In this excerpt from "Excession" by Iain M. Banks, the narrator describes a disorienting awakening in space. Initially, there are no immediate threats in sight, but the strange environment hints at underlying issues. The narrator notes the absence of others, which contributes to a feeling of isolation and confusion as they begin to assess their surroundings.

The observation of a degraded view and a malfunctioning clock raises alarms about the condition of their system. The phrase "Stuff missing here" conveys a sense of urgency and distress as the character grapples with their situation, highlighting a deeper mystery within the narrative.