Part 2, The Crazy Eddie Point: Chapter 15, Work Summary

The Engineer is impressed and disappointed by both ships. She decides it's best to wait for instructions or the arrival of a higher class, perhaps a Mediator or a Master.

The alien is only interested in tools, not language, math, or diagrams of mathematical principles.

Part 2, The Crazy Eddie Point: Chapter 15, Work Analysis

The tool-making abilities of the Motie are demonstrated to a very high degree. Her lack of interest in other things is confusing to the humans. They are not quite sure what to make of her very specific abilities. When not given a task, the Motie waits with infinite patience. Once again, the theme of the disparity between data and meaning develops as part of the alien contact process.