Third Planet
()
About this ebook
Murray Leinster
Murray Leinster, born William Fitzgerald Jenkins on June 16, 1896, in Norfolk, Virginia, is a name that echoes through the realms of science fiction and speculative literature. Leinster, a pen name he adopted, became one of the most prolific and influential writers of the 20th century, contributing immensely to the genre's evolution. His work is characterized by innovative ideas and a visionary outlook that still resonate with modern audiences. While many may not immediately recognize his name today, Leinster's legacy is undeniable. He wrote over 1,500 short stories, novellas, and novels, many of which have left an indelible mark on science fiction. His story "A Logic Named Joe," published in 1946, is particularly notable for its eerie foresight into the development of personal computers and the internet—decades before such technology became a reality. This story alone underscores Leinster's uncanny ability to anticipate future technological advancements, making his work remarkably relevant even in today's digital age. Leinster's career began during World War I, where he served in the United States Army. This period of his life exposed him to various aspects of technology and machinery, which would later influence his writing. After the war, he ventured into pulp magazines, a popular medium at the time, where he found a ready audience for his imaginative tales. His ability to weave complex scientific concepts with engaging narratives quickly set him apart from his contemporaries. One of the most fascinating aspects of Leinster's life was his adaptability. He witnessed and adapted to significant technological and cultural shifts throughout the 20th century, from the advent of radio and television to the space race and the early days of the computer revolution. This adaptability is reflected in his writing, which evolved to incorporate new scientific theories and societal changes, ensuring that his stories remained fresh and relevant. Leinster's influence extends beyond his written work. He was a pioneer in the field of speculative fiction, often exploring themes that challenged the status quo. His stories frequently delved into the ethical implications of technological advancements, a topic that remains highly pertinent in today's rapidly evolving world. By questioning the impact of technology on human life, Leinster's work encourages readers to consider the broader implications of scientific progress. Despite his success, Leinster's life was not without controversy. He was involved in a notable legal battle over the rights to his creations, which highlighted the often-precarious nature of intellectual property in the creative industries. This struggle for authorial control and recognition is a theme that continues to resonate with writers and artists today, underscoring the importance of protecting creative rights in an era of digital reproduction and widespread information sharing. Leinster's work has also influenced a generation of contemporary writers. Authors such as Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, and Robert Heinlein have cited him as an inspiration, and his innovative concepts continue to be explored in modern science fiction. The themes he explored—such as artificial intelligence, space exploration, and the ethical dimensions of technological progress—remain central to the genre and continue to captivate readers and writers alike. Murray Leinster's "Island Honor," while not as widely known as some of his other works, is a testament to his versatility as a writer. The book delves into themes of courage, loyalty, and the moral complexities of honor. These themes are timeless, resonating with contemporary readers who grapple with similar issues in a world that often seems increasingly fragmented and morally ambiguous. "Island Honor" challenges readers to reflect on their own values and the societal norms that shape their actions, making it a relevant and thought-provoking read for modern audiences. In conclusion, Murray Leinster's contributions to science fiction and speculative literature are both profound and enduring. His ability to foresee technological advancements and explore their implications, coupled with his adaptability and innovative spirit, make his work as relevant today as it was during his lifetime. By examining the ethical dimensions of technological progress and the timeless themes of human experience, Leinster's stories continue to engage and inspire readers, underscoring the enduring power of speculative fiction to explore the possibilities of our future.
