Excession (Cycle de la Culture, Tome 4)

The idea of an incomprehensible alien artifact is fascinating and adds a layer of suspense. I'm curious whether this concept was planned from the start or evolved during writing.

The intricate power struggles and societal tensions really drew me in, sometimes more than the alien aspects. How do others interpret the balance between these elements?

The Minds in the series are so complex and relatable yet vastly superior. Do you think this challenges or reinforces our perceptions of AI and consciousness?