From Other Worlds

8/14/2019 From Other Worlds

1/26


2/26


3/26

3

From Other Worlds

is one of a set of six stand alone stories in four

books, each with subtle links to the others.

Each tale has the author Ian Quartermaines

fast moving, brutally frank, pull no punches,

extremely graphic writing style.

A potentially true account of the culture clash

which could occur when for the first time in

known history an alien civilisation makes contact

with the human species on Earth,

this action packed story carries

an horrific twist in the tail.

NB. From Other Worlds contains

an extremely disturbing scene wherechildren are experimented upon.

Do not purchase if you are of

a sensitive disposition or emanate from

a sheltered personal background.

Connecting books in this series:

Sleepless in Bangkok

For King and Country

Cybernaut


4/26

4

The Author:A much travelled journalist and copywriter,

Ian Quartermaine settled in South East Asiaduring the late nineteen eighties.

Grateful for the yin yang insight which his Oriental education

provided, helped bring a broader cultural perspective

to his written work.

These days Ian travels the world extensively,

but looks back with interest on his sojourn in Siam.

An early reader with an interest in adventure stories and sci-fi,

it was probably inevitable that when he eventually

became a writer, a book or three combining both genres

would result.

The latest hard hitting novel fromIan Quartermaine:

Siam Streetfighter


5/26

5

The Story: For the first time in known history, an alien civilisa-

tion makes contact with the human species on Earth. But why

Bangkok?Although basically humanoid in appearance, the visitors

from other worlds resemble the animal kingdom just enough to

cause deep unease amongst the indigenous population.

Using data obtained on their long journey to Earth, the

aliens rightly conclude that humans are a hostile and aggressive

species even against their own kind.In order to circumvent negative acts towards them by the

ruling primate, the visitors from other worlds calculate that it

would be best to act as much like humans as possible. In their

well meaning attempts to imitate popular culture, the visitors from

other worlds emulate Earth ways far too closely for comfort.

Having discovered the horrific intended purpose of the

otherwise peaceful and magnanimous delegation from another

universe, three kids are in deadly danger and on the run from

aliens. But all is not as it seems, and the penultimate plot twist

offers humankind a horrifying and jolting metaphor.

For those open minded enough to question traditional

beliefs, unacceptable and painful as such a path might be, willing

to assimilate the fuller ramifications of the story, the horrific chap-ters towards the end of this cautionary tale carry the highest

moral message.

Woven into the narrative are themes which might frighten

the reader to a greater degree when elements of the story mean-

der around the subconscious. Interweaving elements of both an-

cient and modern popular culture, 'From Other Worlds' reachesits own horrifying conclusion.

A dark but moral tale, From Other Worlds is not for the

squeamish.


6/26

6

Published by IQ Inc.

International licencing enquiries:[email protected]

www.iqincmedia.com

(C) 1988. 2004. 2009.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted

or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in anyform or by any means, mechanical, electronic, photocopying,

recording or otherwise, except for brief extracts for the purpose

of review, without prior permission in writing from the publisher.

ISBN 974-8303-74-8

Initial Print:: June 2004.Special Edition: June 2009

E-Book: 2009.

SSpecial Edition:

Second Pressing

About IQ Inc.

A group of actors, writers, graphic designers and intellectual

property licencing executives combined in an informal relation-

ship to write, mentor other authors and package hard hitting,

edgy, real life projects for publication as books and movies.

The controversial and successful book Sleepless in Bangkok

was the first project, For King & Country the second. The

two sci-fi novels From Other Worlds and Cybernaut were

released simultaneously. Siam Streetfighter followed, and

Sleepless in Bangkok 2 is on the way. Other projects are in

development.


7/26

9

From Other Worlds

Special EditionA Novel by Ian Quartermaine

(C) 'IQ Inc' 1993. 2004. 2009.

