Splitting the Sky

Ooooohhhh! Always nice to post about a new novel! Splitting the Sky went live this morning, and is available for free on Smashwords. Coming soon to other online retailers, yay!

So here's the story: One corrupt leader, six missing astronauts, and an uncharted dimension collide with a damning secret as bereaved families mourn their beloveds. But what if those rocketeers aren't dead?

Science fiction meets psychological drama while love triangles bump into political intrigue! Set on Clatham, a planet a whole lot like Earth, those astronauts are entangled not only in their rocky interpersonal relationships, but find themselves inexplicably linked within the pilot's mind after a cataclysmic explosion sends their crew cabin into...The Split! D'Rozen, the pilot, harnesses all within his head, determined not to lose any of them, especially Tarryn, whose husband Lee back on Clatham knows his wife is still alive.

That's the synopsis. But let's step back a little to explain why this book, originally written in August of 2012, is being released TODAY. Or maybe I don't need to delve into that too deeply, what with a duplicitous head of government as a main character in this tale's drama, ahem. Yes I chose to publish this novel on Inauguration Day to make my own subtle statement. I also decided to release it now because I badly required a distraction that has indeed kept this author plenty busy for the last several weeks. I'm exceedingly grateful to my husband for his phenomenal support, as well as my dear friend Catherine Lucas, who graciously provided the amazing cover photo. Past Me gets huge kudos for writing this book, which balances my slight irritation with her for subsequently chucking the notes for it, and several other early stories, but who knew back in 2012 what 2025 would require.

Fortitude, patience, intense inner strength, calm, tenacity.... Did I mention mettle? I think I did. Because yes, a whole lotta something is on the horizon, but better to focus on creativity, on peace, on love. Love swirls through this story, love and sacrifice. The sacrifice for one's crew and kin bests all the nasty machinations. Gotta remember that.

I'm immensely pleased, and yeah, a bit proud, to talk up this tale. A standalone, Splitting the Sky taps into my fondness for love stories, science fiction, familial relationships, and (Spoiler!) happy endings. Or relatively happily ever afters. If any of this strikes your fancy, download your copy FOR FREE (as always) on Smashwords. I'm hopeful it will be available in wide online distribution by the end of the week. And here's the first chapter, hehehe.

Chapter1

 

 

 

TheTeháche Mountains loomed all about Estén like another arm or leg. Breathing incrisp morning air, he also noted coffee alongside an odd freshness. He smiled,glancing to the campfire. He didn’t smell burning wood, a scent as ingrained asthese peaks. Yet the coffee was sharp, as precious as the cool breeze tingedwith glints of sunshine. He turned back to the tent, hearing gentle snores.D’Rozen remained asleep, his drones turning to rumbles.

Walkingto the edge of their campsite, Estén gazed into the canyon. Always this spotfelt theirs, as though no one else had ever tramped this flat, gray slope. Hesmiled, then went for the coffee, a strong brew he preferred. His brother wouldbitch, but if D’Rozen wanted it weaker, he could get up before dawn and makeit. Steam rose from the cup and Estén inhaled it, a ritual from his youth.Drinking coffee was as necessary as breathing or standing on a wide precipicethat led to…. Estén returned to his perch; from the smooth landing he observedthe sky, some clouds, but mostly a wide blue horizon, framed in spots by tipsof rocky crags. It took the better part of a day to reach this site, but the brothershad been making the pilgrimage since they were ten and twelve. D’Rozen had twoyears and a few months on Estén, yet memories had stuck from around the sameage, like their lives were on one timeline. Recollections were tinted; no onesaw everything equally, but they had rarely been separated, experiencing allthe same things. Except for this time of the day, which D’Rozen always missed.Estén smiled, tiny sips of coffee attempted. It was still too hot, so insteadhe sniffed the comforting warmth, caffeine right along the cup’s edge. Esténblew at the steam, swirling into the air, hoping none of the essence was driftingaway.

