As the nineteenth century drew to a close, few could have imagined that Earth was under the watchful gaze of beings from distant worlds. With an air of unshakeable confidence, humanity continued its daily routines, blissfully unaware of the greater forces at play. Just as we observe the tiny organisms beneath a microscope, those extraterrestrial eyes were quietly plotting, driven by envy and a lack of sympathy. The idea of life beyond our planet was merely a fantasy, and the threat it posed was unimaginable. Yet, unbeknownst to us, their plans were already unfolding. (Cori Samuel, adapted from Chapter One.)