The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
A chance of a lifetime, a job offer to construct a hyperspace tunnel connecting a previously inaccessible star system to the rest of Galactic Commonwealth. A job that would pay more than the crew of the Wayfarer would see in nearly a year of standard jobs. No catch, aside from the fact that the system is home to a fractious, warlike, and incomprehensible race of beings who, up until recently, have been noted for destroying any ship that managed to make its way past the borders of the system.
But the money’s good, the ship is capable, and the crew is able and willing to do it. After all, it’s not about the destination, it’s all about the journey.