D’Rozenwould have laughed at him, fully aware of his brother’s worries. They mightpossess nearly all the same memories, yet this place brooked no dissent,offering a balm, also one last moment for natural solitude. Estén tried anothersip, the flavor right along his tongue. He kicked a small rock, heard no soundas it flew along the breeze, traveling to the bottom of the canyon. How long ofa descent was it, how many minutes would pass before that pebble reached itsdestination? Not a final resting spot; someone would find it eventually, sendingit soaring. How many stones had Estén hurled into space, into other rocks, intoD’Rozen’s shins? A younger brother laughed richly, clashing with heavy dronesleaking from the tent. Estén smiled, then took a proper drink. Now the day hadbegun.

 

Theytrekked around Muala Hill; every time it seemed to shrink, what Estén thoughtas D’Rozen led the way, muttering it was too damned early, even if they hadeaten lunch right before they left. Now it was nearly two p.m.; they would headback to the site soon, not like how they used to hike for hours. This was ateaser of a vacation, or barely that. It was what both required before being sequestered.Some sense of their youth, of a vast space that possessed firm boundaries.Mostly firm, Estén noted, having slipped on a few rocky places. D’Rozen hadlaughed, then grown quiet.

Theirtransport would be waiting in two days, one of which would be spent getting downthe mountain. That took more time than what they would spend hiking orsleeping, but this elevation required a sacrifice. Estén inhaled with that,then stopped walking. “Hey, slow down.”

D’Rozenpaused, hands at his sides. “What?”

“Shit,just stop a second.” Estén glanced around for effect. “I can’t get a good lookwith your pace.”

D’Rozennodded, then drank some water. Estén didn’t need to admire the scenery; it wasas permanent as any other important moment of their lives. They might notconsider the landscape with equal depth, but brown eyes took in scrubby hillsringing a green meadow, small yellow buttercups swaying in the afternoonbreeze. Estén was hungry; lunch had been small and hurried, for he’d wanted toget walking. Time here was limited, but before each launch, this was required,like coffee, sleep, a good piss upon waking. He felt the urge, then walked fromthe trail toward the wood.

“What,can’t take a leak out in the open?” D’Rozen teased.

“Fuckyou.”

D’Rozen’slaughter followed Estén to the edge of the hill, where a small stream ran, afew animals scampering into the wood. He wouldn’t piss on the trail or themeadow; that seemed immoral; had their father taught him that? Some memorieswere lost, or maybe blocked. Estén pondered it while unzipping his fly, thenforgot it as a deer’s bright eyes peered from the thicket.

Theonly sound was urine hitting the ground, not even the brook intruded. Esténcouldn’t even hear his breath; he hadn’t seen a deer since he was maybe fifteenyears old. Perhaps longer, he thought, still observing that deer, which staredright at him. Did it know why they were there, was it intrigued by bodilyfunctions? Or was it deeper, as Estén always assumed, but never said aloud.D’Rozen thought all of that was shit, but Estén could sense that creature’sintellect.

“Areyou done yet?” D’Rozen yelled from the trail.

Hoovesand tail flashed as the deer bolted into the thicket. The brook sang its songas Estén zipped his jeans, then he turned around, D’Rozen tapping his foot,hands on hips. Estén smiled, glancing to where that deer had stood. Then herejoined his brother.

 

Theyate dinner as the sun set, then sat in front of the fire, not speaking. Theystared at the jagged horizon, light bounding from behind it, but growing dim.As dusk settled, D’Rozen stood, then rubbed his arms. “You get enough of it?”

Esténnodded. “All ready to go back?”

“Sure,I mean….” D’Rozen walked to the perch, gazing at the falling night, cool airforcing his arms around him. Then he turned to Estén. “Gonna be a long trip.”

“Longerin isolation than we’ll be up there.”

“Shit,when’s it not?” D’Rozen laughed. “Like coming here for two nights, but it takestwo days to reach it. Still, it’s worth it, even if it’s a bitch going up anddown.”

Esténnodded. He hadn’t thought about the trip, that wasn’t why he was there. He wasthere to leave that behind, which had been accomplished. Even before he saw thedeer, but those seconds, perhaps a minute, would hold him until they returned,maybe in a year’s time. It might be less, but probably not. Three monthssequestered in pre-flight training, two in space, another six weeks of downtime; missions required long stretches of his life, but other than D’Rozen, whowas there to satisfy? Besides, D’Rozen had done this to him last year. Fair wasfair, even if it wasn’t.

