Urik-Tah, the Death Rose

Urik-Tah, the Death Rose, is a science fiction story about a star ship voyaging to a remote mining colony. She dodges enemies. She finds no survivors, but brings aboard something that will change the balance of power in the universe.
Majesty's Commander, a former pirate and rogue, leads the crew across galaxies, encountering interstellar prostitutes, opiates and more; easy reading, 7th grade level or higher. Has a surprise twist ending.