Despite the Doctors judgmental stance on the issue of soldiers and war in general, Journey Blue acquits herself with intelligence and bravery. The Doctors rigid idealism notwithstanding, the fact is that it is sometimes necessary to fight. It is true, however, that aggression should be viewed as a last resort and that is what Journey Blue is struggling to learn. Her path from indoctrinated soldier to curious explorer is intriguing to watch and the Doctors refusal to acknowledge and honor that change is heartbreaking for both of them. Journey is another character with a rich story line worth following up on. It is lovely to envision a series of novels written about these side characters that exhibit so much potential. Does the Doctors rejection turn Journey into a disappointed and bitter cynic or does she decide to seek a path of enlightenment even without the Doctors approval?