“Youready for bed?” D’Rozen asked.

“Yeah.Tomorrow’ll be here soon enough.”

“Soonerfor you than me.”

Esténsmiled, standing from his seat. “No shit. Gonna have to rise your ass if we’reto get to base in time.”

“Nottoo early,” D’Rozen said, gazing at stars.

Esténstared toward the sky. Night seemed to have fallen like a blanket, but thedarkness was littered with white specks, how they appeared from here. Inmonths, the stars would be close enough to snatch from inside the ship. Yethere they always looked more real. He didn’t mention that, D’Rozen wouldn’thave cared for any theoretical bullshit. Estén smiled, then patted hisbrother’s shoulder. “Thanks for coming up.”

“Sure.Don’t have anything better to do.”

Esténnodded. “I’m going to bed. You close it up?”

“Yeah.And tomorrow don’t make the coffee so damned strong.”

“Getup and make it yourself.”

“Fucker.”

Esténchuckled as he headed to the tent, his brother softly grumbling.

 

D’Rozenwoke to Estén’s deep snores. It remained dark outside, but he needed to pee sobadly, not even night could preclude it. He slipped on shoes, got out of bed,then stepped from the tent, shivering. Night was cool, yet a sliver of morningteased over the far horizon behind the tent. D’Rozen pissed back there, hearingthe splash against the ground while Estén’s rumbles hovered.

Kickingdirt over the dampness, D’Rozen gazed at the morning. Who knew the exact time,yet it was a new day, their last together for a year, perhaps more. D’Rozen hadthe next liftoff, but he hadn’t told Estén that. They would see each other inpassing when Estén returned, D’Rozen in training. Then another eight or ninemonths until they could return here. When they did, it would be for a good longstay, nine or ten days, maybe two weeks. The longest they had camped here was amonth, when they were twenty-one, or when D’Rozen was twenty-one. Their ageswere so close, D’Rozen never thought of his brother as younger. Yet Estén wasalways the little sibling, even though he was taller by a good three inches.They looked alike, dark brown hair, rugged faces sporting more years than theyowned. No one ever guessed their ages, thirty-three and thirty-one, whichhelped at work. Most astronauts were in their late thirties or early forties.Two brothers almost twins bucked that trend.

D’Rozenheaded to the tent, but Estén was snoring so loudly, there was no way D’Rozenwould go back to sleep. “Bastard,” he mumbled, then smiled. The coffee would bemore to his taste on their last day. He wouldn’t start it until right beforethe sun rose, until Estén was nearly ready to wake. D’Rozen grinned, then saton a large, flat rock, watching the other side of the sky still lying inslumber.

 

Brotherswere experienced climbers, but D’Rozen insisted on leading them down the cliff.Estén had complained that the coffee was barely more than water, but D’Rozenfelt it coursing through him, or maybe it was the rush of the descent, alwayshis favorite part. Being at the campsite grew old after a few days, although hewouldn’t have minded another week. In departing, he knew an odd sadness, wasn’tsure from where it originated. He said nothing to Estén, who would have talkedit to death. D’Rozen only asked if his brother was all right. Estén said he wasfine.

Unlesssomething was wrong, they wouldn’t speak again until pausing for a break.Footsteps noted their presence, drifting into the warming air, leaving thecooler altitude. Maybe that was what D’Rozen craved, being so far aboveeveryone else. It was why he loved going into space, looking down on theirplanet. It was spatial, also arrogant, which wasn’t an isolated trait. Manyastronauts thought highly of themselves, but a certain amount of conceit wasnecessary to endure the training, not to mention the education preceding it.D’Rozen was typical of his compatriots in the program, a little vain, but hewasn’t an asshole. Neither was Estén, probably one of the most humble withinthe organization. If they didn’t look so much alike, many wouldn’t realize theywere related.

Itwasn’t selfish pride, only awareness of how privileged they were, how hard theyworked. It took guts to put one’s life on the line; every flight was anotheropportunity for failure. It was never rote, not like these mountain treks,which both brothers felt could occur in their sleep. They had been coming heresince just out of childhood, but entering the upper atmosphere was fraught withanxieties. At least they had no one to worry about them, not girlfriends orspouses, or parents. A sudden chill crept over D’Rozen and he halted theirprogression. “You all right?”

