02496cam a22003973u 4500 61353 UtSlPG 20260610134420.0 m cr n 260607r2020||||utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d UtSlPG en iso639-1 PS Laumer, Keith, 1925-1993 Saline Solution Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg, 2020 1 online resource : multiple file formats text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier Produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, March 1963 Release date is 2020-02-09 Produced by Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net "Saline Solution" by Keith Laumer is a science fiction novel probably written in the early 1960s. The story revolves around Terrestrial Vice-Consul Retief, who navigates the ethically murky waters of interstellar mining claims and corporate interests in a space colony. The book likely explores themes of bureaucracy, corporate greed, and the often absurd nature of diplomatic relations in a futuristic setting. In "Saline Solution," Retief finds himself embroiled in a conflict between a small mining company and the powerful General Minerals, represented by the unscrupulous executive, Leatherwell. As Retief attempts to serve an injunction against the larger corporation's dubious activities, he uncovers an elaborate scheme involving false claims and manipulated deposits. The story unfolds through a blend of tense negotiations and comedic dialogue as Retief uses his wits and diplomatic skills to protect the rights of the miners. Ultimately, the plot culminates in a clever twist that undermines the ruthless tactics of General Minerals, showcasing Retief's resourcefulness and ethics in the face of corporate malfeasance. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Original publication data not identified Science fiction Short stories Miners -- Fiction Retief (Fictitious character) -- Fiction Mines and mineral resources -- Fiction Diplomats -- Fiction Finlay, Virgil, 1914-1971 Produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, March 1963 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/61353 102179 102179