<영어로 읽는 SF소설 _ 키스 라우머의 광물 채굴권 분쟁>
“Saline Solution “은 키스 라우머(Keith Laumer)가 1963년에 출판한 공상과학 소설로, 소행성대에 위치한 영사관에서 벌어지는 광물 채굴권을 둘러싼 분쟁을 다루고 있다.
이 소설은 자원 개발을 둘러싼 대기업과 영세업체 간의 첨예한 대립과, 외교적 해결을 모색해야 하는 영사관의 딜레마를 사실적으로 묘사하고 있다. 막강한 자본력으로 무장한 대기업의 횡포와 관료적 타성에 맞서는 Retief의 모습이 인상적이다.


“Saline Solution” is a science fiction novel published in 1963 by Keith Laumer that deals with a dispute over mineral mining rights in a consulate located in the asteroid belt.
This novel realistically depicts the sharp confrontation between large corporations and small businesses over resource development and the consulate's dilemma of seeking a diplomatic solution. Retief's stand against the tyranny and bureaucratic inertia of large corporations armed with powerful capital is impressive.

Summary
Blast you, Retief! Your violent ways are the disgrace of Earth's diplomatic corps?but your salty jokes are worse!

Leatherwell of General Minerals, a large conglomerate, comes to Consul Magnan and submits an application for asteroid mineral mining rights, while also providing funds to build welfare facilities for the consulate employees.
However, Vice Consul Retief knows that an artisanal mining company called Sam's Last Chance Number Nine applied for the rights to the block that Leatherwell applied for a week ago.
Accordingly, Leatherwell claims priority based on its enormous investment costs and threatens to file a lawsuit if necessary. Consul Magnan supports the position of large corporations and tries to ignore the rights of small businesses, but Retief insists on the rights of those who occupy first...

Contents
Saline Solution
I. Consul-General Magnan gingerly fingered the heavily
II. Retief's feet sank ankle deep into the powdery surface