Read more from Murray Leinster
The Science Fiction Collection Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Science Fiction Collection Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Ultimate Sci Fi Collection Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe First Murray Leinster MEGAPACK ® Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Science Fiction Omnibus #2 (Serapis Classics) Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Wailing Asteroid: A Classic of Science Fiction Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5The Ambulance Made Two Trips Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5The Science Fiction Collection #1 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPlanet explorer Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Science Fiction Omnibus #1 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSpace Tug: With linked Table of Contents Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Creatures of the Abyss Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Operation Terror Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5This World Is Taboo Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Related to Third Planet
Related ebooks
Third Planet Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe War of the Worlds Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The War of The Worlds - A Science Fiction Classic (Complete Edition) Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Edge of Time Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Other Half of the Planet Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsFearless Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5The War of the Worlds (Golden Deer Classics) Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The War of the Worlds (Illustrated) Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsForbidden the Stars: The Interstellar Age, #1 Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5The Long Voyage Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPlanet X91 Pre-Beginning Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe War of the Worlds - H.G. Wells Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe War of the Worlds: New Revised Edition Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSubjectivity Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5The H.G. Wells Collection: 27 Classic Works Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Red Hell of Jupiter Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Long Voyage Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe War of the Worlds (Diversion Classics) Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Covfefe Syndrome Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsRenegade Emperor Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Red Hell of Jupiter Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Interstellar Age: The Complete Trilogy: The Interstellar Age, #4 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDonovan's Run Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe War of the Worlds Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDeep Matter: deep matter universe Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsCrusade: Fallen Angels - Book 3 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe War of the Worlds Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe War of the Worlds (Illustrated) Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Planet with No Nightmare Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe War of the Worlds - Unabridged Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Science Fiction For You
Wool: Book One of the Silo Series Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Flowers for Algernon Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5This Is How You Lose the Time War Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Ocean at the End of the Lane: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Stories of Ray Bradbury Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Silo Series Collection: Wool, Shift, Dust, and Silo Stories Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Institute: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Shift: Book Two of the Silo Series Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I Am Legend Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I Who Have Never Known Men Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Firestarter Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5How High We Go in the Dark: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Cryptonomicon Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Camp Zero: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Annihilation: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Sarah J. Maas: Series Reading Order - with Summaries & Checklist Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Frankenstein: Original 1818 Uncensored Version Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Dust: Book Three of the Silo Series Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Alchemist: A Graphic Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5A Psalm for the Wild-Built: A Monk and Robot Book Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Warrior of the Light: A Manual Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Roadside Picnic Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Troop Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Bradbury Stories: 100 of His Most Celebrated Tales Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Deep Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas: A Story Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Unsheltered: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Deep Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Reviews for Third Planet
0 ratings0 reviews
Book preview
Third Planet - Murray Leinster
THIRD PLANET
..................
Murray Leinster
ENDYMION PRESS
Thank you for reading. If you enjoy this book, please leave a review or connect with the author.
All rights reserved. Aside from brief quotations for media coverage and reviews, no part of this book may be reproduced or distributed in any form without the author’s permission. Thank you for supporting authors and a diverse, creative culture by purchasing this book and complying with copyright laws.
Copyright © 2016 by Murray Leinster
Interior design by Pronoun
Distribution by Pronoun
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I
II
III
IV
I
..................
IT WAS, AS USUAL, A decision on which the question of peace or atomic war depended. The Council of the Western Defense Alliance, as usual, had made the decision. And, as usual, the WDA Coordinator had to tell the Com Ambassador that the Coms had won again. The WDA would not risk atomic war over a thirty-mile shift of a national border in southeast Asia.
Perhaps,
said the Com Ambassador politely, it will be easier for you personally if I admit that our Intelligence Service has reported the decision of your Council.
He paused, and added, in detail.
The Coordinator asked wearily, How much detail?
First,
said the Ambassador, you are to insist that no decision has been reached. You are to play for time. If I do not agree, you are to offer to compromise. If I do not agree, you are to accept the settlement we suggested. But you are to ask urgently for time in which to remove the citizens we might feel ought to be shot. This is not an absolute condition, but you are to use every possible means to persuade me to grant it.
The Coordinator ground his teeth. But the Council wouldn’t go to war for a few thousand citizens of an Asiatic country—who would probably be killed in the war anyhow. There would be millions killed in Western countries if the war did come.
I have much respect for you,
said the Ambassador politely, so I agree to three days of delay during which you may evacuate disloyal citizens by helicopter. On the fourth day our troops will move up to the new border. It would be unfortunate if there were clashes on the way.
We can’t get them out in three days!
protested the Coordinator. It’s impossible! We haven’t enough copters!
With warning to flee,
said the Ambassador, many can reach the new border on foot.
The Coordinator ground his teeth again. That would be a public disgrace—and not the first one—for the WDA for not protecting its friends. But the public in the Western nations did not want war. It would not allow its governments to fight over trivial matters. Its alliance could not make