)

Edited and Packaged by Jake Anthony


8/26

10

1Lost and Alone

The place they found themselves in was pitch black,

bare and cavernous. Jimmy, an American boy aged

twelve years, his younger brother Jed aged seven,

and Luk their new found Eurasian friend, somewhere

in the region of eleven and with an almost perfect

English accent, confirming an affluent background,

crouched low on the floor.Its so dark I can hardly see either of you,

Luk said, softly.

With a sound resembling the scraping of a

mouse, Jimmy picked something up. Look what Ive

found, he said.

Within seconds a small flame illuminated thechildrens terrified faces as Jimmy tested his find, a

throw away lighter dropped in the past by some un-

known person.


9/26

11

Switch it off, they might see us, Jimmys young

brother urged, his voice tainted with fear.

Yes, switch it off Jimmy. We dont want to get

caught by those people again, Luk urgently added.

Why did they keep us locked up? My parents will be

worried.

Jimmy complied with his companions wishes

and darkness enveloped the three youngsters once

more.

Jed and I dont have any parents. We livedwith an uncle. His wife was kind but he didnt like

us at all. Thats why we ran away. We were going to

find our mothers sister, Aunt Alice. We used to know

her when we were small. Before our parents got killed

in an auto accident, Jimmy explained, an air of re-

gret coupled with bitterness colouring his voice.Yes, we were travelling south to find our Aunt

Alice, she would look after us. She lived in Sattahip,

with her husband. He was in the U.S. Navy when his

ship docked at Thailands naval port. He liked it so

much he settled there after he retired. He loved livingnear the sea. When he died, Aunt Alice stayed on

because she liked Thailand too. Little Jed spoke more

confidently now, fuelled by the hope of finding shel-

ter with someone who might genuinely care for him -

his barely remembered aunt.

I didnt realise, Luk said, a note of sympathyin her voice as she heard of experiences not within

her own personal understanding.

You werent to know. We only met a few hours


10/26

12

ago and there wasnt much time for talking when

those people captured us. Our dad was in the U.S.

Navy, the same as Aunt Alices husband. They were

all friends. When dad and mum got killed, our uncle

in Thailand who we had never met, took over our

upbringing. He is paid to keep us by distant relations

in America. They didnt want us but I suppose they

felt better knowing we were being housed and fed. I

guess they didnt know our uncle was a drunken brute.

He owns a slaughterhouse in Bangkok. One of hisancestors was Chinese and it was left to him when

they died. Thats how two farang [*] boys ended up

living in Bangkok.

Luk said she was sorry but Jimmy brushed aside

her sympathy. Whats important now is that we get

away from here as soon as possible. So lets stayquiet, hold hands and try and find our way through

the dark. This was an underground car-park at some

time so there must be a way out to street level.

Jimmy was the man of the small party so he led

the way, carefully picking his way through the gloom.Im scared of the dark, Jed said in a low voice,

shivering from the effects of the chilly atmosphere

and his own inner fear.

Well be all right if we stay close together. Keep

holding my hand, Luk said.

I will, Jed answered.Jimmys the oldest and I think he can take care

of himself. Hope you can take care of us too, Jimmy,

Luk said, half statement, half uncertain question.


11/26

13

Yes he can, Luk. Ive seen Jimmy punch a

couple of kids very hard when he caught them trying

to steal my lunch. They ran away. My brother can

really take care of himself. Little Jed boasted about

his older brothers proven courage.

I can lick one or two kids at school, but I dont

think Im a match for the people who took us pris-

oner, so wed better stay quiet. I hope they havent

missed us yet, Jimmy said, playing down his young

brothers praise, aware of his own limitations when itcame to strange adults rather than school yard bul-

lies.

What does your name mean? Jed asked. I

know quite a lot of Thai now but I forget what Luk

means.

It means love, the young girl replied.Thats very sweet, Jed remarked.

Thank you ka [**], Luk replied.

There were lots of us kids down in the lowest

floor, Jed said as he recalled the terror of the last

few hours.Three or four hundred, so unless theyve got

brains like computers, I wouldnt think they'll miss

us for a while, Luk stated, hopefully.

