The Nameless Something

The Nameless Something

A man named Bud Gregory, who possesses an extraordinary yet undefined talent, inadvertently influences global events through his seemingly mundane actions. While he enjoys betting on dirt-track automobile races, significant international tensions arise, particularly involving a European power that threatens the United States with atomic warfare. As Bud continues to win small bets, the political climate deteriorates, leading to widespread panic and an exodus from major cities in America. Amidst this chaos, Dr. David Murfree, a scientist at the Bureau of Standards, is determined to locate Bud, believing his unique abilities could provide a solution to the impending crisis. Bud, who has a knack for creating devices that defy conventional physics, has been living a carefree life, avoiding work and responsibility. His inventions, however, have unintended consequences, leading to a dangerous situation that Murfree hopes to avert. As tensions escalate, Bud's carefree existence is disrupted when he is kidnapped by criminals who want to exploit his talents for their own gain. They force him to create devices that enhance the performance of getaway cars, unaware of the broader implications of his abilities. Murfree, also captured, realizes that the criminals' plans could lead to chaos and violence, further complicating the already dire situation. In a moment of desperation, Bud uses his ingenuity to create a device that can reverse the trajectory of bullets, inadvertently providing a means to defend against the atomic threat. This device, when aimed at the Heaviside Layer of the atmosphere, could reflect incoming missiles back to their origin, effectively neutralizing the threat posed by the European power. As the criminals attempt to execute their plans, Bud's device is activated, resulting in a catastrophic failure for the attackers. The missiles intended for the United States are redirected, causing destruction in the European power's own territory instead. This unexpected turn of events shifts the balance of power and averts the immediate threat of war. In the aftermath, Murfree returns to Washington, grappling with the implications of Bud's abilities and the chaos that ensued. Despite the resolution of the crisis, Bud disappears into obscurity, leaving Murfree frustrated and envious of his extraordinary talent. The story concludes with Murfree reflecting on the nature of genius and the complexities of human capability, as Bud remains an enigma, embodying a potential that defies definition.

By Murray Leinster · First published 1954 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Mystery · 5 chapters · 15,734 words

First lines

Bud Gregory was something there isn't any word for. He bet on a dirt-track automobile race in the State of Colorado, and won twelve dollars. Simultaneously, a certain European Power made a very polite apology to the Icelandic Government for the falling of a rocket-projectile near Reykjavik. In so doing, it advertised publicly that it had long-range guided missiles capable of flights of over two thousand miles.

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The Nameless Something is listed on Textopian as a novel by Murray Leinster, dated 1954 CE.

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Science Fiction · Space Opera · Adventure · Alien Invasion · Human Evolution · Social Commentary · Philosophical Themes · Existential Crisis · Utopian Society · Dystopian Future · Interstellar Travel · Advanced Technology

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More by Murray Leinster