Libre, a Silver Ships Novel - S H Jucha

The saga of the Reveur continues in this second novel in The Silver Ships series. The surviving Meridiens have returned to Confederation space, aided by their recently discovered cousins, the New Terrans. They expect a celebration after their 71-year absence. Instead, they're shocked to find the silver ships have destroyed half the Confederation.
The Meridiens are fleeing in advance of the horde of alien ships. But Alex Racine and his crew didn't come this far to run away from humanity's enemy. They intend to hunt the silver ships. But, to succeed, they need help.
Renee de Guirnon, the leader of the Reveur's Meridiens, reveals a sordid secret of Meridien society: citizens who defy their House, for any reason, are stripped of their rights, declared "Independents," and imprisoned on the planet Libre.
But the Independents aren't everyone's pariahs, especially if you're Alex Racine and you're looking for allies against the silver ships. An entire colony of independent, free-thinking radicals offers just the sort of people Alex wants on his side, and an alliance is struck.
Soon the enemy ships will swarm off the planet Bellamonde, so the race begins for Alex and the Librans. The planet must be evacuated and the military force readied before the silver ships attack. Alex knows a battle is coming, but will they have enough time to prepare?