Ahoy there me mateys!  Here I take a second look at a previously enjoyed novel and give me crew me second reflections, as it were, upon visitin’ it again . . .

It's Sci-Fi Month!!  I enjoyed me reread of ancillary justice so much that I didn't read anything on me actual ports for plunder list but immediately hopped right into revisiting the Imperial Radch and reading the other two books of the trilogy back to back.  Minor spoilers may abound so read at yer own peril.  Basically Matey Nikki summed up this series well when she said:

"Every time, it surprises me how quiet these books are really — most of it is not civilisations crashing into each other, or high octane combat: it’s Breq drinking tea, talking to people, managing relationships. There is an action-filled climactic scene . . . but this isn’t sensawonder space battles, and it’s even less so than the first book. Which is a thing I enjoy, but is possibly another reason some people don’t get along with these books. You expect something earthshaking, but Breq’s not going to bring down the Radch alone, and doesn’t even want to try. She’s lit the fuse, but now she’s off in another system protecting those important to her and letting what will happen go on without her."

Book two has Breq going with a new ship and new commands to Athoek Station.  Her stated purpose is to secure the system.  Of course Breq has ideas about how to accomplish this.  What I was reminded of in book two is how much narrower the scope is.  There be one time frame and basically Breq's single perspective.  Now this perspective is still influenced by Breq's connectivity with the ship and her implants so the feel of Breq being an ancillary is still going strong.  On me first read the advancement of the plot was such that I thought it was more of a character study.  However it only seems that way because, though subtle, the threads are very much being set up for the next book.  On this read, I particularly loved the alien translator and Lieutenant Tisarwat.  Following Tisarwat in the beginning especially had some great foreshadowing as to consequences of the overall conflict.  Plus many of their sections made me laugh.  I had forgotten how little Seivarden appears in the book and I missed them.  I think of this book as a larger exploration of the Radchaai society's culture as a whole and as such a commentary on the viewpoints of superiority and greater good.

I love this series so much.  Arrrr!