The protagonist in "Consider Phlebas" by Iain M. Banks wakes up aboard the GSV No More Mr. Nice Guy after being rescued from the tunnels of the Command System. This character experiences a complete loss of memory regarding their time spent in the tunnels, creating a mysterious gap in their consciousness. The trauma associated with this experience emphasizes the disorienting effects of being captured by a powerful system.

This loss of memory serves as a significant plot device, illustrating the character's struggle to reconnect with their past and the implications of such an experience on their identity. The narrative explores themes of consciousness, control, and the impact of advanced technology on the mind, reflecting the broader philosophical questions presented in the novel.