Donuel, 11th May:

> Which authors have avoided the absurd assumptions that would allow
> for the possibility of communication with aliens of a different
> evolution.

I'd have replied to that earlier, but I've been busy rereading Vernor Vinge's A Deepness In The Sky, which includes a portrayal in depth of some of the most alien aliens I've ever encountered; much of the plot turns on the problems of communication, and the (very alien but oh-so-human) way the humans overcome them. Good classic-style hard SF, with the necessary strong moral compass, and not a telepath in sight. (It also includes an all-but-direct reference to my favourite computer operating system, but that's one for the nerds.)