Retief: Saline Solution. Keith Laumer

a hand impatiently. “These details can be arranged.” He fixed an eye on Magnan. “I’m sure all of us here understand that it’s in the public interest that minerals properties go to responsible firms, with adequate capital for proper development.”

      “Why, ah,” Magnan said.

      “The Sam’s Last Chance Number Nine Mining Company is a duly chartered firm. Their claim is valid.”

      “I know that hole-in-corner concern,” Leatherwell snapped. “Mere irresponsible opportunists. General Minerals has spent millions—millions, I say—of the stockholders’ funds in minerals explorations. Are they to be balked in realizing a fair return on their investment because these ...these ...adventures have stumbled on a deposit? Not that the property is of any real value, of course,” he added. “Quite an ordinary bit of rock. But General Minerals would find it convenient to consolidate its holdings.”

      “There are plenty of other rocks floating around in the Belt. Why not—”

      “One moment, Retief,” Magnan cut in. He looked across the desk at his junior with a severe expression. “As Consul-General, I’m quite capable of determining the relative merits of claims. As Mr. Leatherwell has pointed out, it’s in the public interest to consider the question in depth.”