"Help is on the way, my dear Magnan. I'm assured the Environmental Control installations will be coming back in operation again within a year or two."
"My, didn't those ice-caps form quickly. And in the open sea."
"Mere scum ice. As my Counsellor for Technical Affairs, you'll be in charge of the ice-breaking operation once we're settled in. I imagine you'll want to spend considerable time in the field. I'll be expecting a record of how every credit is spent."
"I'm more the executive type," Magnan said. "Possibly Retief—"
A desk speaker hummed. "Mr. Corasol's lighter has arrived to ferry Mr. Retief across to the Company ship...."
"Sorry you won't be with us, Retief," Sternwheeler said heartily. He turned to Magnan. "Manager-General Corasol has extended Retief an exequatur as Consul General to Las Palmas."
Retief nodded. "Much as I'd like to be out in that open boat with you, breaking ice, I'm afraid duty calls elsewhere."
"Your own post? I'm not sure he's experienced enough, Mr. Ambassador. Now, I—"
"He was requested by name, Magnan. It seems the Manager-General's children took a fancy to him."