 What was Skaw's importance?
"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. "Now—" Magnan leaned forward and lowered his voice—"we have learned that the Soetti plan a bold step forward. 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. Magnan drew a large folder from his desk. 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. The war potential, by conventional standards, is nil." "I have here," he said solemnly, "information which will change that picture completely." Magnan spread his fingers, folded one down. "Lastly; an Utter Top Secret schematic for conversion of a standard anti-acceleration field into a potent weapon—a development our systems people have been holding in reserve for just such a situation." "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." "You'd better waste no time getting over to Indoctrination," Magnan said. "I'll tell you what," Retief said soberly. "You'll be traveling with Class X credentials," Magnan snapped. "You'd better be getting started," Magnan said, shuffling papers. 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." "Filled up. "Lifts in an hour. "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. He picked up his bag, stepped over the man and went up the gangway into the ship. Retief made his way along the narrow hall, found signs, followed them to cabin fifty-seven.
 He was the connection between Mr. Tony, the captain, and the Soetti's business.
 He was the connection between Mr. Tony, the captain, and the Soetti's business.  Unlike other Soetti, he was brittle and easily killed.  He didn't have much importance. When the Soetti was presented with his body, they didn't care.  He was the one to check the validity of each passenger's papers.