 How does Retief navigate his problems with most people?
"It is rather unusual," Magnan said, "to assign an officer of your rank to courier duty, but this is an unusual mission." They're called Jorgensen's Worlds, and in themselves are of no importance whatever. 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. Their industry is limited to a minor role in their economy—enough to support the merchant fleet, no more. "All right, Mr. Councillor," Retief said. "The Soetti War Plan—in detail. "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. "I'll tell you what," Retief said soberly. 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." A thin clerk in a faded sequined blouse and a plastic snakeskin cummerbund groomed his fingernails, watching Retief from the corner of his eye. "Filled up. "But—" Retief picked up his suitcase and walked away toward the glare sign reading To Gates 16-30 . Retief followed the signs, threaded his way through crowds, found a covered ramp with the number 228 posted over it. Retief pulled a paper from an inside pocket, handed it over. Retief put his suitcase carefully on the floor, took a step and drove a right into the guard's midriff. He picked up his bag, stepped over the man and went up the gangway into the ship. "Which way to cabin fifty-seven, son?" Retief asked. Retief made his way along the narrow hall, found signs, followed them to cabin fifty-seven. A tall, florid man with an expensive coat belted over a massive paunch stood in the open door, looking at Retief.
 Aggression and intimidation are his main means of negotiation in most situations.
 His status working for Magan earns him respect with people, and he uses this to his advantage.  He is a good negotiator, as shown when he gets the captain to maintain the course.  Aggression and intimidation are his main means of negotiation in most situations.  He gets people to like him, much in the way he wins Chip over.