Humans are frightfully underwhelming creatures. It’s a wonder they managed to evolve at all.

Yet the nature of this planet warrants investigation. And since the one human who might have been useful was found murdered this morning, fraternizing with the wildlife is an unfortunate consequence.

Like now, for example. The way the human brandishes the knife in my direction leads me to believe he’s more accustomed to wielding bottles than blades.

“Gimme all yer coin!” the man slurs. What a tragic waste of biomass.

I wonder if it’s the form I have taken that prompts the man to think he can overpower me. But a heavyset older man is the only shape roomy enough to contain the Horror of my true form.

No matter. Raising my arms like a maestro, I allow the Horror to emerge. Tentacles sprout from my back, skin blinking with many eyes that see every crack and spot of filth in the darkened alley. I’ve doubled in size by the time he flees, screaming, into the night.

I let him go. I’m not here to kill the wildlife. Such a diversion isn’t worth my energy or time. Still, I can’t help but wonder: out of the vast expanse of the cosmos, how did this primitive, backwater planet manage to become the central hub of a cosmic conjunction? The notion is almost inconceivable.

I reel in the Horror and, with a quick adjustment of my cravat, my search for Dr. Oswald’s murderer continues.

It doesn’t take long for me to reach my destination: an abandoned warehouse by the docks. But it’s clear from the distant voices that I’m not the only one here for answers.

“Tsk, tsk, a pretty thing like you shouldn’t be roaming the streets at this hour.”

“Unhand me this instant!”

I round the corner in time to see a man grab a young woman by the arm. I sigh, keeping to the shadows. Human squabbles are beneath my concern. Better to wait until it’s resolved, one way or—

I barely blink, and the girl has already twisted the man’s arm and kicked him between the legs. The man drops, wheezing.

Oh. How very interesting.

“Why you—” The man snarls, reaching toward her.

“I wouldn’t if I were you.”

Both of their gazes snap to me and the mass of flesh and eyes billowing behind my human form. I can practically taste the fear as the man screams and scrambles before limping away into the darkness.

The girl, however, stands her ground, eyes shining in the moonlight, skirt billowing in the chilly wind.

“So, are you the one who killed my father?” Her fists shake, but her voice is steel.

“You are the astrophysicist’s daughter?” I’m surprised. I had not known the man had a family.

The girl lifts her chin. “Margaret Oswald. I’m here to recover my father’s research. And you are?”

I remove my homburg hat, human body bowing low, tentacles from my back waving high. “Professor Kettlewell, at your service.”

She sniffs. “Is that your real name?”

My lips quirk. “As real as I am.”

“And did you kill my father, Professor?”

I straighten and tilt my head. “And if I did, what would you do?”

I hear her heart racing, but she just shrugs. “Probably ask you more questions.” There is fear in her eyes, but she doesn’t back down.

My smile is real this time. “I did not kill your father but intend to find the man who did. I am also here for Dr. Oswald’s research.”

Margaret visibly relaxes, then nods. “The cosmic conjunction.”

My eyebrows raise. “You are aware?”

“My father shared everything with me. We were…” She looks away. I wait, and when she doesn’t continue, I explain.

“Something very strange has happened to this planet, and I need to find out why. Your father’s research might just be the key to solving this mystery.”

She stares, scrutinizing me. “Judging by your words and your…” She gestures at my tentacles swaying in the breeze, eyes winking in the darkness. “I take it you’re… not… from this planet.”

“A logical presumption.” I hold out my hands. “Are you not afraid of me?”

She laughs softly, a mirthless sound that echoes on the cobblestone. “I live on the streets now, Professor.” She nods her head in the direction the man has fled. “I’ve dealt with monsters worse than the likes of you.”

Her words twist unexpectedly within my gut. I am a Horror. Kings and gods cower before me. Yet, she forces herself to stand tall while facing a thing of nightmares. I wonder what other nightmares she’s already endured—this tiny human, insignificant in the grand scheme of the cosmos. An amoeba before a god.

And yet… do not even amoebae have a place and purpose within this universe?

I don’t know what it’s like to have to fight to survive.

But… I do know what it’s like to be alone.

Perhaps…

Perhaps I judged this species too quickly.

Perhaps the wildlife has more reason to exist than I gave them credit for.

With a deep breath, I retract the Horror back into my human form. The girl flinches but doesn’t back away.

“Ms. Oswald, I have a proposition for you.”

“Oh?” Her thin frame shakes, though whether from the cold or from fear, I cannot tell.

“Your father’s research is vital to uncovering the truth about the cosmic conjunction. It could prove beneficial if we worked together. Besides…” I choose my words with care. “It might do me some good to learn a thing or two from your species.”

Margaret considers. And for the first time since arriving on this planet, I wait patiently before a human.

“Just one thing,” she says at last. “When we find my father’s murderer…”

She takes a deep breath, then looks me dead in the eyes.

“I get to take care of him myself.”

A smile forms on my lips. “My dear, I wouldn’t have it any other way.”