Timescape ( )

Probably some of the funniest work by Laumer. He is an unsung hero of humor SF. ( )

The third Retief book I've read. These are mostly collections of short stories about Retief, a member of a bureaucratic, bumbling diplomatic corps of a future Terran empire. They're light reading but hugely entertaining. Each book (in fact each short story) is essentially stand alone and one doesn't have to read them in any kind of order.

1) Ballots and Bandits: 4/5
The CDT is overseeing elections and the transition to self-rule in a former Groaci colony. This involves finding an amenable strongman to take charge so that the planet can remain on friendly terms with the Terran Concordiat. Retief’s involvement ensures true independence. Great satire and some not-so-veiled allusions to the Congo crisis.

2) Mechanical Advantage: 4/5
An archaeological expedition of CDT diplomats goes awry when the Groaci show up looking for loot. Retief discovers that while the original inhabitants of the planet are now extinct, their Robot servitors are still around.

3) Pime Doesn’t Cray: 3/5
The Terran Concordiat and the Groaci empire vie for influence in non-aligned worlds by building cultural centres (either Bolshoi ballets or Fenway Ballparks) as gifts to the locals. But on one planet a nefarious Groaci plot threatens Terran humiliation... until Retief comes along. The aliens’ manner of speech is irritating to read and it almost ruins what is at essence another hilarious caper.

4) Internal Affair: 3/5
Retief and his hapless superior, First Secretary Magnan are sent into the unknown to find a missing ambassador to a world inhabited by giant slugs.

5) The Piecemakers: 3/5
Two fleets are close to war over a newly discovered planet. First Secretary Magnan is sent to broker a diplomatic compromise and manages to turn both against humanity. Luckily Retief is along to salvage matters. ( )