How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph) Note that chapters aren't numbered, so need to be numbered manually, 1 to 14.
Quote #7
Grastrom's conclusion was that there neither was, nor could be, any question of "contact" between mankind and any nonhuman civilization. (11.61)
Humans can only talk among themselves, as the scientists only talk to their visitors. Just as individuals are isolated, so is the whole species isolated, at least in Grastrom's opinion. You can't touch anyone, no matter how many tentacles they've got.
Quote #8
For days on end, I remained sitting in the library or in my cabin, accompanied by the silent shadow of Rheya. (12.9)
He's alone with Rheya, the construct, but he might as well be alone with Rheya, the memory. Or, to put it another way, Kelvin is grieving.
Quote #9
I was alone—alone in bed and in the cabin…
"Rheya!" I screamed, one last time, then my voice gave out. I already knew the truth… (13.41-44)
Kelvin's reaction here is almost exactly parallel to Rheya's reaction when Kelvin left her alone; he becomes violent and angry and then doesn't remember what he's done (though he doesn't tear through a door, it's true). Is Rheya's reaction the same as his because they're feeling the same emotions? Or because he created Rheya, and she's him? And if she's him, is he mourning himself? He may be the only one in there, which is presumably why he's upset.