“Yeah,are you?”

D’Rozensmiled. “Of course. We’re halfway down.”

“Noshit. Keep going.”

Theyshared chuckles, then continued the descent. Now the air felt hot, or perhapsit was the energy expended. D’Rozen took several steps, reaching a smalllanding. Base could be seen, if he squinted. Not that he needed glasses; bothbrothers had perfect vision. Another hour and they would be there.

Esténreached the flat, then stepped to the edge, taking a piss. D’Rozen smiled.“Don’t hit anyone.”

“We’rethe only ones here.”

D’Rozennodded. It was nearing the end of the camping season, why the mornings had beenso cold, night falling quickly. During summer, a transport arrived severaltimes a day to ferry campers, but they had to arrange it for this trip. D’Rozendidn’t worry about missing the transport. For what he had paid, that van wouldwait all night if necessary.

Asthey checked their packs, Estén cleared his throat. “What?” D’Rozen asked.

“I’llnever forget that deer. Been years since I’ve seen one up there.”

“It’llgive you something to brood over when you’re bored stiff in two weeks.”

“Yeah,”Estén laughed. “I’ll be floating in zero gravity, wondering about that fuckingdeer.”

D’Rozenstared at him, then smiled. “Yeah, you probably will.”

“Weused to see them all the time,” Estén sighed. “I wonder what happened to themall.”

“Noidea. Let’s get going.”

Esténnodded as D’Rozen resumed their descent.

 

Twentyminutes later D’Rozen was considering that deer, which he had barely noted. Theway Estén pondered things like that somehow wound their way into D’Rozen’shead; he would probably be thinking about that damned deer for the next sixmonths! D’Rozen grunted, then looked down. Base was easily in sight, but notransport vehicle yet. That was all right; they could eat what food remained,take another piss, walk out this trek. By then the van would be waiting.

“Hey,you still thinking about that deer?” D’Rozen called.

“Nope.”

“Uh-huh.”D’Rozen didn’t believe him. “Well, I am now, damn you.”

Esténlaughed.

“That’sright, fucker. Got that stupid animal stuck in my head.”

“Servesyou right.”

D’Rozensmiled, then gestured toward the van, arriving at the base. “There it is.”

“Isee it.”

Itlooked how Clatham did, small but comforting. Every time D’Rozen ended amission, his planet appeared like a beacon, round and odd but home. He had onlyflown three times, but it stuck like these descents, somewhere never removed.It was probably Estén’s fault too; this would be his third flight. Maybe theirshared memories overlapped to the point where even space flight felt communal.D’Rozen laughed, would never tell his brother. Estén would tease him for ages.

Ashe chuckled, he missed small rocks rolling from under Estén’s boots. D’Rozennoticed a tug on the line, then heard a sharp scream. Then he gripped the cord,but it didn’t keep Estén on his feet. He stumbled past D’Rozen, slamming intothe side of the mountain, a dull thud following. “Estén!” D’Rozen shouted.“ESTÉN!”

 

Thetransport van struck bumps and potholes as D’Rozen gripped his brother’s limphand. If not for the driver and his companion, D’Rozen wasn’t sure if Esténwould even be alive. It took all three of them to rescue Estén from the smallcrevice, then gently haul him to the base. Estén was unconscious, which D’Rozenthought was good. The jagged angle of his broken leg nearly made D’Rozen illand the driver had gagged before getting into the van. His partner wascertified in first aid, but couldn’t do more than cover Estén with blankets,hopefully keeping him from going into shock. D’Rozen thought it was enough; hisbrother was only thinking about the deer.

D’Rozenwasn’t sure how he knew that, yet that damned animal was spinning throughEstén’s mind. Not the fall or the pain, just a deer with wide peering eyes.D’Rozen shut his, but that creature teased, better than recalling the deadthump when Estén hit the cliff.

