Retief Series by Keith Laumer, Eric Flint

Between the lines of the official histories of the frontier worlds of the 29th Century lie myriad confidential accounts of the boners, near-catastrophes, and interstellar crises that were bound to occur when human meets non-human... moreBetween the lines of the official histories of the frontier worlds of the 29th Century lie myriad confidential accounts of the boners, near-catastrophes, and interstellar crises that were bound to occur when human meets non-human. The adventures of CDC (Corps Diplomatique Terra) diplomat Jame Retief loom large in six highly classified missions where brain and brawn save land and lives despite red-tape bound superiors amid conspiracy and conflct across alien planets - guaranteed astounding, amazing, startling, galactic, weird, and thrillingly wonderful.1 Protocol2 Sealed Orders3 Cultural Exchange4 Aide Memoire5 Policy6 Palace Revolution less

Greylorn - Commander Greylorn must find a lost colony and beg it to come to Earths aid. But before he can accomplish this he must first survive a mutiny aboard his own star ship. A taut story of interplanetary intrigue and adventure! It Could Be Anything - ?The body shifted, rotating stiffly, then tilted upright. ?The sun struck through the amber shape that flowed down to form itself into the crested wave.? IT COULD BE ANYTHING... moreGreylorn - Commander Greylorn must find a lost colony and beg it to come to Earths aid. But before he can accomplish this he must first survive a mutiny aboard his own star ship. A taut story of interplanetary intrigue and adventure! It Could Be Anything - ?The body shifted, rotating stiffly, then tilted upright. ?The sun struck through the amber shape that flowed down to form itself into the crested wave.? IT COULD BE ANYTHING. Gambler's World - Unless Retief and his colleague Magnan get to the bottom of Zorn's gambling operation and play their own games, a whole spaceship's worth of diplomats would get their throats cut! The Yillian Way - Junior Terran diplomat Jame Retief visits a government whose members seem determined to insult their delegation. This?ll take some sharp thinking.... Keith Laumer, well-known for his tales of adventure and action, shows us a different side of his talent in this original, exciting and thought-provoking exploration of the meaning of meaning. less

Commander Greylorn leads humanity's last hope, one spaceship racing through the voids of the universe. The Red Tide has all but engulfed the Earth, just enough time to find planet Omega, colonized long ago and vanished. After four years, food stores are destroyed by meteor, crew set to mutiny, and alien ship with cargo of human bodies. 1 Greylorn 1959. 2 The Night of the Trolls (Bolo) 19633 The Other Sky 1968 aka The Further Sky4 The King of the City 1961

Keith Laumer was well-known for his science fiction action and adventure stories. "It Could Be Anything" shows us a different side of his talent. In this original, thought-provoking story he explores and redefines the meaning of meaning.

Once again it is up to Jamie Retief to save another diplomatic mission. Terra has recently signed a treaty with the planet Petreac. But revolution threatens and the Terrans must save the Nenni cast or their mission will end in abject failure.

The ceremonious protocol of the Yills was impressive, colorful-and, in the long run, deadly! It was up to Jame Retief to figure out how to respond to the Yill's overtures in the correct manner; all the while keeping his superiors from making a deadly mistake. Only one man could think quickly enough to get the job done!

Retief is an officer of the distinguished Corps Diplomatique Terrestrienne, a supra-national organization devoted to keeping the peace - or more accurately, to maintaining a state of tension short of armed conflict.Retief is not exactly in the mainstream of current Galactic diplomacy, as expounded by such giants of the C.D.T. as Crodfoller, Hidebinder, Straphanger, and his own immediate superior, Magnan... moreRetief is an officer of the distinguished Corps Diplomatique Terrestrienne, a supra-national organization devoted to keeping the peace - or more accurately, to maintaining a state of tension short of armed conflict.Retief is not exactly in the mainstream of current Galactic diplomacy, as expounded by such giants of the C.D.T. as Crodfoller, Hidebinder, Straphanger, and his own immediate superior, Magnan. Deviously sincere, uncompromisingly venal, fearlessly cowardly, these great, dedicated public servants will seem curiously familiar as they strive to keep the peace seven hundred years in the future.But when Retief's on the scene things have a way of coming right in the end...Contents:Ultimatum Saline Solution The Brass God The Castle of Light Wicker Wonderland Native Intelligence The Prince and the Pirate Courier Protest Note less

