question:  During the duration of the story, what is Retief’s function in MUDDLE?
context: [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 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. "Our function is merely to bring them together. I'll leave him to you, Retief," Magnan said. 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. 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 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. There's prizes for the biggest day's output, bets on who can fill the most baskets in an hour.... The sun's high and bright, and it's just cool enough to give you plenty of energy.
output:  He plays a rubber stamp function for the Libraries and Education division while Magnan is away.
options:  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.