The Outer Edge — Patrick G. Cox

The NECS Beagle carries a team of scientists to the outer edges of the galaxy on a voyage of discovery, but when the ship becomes the target of the Niburu, an ancient predator, the stage is set for a new threat to the survival of humankind. The consequences are dire, and the encounter could result in a war to the death with no quarter given and none expected. At the helm once again is Lieutenant Harry Nelson-Heron of the North European Interstellar Fleet. He has the unique ability to communicate with the ship's artificial intelligence, which makes him the best man to command one of the new corvette class ships in the Fleet's mission to destabilise the Niburu, but it also makes him a prime target for the Niburu's deadly intentions.