Essef - The plot centers around one rascally race called the Voions who have been given police powers by the Diplomatic Corps and who are on the verge of taking over the planet. Thrown into the mix are a would-be dictator, a group of Terran rum traders, a spaceship full of beautiful girls that has crashed in the jungle, a number of bungling ambassadors, some villainous and calculating Groaci, several tribes of cannibals, some giant flying carnivores.. moreEssef - The plot centers around one rascally race called the Voions who have been given police powers by the Diplomatic Corps and who are on the verge of taking over the planet. Thrown into the mix are a would-be dictator, a group of Terran rum traders, a spaceship full of beautiful girls that has crashed in the jungle, a number of bungling ambassadors, some villainous and calculating Groaci, several tribes of cannibals, some giant flying carnivores... and, of course, the unflappable Jame Retief. less

Publisher's Note: The stories and novel herein have previously appeared in parts in Envoy to New Worlds, Galactic Diplomat, and Retief's War. This is the first unitary edition."... into the chaotic Galactic political scene, the CDT emerged to carry forward the ancient diplomatic tradition ... Corps diplomats displayed an encyclopedic grasp of the nuances of Extra-Terrestrial mores as set against the labyrinthine socio-politico-economic Galactic context.. morePublisher's Note: The stories and novel herein have previously appeared in parts in Envoy to New Worlds, Galactic Diplomat, and Retief's War. This is the first unitary edition."... into the chaotic Galactic political scene, the CDT emerged to carry forward the ancient diplomatic tradition ... Corps diplomats displayed an encyclopedic grasp of the nuances of Extra-Terrestrial mores as set against the labyrinthine socio-politico-economic Galactic context..."-- Official History of the Corps Diplomatique, AD 2940NOT! What they really had was Retief! Ignore the official version--in these pages is the real story of how Retief tied the bad guys' eye-stalks in knots, and made the Galaxy safe for humanity.Contents:* Diplomat-at-Arms* Protocol* The Brass God* Sealed Orders* Palace Revolution* Cultural Exchange* Saline Solution* Native Intelligence* Policy* Ultimatum* The Prince and the Pirate* The Castle of Light* Retief's War* Wicker Wonderland* Courier* Protest Note* Aide Memoire less

Across the galaxies, against wrongdoers and rogues! Only Retief -- the indomitable champion of the underdog and 27th-century diplomacy -- can seal the peace between the battling earthlings and the lobster-like aliens known as the Haterakans. In constant peril, the daring spacewarrior must join a pirate band, cross the fatal boundaries of the Terran Defense League, and take on his arch rivals Foulbrood and Bloodblister... moreAcross the galaxies, against wrongdoers and rogues! Only Retief -- the indomitable champion of the underdog and 27th-century diplomacy -- can seal the peace between the battling earthlings and the lobster-like aliens known as the Haterakans. In constant peril, the daring spacewarrior must join a pirate band, cross the fatal boundaries of the Terran Defense League, and take on his arch rivals Foulbrood and Bloodblister. Facing certain torture, double-dealing, and ruthless espionage, he passes within inches of death. But he must emerge victorious -- or the Hatracks will waste no time in executing their berserk plan to raise earthlings as a food supply! less

How are thing on Rockamorra? Bad, very. Earth Ambassador Pinchbottle has contracted to fight a dinosaur, and it's up to troubleshooter Jame Retief to keep him from being stomped, mangled, or eaten.Things are tough on other planets, too, with a civil war on Skweem, a dying race om Sulinore, and mudstorms on Schweinhund's World.These seven stories show the Galaxy's hippest diplomat at his unexpected and jaunty best... moreHow are thing on Rockamorra? Bad, very. Earth Ambassador Pinchbottle has contracted to fight a dinosaur, and it's up to troubleshooter Jame Retief to keep him from being stomped, mangled, or eaten.Things are tough on other planets, too, with a civil war on Skweem, a dying race om Sulinore, and mudstorms on Schweinhund's World.These seven stories show the Galaxy's hippest diplomat at his unexpected and jaunty best.ContentsGiant Killer • (1965) • shortstoryThe Forbidden City • (1969) • novelette (aka Retief, War Criminal)Grime and Punishment • (1969) • novelette (aka Clear as Mud)Dam Nuisance • (1966) • noveletteTrick or Treaty • (1965) • noveletteThe Forest in the Sky • (1967) • noveletteTruce or Consequences • (1966) • novelette less

