The New Species by Albert A Nolen II

A terrible ambush in deep space leaves the Republic Space Vessel Lowelana in dire straits. Knowing that they cannot hope to defeat their foes, Ship-Head Uleena, a member of the reptilian species Urakari, orders a blind jump. The ship and her crew barely manage to escape. The jump takes them far from Republic space, in a direction that has yet to be explored. With near-critical damage to their ship and severe casualties there doesn't seem to be any hope of rescue. Then they receive an answer to their distress call. This is where our story begins...