Dance of the Endless

By Teri Montague

Jace is a rebel pirate. She has lived on a stormy planet with not a soul for company after running away from a heartbreak and she's one of the most wanted criminals in the galaxy.

Laney is a bounty hunter who grew up under an authoritarian, labour regime where work was everything and the people lived under control of the terrible Perso Corportion.

Capturing Jace is the big score that she needs but when it doesn't go as planned, both women decide to work together even though neither of them know or trust each other.

Laney begins to learn that Jace is more than just a common criminal and that there's a reason her capture carries such a high price.

To make matters worse they are attracted to each other but neither one of them wants to open their heart to anyone ever again.

Will they be able to resist each other and stop an authoritarian corporation from taking over the galaxy?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Teri Montague
• Release date: Dec 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215439258

Teri Montague

Teri Montague was born in 1983 in Blackburn, a small working-class town in Lancashire. She worked for several years in customer service before returning to education to pursue her love of writing fantasy fiction. She graduated from Blackburn College in 2014 with a 2nd Class Degree in English Language and Literary Studies with honours. A lifelong fantasy fan, she has written several short ebooks, a creative writing advice blog for beginners, a collection of ebooks under the pseudonym bardicblogger and the fantasy trilogy Xorés. She is also an avid gamer and geek..

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Dance of the Endless

Teri Montague

Copyright © 2023 by Teri Montague. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of very brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Published by Wild Spark Press

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

About the Author

Other Titles

Chapter 1

The warm air pushed her hood back over her brown hair, the harsh winds battering her tanned face. She stumbled in the white landscape, pulling the fabric back up and tightening the drawstrings, trying and failing to stop her skin from being exposed.

Above, the three planets were visible, aligned as three stars. Jace’s ship had been repaired long ago yet she remained a lone person in the extreme landscape. Going back was too much. All the people, all the nonsense, she didn't want it anymore and so Jace walked in alone along the dry, dirt road.

The landscape was covered with dust, layers of it filling the air like a fog. It was on her skin and itching her eyes, the scarf over her mouth just keeping it tolerable. She stopped at the burial spot and planted her spade into the ground. The electronic reader had confirmed its presence. The drive was still there. Of course it was. No one but her lived on the planet.

Who would even want to?

Extreme temperatures from one area to the next. From ice cold biomes to excruciatingly hot desert dunes, it was barely habitable.

To eat is to survive she mused thinking of her current food supplies. They had dwindled quicker than she’d expected. She’d taken enough rations for several years but the storm had wiped out most of her supply and her shelter was barely passable anymore. She would have to scavenge more and that could mean running into trouble.

Jace’s thoughts were interrupted suddenly as she heard a loud noise from the distance.

She walked towards the sound and lifted her eyes to the sky, one hand raised to block the sunlight from her eyes. It was so dusty that she could barely see anything but it was definitely a ship. They could only be there for her.

Jace skipped over the hard rocks, almost excited to see another person even if they might want to kill her and went to meet the challenge.

Laney was prepared for pretty much anything yet she felt way out of her depth as the door to her ship opened and she saw the weather on planet Imi-647x. She gripped the newly printed weapon in her hand and placed her mask over her face, the black form-fitting gear she wore. protecting her skin from the elements as she headed forward, her scanner in her hand.

She reached the ship and the makeshift home and examined it with fascination. The fugitive had been here a long time it seemed. The house was simple but well-constructed from elements of metal and sheet tarps. There were some printed carbon prefab walls, which indicated that they too had printing capabilities to create weapons but that the whole home wasn't made in the same material meant that they had run out of input materials a long time ago.

Laney gripped her weapon tighter and stepped up to push aside the overhanging tarp and into the shack.

Once inside she took off her helmet and shook out her long, red hair. She focussed her eyes on the objects strewn around the place. Hunting tools, trap schematics, some high tech, some low tech, and a clothing repair tool. Laney picked it up and pressed the power button but nothing happened. It was dud. The power source had become defective or ran out.

She huffed and turned around. This didn't appear like the home of a dangerous criminal and that unnerved her. Most of her jobs were unpredictable but the one thing they all had in common were that they were vicious. This looked more like a cosy home made in the middle of nowhere than the home to a murderer.

Laney was just considering this when she felt the plastic barrel of a pistol tap the back of her neck.

Don't move. We have a lot to talk about.

Laney remained still, biding her time. She tilted her head trying to see any part of the attacker in her periphery.

Are you Jace O'Callaghan by any chance?

You already know the answer to that. I said not to move!