Lumbaga is a planet without known virtues - but with some decidedly odd natives. For every Lumbagan is simply an arbitrary assortment of semi-independent organs inspired by a lust for mayhem.But even the most undesirable chunk of galactic real estate attracts its quota of rival overlords, and the fiendish Groaci had a scheme for absorbing Lumbaga into their sphere of influence. It was working well, too, until it involved Retief, Terran diplomat extraordinary... moreLumbaga is a planet without known virtues - but with some decidedly odd natives. For every Lumbagan is simply an arbitrary assortment of semi-independent organs inspired by a lust for mayhem.But even the most undesirable chunk of galactic real estate attracts its quota of rival overlords, and the fiendish Groaci had a scheme for absorbing Lumbaga into their sphere of influence. It was working well, too, until it involved Retief, Terran diplomat extraordinary. To his powerful intellect, the machinations of the Groaci were child's play... less

Against a raging backdrop of interplanetary intrigue.This time the resourceful officer of the Corps Diplomatique Terrestrienne must deal with horrors unknown as he hunts the universe for a stolen ballet theatre.The courageous Terran must fight the five-eyed Groaci, outwit the ferocious Tsuggs, and reason with the talking flowers he finds in the midst of his dangerous mission... moreAgainst a raging backdrop of interplanetary intrigue.This time the resourceful officer of the Corps Diplomatique Terrestrienne must deal with horrors unknown as he hunts the universe for a stolen ballet theatre.The courageous Terran must fight the five-eyed Groaci, outwit the ferocious Tsuggs, and reason with the talking flowers he finds in the midst of his dangerous mission.But in spite of all this, in the face of the vagaries of alien plots and the wild ambitions of his superiors, Retief remains strong and unshakable - and in peaceful and just control of the galaxy!Follow the further adventures of Retief - already an underground hero.Contents:Ballots and Bandits • (1970) • noveletteMechanical Advantage • (1971) • novelette (aka Retief, the Long-Awaited Master)Pime Doesn't Cray • (1971) • noveletteInternal Affair • (1971) • novelette (aka Retief, Insider)The Piecemakers • (1970) • novelette less

The Groaci peril: They're nasty little five-eyed sticky fingers who want the galaxy and will stoop to anything to get it. But when they try to sabotage one planet and use another for their garbage, it's time for Retief, that cunning and courageous emissary from Corps Diplomatique Tewrrestrienne to samsh in... moreThe Groaci peril: They're nasty little five-eyed sticky fingers who want the galaxy and will stoop to anything to get it. But when they try to sabotage one planet and use another for their garbage, it's time for Retief, that cunning and courageous emissary from Corps Diplomatique Tewrrestrienne to samsh in.And smash in Retief does, in an extraordinary series of adventures that take him from gambling to gunplay, from the blue lagoons of the most coveted planet in the solar systems to the aid of one of the loveliest women in the galaxy - and ultimately up against the fiercest and most destructive beings in the Universe!Contents:The Hoob Melon Crisis • (1975) • novelette The Garbage Invasion • (1972) • noveletteAn Excerpt from Retief & the Warlords (Excerpt) • (1968) • shortfictionThe Troubleshooter • (1975) • noveletteThe Negotiators • (1975) • shortstory less

