Apes and Angels by Ben Bova
Littlejohn said, “Some of the alien species we encounter will be too far below us, developmentally, to have any meaningful interchange with us. Little more that apes, really. Others will be too far beyond us. Angels, so to speak.”
The Death Wave is coming and Earth has finally agreed to send out ships to protect any other sentient life they can find. The crew of the Odysseus has arrived at Mithra Gamma hoping to be able to protect the developing aliens from destruction.
Fascinating read if you enjoy science fiction at its finest. Astronomy, anthropology with some biology and unique physiology all mixed together
Previously Reviewed: Death Wave
Currently Reading: Eliza and her Monsters by Francesca Zappia and The Lake Effect by Erin McCahan