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    Attention St. Patrick
    Attention St. Patrick
    Attention St. Patrick
    Ebook30 pages17 minutes

    Attention St. Patrick

    By Murray Leinster

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    Legends do, of course, get somewhat distorted in the passage of time. In the future, the passage across space to other planets may cause a slight modification here and there ?

    Excerpt

    President O'Hanrahan of the planetary government of Eire listened unhappily to his official guest. He had to, because Sean O'Donohue was chairman of the Dail-of Eire on Earth-Committee on the Condition of the Planet Eire. He could cut off all support from the still-struggling colony if he chose. He was short and opinionated, he had sharp, gimlet eyes, he had bristling white hair that once had been red, and he was the grandfather of Moira O'Donohue, who'd traveled to Eire with him on a very uncomfortable spaceship. That last was a mark in his favor, but now he stood four-square upon the sagging porch of the presidential mansion of Eire, and laid down the law.

    "I've been here three days." he told the president sternly, while his granddaughter looked sympathetic, "and I'm of the opinion that there's been shenanigans goin' on to keep this fine world from becoming' what it was meant for-a place for the people of Eire on Earth to emigrate to when there was more of them than Erin has room for. Which is now!"

    "We've had difficulties--" began the president uneasily.

    "This world should be ready!" snapped Sean O'Donohue accusingly. "It should be waitin' for the Caseys and Bradys and Fitzpatricks and other fine Erse people to move to and thrive on while the rest of the galaxy goes to pot with its new-fangled notions. That's the reason for this world's very existence. What set aside Erin on Earth, where our ancestors lived an' where their descendants are breathin' down each other's necks because there's so many of them? There was no snakes there! St. Patrick drove them out. What sets this world apart from all the other livable planets men have put down their smelly spaceships on? There's no snakes here! St. Patrick has great influence up in Heaven. He knew his fine Erse people would presently need more room than there was on Earth for them. So he'd a world set aside, and marked by the sign that no least trace of a serpent could exist on it. No creature like the one that blarneyed Mother Eve could be here! No--"
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherXinXii
    Release dateDec 4, 2015
    ISBN9781612100982
    Attention St. Patrick
    Author

    Murray Leinster

    Murray Leinster, born William Fitzgerald Jenkins on June 16, 1896, in Norfolk, Virginia, is a towering figure in the annals of science fiction. Often hailed as the "Dean of Science Fiction," Leinster's prolific career spanned over five decades, during which he penned more than 1,500 short stories, novels, and scripts. His work is characterized by an uncanny ability to foresee technological advancements and their societal impacts, making him a visionary in speculative fiction. Leinster's 1945 short story "First Contact" is particularly notable for introducing the now-standard concept of the universal translator, a device that has since become a staple in science fiction lore. This story also tackled the complex theme of peaceful coexistence between different species, a revolutionary idea during the post-World War II era when fears of the "other" were rampant. A pioneer in the genre, Leinster was also a master of blending hard science with humanistic elements, making his stories resonate on both intellectual and emotional levels. His influence can be seen in the works of contemporary writers like Arthur C. Clarke and Isaac Asimov, who admired his ability to weave intricate plots with scientific plausibility. Despite his acclaim, Leinster was not without controversy. His 1956 story "The Ethical Equations" sparked debates about the moral implications of artificial intelligence, a topic that remains hotly contested today. His forward-thinking narratives often challenged societal norms, pushing readers to question the ethical dimensions of technological progress. Leinster's legacy is not just confined to his written work; he also made significant contributions to radio and television, scripting episodes for popular series like "The Shadow" and "Land of the Giants." His ability to adapt his storytelling across multiple media underscores his versatility and enduring relevance. In an era where science fiction continues to shape our understanding of the future, Murray Leinster's work remains a cornerstone, offering timeless insights into the human condition and the boundless possibilities of innovation.

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      Book preview

      Attention St. Patrick - Murray Leinster

      ATTENTION SAINT PATRICK

      BY MURRAY LEINSTER

      Copyright © Jan 1960 by Murray Leinster

      This edition published in 2010 by eStar Books, LLC.

      www.estarbooks.com

      ISBN:    978-1-61210-098-2

      This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

      ATTENTION

      SAINT PATRICK

      BY MURRAY LEINSTER

      (Pseudonym of William Fitzgerald Jenkins)

      Legends do, of course, get somewhat distorted in the passage of time. In the future, the passage across space to other planets may cause a slight modification here and there ...

      President O'Hanrahan of the planetary government of Eire listened unhappily to his official guest. He had to, because Sean O'Donohue was chairman of the Dail—of Eire on Earth—Committee on the Condition of the Planet Eire. He could cut off all support from the still-struggling colony if he chose. He was short and opinionated, he had sharp, gimlet eyes, he had bristling white hair that once had been red, and he was the grandfather of Moira O'Donohue, who'd traveled to Eire with him on a very uncomfortable spaceship. That last was a mark in his favor, but now he stood four-square upon the sagging porch of the presidential mansion of Eire, and laid down the law.

      I've been here three days. he told the president sternly, while his granddaughter looked sympathetic, and I'm of the opinion that there's been shenanigans goin' on to keep this fine world from becoming' what it was meant for—a place for the people of Eire on Earth to emigrate to when there was more of them than Erin has room for. Which is now!

      We've had difficulties—— began the president uneasily.

      This world should be ready! snapped Sean O'Donohue accusingly. "It should be waitin' for the Caseys and Bradys and Fitzpatricks and other fine Erse people to move to and thrive on while the rest of the galaxy goes to pot with its new-fangled notions. That's the reason for this world's very existence. What set aside Erin on Earth, where our ancestors lived an' where their descendants are breathin' down each other's necks because there's so

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