Laney ducked quickly, quicker than the other woman could react and slung one arm under and around Jace's. She leveraged the gun out of her grasp and knocked it aside, quickly drawing her own weapon but Jace was just as quick to draw another gun and they were face to face, aiming at each other now, both of them with both hands on their guns.

Did you really think that I only had one weapon? Jace asked dryly.

No, Laney replied, "but it is what it is. You need to put down your weapon.'

Who are you with? Bounty hunters? Vipers? Brigade?

Laney's lips curved up into a smile.

Law enforcement? Jace suggested.

You don't need to know. You only have to know that I'm taking you in and that's all.

Why? Jace demanded, throwing out one arm to throw a hand up, her other hand still gripped on the gun, it's been years. Do you even know why they want me?

I don't have to know.

Ah, Jace nodded, suddenly lowering the gun, New Mafia, they want me. You're just a hired amateur.

You're very sure of yourself, Laney replied. I could just shoot you.

But then you need me alive. They want to interrogate me, no doubt. Fine, I need supplies anyway. We don't need to fight. Put down the gun.

She waved her hands as Laney held her stance firm.

You're coming willingly?

Yes, yes, please put the gun away. You can at least let me pack my things right?

Laney frowned, lowering her gun slowly.

Um, that's not how this usually works.

Trust me, this isn't a usual job, come on, sit down. We might as well wait out the storm first. You have all that fancy gear but I don't. It won't be any good if they don't even recognise me when I get there.

Laney watched Jace pack away her things curiously, keeping a hand resting on her gun at the side of her belt, as her bounty target stuffed various rations, clothing and homemade tech in her pack. She didn't look as practised at it as you'd expect of a fugitive but there was some kind of method to her madness, Laney was sure.

There, done. We can go now, once the storm is over.

Um, sure. Don't try anything. I will shoot you in the leg if you try to run.

Jace smiled suddenly, her eyes lighting up. They were dark but weren't brown, green maybe? Her lips curled up at the sides in amusement.

Just in the leg. Interesting. You really do need me alive, or are you just not capable of doing more?

Laney's blue eyes glazed over in defiance. They reflected back a steely gaze that said that the opposite was true.

Don't count on it. It's dying down out there. We should get moving. I'm guessing that you know how far away my ship is.

Yes, yes, I saw you land, Jace replied, peering out through a small window to see what the weather was like. We should move now. The storms here spark up every half an hour on this planet.

Right. You first.

Laney watched Jace's every move. This was where they normally tried to escape. The smarter ones would try to wait until her guard was down and make their run. The dumb ones would try to run right away and get shot for their trouble. This one though, she wasn't quite sure what she intended. She was unnervingly difficult to read.

Jace walked through the exit first and then Laney followed but suddenly her leg was swept out from under her and she was falling back, the gun being knocked from her hand. Flat on her back she wanted to move but her hands were already in her own cuffs and a gun was pointed directly at her.

Laney gazed around, assessing, waiting for her chance but Jace's firm, dark eyes merely locked onto her own from above.

I thought you needed supplies, Laney quipped.

I do, Jace replied, but I don't need to be handed in to a violent crime boss and I'm betting that you have friends out there that know where you are.

Laney narrowed her eyes. The woman wasn't wrong. It had been a long time since Laney had been bested but it had happened before. A few seconds later and the hard edge of the gun was swung at her face, knocking her into darkness.

When she woke she was aboard her own ship, bound up with a rope to the co-pilot chair. Jace was sitting beside her in the pilots chair, pushing buttons and squinting at the readings on the electric display.

Your ship isn't as upgraded as I hoped. No wonder they put that tracker under your skin. I took it out by the way.

My friends will still find me, Laney promised. Don't think that they won't.

Jace's gaze was firm as she prepared for take-off. The corners of her mouth were fixed into a slight warning of a sneer.

Let's hope that they don't for their sake. Hold on.

Laney thought at first it was a joke, given that she couldn't move if she wanted to but then the familiar sounds of the engines roared around her and ship took off and into the stars. She watched as Jace took a deep breath as if preparing herself for what was to come and wondered who on earth this bounty was. She'd been given only a description and a location and nothing more. She'd studied it day and night until she'd arrived on the planet, fascinated by the attractive women's profile picture, one that seemed more like the simple one you might have when applying for a space shuttle license or a personal transfer document for identification.

Nothing about her face had indicated danger. She could have as easily just been any other young woman that Laney might have seen in the city she had grown up in.

The woman in front of her appeared so different from the one in the photo. Feral, wild but not unkempt.

You're staring, Jace said suddenly.

