The Ship Who Searched

*The Ship Who Searched* is a science fiction novel by Anne McCaffrey, set in a future where individuals with disabilities, called "shell people," are integrated into starships to operate them. These "shells" have their consciousness linked to a ship's artificial intelligence, allowing them to pilot and navigate through space. The story follows a shell person named Pelen, who searches for her missing partner and uncovers deeper mysteries. The novel explores themes of identity, autonomy, and the bond between humans and technology within a richly imagined universe.