The Neutral Read online

The Neutral

  By Matt Chatelain

  Published by Matt Chatelain

  Copyright 2012 by Matt Chatelain

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either 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.

  All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever.

  Cover art by Matt Chatelain

  To contact author visit

  www.mattchatelain.com

 

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Write Your Own Neutral Story

  About the Author

  More Books By the Author

  Reviewer's comments about 'The Caves of Etretat'

  Where can you find Matt's books?

  Contact Matt Chatelain

 

  Author's note

  I wrote Neutral, intending it to be the first of a long series of stories, following the adventure of Sherlock Holmes in space. I had developed an entire universe and long story ark, presented through a mixture of Arthur Conan Doyle and Isaac Asimov styles. I only wrote the one story, giving up shortly after, convinced I did not have sufficient skills to write mystery stories.

  Going back to it after thirty years, I found it quite acceptable, even if it was simpler than my later projects. I decided to make it available as a free book, to give you an idea where my mind was back then. Check after the story for rules to write your own Neutral story. Enjoy!

  Matt

 

  CHAPTER ONE

  I looked around at the immense halls, awed. I was over-come by their splendor. Their multicolored haze-paint influenced not only my eyes, but my very mood. At the farthest end of the corridor, however, I spied someone who seemed too entranced in his own moods to be affected by that of the haze-paint. To my surprise, I recognized him. He had studied psycho-history with me about ten years ago. I hailed him as he hurried past:

  "Jirn, Jirn Talbruk."

  He turned suddenly and recognised me at once.

  "Why, it's Clem Wilson, isn't it? From Earth?

  "The same!"

  "What in the empire are you doing here?"

  "Top research, psycho-history. Really just wandering about, though. It's a relief to see a familiar face. What of you, Jirn?"

  "I work here."

  "In here?"

  "Yes. Grand, isn't it?"

  "I don't think words can actually describe it. I'd heard before of the Empress Empire planet but being here makes it more than real. All of a sudden, it becomes a dream.

  "I know what you mean. I felt like that when I arrived here but after a year or two, you get used to it. Psycho-history research, eh? You must be rather far up the ladder by now?

  "Yes, two more years and I get my Document."

  "What's your security clearance?"

  "Level nine. Why do you ask?"

  "My work is involved with planetary psychology. What I deal with would, uhm, imbalance people with a level five or less. But you're safe. You see, I might be able to give you a hand in your research."

  "Really? In what way?"

  "It's rather long to explain and I'm rushed for time. I must reach section three in less than seven minutes. Tell you what: meet me at Deflo's at lunchtime. How's that?

  "Sounds fine. I'll be there."

  He ran off, leaving me to wonder about his offer. I was quite interested as I only had a few months left to put in my research papers and did not have even a quiver of a notion about a topic. I was relieved to find some help. I'd no idea in what direction Talbruk's help should lead but I was certainly willing to look into it. I had a hunch he was more important than he let on. Still there was little use in theorizing without facts. Let what come what may.

  ***

  I had just seated myself at Deflo's when Jirn walked in.

  He saw me and waved. I ordered some Brachschnaw soup, while he prodded his way through the crowd. He collapsed in the chair opposite me with an exhausted sigh.

  I detected the tell-tale signs of an ulcer and migraine headaches on his face. There was also a certain tenseness about him that made me positive he held a high post indeed. He let out a long sigh and the tenseness faded from him as if it had never been there.

  "Where did you l earn do that ?"

  "What? Oh, you mean the Freedom Pause. A Neutral taught me that one. I can say it allowed me stay the job for years longer than my predecessor.

  "A Neutral?"

  "As a matter of fact, that's what I was talking about when I said I could help you with your research. The Neutrals are a race from a race. Have you hear of Kremtek?"

  "The planet was discovered about fifteen years ago, wasn't it? Populated with a humanoid species, I believe."

  "That's right. About four years after they were discovered, we found a mutant race had sprung out, so to say, from these Kremtarians. A highly intelligent race with very special abilities. They're the ones I referred to as Neutrals."

  "Why do you call them Neutrals?"

  "It's easier to explain after you've seen one. And that's exactly what you'll do. This afternoon, I'll take you up to my office, where I'm meeting a Neutral on business. I'm sure he'll be quite willing to explain it to you much better than I could.

  "A mutant race, eh? I've heard of something like that before. I think it was back in fifty-six. They found an offshoot mutation with those crab creatures..."

  "The War-Huls?"

  "That's right, the War-Huls. If I remember my facts, the mutant race died out after two or three generations. A theory was eventually published on the subject. I did a dissertation on it in Second Year. It suggested the evolutionary drive of any planet consistently brought about new and better species but most did not survive as long as the dominant one remained. The ones that did were usually from species different from the previous ones."

  "That's a very relevant point. We recently discovered the Neutrals are sterile, which makes them all the more valuable."

  "Ah, really? Why so?"

  "They are the only race capable of instantaneous intuitive and emotive perception."

  "What do you mean?"

