Short David Lee Short 
Second Star : An Omorti Novel [EPUB ebook] 

Earth has recovered from the cataclysm that nearly destroyed it. Charu, an android, has decided to leave Earth to explore the arm of our galaxy closer to the core-a direction not yet taken by known sentient species. Her explorations draw her into situations that often put her, and sometimes the human species, in grave danger. She has a prophecy, ambiguous as always, that says the cost to her will be great. Only Charu can decide how great is too great.