Reachingthe main road, an ambulance waited. D’Rozen thanked the transport driver andhis partner while paramedics eased Estén onto a gurney, then into the emergencyvehicle. Carrying his pack and Estén’s, D’Rozen joined them, sitting near hisbrother’s feet. The ambulance’s siren was loud, but didn’t dislodge that deer,or again D’Rozen was compensating, easier to consider that than the bustle aroundhim. Yet he didn’t miss the initial diagnoses; a badly broken leg, headinjuries, shock. An IV was inserted into Estén’s hand, fluids administered.Hopefully painkillers as well as whatever else they thought was necessary;D’Rozen was an astronaut, but medical care went over his head.

Reachingthe hospital, D’Rozen wondered what would happen first; probably surgery forthat wrecked leg. A CAT scan too, discovering any hidden injuries. After exitingthe ambulance, D’Rozen spoke to a nurse, giving information. Glancing aroundthe lobby, he saw no one familiar, but didn’t expect that to last. Murmurswafted; an astronaut has been wounded. D’Rozen assumed some governmentmiddleman would arrive before the night ended.

Theevening was warm, emergency room doors opening and closing regularly. D’Rozenstood alone as the nurse returned to the reception area. Then he was approachedby a doctor. “Are you family?”

“Hisbrother. Is he all right?”

“Hisleg’s a mess,” the physician sighed. “He’s in mild shock. Initial scans show nointernal injuries, but he’s got a concussion. He’ll live, but will be here awhile.”

D’Rozennodded. “Good, I mean….”

“He’sgoing into surgery now, I just wanted you to know the preliminaries.”

“Thanks.I appreciate it.”

Thedoctor cleared his throat. “Are you from around here?”

“No,we live about three hours away. We were camping at Teháche. Been doing it sincewe were kids.” D’Rozen’s throat grew tight. He blinked, that deer all he couldsee.

“Well,why don’t you follow me, you can wait in the surgical lobby. There’s a placefor you to shower and sleep if you want.”

“Yeah,that’d be great, thanks.” D’Rozen hoisted the packs, then took slow stepsbehind the doctor.

 

Heslept on the sofa until a nurse tapped his shoulder. “What, how is he?”

“He’sin recovery, everything went well.” The nurse motioned to another man, seatedacross the small room. “You have company.”

D’Rozenrubbed his eyes, then gazed at the figure, arms crossed over his chest. Thenurse walked away, leaving the men alone. D’Rozen sat up, stretching his shoulders.“How long you been here?”

“Acouple hours. Sounds like he’ll be all right.”

D’Rozennodded, perhaps Holtz knew more. “He just slipped, I have no fucking idea howit happened. Suddenly he was falling past me and….”

“Allthat matters is he’ll recover. That’s the best news.”

D’Rozenwondered if Holtz was spouting a line. “Yeah, that’s all that matters.”

Holtzstood, as tall as Estén, older than the brothers. He paced around the room,then stared at D’Rozen. “I know you have plenty on your mind, but you also knowwhy I’m here.”

“Theydidn’t need to send you to tell us he’s off the next launch.”

“Weneed to fill that space. They want you to do it.”

“Me?”D’Rozen struggled to his feet. He was starving, also exhausted. And shaky, buthe approached Holtz with firm steps. “Right now all I care about is Estén. He’smy priority.”

Holtzglanced at the floor. “You guys aren’t impervious you know. Santos was in a caraccident yesterday and Gibson’s condition won’t allow any travel for at leastanother year. I realize the timing’s shitty, but….”

“Mybrother could’ve died today Holtz. I am not gonna….”

“Youdon’t have a choice, all right? Either you accept his place or….”

“What?You’ll terminate me? Shit!” D’Rozen felt nauseous, wanted to stand under a veryhot shower. He closed his eyes, then opened them, that deer all he couldponder.

“D’Rozen,we need you. Your country needs you. This mission isn’t just another trek intospace.”

D’Rozenstared at him. “Yeah?”

Holtznodded. “Estén knew, I guess he kept quiet like he was directed.” Holtz gazedaround the room. “I can’t detail it here, but Estén’s gonna be fine and thiscan’t wait.”

D’Rozen’slast mission was a classified assignment; was this a similar case? “Is this todo with….”

Holtzblinked, then glanced at the door. “D’Rozen, we need you.”

“Esténdoes too.”

“Weneed you more.”

D’Rozen shook, then found himself nodding, the pit of his stomach ablack, aching hole.