Thats what Im afraid of, Jimmy said. That

theyve got brains like computers. I think maybe they

have.They were funny looking but seemed pretty

smart. Im sure they can count properly, little Jed

said, uncertainty tinged with fear clouding his voice.


12/26

14

Theyre not that smart or the guard at the door

wouldnt have left it unlocked when he went outside

for something while the guards inside were occupied

with some kids at the other end of the building,

Jimmy said. You were clever to have noticed, Jed.

It was your alertness that allowed us to creep out and

escape.

Unfortunately I think Jeds right, they prob-

ably will miss us, so wed better get moving, Luk

said, confirming the apprehension felt by her twocompanions. But stay quiet Jed even if you get fright-

ened. Lead on Jimmy, lets see if we can get out of

this scary place.

[*] Farang is the Thai term for white foreigner. It is

a statement of fact and usually has no derogatoryinference.

[**] Ka is the word used by women and girls to

indicate that a female is talking, not a male. It is simi-

lar to Le and La, which denote gender as used in the

French language.


13/26

15

2The Executives

In contrast to the gloom of Jimmy, Jed and Luks

underground prison, seven smartly dressed execu-

tives sat in a well lit boardroom. In deep discussion,

they spoke in soft tones, acting in a civilised and low

key manner.

On initial appearance the executives were hu-

man. However, on closer inspection they had tinyhorn buds protruding from their foreheads and noses

resembling the snouts of young deer. Although con-

versing in Standard English, their speech had the slight-

est suggestion of beasts of the field, and when they

laughed the sound resembled the gentle barking of

hinds. Although not unpleasant in appearance, theiroverall appearance possessed an unnerving sugges-

tion of the animal realm.

Virtually a hundred percent human, the senior


14/26

16

executive, Leader Vicon, sat at the head of the table.

To one side sat Minister Targ, his second in com-

mand, a large male with more pronounced animal

features.

Two young female Ministers, Klong and My-

son, along with three junior male executives, sat half

facing the two senior males. The group listened in-

tently to Leader Vicons words.

Vicon spoke softly but with authority to his six

companions. Welcome to our first ministerial meet-ing on Planet Earth. It was a long journey in space.

Despite the suggestion of a bambi-like snout

which might lick rather than kiss her lover, Minister

Klong was attractive in her way. In fact sophisticated

human males with exotic tastes would probably find

her sexually alluring. She replied to her command-ers opening statement.

It is an interesting planet, Leader Vicon. We

have learned much about the human species from

their broadcasts beamed into space. But there are

many life forms here on Earth, not just human.It is unfortunate that our appearance does not

fully resemble that of the ruling species on Planet

Earth, Leader Vicon declared. But we must face

facts as they are.

Minister Targ abruptly stood up, and with con-

centrated deliberation paced the luxuriously furnishedexecutive suite, his large, animalistic frame swaying

from side to side like a shire horse.

These humans are very aggressive. They in-


15/26

17

dulge in wars and all sorts of violence, to each other

as well as divergent species.

His moment of tense deliberation over, Minis-

ter Targ retook his position at the table.

Your observation is accurate, Minister Targ.

Even members of the same race can be hostile and

aggressive to each other, particularly if their appear-

ance, culture or religion are different in some way,

Leader Vicon confirmed, his mind searching for an

answer to humankinds paradoxical and sometimesdestructive behaviour.

Unlike Minister Klong, Minister Myson was ex-

tremely animalistic in appearance. Not pretty in hu-

man-terms as her female colleague was. In fact, Min-

ister Myson looked more pig than bambi-like, with

larger ears and nose. But many indigenous Earth fe-males were as physically unattractive when utilising

human values, which more often than not judged an

individuals intrinsic value by appearance alone.

Races are members of the same species who

are visually different or culturally divergent in someway, Minister Myson said. There must be some

logical explanation for humankinds insecurity and ir-

rational behaviour patterns.

