Debatable Space — Philip Palmer

Flanagan (who, for want of a better word, is a pirate) has a plan. The plan, at first, seems simple. Kidnap the Cheo's daughter, demand a vast ransom for her safe return, sit back and wait. The Cheo is the ruler of the universe known to mankind. Only, Lena isn't Cheo's daughter and the plan is far from simple. Fortunately, Flanagan has had a lifetime to work it out. Unfortunately, he has far less time to execute it. DEBATABLE SPACE is a space opera of extraordinary imagination, and a brilliantly plotted novel of revenge.