In Iain M. Banks' "Excession," a powerful alien consciousness intrudes, generating a series of battle-related memes that spread rapidly through the networked mind of a starship. This overwhelming presence capitalizes on the ship's own knowledge and thought processes, creating a chaotic interplay between the sentient vessel and the invading entity. The ship, once a proud and capable entity, finds itself struggling to cope with the alien's influence.

The narrative explores themes of intelligence and the impact of external forces on established systems. As the ship contends with the alien memes, it reflects on its own limitations and the complexities of consciousness itself. The clash manifests a deeper commentary on how knowledge, in the face of overwhelming force, can lead to a disorienting experience, emphasizing the vulnerabilities even within advanced technologies.