I think the 'something' is probably a better word than alien. It's left kind of woolly.

If I hadn't already found Trigun, I'd write Petshop. I have a couple of half ideas. But I also have multiple Trigun plots which are more developed and Petshop, however good it is, isn't quite enough to usurp them.

I guess one of us will have to visit the other again if you want to read the end then!