 Why is Retief being sent to Jorgenson's Worlds?
THE FROZEN PLANET By Keith Laumer [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, September 1961. "It is rather unusual," Magnan said, "to assign an officer of your rank to courier duty, but this is an unusual mission." "Two double planets, all rather close to an unimportant star listed as DRI-G 33987. They're called Jorgensen's Worlds, and in themselves are of no importance whatever. Since they've met no opposition so far in their infiltration of Terrestrial space, they intend to seize Jorgensen's Worlds by force." Magnan leaned back, waiting for Retief's reaction. Retief drew carefully on his cigar and looked at Magnan. Unfortunately, Jorgensen's Worlds are technologically undeveloped areas. "I have here," he said solemnly, "information which will change that picture completely." "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. Retief opened the envelope Magnan handed him and looked at the tickets inside. "You'll be traveling with Class X credentials," Magnan snapped. 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." You'll have to try to get space on the Four-Planet Line ship next—" "Which gate?" "For the two twenty-eight for Jorgensen's Worlds," Retief said. "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.
 He’s being sent to oppose the Soetti invasion and help with Jorgenson’s Worlds meager military.
 He memorized the contents of the folder that will help them win against the Soetti.  He is carrying with him the plans for the anti-acceleration field.  He’s being sent to oppose the Soetti invasion and help with Jorgenson’s Worlds meager military.  He’s to make contact with the Soetti defector.