Well, I've nothing else to do, Laney retorted.

Jace had the hint of a smile on her lips as she turned to her hostage. There was a slight crack in that overly serious expression for just a second and Laney felt something new and curious. In all the years she'd been doing her job she had never let herself get side-tracked by a pretty face. Okay sometimes she had stopped by a few bars and had met an attractive man or woman, while her bounty was safely locked up behind security barriers on her ship but that was more about satisfying a need.

How long have you been doing this for?

Laney raised a brow. No one had ever ask her that. They’d tried tricks, they tried being friendly, they’d even tried threatening her to let them go or they would hunt her down.

A few years. Needed a job and had a knack for it. Also I wanted to be elsewhere.

Trying to get away from something? Or maybe someone. Family? Ex-boyfriend? Ah- your face - heartbreak.

Something like that. What's your story?

Something flickered in Jace's eyes, something like anger or defiance.

Nothing I can talk about with you.

Great, so neither of either can tell each other anything about the other and I'm stuck with you unless you kill me or strand me on some backwater planet.

We're enemies, Jace said, with a shrug. You know how it goes.

I do, Laney replied, but I also know that long journeys can get boring and that I'd rather have someone to talk to. Can I at least know where we are heading?

The Endless Summer. Have you heard of it?

Yes but I've never been able to get in or out. It's invite only and impossible to sneak into.

I have a permanent invite, Jace said, as if it was nothing.

Laney was truly fascinated now. How in the hell did she have an invite? Only a select few were ever allowed inside that station and those that tried to get in otherwise were shot into smithereens.

How?

Tell me who broke your heart and I'll tell you who I know there.

Laney sighed.

Fine. His name was Will and he ended up dead.

Jace's slight smile faded.

Oh. I'm sorry.

He cheated on me first just to make it harder to mourn him.

Asshole. Really?

"He wasn't all bad besides that. We were friends first. Grew up in a similar neighbourhood. It was un but he never could resist a pretty face.

Jace regarded her seriously.

Not an excuse but I get it. Shades of grey. Not always that easy just to hate someone, even if they hurt you.

You sound like you talk from experience.

Not really. If he'd done that to me, I would have never mourned him once.

Yeah, it wasn't just me that lost him. My friends didn't even know about it. They still don't know what he did to me. I didn't want to destroy their image of him while they were grieving.

Jace glanced at the floor, as if thinking about this and then turned back to check on the ship's sensor screen.

You were trying to protect them. I understand.

Laney's heart thudded in her chest and she wondered what this feeling was that she was suddenly having. Jace was attractive, sure, she had already noticed that when her eyes had lingered a little too long over the first image she had seen of her target. That wasn't that unusual for Laney. She often found men and women attractive and sometimes those who identified as neither and weren't as easy to classify into simple gender terms. She never felt this fascinated by them.

Jace's long legs were stretched out in front of her under the console as she relaxed into her chair. She seemed for all the world unconcerned, as if this was a holiday for her and not that she was fleeing for her life from some of the most dangerous people in the district.

It'll be a few hours until we get there, Jace said softly. You might as well rest if you can. I would untie you but we both know that you will just attack me the first chance you get.

You seem to have me all figured out already, Laney replied, but thanks, I'd rather stay awake.

Sure, Jace replied. Gotta wait until my guard is down right?

Laney scoffed, insulted that the young woman thought so little of her to make such a rookie mistake.

I have more experience than that. You've already shown that you're tactical. You wouldn't fall for it.

Probably not. Glad you're not just a pretty face.

Her words echoed Laney's earlier words and she wore a knowing smile that was almost flirtatious.

Laney tilted her head, a little puzzled. Was she flirting with her? Did she think that would work? Most people just assumed that Laney was straight, sexually speaking, even lesbians. She was almost sure that Jace was flirting just a little.

When the ship landed, Laney awoke abruptly, the landing a little jerky. She was still tied to the chair and she watched as Jace swore to herself, trying to complete the landing.

Laney glanced around and realised that they were on land.

I thought we were headed to The Endless Summer? Laney asked, not quite sure when she had fallen asleep.

We are, Jace replied, pressing buttons as quickly as possible. "Your ship seems to have a few issues. There's a fuel leak. I can fix it but I needed to land first and power down all the engines. I am not doing a spacewalk."

The scowl on Jace's face was almost amusing but Laney didn't argue.

You probably made it worse doing the landing. That was awful.

We landed in one piece, didn't we?

