 What is significant about the “secret” Retief unveils about the Soetti?
However, they lie deep in the sector into which the Soetti have been penetrating. "Now—" Magnan leaned forward and lowered his voice—"we have learned that the Soetti plan a bold step forward. "I have here," he said solemnly, "information which will change that picture completely." "The Soetti War Plan—in detail. Overall policy calls for a defense of these backwater worlds. "When you can spare the time from your other duties," Retief said, "take a look at Section Three, Paragraph One, of the Uniform Code. And you've got the right idea on the Soetti, too," Retief said. Then, if Magnan's information was correct, there would be four days to prepare for the Soetti attack.
 They're easier to take down than they thought, meaning they can stand up to the Soetti.
 They're easier to take down than they thought, meaning they can stand up to the Soetti.  The Soetti are going to exact revenge on the crew now that he's exposed their secret.  They don't have the right to be asking for papers, making their presence on board illegal.  They're easy to bluff against. They'll believe what the captain tells them.