Father Chessman Saga Series by Dan Thompson

Another tale from Beneath the Sky's vast Hudson Confederacy universe...Michael was orphaned at seventeen, light-years from home. His inheritance: a starship, distant relatives he never knew existed, and inescapable questions that challenge everything he thought was true.Michael's quest for answers takes him halfway across the Confederacy, from the gleaming corridors of the wealthy super-freighters to the dark holds of Father Chessman's pirate ships... moreAnother tale from Beneath the Sky's vast Hudson Confederacy universe...Michael was orphaned at seventeen, light-years from home. His inheritance: a starship, distant relatives he never knew existed, and inescapable questions that challenge everything he thought was true.Michael's quest for answers takes him halfway across the Confederacy, from the gleaming corridors of the wealthy super-freighters to the dark holds of Father Chessman's pirate ships.The truth is waiting for him, but he'll have to survive to find it. less

Michael Fletcher has finally come of age. His inherited ship stands ready, and he earned his Captain’s license. But it’s not the easiest thing to hire a crew, especially when some spacers have been working longer than he’s been alive. Add a vendetta from the mysterious Father Chessman’s piracy syndicate, and Michael quickly finds out there’s a lot more to being a captain than having a license. Deep space is a dangerous place to go in a ship with a crew of six strangers and a price on his head... moreMichael Fletcher has finally come of age. His inherited ship stands ready, and he earned his Captain’s license. But it’s not the easiest thing to hire a crew, especially when some spacers have been working longer than he’s been alive. Add a vendetta from the mysterious Father Chessman’s piracy syndicate, and Michael quickly finds out there’s a lot more to being a captain than having a license. Deep space is a dangerous place to go in a ship with a crew of six strangers and a price on his head. Can Michael earn their trust before disaster strikes, or is it already too late? less