A Rake by Starlight, Episode One: "Never Volunteer"

Grif Vindh, captain of the Fool's Errand, is a little out of his way. Doing a favor for a friend, he finds himself in a little-known backwater system where two ships are locked in a desperate fight. Sensing opportunity, Grif resolves to intervene, hoping one or both ships will make decent salvage.

That's how it all starts. It goes downhill from there.