Read "The Desert and the Stars" by Keith Laumer online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
The Aga Kaga wanted peace -- a piece of everything in sight!
"I'm not at all sure," Under-Secretary Sternwheeler said, "that I fully understand the necessity for your. ah. absenting yourself from your post of duty, Mr. Retief. Surely this matter could have been dealt with in the usual way -- assuming any action is necessary."