  "We have on hand a race of psycho-detectives..."

  Chapter two

  After our meal, Talbruk led me through a maze of buildings and corridors until we reached a section I was sure I'd not seen before. Facing us was a long corridor painted in two colors of haze-paint. Black doors and white walls. There was something in its very drabness that made it more impressive than the rest of the worlds combined. I had no doubt I was walking along the famed Empress Corridor. Jirn led us to a door halfway along the corridor and calmly motioned me in.

  It was a small room, equipped with the rare and expensive sub-wave Communico system. The system enabled him to contact any Empress planet with a very minimal loss of time.

  I sat down, facing him. He pressed a telecom activator.

  "Send the Neutral in, please."

  "Yes sir, he'll be up immediately."

  "I'm sure you'll be surprised when the Neutral comes in. Don't worry about offending him with your reaction. He is aware of your every feeling and intentions, both conscious and subconscious."

  The Neutral entered. I struggled to keep my jaw closed. The man facing me was Neutral in every sense of the word. He radiated nothing. He seemed to have no particular color. He did not seem to possess any identifiable feature, apart from his very neutrality. It was as if I was looking at a robot, or not even that. When he s
poke, his voice was in a monotone.

  "You are Jirn Talbruk?"

  "That is right. I'd like you to meet Clem Wilson, from Earth. Clem, meet Dirmac Nor, from Kremtek."

  "Glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. Nor."

  "Likewise, Mr. Wilson."

  "Wilson here is involved in Psycho-history research. Since the situation is directly related to Psycho-history, I thought he might accompany you on your expedition to Earth-type colony number three."

  This was an unexpected turn of events. I immediately saw the advantages to such a trip and the insight it would give me on an utterly unknown type of alien psychology. I gave Talbruk a quiet but thankful nod, while Dirmac Nor replied to Talbruk's query.

  "I have no objection, Mr. Talbruk. He might even come as an aid. However, I must obtain some particulars as to the situation on colony number three.

  "Of course. Both Earth-type colonies established before this one have failed. The cause of these failures is unknown. Both colonies were highly successful before their sudden collapse. The situation was similar in all aspects. The production quota fell dramatically and less than six months later, there was a sudden stop in communications. Upon the arrival of our emergency groups, we found nothing but the charred remains of the colony. One month ago, colony number three had a sharp decrease in its production quota. Noting the similarities between it and the earlier colonies, we decided to contact you at once."

  "I see. A few theories present themselves but I'd prefer to base myself on further facts before drawing any conclusion. Therefore, we had best be on our way."

  "Certainly. I've got a speed ship reserved for you and Clem. It leaves in one hour at Dock 5J6. You'll be supplied with everything you may require. I'll see you on your return. I wish you luck."

  "Thank you, Mr. Talbruk. Mr. Wilson?"

  "I'm right behind you."

  Chapter three

  I'd never been on a speed ship before. All my trips had been by the economical charter routes, so one can understand my amazement upon coming out on the dock. The ship was huge. A gleaming giant called 'The Soaring Hydra'. Mr. Nor told me about its method of propulsion, but I understood little. I caught a few phrases about magnetic reversal of polarities for liftoff and using the attraction and repulsion of surrounding planets as a means of spacial displacement. All this was meant to explain why we had to wear 'magnetic belts'.

  My ears were as small as my eyes were large. This was an achievement of humankind which made me proud to be part of the Empire. We were transported aboard in a Solidair bubble and led by a crew member to a pair of remarkably well-padded chairs. Sitting down, straps automatically snaked out from hidden holes, securing us in place. The crewman assured us we'd have to wait little more than five minutes before liftoff. As he left, to go seat himself no doubt, I turned to my new companion and engaged him in conversation.

  "We must have top priority to leave so quickly. One usually has to wait a day or two before any sort of clearance is given."

  "This is the usual procedure for speed ships. Why should a ship that can reach its destination in an hour two have to wait days for clearance?"

  "I had no idea speed ships were so fast."

  "It is certainly not a well-publicized fact."

  "I can understand the need for secrecy. Every planet would clamor for such ships."

  "Indeed."

  "Yet, Mr. Nor, I cannot help but wonder..."

  A strange tingling swept through me, interrupting my comment. Some type of energy was flowing through my body. I vaguely heard a 'whoooshh'. I was pushed into my seat with jarring force and, then knew no more.

  I woke to a peculiar sight. My head was turned towards a porthole yet all I could see was an incredible array of inter-changing lines of various colors. I noticed Dirmac Nor sitting calmly in his chair and asked him about it.

  "It is very simple, Mr. Wilson. We are moving so rapidly our eyes cannot perceive the stars as dots. We merely see flashing lines."

  "Simple to you, perhaps, Mr. Nor. Tell me, concerning this Earth colony business, have you any idea as to the cause of their destruction?"

  "Only one thing is obvious to me, Mr. Wilson; both earlier colonies were destroyed in exactly the same way. Now, a third is following an identical pattern of destruction. This implies random factors cannot be responsible. I must conclude intelligent beings are behind this."

