Founder of Russian science fiction I.A. Efremov was convinced that aliens should look just like us. However, even the maximum external similarity is not a guarantee that small differences in physiology (and more significant differences in culture) will not create serious difficulties in communication. No, communicating with aliens is unlikely to look like a shootout between Indians and cowboys. But establishing teamwork and personal relationships is not a trivial task. Especially if you find yourself on the same archaeological expedition with them. Are all intelligent races destined to step on the rake of xenophobia? The author's new book, crossing the genres of science fiction and university novel, tries to answer this question.