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8/2/2019 The Mysterious Moon Named Miranda
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Jenkins changed the subject fast. Lets get going then. Well
tell the kid he needs to leave the park; its past closing time and its
dark.
Nope Ross smiled, He has special permission to stay as late
as he needs to tonight; its for a project he is doing for theuniversity. Well drive by in a few hours; Austin says he should be
through around midnight.
Jenkins sighed and rolled his eyes, So now were babysitting
geeks, huh?
The sergeant let loose a big laugh. Yep, protection for the
people gets a bit side-tracked sometimes!
Austin Keats was oblivious of his surroundings. He focused
on his compass readings, on his calculator, and on his telescope.
This wasnt just a chance to use Riverside Park after hours; he was
doing this for the university! That was very important to him. He
wanted his mom to be proud of himand he wanted his dad to be
proud also... the dad he really never knew
Im glad Bry is on patrol tonight that means no
interruptions from anyone. What a beautiful, clear sky! Ah, even so,I should barely be able to find my target! GRRRR why does it
have to be a full moon tonight?
Austin placed a blinder on the end of the scope pointing to the
sky this was to minimize the unwanted, bright moonlight from
shining on the main mirror. Man, even if everything goes as
planned I still might not be able to see Uranus through this bright
moonlight!
The planet Uranus was Austins favorite planet. Perhaps it
was because the distant planet was much like he was: terrificallyenigmatic, wonderfully strange.
Darn it! I knew I should have brought the other tripod. The
mount on this one will have my field-of-view shaking like a guy on
his first date! He furrowed his eyebrows and realized that he had
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never been on a real date. He shrugged his shoulders, Scientists
dont have time to date! But I willafter I become famous!
He opened a small case and removed a Philips-head
screwdriver. He tried to tighten the mount to steady the telescope.
The scope promptly fell off the tripod. As he struggled to catch it,Austins eyes caught something by the river. In a place illuminated
only by moonlight and his small lantern, the object appeared to
glow. He rubbed his eyes. The image got larger. No, Austin
thought, its perspective its getting closer!
Having been able to catch the telescope, Austin somehow got
it on the tripod and to mount properly all while keeping an eye on
the approaching object. I wish Bry was here! He laughed
nervously. This might be the Greenbriar Ghost!But then, it did appear to have emerged either from the woods
that sheltered Greenbriar Manor, or from the river itself.
Nooo, its just a coincidence. Oh, manthe moon is too
high! Crap! Austin took out his celestial calculator and entered
some figures. I knew it! Uranus is somewhere in this moonlight!
When it exits to a piece of sky I can see, it will look like a plain star!
I wont be able to distinguish it from the other stars. Have I wasted
an important night on a full moon and a bad mount? Austincollapsed onto the ground and decided to re-check the figures. He
knew it was probably in vain, but its something all great scientists
do.
Hmm speaking of figuresour object becomes a person!
Wow its a SHE!
She was slender almost waif-like. She was dressed in what
appeared to be a white nightgown. Closer still, her contours became
visible when a strong breeze blew her nightgown against her body.
Such a breeze became an invisible sculptor using a transparent,silent chisel to carve such a masterpiece. Her night-black hair
drastically contrasted her over-all paleness; she was an amazing
study of light and shadow. Even closer, the same contours hinted to
a mid to late teen. She would soon be upon him. He was drawn to
her orbit, as if he had discovered a rogue comet or an unknown
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moon. Very soon he would know. Her path was well-known. It
was toward HIM!
Austin was shaking like a telescope on a bad tripod mount
when she stopped. His heart almost stopped
Are youare you ok, Miss?She surrendered a slight grin. Of course Im ok. What makes
you think that Im not?
Well, you see, this park closes at 9 PM: Its just shy of 11
now. And, please pardon me for saying this, but you dont seem to
be dressed for a nightly romp outdoors. Are youlost or
something?
Her grin became a bit wider. Perhaps we are all lost. Do you
know where you are going? That is, why are YOU here if the parkis closed?
Austin looked at his telescope. I think thats obvious...