The data we have compiled relating to homo

sapiens confirms that they possess a similar genetic

background to ourselves. However, we are of hybridphysiological structure - humanoid plus. Unfortu-

nately, aggressive and insecure as they are, our im-

age is different enough to cause them concern. This


16/26

18

is probably a consequence of their generally lower

levels of intelligence. We must hope they will forgive

our intellectual superiority and more handsome ap-

pearance. Intelligence, talent, personality, good looks

and style. Five very good reasons not to like us,

Leader Vicon stated, a note of dry satirical humour

in his mildly animalistic voice.

The laughter that followed again mimicked the

sound of softly barking deer, as the alien group

showed their appreciation of Leader Vicons intellec-tual humour.

Minister Vicon allowed a few moments for his

Ministers to enjoy their moment of light relief.

In view of the somewhat disturbing informa-

tion we have compiled regarding the human species,

it is important that we become conversant with theiridiosyncrasies. That is, if we are to benefit from a

trouble free stay on this planet.

Soft lowing from those present verified that they

appreciated their chief executives concern.

It is particularly critical that we understand whatthey call religion. A strange concept, clearly a species

suffering from considerable anxiety, insecurity and

fear, that they should wish some invisible being which

exists only in their own imagination, to alter those

things in life not to their liking. Praying is what they

call their constant entreaties. Wishing is how we woulddescribe it. And the wishing process consumes so

much of their time, placing responsibility for the course

of their lives onto a father figure invented in their


17/26

19

own subconscious. It is important for us to plan the

psychology of our approach with care, and manage

the way in which we conduct ourselves in their pres-

ence.

Praying, Minister Klong said, a look of in-

comprehension on her face as she considered the

concept. Yes, clearly it is just wishing, she decided.

If humans would cultivate a more mindful approach

regarding how their actions affect the lives of others

and the condition of their own environment, theywould not need to keep wishing that things were dif-

ferent to how they are. Expecting some mythical be-

ing to magically grant their desires when their own

efforts and intellect could accomplish whatever it was

they wished to achieve, is paradoxical and absurd.

Such insecurity and weakness on their part.Leader Vicon added to his junior executives

concerns. Such ineffective behaviour modes would

appear to be a remnant from their primitive past, when

the human race on Earth was just developing and

their ancestors experienced dreaming for the first time.Imagining another world of Gods existed with whom

they could converse if they wished hard enough, is

almost certainly how the concept of a Deity was in-

culcated in their culture. We must be very mindful

regarding the manner in which we treat their strange

beliefs.Minister Targ grunted his contempt. Foolish

people. Yet humans regard themselves as superior to

animals. Arrogance and ignorance combined.


18/26

20

Leader Vicons demeanour was serious. That

is why we have taken time to study human ways on

our journey here, and why it is paramount we do our

best to emulate their culture and traditions. It will be

difficult enough for us to prevent fear or resentment

simply because we look different, so it is essential

that we not appear too different in cultural terms.

Humans are primitive and emotionally explosive.

However, only in circumstances of self defence,

should that be necessary, would we utilise our supe-rior weaponry against them. To avoid such ineffi-

ciency we must utilise our superior intellect. It is im-

perative therefore that our daily conduct should con-

form to their cultural patterns. Perhaps then we will

not appear so alien in their eyes.

Female Minister Klong pressed a small controlpanel. Instantly, charts and documentary footage ap-

peared on video monitors. Crops growing in numer-

ous Earth locations; fruit and vegetables being canned,

processed and packed; Nordic and Japanese races

harpooning whales; darker ethnic groups catchingtuna; animals eating fodder and grain; an abattoir

where large, red faced men slaughtered cattle, sheep,

pigs, and other animals by firing a heavy bolt into

their brains; and ritual slaughter where religious over-

seers cut the throats of animals, leaving the convuls-

ing carcasses hanging upside down, slowly bleedingto death. All were graphically illustrated.

