‘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 Quartermaine’s
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 where
children 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’

3
 The Author: A much travelled journalist and copywriter,
Ian Quartermaine settled in South East Asia
during 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 from

Ian Quartermaine:

‘Siam Streetfighter’

4
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' reaches
its own horrifying conclusion.
A dark but moral tale, ‘From Other Worlds’ is not for the
squeamish.

5
 Published by IQ Inc.
International licencing enquiries:
publicrelationsiqinc@hotmail.com
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 any
form 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.
6
‘From Other Worlds’
Special Edition
A Novel by Ian Quartermaine

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

Edited and Packaged by Jake Anthony

9
1
Lost 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.
“It’s 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 I’ve
found,” he said.
Within seconds a small flame illuminated the
children’s terrified faces as Jimmy tested his find, a
throw away lighter dropped in the past by some un-
known person.
10
 “Switch it off, they might see us,” Jimmy’s young
brother urged, his voice tainted with fear.
“Yes, switch it off Jimmy. We don’t 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 don’t have any parents. We lived
with an uncle. His wife was kind but he didn’t like
us at all. That’s why we ran away. We were going to
find our mother’s 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 Thailand’s naval port. He liked it so
much he settled there after he retired. He loved living
near 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 didn’t realise,” Luk said, a note of sympathy
in her voice as she heard of experiences not within
her own personal understanding.
“You weren’t to know. We only met a few hours
11
ago and there wasn’t much time for talking when
those people captured us. Our dad was in the U.S.
Navy, the same as Aunt Alice’s 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 didn’t want us but I suppose they
felt better knowing we were being housed and fed. I
guess they didn’t know our uncle was a drunken brute.
He owns a slaughterhouse in Bangkok. One of his
ancestors was Chinese and it was left to him when
they died. That’s how two farang [*] boys ended up
living in Bangkok.”
Luk said she was sorry but Jimmy brushed aside
her sympathy. “What’s important now is that we get
away from here as soon as possible. So let’s stay
quiet, 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.
“I’m scared of the dark,” Jed said in a low voice,
shivering from the effects of the chilly atmosphere
and his own inner fear.
“We’ll be all right if we stay close together. Keep
holding my hand,” Luk said.
“I will,” Jed answered.
“Jimmy’s 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.
12
 “Yes he can, Luk. I’ve 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 brother’s proven courage.
“I can lick one or two kids at school, but I don’t
think I’m a match for the people who took us pris-
oner, so we’d better stay quiet. I hope they haven’t
missed us yet,” Jimmy said, playing down his young
brother’s praise, aware of his own limitations when it
came 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.
“That’s 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 they’ve got
brains like computers, I wouldn’t think they'll miss
us for a while,” Luk stated, hopefully.
“That’s what I’m afraid of,” Jimmy said. “That
they’ve got brains like computers. I think maybe they
have.”
“They were funny looking but seemed pretty
smart. I’m sure they can count properly,” little Jed
said, uncertainty tinged with fear clouding his voice.
13
 “They’re not that smart or the guard at the door
wouldn’t 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 Jed’s right, they prob-
ably will miss us, so we’d better get moving,” Luk
said, confirming the apprehension felt by her two
companions. But stay quiet Jed even if you get fright-
ened. Lead on Jimmy, let’s 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 derogatory
inference.
[**] 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.

14
2
The Executives
In contrast to the gloom of Jimmy, Jed and Luk’s
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 tiny
horn 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, their
overall appearance possessed an unnerving sugges-
tion of the animal realm.
Virtually a hundred percent human, the senior
15
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 Vicon’s 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-
er’s 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 furnished
executive suite, his large, animalistic frame swaying
from side to side like a shire horse.
“These humans are very aggressive. They in-
16
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 humankind’s paradoxical and sometimes
destructive 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
individual’s intrinsic value by appearance alone.
“Races are members of the same species who
are visually different or culturally divergent in some
way,” Minister Myson said. “There must be some
logical explanation for humankind’s 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 hybrid
physiological structure - humanoid plus. Unfortu-
nately, aggressive and insecure as they are, our im-
age is different enough to cause them concern. This
17
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 Vicon’s 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 their
idiosyncrasies. 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 executive’s concern.
“It is particularly critical that we understand what
they 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 would
describe 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
18
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, they
would 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 executive’s
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.”
19
 Leader Vicon’s 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 control
panel. 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 catching
tuna; 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 bleeding
to death. All were graphically illustrated.
The presentation ended with a montage of im-
ages showing the finished product: processed food
20
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 which
the 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 their
flesh raw. Some even eat it whilst the life form is
alive.” Minister Klong sat down.
As the final scenes of Minister Klong’s docu-
21
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
don’t 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 human
conduct - 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 to
hide 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
22
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 with
stories 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 not
what 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
23
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
don’t 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
don’t think you have many worries there, Minister
Myson. 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 sexual
inequality as an outsider saw it. “That and by human
standards, you are unattractive.”
Minister Myson did not take offence at Leader
Vicon’s frank observation. It was merely a statement
of fact as seen from the human perspective, and an
emotional response would not help the mission. In
any event, Minister Myson’s 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 walked
from one side of the comfortable executive board-
room then back again.
“Planets in our own galaxy have been popu-
24
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 anything
so 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 stars
utilise it to change their appearance from old to young.
We know that from their dish-the-dirt television pro-
grammes,” Minister Myson said.
25
 “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 other
in 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 human
manner. 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, added
to our offer of information and technological assist-
ance, will persuade the dominant species on Earth to
behave in a civilised fashion towards us.”
26
3
Another 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-
land’s capital city, Bangkok.

27
READ OTHER HARD HITTING, GRAPHIC,
CONTROVERSIAL ‘REALITY’ NOVELS
FROM
IAN QUARTERMAINE

‘’White Slavery’ -
For King & Country

‘From Other Worlds’

‘Cybernaut’

‘Siam Streetfighter’

COMING SOON
‘Sleepless in Bangkok 2’ -
Return to the Triangle

The following can be purchased

on-line as E-books or Paperbacks:
www.iqincmedia.com
387