Laney could see the sun setting on the unknown planet they had landed on. Jace was scanning for life signs down below and a breathable atmosphere. The results said nil on the lifeforms which meant nothing if someone was cloaking their signal but the atmosphere was oxygen rich and the weather temperate. It would be safe enough.

Stay here, Jace told her. I'll fix it.

Is that a joke? Laney called as the other woman got up from her chair and headed towards the side exit.

Jace didn't reply, heading out with an assortment of her tools and Laney took the opportunity to stretch into her pocket and pull out a hidden device. She used it to remove the ropes and got up, letting them fall to the floor with a clink.

Casually she reached for the hidden compartment underneath the pilot’s chair and found the dagger and held it up in front of her. After giving a quick scan to the sensors and where they actually were, she headed out to recapture her bounty.

Jace grumbled to herself as she climbed underneath the ship to patch up the fuel leak. Things were not going as planned. She wiped her sweaty brow with the back of her hand and worked at unsealing the safety casing with a small blowtorch.

She'd spent the last hour trying to ignore the pretty redhead that had been fast asleep in the co-pilot’s chair, her head lolled to one side.

Why oh why did she have to be pretty? Jace hadn't been able to resist flirting especially after she'd heard the flat tone in the way Laney had described Will. It clearly still hurt her but Jace had other things to worry about. Most of all, why they had restarted the bounty now. It had been ten years. Why now?

She threw aside the blowtorch once the seal was removed and began to search for the leak. She heard a sound next to her and knew who it was. Before Laney could raise the knife, she glanced at her.

You might want to wait until I fix the leak, she said dryly.

Laney didn't listen and rushed her but Jace dodged and spun and pinned her clean up against the leg of the ship. Laney's eyes went wide in a way that confused Jace. She must have expected this. She was too smart not to expect her to defend herself. Jace had the blade now and threw it to one side on the ground.

Do you need the money this badly? Jace asked, in frustration, because I can get you money.

It's not the money, Laney replied, I have to do this. I have to take you in.

Why? What do they have on you?

My friends, my family. This is the only way to get to them. Money isn't enough. I need their trust.

Oh, Jace lowered her arms, their eyes locked in understanding. How about this? You help me and I'll help you. There are people at the Endless Summer that can help you.

How can I trust you after last time we made a deal?

Jace held up her hands and backed away.

That was when I thought you were just a bounty hunter.

Laney stared at her, chin raised and eyes narrowed.

A truce would be better but I want you in my sight until I find a better option. I'm not taking any risks with you.

Fine, it's a deal. Wait, do you hear that?

Jace turned sharply at the sound of vehicles heading towards them. Quickly they were surrounded by hover bikes, a gang of gun wielding bikers around them.

Damn, of course.

Jace rolled her eyes and raised her hands in surrender.

Just do as they say, she muttered.

Who are they?

The people who probably sabotaged the fuel tank in the first place. Classic way of trapping passing ships before robbing them. Just do as they say.

A few minutes later they were both tied up, back-to-back, around a campfire. They were surrounded by a group of loud, rowdy space bikers.

Well, this turned out well.

Laney's voice was flat as she spoke. Jace tilted her head back struggling with the restraints.

We'll get out of this. They will be picking the ship clean but we'll take our moment and-

The crowd fell silent as a very tall, burly man entered the fray. It was eerie how quickly they all went quiet. Whether it was respect or fear, Laney couldn't be certain.

He wore a long, grey coat, simple but intimidating with its plastic fabricated spikes atop the shoulders. His beard was long and neatly groomed, his eyes gray in colour.

You, he said, in a gruff voice, catching Jace's eyes with his own.

Oh, crap, Jace muttered.

Untie them! he ordered. Immediately! Put all of their things back. Give them their weapons.

Um does he know you?

Jace shook her head in frustration.

Ugh - we might have crossed paths.

Well, aren't you full of surprises, Laney retorted as their bindings were removed and they got to their feet.

Jace O'Calloghan, I am sorry, the leader said, hurrying over to them. They had no idea it was you. We would never-

It's okay, Donny, Jace replied, raising her hands. No harm, no foul but I would really like to fix my ship and get moving.

We'll do it, as an apology for the ambush.

He waved a hand and gestured for one of his men to go and get it done.

Sit and eat with us while it’s done, Donny urged. It has been forever since we've crossed paths.

Jace tilted her head and rubbed the back of her neck.

Yeah, well... you know.

She side-eyed Laney and Donny seemed to understand.

Oh, me? Laney said quickly. You don't want to talk in front of me? I really don't care unless it relates to my bounty.

Donny all but snarled as his lips curled back and the entire group glared at her, except for Jace who practically winced.

