The beginning of the 22nd century is not very similar to the Noon of human history. The Earth is overpopulated, science is in crisis, and there is no way out of the impasse. It would seem that luck smiled on the talented physicist Marat Irsanov - the Great Guests, aliens from the Elder Worlds, chose him to participate in important scientific research. At the same time, the aliens strictly guard their secrets - upon completion of the contract, they erase the memories of those who worked for them. However, having penetrated the military base of the deceased supercivilization, Marat learned much more than an earthling barbarian should know...