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Consider Phlebas

Iain M. Banks

Consider Phlebas

Iain M. Banks

  • 61-page comprehensive study guide
  • Chapter-by-chapter summaries and multiple sections of expert analysis
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Consider Phlebas Chapters 5-7 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 5 Summary: “Megaship”

The CAT heads to Vavatch, though Kraiklyn provides little explanation for the trip. Yalson suspects Kraiklyn plans to participate in the Damage game—a dangerous type of gambling--on the orbital and is frustrated that Kraiklyn risks the crew with no intention of sharing the winnings. En route, Kraiklyn informs the crew of a new mission: stripping a Vavatch Megaship, the Olmedreca, of weapons and valuables. While most of the old megaships have already been raided, a nuclear weapon hit the Olmedreca, leaving it listing in space with an enormous hole in its side. Kraiklyn wants the KFC to enter the ship and acquire any remaining valuables, specifically a replacement bow laser for the CAT.


Excited about the mission, a crew member, Lenipobra, misses Kraiklyn’s briefing about anti-gravity devices (AG) being ineffective due to the megaship’s spin. He dies after jumping off the CAT, intending to land on the megaship with his AG. The crew soberly leaves to explore the ship, discovering that they landed on the wrong part. During their exploration, a cloud obscures their view, hiding an iceberg. They only see it shortly before it hits the ship, and the crew struggles to get off as the iceberg rips it to shreds.

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