMAN FROM EARTH BY KEITH LAUMER [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, March 1962. "Whaffle left here three months ago," Retief said, "leaving me in charge." "I don't recall dictating any letters today, Miss Meuhl," Retief said, pulling on a light cape. "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 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. 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 get the lead out," Retief said, placing a thick gold-piece in the dish provided. Retief backed into the opening to a narrow crossway and offered further verbal familiarities to the drunken local, who followed, furious. Retief backed, rounded a corner into a narrow alley-like passage, deserted, silent ... except for the following Groacian. Retief stepped around him, seized his collar and yanked. Retief stood over him. Miss Meuhl said, eyeing Retief over her lenses.
 Nine years ago, a Terran cruiser landed on Groac but soon mysteriously disappeared, along with its entire crew. Retief wants to find out what happened to the ship and its crew.
 Nine years ago Groacians invaded Earth and stole a Terran space cruiser. Retief wants to find out what happened to it.  Nine years ago, Consul Whaffle mysteriously disappeared from his government office. As the new consul, Retief feels it is his duty to find out what happened.  Nine years ago, a Terran cruiser landed on Groac but soon mysteriously disappeared, along with its entire crew. Retief wants to find out what happened to the ship and its crew.  Nine years ago Terrans came to Groac and attempted to take over the existing government, but failed. During the skirmish, a Terran cruiser disappeared. Retief wants to find out why the siege failed and what happened to the cruiser.