In "Consider Phlebas" by Iain M. Banks, the scene unfolds as the spaceship Clear Air Turbulence prepares to enter warp. Just before it does, the crew witnesses a shocking event: the ship ejects the lifeless body of a character named Zallin. The transformation from a living man in a suit to a deceased youth clad in shorts and a ragged shirt highlights a stark contrast between life and death. This moment encapsulates both the fragility and the suddenness of existence in a vast, indifferent universe.

The imagery of Zallin's body tumbling into the cold void, surrounded by an expanding layer of air particles, serves as a powerful metaphor for departure from life. It evokes a sense of loss and the harsh realities of space travel, where the excitement of adventure is juxtaposed with the potential for tragedy. The scene sets a tone of existential reflection, emphasizing the fleeting nature of humanity amidst the broader cosmic landscape.