The presentation ended with a montage of im-

ages showing the finished product: processed food


19/26

21

displayed in slick looking packs in supermarkets; bot-

tles and containers of liquid refreshment being con-

sumed by various ethnic groups; and happy humans

in restaurants and homes, cooking and eating their

barbecued steaks, spare ribs, hamburgers, chicken

nuggets and fish fillets.

The gory images of mankind farming and catch-

ing his food, of living creatures being killed, were

viewed dispassionately by the alien group. Any com-

parisons between themselves and the animals whichthe humans were so enthusiastically slaughtering and

eating, apparently unnoticed.

Female Minister Klong allowed her companions

to watch the documentary without interruption, add-

ing narration only at the conclusion of her short pres-

entation.Our nutritional division has studied a number

of ethnic diets. Their recommendation is that we are

physically able to eat the range of food which hu-

mans consume, and that for cultural reasons we should

do so in preference to the oils we prefer for nourish-ment.

The alien group softly murmured their agree-

ment.

As you have seen, human sustenance is ob-

tained from an omnivorous diet of fruit, vegetables,

grains and cooked flesh. But some humans eat theirflesh raw. Some even eat it whilst the life form is

alive. Minister Klong sat down.

As the final scenes of Minister Klongs docu-


20/26

22

mentary faded, Leader Vicon offered his own obser-

vations. Unpleasant as it might be, we must do our

best to live as humans and emulate their ways. But I

dont think we will be indulging in their idiosyncratic

lust for violence in what they call sport, where hu-

mans run around expending energy attempting to out-

run and even hurt each other, to obtain possession of

a small round object of no particular value. Clearly a

left over from some kind of primitive hunting ritual.

Collectively considering such bizarre humanconduct - the accepted cultural norms on Earth for

just about every racial and ethnic species - the alien

group laughed softly in their low, deer-like tones.

Games they are popularly known as, Minis-

ter Myson said, a smile on her pronounced snout.

That is correct. Football, soccer, hockey,cricket, polo and many others. All ethnic groups pos-

sess these rituals. Even the not fully developed young

carry out this rite under the name of tag, Vicon con-

firmed, a clear lack of understanding reflected upon

his almost wholly human face. In fact with a hat tohide his minute horn buds, Leader Vicon would pass

almost unnoticed on Earth.

Humans are a strange species indeed, Vicon

added. But I suggest we should not be too judge-

mental and accept the fact that they are many hun-

dreds of thousands of years behind us in develop-ment.

The subordinate members of the alien group

nodded their heads and lowed softly, corroborating


21/26

23

their commanders statements.

It is decided then. We should be seen to act as

they do, eat and drink their nutrition, clothe ourselves

in the same manner in their presence, and appear to

respect their Gods. By utilising the data gathered on

our journey to this planet, hopefully we might have a

peaceful and informative stay.

Minister Vicon looked set to close the meeting.

Realising his intent, Minister Klong interjected.

Leader Vicon, their ancient books are littered withstories of visitors from other planets, verifying that

Earth humanoids have a tendency to worship space

travellers as Gods. What they cannot understand or

comprehend, they have an unfortunate tendency to

worship. I always wanted to be important and even-

tually become a leader, but being worshipped is notwhat I had in mind. It would be demeaning for them

and embarrassing for us, should they adopt a posture

of supplicance and worship us continuously. The in-

formation we have collated on the human species

suggests that our intellectual and technological supe-riority would give us the status of Gods in their eyes.

Respect maybe, but being worshipped? I hope not.

Leader Vicon was paternal in his approach, all

but Targ being younger than himself. We must do

our best to show these humans that our superior in-

tellect and technological advances are merely the re-sults of an earlier developmental start. That and hard

work on our part. Maybe then they will not indulge

their insecurities by worshipping those they do not


22/26

24

fully understand.

Minister Myson, irritated and concerned that she

too might be the subject of such idiosyncratic human

behaviour, appended her own comments. I hope they

dont start worshipping me. How embarrassing. I

would hate to be worshipped. The sow- like young

woman almost blushed across her snout at the

thought.

