The collection includes three stories by the famous American science fiction writer Hal Clement - “The Fire Cycle” (Printed according to the publication: The Fire Cycle: Collection of science fiction stories; Translated from English - M.: Mir, 1970), “The “Gravity” Expedition” and “At the Critical Point” (Print based on the publication of the “Gravity” Expedition. At the Critical Point; Collection of science fiction stories; Translated from English—M.: Mir, 1972). All three works are devoted to the problem of contact with representatives of other worlds. The first two novels from the Mesklinite cycle and a separate novel. Illustration on the cover by V.F. Peace.