  "I hadn't even thought of that. It does seem curious the colonies were destroyed in precisely the same fashion."

  "I can even deduce a few possibilities concerning those responsible. Since only Empire-funded colonies are being attacked, it seems likely those responsible hold a grudge towards the Empire."

  "Mr Nor, while that may be true, it doesn't help us much, since we all hold a grudge of some sort towards the Empire."

  "Perhaps, but who would be willing to carry out such aggression. Repercussions could be quite serious. Only a few groups would have the temerity, the courage necessary. Also, such large scale attacks can only be realized through careful planning by a dedicated group of people."

  "Jirn did say nothing was found on the destroyed colonies to indicate the cause the disaster. Where would such a group have vanished?"

  "You have a point, Sir. Either we are dealing with very clever aggressors or inept Empire investigators."

  "I hope we find our answer on colony number three. Uhm, if I may, Mr. Nor, I find myself impelled to question you about, uhm..."

  Nor seemed to sense what I wished to talk about and did not leave me time to embarrass myself further.

  "You wonder about my Neutrality. Why so?"

  "It is unusual."

  "Quite true. It is meant as a protection."

  "From whom?"

  "I'm sorry, you misunderstand. In being neutral, I am protecting you. Allow me to explain. Our race is so quick at reading another person's psychological makeup that we tend to automatically mimic the other personal appearance and personality. Let's say I understand you so completely that I become you. This would trouble you greatly. In maintaining neutrality, I save you anxiety and contain my energy."

  "How well could you mimic another?"

  "Perfectly."

  "And how well do you understand the other's problems and personality?"

  "As I said, I understand it totally."

  I finally understood why Jirn had called him a psycho-detective. He was a perfect psychologist who could, at a glance, see a person's problems and, at a glance, find a common problem between perhaps a whole colony of people. I looked at him again.

  "My hat off to you, Sir," I said.

  Chapter four

  The landing was as momentous as the liftoff. Recovering my senses, I found myself being helped along a corridor by Dirmac Nor.

  I could not distinguish if his hands were warm or cold. His neutrality seemed to extend to every aspect of his body. We passed a technician receiving directives from one of the many computer-lok wall units.

  Wondering about our reception committee, I turned to ask Nor if he knew anything about them but my question was stalled by my surprise. I was no longer walking with Dirmac Nor. Instead, the technician had somehow taken his place. I burst out immediately.

  "Where's Dirmac Nor? What have you done with him? Answer me, man, or I will call security."

  The man chuckled.

  "Calm yourself Mr. Wilson. I am Dirmac Nor. It is imperative to reveal nothing of my presence here. You are here as a tourist, hence my appearance. I am a simple technician showing you the way to the city."

  "Tourists? On a colony?"

  "This is no normal colony. The earth-type colonies are Empire-funded and very sophisticated. You might even say luxurious. In fact, they invent dozens of gadgets a week for the single purpose of comfort."

  Nor opened a door and we stepped out into brilliant sunlight. On our left was a road leading towards a towering city of uncertain colors. There was a forest facing us. Its trees were not overly large but their leaves were certainly peculiar
. They were about three feet in diameter and of various colors, the dominant one being a light blue. The sight was calming and peaceful. On our right, the shore of a huge lake baked in the sun.

  "In the middle of this lies chaos somewhere."

  "What do you mean, Dirmac?"

  "I sense a wrongness, something disturbing. Perhaps we'll find more answers in the city."

  We walked towards the road. The city seemed rather distant and there was no transportation device in sight. Stepping onto the road, the entire segment suddenly lifted into the air and stopped motionless at the height of two feet. A voice slipped into my head, saying one word clearly.

  "Where?"

  I looked at Nor, astonished. He smiled as the technician would smile, answering:

  "To the city, tourist section."

  The road segment accelerated, rapidly gaining speed. Approaching the edge of the road segment, I felt the unmistakable tension of an energy field. I returned next to Dirmac Nor and we silently entered the city. In horror, I saw my companion staggering from pain. I grabbed his arm before he collapsed. He was nearly unconscious for a minute. When he recovered, he spoke as if he were wounded.

  "Can you feel it, Wilson?"

  "I feel nothing."

  "You are lucky then."

  "What is it you feel?"

  "Death. The death of a race. The entire city reeks of it. I can barely stand it. It's like a raging fire burning my soul."

  "Do you know the cause?"

  "Not yet. But I'll find it. No matter the cost, I will find it."

  The road segment had automatically changed direction, heading at full speed towards a hospital. Nor, his pain under tight control, stood back up, shortly before we arrived at a luxurious hotel. The floating segment lowered, vanishing into the road beneath us. Dirmac altered his appearance, this time to that of a random tourist.

  Walking into the hotel, a robo-person greeted us at the front desk.

  Directed to an elevator, we found ourselves in our room. The elevator was a trans-beam device. A very costly convenience. I collapsed into a comfortable chair as Nor pondered aloud.