"Not criticizing the reporting system, are you, Mr. Magnan?" the Under-Secretary barked.
"Gracious, no," Magnan said. "I love reports."
"It seems nobody's told the Aga Kagans about fiscal years," Retief said. "They're going right ahead with their program of land-grabbing on Flamme. So far, I've persuaded the Boyars that this is a matter for the Corps, and not to take matters into their own hands."
The Under-Secretary nodded. "Quite right. Carry on along the same lines. Now, if there's nothing further—"
"Thank you, Mr. Secretary," Magnan said, rising. "We certainly appreciate your guidance."
"There is a little something further," said Retief, sitting solidly in his chair. "What's the Corps going to do about the Aga Kagans?"
The Under-Secretary turned a liverish eye on Retief. "As Minister to Flamme, you should know that the function of a diplomatic representative is merely to ... what shall I say...?"
"String them along?" Magnan suggested.
"An unfortunate choice of phrase," the Under-Secretary said. "However, it embodies certain realities of Galactic politics. The Corps must concern itself with matters of broad policy."
"Sixty years ago the Corps was encouraging the Boyars to settle Flamme," Retief said. "They were assured of Corps support."