People don't want to admit who it is who is in control of this world.

[IdeomotorPrisoner]

Are they reptilian shape-shifters at least?

Here's always been my problem with shape-shifting, it's the same problem I have with shrinking rays.

How do they do that to their atomic structures? Even the most basic amino acids are made of atoms. I don't buy the change in form is possible, but octopi are fucking amazing.

[Video: https://youtu.be/PmDTtkZlMwM?si=j3LpG2Zv_NoY177D]

Given amino acids may start in molecular clouds, and it appears life favors left-handed chirality, all biological life may follow like forms of composition. Possibly even bipedalism. Like the "divine command" to grow in complexity from base components is like a thermodynamic increase in disorder.

I think any alien that could pull off Octopus shit, would need a similar adaptations, and a starting form that's at least close to humans.