Leader Vicon offered his final observations. I

dont think you have many worries there, MinisterMyson. We have seen from their broadcasts that fe-

males are not held in high esteem. The female gen-

der is considered inferior on Planet Earth. It is the

males amongst us who could have problems in that

direction.

Leader Vicon considered the concept of sexualinequality as an outsider saw it. That and by human

standards, you are unattractive.

Minister Myson did not take offence at Leader

Vicons frank observation. It was merely a statement

of fact as seen from the human perspective, and anemotional response would not help the mission. In

any event, Minister Mysons pig-like features were

considered to be extremely sexy by some male mem-

bers of her own species, and some female members

too. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Looking serious, Leader Vicon slowly walkedfrom one side of the comfortable executive board-

room then back again.

Planets in our own galaxy have been popu-


23/26

25

lated in the past by species similar to humankind.

They also behaved in an irrational manner. Most have

since become extinct, despite our offered assistance.

Those who did not kill each other on an individual

basis, destroyed their environment with unrestrained

and ill thought out technological development. One

human type even blew up their own planet com-

pletely. We must bear such experiences in mind when

dealing with Earth humans.

Aware that her Leader wished to close the meet-ing, Minister Klong appended her own final com-

ments. Probably accompanied by much wishing for

their mythical Gods to destroy the life forms of their

fellows. So much bloodshed and destruction all in

the name of religion, a concept they esteem as moral.

Holy Wars they often call them. How can anythingso destructive be considered holy, a word that is meant

to describe all that is good and kind? Fortunately, our

own ancestry has a hybrid genetic base and our su-

perior breeding has enabled us to avoid destroying

ourselves and our environment.Allowing a moment for his information to be

digested, the chief executive attempted to close the

meeting. Are there any further questions, my

friends? he enquired.

Perhaps we could have cosmetic surgery to

make us look more like humans. Their movie starsutilise it to change their appearance from old to young.

We know that from their dish-the-dirt television pro-

grammes, Minister Myson said.


24/26

26

So you wish to look younger, Minister My-

son? Leader Vicon asked in a deadpan manner, ac-

companied by what passed for the suggestion of a

smile on his almost hundred percent human features.

Minister Myson looked embarrassed.

That was what humans call a joke, Leader

Vicon stated. We must learn human ways if we wish

to assimilate into their culture, even when we find

their behaviour infantile.

You are right as always, Minister Myson re-plied.

And you are right also, Leader Vicon stated.

Cosmetic surgery could be an option. We will first

see how, or should I say if, we are accepted by the

human race in all its diverse shades.

The alien executives spoke quietly to each otherin their animal influenced tones, but no further com-

ment was forthcoming.

Then we will proceed with our mission.

Leader Vicon said, matter of factly. All troops on

guard duty and shore leave will behave in the humanmanner. Induction meetings on human behavioural

traits will be held. Crew members at every rank will

be required to attend. We do not want any untoward

incidents emanating from ignorance on our part. Let

us hope our enlightened policy and strategy of non-

interference in the governance of this planet, addedto our offer of information and technological assist-

ance, will persuade the dominant species on Earth to

behave in a civilised fashion towards us.


25/26

27

3Another World

Leader Vicon and his six alien subordinates made their

way along a walkway to another part of their interga-

lactic spaceship.

Gazing through a large port hole, Minister Klong

lowed softly and remarked how pleasing the floodlit

grounds of Chitralada Palace were at night, in Thai-

lands capital city, Bangkok.


26/26

READ OTHER HARD HITTING, GRAPHIC,

CONTROVERSIAL REALITY NOVELS

FROM

IAN QUARTERMAINE

White Slavery -

For King & Country

From Other Worlds

Cybernaut

Siam Streetfighter

COMING SOONSleepless in Bangkok 2 -

Return to the Triangle

The following can be purchased

on-line as E-books or Paperbacks:

www.iqincmedia.com

From Other Worlds

Documents

Transcript of From Other Worlds