At least eight years ago (exact time unremembered) I read an interesting sci-fi novel whose name and author I cannot remember. Normally I save my books, but I got this one at a thrift store and it fell apart while I was reading it and it got tossed.
Basic plot, going from distant memory:
A ancient giant warship is discovered. The warship has the DNA codes of every known creature in the universe and the tools needed to combine them to form any creature imaginable for any purpose. The captain of the ship that found it is the only survivor of the ship’s bio and mechanical security. IIRC, the captain was hired to get the his crew/employers to the ship.
He takes control of the ship and goes to different planets,offering to use the ship’s resources to help with whatever global problem they’re having. His “solutions” usually create more (short term) problems, but after several rounds of his “help,” thing end up better in the long run, even if his clients don’t initially agree.
IIRC, the book is divided into six different sub-sections; a preface, four sub-sections of several chapters about the four planets he helped, and an after word.
I’ve read so many books that forgetting the title and author normally wouldn’t bug me, but I think my nine year-old daughter would love it.
I’ve spent three hours googling every combination I can think of; please help.
OMG, it’s George R.R. Martin?!? No wonder I couldn’t find it. I kind of thought it was a little known author.
Thanks for finding it. An ale (or beverage of your choice) will be sacrificed in your name, my oldest cheese head will be delighted, Amazon’s getting an order, and (when I catch her up at two AM reading it,) your name will be cursed…but with love and respect.