The book by the Kyiv science fiction writer will not leave the most demanding reader indifferent. Subtle humor, masterful command of literary language, originality of plots and rich imagination have already brought Stern well-deserved fame and a considerable number of prestigious awards, including Eurocon, Bronze Snail and others. The book includes the works: “The Missing Link”, “ Second of July of the fourth year" and "If only there were no war." Contents: 1 Autobiography (essay) 2 The Missing Link Home (story) Santa Claus (story) Production story No. 1 (story) The Mad King (story) The sixth chapter of “Don Quixote” (story) The Missing Link (story) 3 Second of July of the fourth year (story) 4 If only there was no war Kashchei the Immortal - poet of demons (story) Requiem for Salieri (story) The Iron Man, or While the Drum is Still Turning (story) Snake Island, or The fleet will not let you down! (story) Long live Ninel! From the archaeological tales of Zmey Gorynych (story) If only there was no war, or A short course in socialist realism (story) Ivan the Fool, or The Last of the KGB (story)