From Other Worlds

‘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 civilisation 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 chapters 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 meander around the subconscious. Interweaving elements of both ancient 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: [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 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 relationship 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 unknown 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 regret 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 shelter 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 prisoner, 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 bullies. “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 probably 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 frightened. 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 similar 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 executives 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 human. However, on closer inspection they had tiny horn buds protruding from their foreheads and noses resembling the snouts of young deer. Although conversing in Standard English, their speech had the slightest 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 suggestion 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 command, a large male with more pronounced animal features. Two young female Ministers, Klong and Myson, along with three junior male executives, sat half facing the two senior males. The group listened intently to Leader Vicon’s words. Vicon spoke softly but with authority to his six companions. “Welcome to our first ministerial meeting 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 commander’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 concentrated 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 in16

dulge in wars and all sorts of violence, to each other as well as divergent species.” His moment of tense deliberation over, Minister 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 appearance, 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 extremely animalistic in appearance. Not pretty in human-terms as her female colleague was. In fact, Minister Myson looked more pig than bambi-like, with larger ears and nose. But many indigenous Earth females 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 irrational 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. Unfortunately, aggressive and insecure as they are, our image 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 appearance. 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 intellectual humour. Minister Vicon allowed a few moments for his Ministers to enjoy their moment of light relief. “In view of the somewhat disturbing information 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 presence.” “Praying,” Minister Klong said, a look of incomprehension 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 different to how they are. Expecting some mythical being 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 inculcated 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 superior weaponry against them. To avoid such inefficiency we must utilise our superior intellect. It is imperative therefore that our daily conduct should conform 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 appeared on video monitors. Crops growing in numerous 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 overseers cut the throats of animals, leaving the convulsing carcasses hanging upside down, slowly bleeding to death. All were graphically illustrated. The presentation ended with a montage of images showing the finished product: processed food 20

displayed in slick looking packs in supermarkets; bottles and containers of liquid refreshment being consumed 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 catching his food, of living creatures being killed, were viewed dispassionately by the alien group. Any comparisons 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, adding narration only at the conclusion of her short presentation. “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 humans consume, and that for cultural reasons we should do so in preference to the oils we prefer for nourishment.” The alien group softly murmured their agreement. “As you have seen, human sustenance is obtained 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 docu21

mentary faded, Leader Vicon offered his own observations. “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 humans run around expending energy attempting to outrun 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,” Minister Myson said, a smile on her pronounced snout. “That is correct. Football, soccer, hockey, cricket, polo and many others. All ethnic groups possess these rituals. Even the not fully developed young carry out this rite under the name of tag,” Vicon confirmed, 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 judgemental and accept the fact that they are many hundreds of thousands of years behind us in development.” 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 eventually 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 information we have collated on the human species suggests that our intellectual and technological superiority 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 intellect and technological advances are merely the results 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 females are not held in high esteem. The female gender 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 members 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 boardroom then back again. “Planets in our own galaxy have been popu24

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 completely. We must bear such experiences in mind when dealing with Earth humans.” Aware that her Leader wished to close the meeting, Minister Klong appended her own final comments. “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 superior 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 programmes,” Minister Myson said. 25

“So you wish to look younger, Minister Myson?” Leader Vicon asked in a deadpan manner, accompanied 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 replied. “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 comment 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 noninterference in the governance of this planet, added to our offer of information and technological assistance, 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 intergalactic 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 Thailand’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