Andre Norton 
Plague Ship 

The Solar Queen series continues with a riotous adventure in space and a battle against a deadly plague.   Apprentice cargo-master Dane Thorson and the crew of the Solar Queen travel to the new planet Sargol to trade with the Salariki, a strange race of cat-men, for the fabulous Koros stones. When an Inter-Solar trading ship tries to cut in on their trading rights, they’re forced, according to Salariki custom, to fight a duel with a representative of the I-S ship in order to keep face. The Queen’s Captain Jellico wins, but the I-S ship leaves with a threat of further action.   Then, the Solar Queen takes off for Earth and en route a strange illness strikes them. They suspect the I-S are responsible, but can’t prove anything. Outlawed as a plague ship, they’re to be destroyed on sight lest they infect civilized planets. Thorson, Jellico, and the rest of their Terran crew must find a cure for the plague and escape imminent destruction.   Plague Ship is the 2nd book in the Solar Queen series, but you may enjoy reading the series in any order.  This ebook has been professionally proofread to ensure accuracy and readability on all devices.