A bounty hunter? We will kill her for you and string her body out for the wildlife to set an example.

No, no, Jace said quickly. She is not to be harmed. We have an agreement.

But we cannot trust her. They have no honour-

Honour, Laney scoffed. You just kidnapped and robbed us and you are accusing me of having no honour.

I will shoot you before you can utter another word, he grumbled.

No, Jace told him. You won't.

Jace met his eyes, a warning in her tone. Laney watched the exchange and saw the larger man back away in what seemed like fear. It was jarring to see. Jace didn't look intimidating at all, although Laney knew that she could fight and it made her all the more curious about the woman.

We'll take that offer of food and then we will go on our way.

Donny's tense posture seemed to relax and he moved forward a little. He was such a large man, tall and broad. To face him alone in a fight would be terrifying, let alone when he was surrounded by a tough gang and yet he seemed to fear Jace more than a single one of his own men.

Jace seated herself on a small box, the rest of the gang in a circle around her and Laney just waited nearby, her arms folded as she leaned back against one of their bikes.

She glanced at it and Jace smiled as she caught her admiring the vehicle.

Want one? she asked, her smile gentle and playful.

Laney ran a hand over the sleek bike.

It would be useful, she admitted, even though I don't know how to ride one.

You strike me as a fast learner, Jace replied.

Laney lifted her head, her blue eyes focussed on Jace directly now.

And you strike me as more than just a normal criminal. Why does he treat you like you're his leader?

Jace's lips curved into a slight scowl.

You ask a lot of questions Laney. If we are going to talk about people not being what they seem, how about telling me your real name? You know mine.

Laney's eyebrows raised and her lips quirked at the corners in amusement. There was a thrilling flash in her eyes at her words.

And why would I do that? Why don't I just give you my home address while I'm at it and then you can come and murder me in my sleep.

Jace chuckled.

You really don't trust me, do you?

And you don't trust me.

Laney, despite herself smiled at Jace.

Come and sit down and eat at least, Jace told her. I won't ask for your real name but we might as well eat before we head out.

Laney moved over to sit down next to Jace leaving a deliberate space between them.

Here.

Jace handed her a small, sealed tub of ration food. It was precooked and kept warm by design of the technology. When she opened it, inside was a stew and a small spoon was attached to the side of the container.

Thanks, Laney replied, shuffling a little closer.

They smiled at each other and then turned their focus to their food, both of them digging into the container with their spoons hungrily.

This isn't actually bad, Laney admitted.

No, it isn't-

There was a loud explosion suddenly and both of the women leapt to their feet, grabbing their weapons.

What the hell was that? Laney asked.

Jace gripped her pistol firmly.

I don't know but be ready. It can't be good.

Laney glanced at her in alarm. Jace was already going into battle mode, calculating all their options. Laney made her own calculated decision that they would have a better chance of surviving together.

The fire seemed to ravage the camp as Jace grabbed Laney's hand and dragged her out of the smoke. Both of them fought through it until they found Donny, a large shadow in the haze.

Dancer, he urged, grabbing Jace's arm.

Laney raised her brows at the nickname but had no time to question it. Donny was so earnest as he spoke, nothing but unquestioning loyalty in his voice and his eyes a steady gray.

We have this. You've done enough. Go to your ship. We'll take care of the Regos.

Who? Laney asked quickly, her voice low.

The Regional Enforcement Guard Officers, basically government agents hunting for big criminals.

Jace turned to Donny.

Thank you. I’ll see you again Donny. Keep yourself outta the system if you can.

Donny nodded and they shook hands and then Jace was yanking Laney into the direction of the ship as they heard gun fire in the distance.

Quickly, Jace urged, still holding onto Laney's hand as several, masked figures wearing blue uniforms, appeared behind them.

A few laser shots flew in their direction, the sounds cutting through the air as they ducked. It was difficult through the smoke but Laney found her hand on the outside metal panel of the ship as Jace fumbled to open the door.

Once inside their hands separated, Laney closing and locking the door as Jace rushed towards the pilot's console.

Let's hope the repairs were finished, Laney said, rushing over to strap herself in to her co-pilot seat.

Jace's eyebrow quirked up but her gaze stayed firmly fixed ahead.

Well, we'll soon know.

Laney adjusted her safety restraints and glanced over, her red hair falling down beside her face, just clouding her gaze.

Jace started up the engine and smiled as it revved with enthusiasm.

Purring like a kitten. I knew they wouldn't let me down.

Jace dialled up the fuel injection and took off like anyone might in a stolen ship.

"We'll be lucky to get out of