Keith Laumer 
Retief: Emissary to the Stars 

THE CORPS DIPLOMATIQUE TERRESTRIENNE HAS NEVER SEEN HIS LIKE…Retief — the most diplomatic diplomat of the 27th century.His mission: to gain control of the most desirable planet in the universe — without triggering intergalactic war.He tries talking … but how does anyone — even Retief — negotiate with an uninhabited planet?He tries a dice game … but how does gambling help the solar peace organization prevent the malevolent Basurans (who’ve eaten their own planet) from turning to Terra’s prize colony for an after-dinner snack?The problems Retief faces are just beginning, but as insurmountable as they seem, the indomitable adventurer prevails — and keeps the state of the universe on an even keel!