The Sea of Stars Series by Elí Freysson

Gaylen’s been at it for years: Flying on the fringes of inhabited space for various crime lords, gangsters and assorted psychopaths, dodging pirates and the law alike. The only way out is getting his own ship, and the chance has finally arrived: The chance to set his own rules and choose his own jobs. There’s just one catch: First he needs to deliver a mysterious but highly-coveted cargo to a backwater planet... moreGaylen’s been at it for years: Flying on the fringes of inhabited space for various crime lords, gangsters and assorted psychopaths, dodging pirates and the law alike. The only way out is getting his own ship, and the chance has finally arrived: The chance to set his own rules and choose his own jobs. There’s just one catch: First he needs to deliver a mysterious but highly-coveted cargo to a backwater planet. So he sets out with an untested crew, a tight deadline, and terrible consequences for failure looming over his head.What could go wrong? less

How hard is it to NOT get caught up in a galaxy-shaking conflict?Going from smuggler to freighter captain was supposed to be Gaylen’s escape from brushes with death. No more gangsters, no more gunfights, no more drama.Now, a starship’s black box has landed in his lap. On it is a secret that a galactic superpower will do anything to get its hands on. A secret that thousands of innocent lives depend on. And just like that, Gaylen’s conscience has to act up at the worst possible time... moreHow hard is it to NOT get caught up in a galaxy-shaking conflict?Going from smuggler to freighter captain was supposed to be Gaylen’s escape from brushes with death. No more gangsters, no more gunfights, no more drama.Now, a starship’s black box has landed in his lap. On it is a secret that a galactic superpower will do anything to get its hands on. A secret that thousands of innocent lives depend on. And just like that, Gaylen’s conscience has to act up at the worst possible time.As a war brews on the galactic frontier, Gaylen has to contend with secret agents, pirates, and a fleet of warships.So much for the quiet life. less