# XIII explained — Plague of Pythons

> Chapter companion for Plague of Pythons by Frederik Pohl.

## What happens

Chandler spends nine days in limbo while his exec membership is voted on. Rosalie explains the one-blackball rule and recounts her own induction. During a romantic moment, Koitska possesses Chandler, revealing himself as Rosalie's former lover, and attempts to force Chandler to drink battery acid. Chandler is repeatedly seized and released, ultimately finding himself free and near Koitska's vulnerable body.

## Themes in this chapter

### Possession and Loss of Autonomy

Chandler is repeatedly possessed by Koitska, losing control of his body and voice, highlighting the execs' power to override individual will.

### Power and Corruption

Rosalie describes how her friend (Koitska) became fat and corrupt through the coronet's power, and the execs' voting system shows absolute power over life and death.

### Dehumanization and Survival

Chandler is treated as a 'lapdog' and later a 'carrion' by Koitska, and his survival hinges on escaping a forced suicide.

## Character check-ins

### Chandler

Undergoes the exec membership vote process, experiences possession by Koitska, and survives a murder attempt.

### Rosalie Pan

Supports Chandler during the vote, recounts her own induction into the execs, and is revealed to have been Koitska's lover.

### Koitska

Possesses Chandler, speaks through him in Russian, and attempts to force him to drink battery acid.

## Key lines

> He was free and, in a moment, realized that he was in the building with the fat bloated body of the man who wanted to murder him, the body that in its own strength could scarcely stand erect.

Chandler finds himself near Koitska's physically weak body, realizing the irony that the powerful exec is vulnerable in his own form.

_Highlights the contrast between exec mental power and physical frailty._

> One blackball's enough, yes, but never fear. Rosie's on your side.

Rosalie explains that a single 'no' vote can reject Chandler's membership, but assures him of her support.

_Illustrates the execs' exclusive and ruthless admission process._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plague_of_pythons_se/chapters/xiii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plague_of_pythons_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plague_of_pythons_se/chapters