The publication of certain accounts of Jame Retief under the title RETIEF AT LARGE has generated such response that we of Ace Books have felt compelled, as a public service, to publish a second volume of the affairs - some would call them adventures - of that redoubtable member of the Corps Diplomatique Terrestrienne... moreThe publication of certain accounts of Jame Retief under the title RETIEF AT LARGE has generated such response that we of Ace Books have felt compelled, as a public service, to publish a second volume of the affairs - some would call them adventures - of that redoubtable member of the Corps Diplomatique Terrestrienne. Surely in an age such as ours when Terra's Sphere of Influence is once again surrounded by Alien Peril in all its sundry guises, it is desirable - nay, vital! - that our people be aware that, contrary to the official records of the Corps, it was not by the questionable efforts of such worthies as Ambassadors Nitworth and Spradley that Mankind held its own in the terrible arena between the stars, but by the courage, skill and daring of such men as Jame Retief! This collection has six Retief stories to tickle your funny-bone. Retief is in prime form, taking on dangerous aliens and his own bosses in the Corps Diplomatique.Contents: Protocol [Retief] (1962) / short story by Keith Laumer (variant of The Yillian Way) Sealed Orders [Retief] (1962) / short story by Keith Laumer (variant of Retief of the Red-Tape Mountain) Aide Memoire [Retief] (1962) / short story by Keith Laumer Policy [Retief] (1962) / novelette by Keith Laumer (variant of The Madman from Earth) Palace Revolution [Retief] (1961) / novelette by Keith Laumer (variant of Gambler's World) Retief's Ransom [Retief • 6] (1971) / novel by Keith Laumer. less

Note: Retief: Diplomat at Arms is essentially a reprint of Galactic Diplomat plus the story Truce or Consequences from Retief: Ambassador to Space. Only the story The Secret is new to the Retief series and is also available in the book The Return of Retief.

RETIEF TO THE RESCUERetief returns--to make the galaxy safe for diplomacy!The diplomat extraordinaire faces his ultimate challenge on the embattled planet Furtheron--to keep the peace and keep himself in one piece!Voracious Crawlie cannibals want him for dinner--while the wily Creepies are besieging Earth's embassy. Then greedy Groacians add fuel to the fire, igniting civil war for their own secret ends... moreRETIEF TO THE RESCUERetief returns--to make the galaxy safe for diplomacy!The diplomat extraordinaire faces his ultimate challenge on the embattled planet Furtheron--to keep the peace and keep himself in one piece!Voracious Crawlie cannibals want him for dinner--while the wily Creepies are besieging Earth's embassy. Then greedy Groacians add fuel to the fire, igniting civil war for their own secret ends.Only a rare diplomat can pull his Corps out of this stew, save his boss's hide, and preserve the future of the Galaxy! less

PLANET AFTER PLANE FELL TO THE REEA vast and powerful race, the Ree needed breeding room for an ever-increasing population - and their expansion plans took no account of human territory. The farmers and miners of Tip Space were helpless against the Ree invasion. Still the Terran diplomats dithered, holding back the Navy, hoping for a truce.Retief, already on probation for undiplomatic behaviour, earned himself the assignment parleying with the Ree when he urged force against them... morePLANET AFTER PLANE FELL TO THE REEA vast and powerful race, the Ree needed breeding room for an ever-increasing population - and their expansion plans took no account of human territory. The farmers and miners of Tip Space were helpless against the Ree invasion. Still the Terran diplomats dithered, holding back the Navy, hoping for a truce.Retief, already on probation for undiplomatic behaviour, earned himself the assignment parleying with the Ree when he urged force against them. A suicide mission? Perhaps...but Retief is Retief. less

As well as a treasure trove of historical artifacts free for the taking, the alien Groaci find the planet Popu-Ri just the place to build a galactic war fleet. How can the CDT answer this threat without upsetting the delicate Human/Groaci balance on the cocktail circuit? The answer: send Retief!

Retief's latest mission is to Sardon, a wild, undeveloped planet whose inhabitants have a marked dislike for Terrans. The native, worm-like Pillars seem to have a strong desire to kill the incoming Terran diplomats. Worse, they are hiding something--something that threatens interplanetary peace.

Terran diplomat and interplanetary troubleshooter Jame Retief must stop the belligerent, five-eyed Groaci from invading the beleaguered planet of Bloor, which is already plagued by violence between rival gangs.