She had no expression on her face. Then she suddenly burst
into insane laughter. Youre a Peeping Tom! Im soooo relieved; I
thought you were doing something constructive on a Friday night
on this beautiful, wonderful Friday night!
Austin laughed nervously. I am a Peeping Tom, but not the
kind you think! You see, what I look at: stars, planets, moons, theydont care if Im looking...
She didnt loosen her grip, How do you know they dont
care? Have you asked them?
Austin showed a pensive grin. Of course I asked! But sound
doesnt travel through the vacuum of space. So, if you dont mind,
Ill keep on looking!
She smiled big. By all means, keep looking! Hmmm, say
professor, whats your name?
My name is Austin, Austin Keats. And your name, Miss? Keats! I bet you have a locked-up poet in you! Wow, what
IS poetic is this full moon. Will this full moon go to waste? May I
look at it through this?
Austin wondered what she meant by go to waste.
Sure, but let me put a moon filter on first.
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Why do you want to do that?
Moonlight is reflected sunlight. So you want to be blinded?
Sunlight? She stopped smiling. Oh, I see. Then I take it
that you arent here to look at the moon. What do you want to see?
Austin had the moon filter in place. It doesnt matter now.Help yourself! Im a bit bored with the moon He sat down.
She turned to him. How could anyone think a full moon is
boring? She looked down. When she met his gaze again, she was
smiling less. What did you wish to see tonight, Austin? She
looked into the telescope.
I was hoping to see the planet Uranus. But I ran into some
unforeseen problems and missed my chance. Its my favorite
planet.She let out a loud gasp. Wow, its sooo beautiful! Ive never
seen the moon close up before, except on TV. Beautiful!
She slowly walked up to Austin. May I sit next to you,
Austin? She asked like a little girl.
Uh sure!
She sat down with a fluid grace that caught Austin off-guard.
Austinwhy is Uranus your favorite planet?
Austin looked up to the sky. She saw the wistful look on hislanternlit face.
Well, for one, its big! It also has rings like Saturn, but you
cant see them most of the time because Uranus lies almost
completely on its side! And it has a magnetic field 100 times
greater than the earths. Its blue-green in color turquoise, like
your eyes in this lantern light
The big smile again. My eyes ARE light-blue; thanks for
noticing.
Austin cleared his throat but said nothing.You forgot to mention that its Shakespeares favorite planet
too! She looked into his brown eyes.
Austin gave her a puzzled look. Then he laughed and
scratched his head. You almost had me there! Uranus was
discovered about a century after Shakespeare died! Sorry, but I
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dont see how Shakespeare could have developed an opinion
about
Professor Keats! Have you ever read anything from the
Bard?
Shakespeare? Of course I have; you have to at school. Butnever once in his poetry or in his plays did he ever mention
Uranus!
She just smiled; she had him now. Not directly, no! Does
Uranus have any moons?
Yes, 27 discovered. Hey come to mention it, all of Uranus
moons are named for Shakespeare characters; except two. There are
five main moons. The two largest moons are Titania and
OberonShe raised her eyebrows. Ring any bells?
They were the queen and king of the fairies inA Mid -
Summer Nights Dream!
Keep going; youre on a roll!
Lets seeUmbrielnothing thereArialArial is the
sprite from The Tempest
One more to go, professor
The last main moon of Uranus is Miranda quite themysterious little moonoh yeah! She was the beautiful daughter of
the sorcerer Prospero also from The Tempest!
She jumped up and clapped her hands with great applause.
Nice to meet you, Austin Keats! My name is Miranda,
Miranda Myers!
Austins jaw dropped, Youre joking, right?
She sat back down a little closer to Austin. NO, sir, I am
not.
Austin pushed the blonde hair away from his eyes. Im gladto meet you, Miranda. He held out his hand. She put out her hand
a bit, then pulled it back.
The pleasure is all mine, Austin. I would love to stay around
and talk some more, but I really think I should be getting back
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Whats your hurry, Miranda? I have permission to be here
and Officer Ross is on patrol tonight - hes a friend of mine, so if
youre with me, you have nothing to worry about...
