I may be taking a bit of a different view on just who is the main character of this tale. 
 I'm sure most people will latch on to the leading female for her guts or supposedly for her language abilities which get nullified by the oncoming story. At least I agree that one complaint is valid against this tale: I expected a first contact story with an actual deduction of language and communication. Isn't it right in the title? 
 Alas, no. We get a high-tech pill solution, but I got over that really quickly because the tale was taking me some very interesting places. 
 Dreams, old civilizations, a wealth of technology at your fingertips, space-travel... even becoming a visceral part of a spaceship. That stuff is awesome, and I dug it, man. :) 
 So other than her and her slow-burn romantic interest who she saves on occasion, then just WHO IS THE MAIN CHARACTER? 
 It's the Alien Navigator. :) He's got a real personality on him. He's behind everything. Utterly everything. I can't help but be fascinated and impressed at the nature and scope of his lies and how willing he is to DO WHATEVER IS NECESSARY to achieve his goals. :) He really did have to get very creative, and I think I feel closest to him out of all the characters. :) He's the real star of the show. :) 
 Maybe it's just me! :) But I really enjoyed the hell out of my squiddy friend.