 During the duration of the story, what is Retief’s function in MUDDLE?
[Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, September 1962. I Second Secretary Magnan took his green-lined cape and orange-feathered beret from the clothes tree. "I don't appreciate frivolity with reference to this Division," Magnan said testily. Frankly, I question the wisdom of placing you in charge of such a sensitive desk, even for two weeks. "In that case, let's leave it to Miss Furkle. "I assume you jest, Retief," Magnan said sadly. "The Bogans have launched no less than four military campaigns in the last two decades. "Breaking and entering," Retief said. That's an industrial world of the poor but honest variety." "Our function is merely to bring them together. I'll leave him to you, Retief," Magnan said. And remember: here at Corps HQ, all eyes are upon you." Retief punched Miss Furkle's button. A tall broad man with bronze skin and gray hair, wearing tight trousers of heavy cloth, a loose shirt open at the neck and a short jacket, stepped into the room. In between, the vines don't need a lot of attention, so our time's mostly our own. "It sounds like it, Mr. Arapoulous. Blue-black sky, stars visible all day. Lots of skiing, bob-sledding, ice skating; and it's the season for woodworkers. Our furniture—" "I've seen some of your furniture," Retief said. Fruit, grain, that kind of thing; getting it in doesn't take long. Arapoulous puffed on his cigar, looked worriedly at Retief. Course, I'm only twenty-eight; I can't remember but two other harvests. "It sounds like I've been missing something," said Retief. Arapoulous put his bundle on the desk, pulled off the wrappings. Retief looked at the two squat bottles, one green, one amber, both dusty, with faded labels, and blackened corks secured by wire. Arapoulous pulled the wire retainer loose, thumbed the cork. Retief picked one up, sniffed the deep rust-colored fluid, tasted it, then took a healthy swallow. "Don't try to describe it, Mr. Retief," Arapoulous said. Retief put aside his cigar, pulled the wires loose, nudged the cork, caught it as it popped up. "We've got plenty of minerals on Lovenbroy," Arapoulous said, swallowing wine.
 He plays a rubber stamp function for the Libraries and Education division while Magnan is away.
 He is taking a few weeks off and leaving his responsibility to Miss Furkle.  He is in total control of MUDDLE while Magnan is away.  He plays a rubber stamp function for the Libraries and Education division while Magnan is away.  He is put in charge of investigating the Croanie-Boge conspiracy.