She smiled a wistful smile, So Im with YOU, am I? I really
would love to stay, but I must be getting backPlease stayjust another few minutes He took her hand;
she was unprepared.
Miranda your hand is cold as ice! Are you feeling a chill,
is that why you need to get back?
After all, it was fall. Austin knew the temperature was around
55 degrees Fahrenheit winds light and variable he knew the
forecast
She pulled her hand away. No, its not coldnot really. Butyou know what they say: cold hands, warm heart. Ok, you smooth
talker! I guess I can stay a bit longer. But I must be home by
midnight, or else Ill turn into a pumpkin!
Great! While youre here, I want to try to see Uranus one
more time. Theres only a very small chance, but maybe I can find
it if I have Miranda sitting right here. Excuse me while I do
some quick calculations...
Go ahead professor! Ill just bathe in this fabulousmoonlight!
Austin pushed buttons on his calculator, but his eyes were on
her as she lay on the hill. He stood and moved to re-orient the
telescope, but even then he shot a few stray glances at her.
Who the heck is this girl? Why is she running around a public
park in a nightgown? Sure there are a few residents here, but I dont
remember having seen her before. And Miranda? No way that can
really be her name?
Austin then shifted his thoughts from what she couldnt be towhat she appeared to be. She IS beautiful! But I suspect she is not
as fragile as she appears to be. I know she is definitely intelligent.
She really likes Shakespeare! Shes an enigma but she IS real: I
TOUCHED HER! Yeahand shes real close; shes the first girl
who has shown any sort of interest in ME!
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Do you like what you see, professor? Do you really think
Im a celestial body?
Austin hoped the moonlight would conceal his blushing.
ImsorryI didnt mean tostare at you like that. Im sorry.
He walked away from the telescope and put the calculator away inthe small case.
She began to laugh her insane laugh again. Awww, you cant
help it; weve already established youre a Peeping Tom!
Just as abruptly, she stopped laughing. ActuallyIm really
flattered. When you look at me, its like youre seeing a girl for the
very first time. And you like what you see, dont you, Austin?
He looked down. Then he raised his head just enough so she
could see his eyes. You are the first girl I HAVE ever seenin herUNDERWEAR!
She laughed louder. It slowly subsided, leaving only that
smile. I guess I do look like a lunatic! Full-moon madness, you
know?
Austin grinned, Whatever! Hey, if my calculations are
correct and if the telescope is positioned correctly, we might be able
to see Uranus now!
Mirandas eyebrows knitted into a straight line. Austin, whattime is it?
I have a quarter till midnight.
Well, I can take a quick look, but Im already beginning to
turn orange
He gave her an odd look. OhpumpkinI get it!
She laughed, but it sounded forced. She peered into the
telescope. Austin was puzzled, Where is she going if she has 15
minutes to get there? The only place I know isis
The only places he knew were the riveror GreenbriarManor!
Miranda noticed the pregnant pause. She saw him deep in
thought and crept up on him from behind. She whispered in his ear,
Youre so cute when you blush,
Austin gasped. She laughed loudly.
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Geez, you startled me! He smiled. Im not used to having
someone with me; its usually lonely around here.
Mirandas smile faded like a bright moon disappearing behind
a dark cloud. I hear you, professor. I know exactly what you
meanShe peered into the telescope.
Austin missed her smile, You DO know what I mean, dont
you Miranda? She collapsed on the hill again. Austin fell next to
her.
What did you see in the scope, Miranda?
Sorry, Austin. All I saw was a group of five stars
No way! You should only see four! He jumped up and ran
to the telescope. He pushed the tracking controller in one secondintervals. Miranda! Its Uranus! It looks like a very dim star but
you saw it! Do you know what the odds are for us seeing it?
Im sure my professor can calculate them! She looked
nervously around the park. Austin, can I ask you a personal
question?
Sure, because I think you will anyway.
She spoke in a serious tone, Austin do you like being
lonely all the time?Austin tilted his head and flipped his blonde hair. It appears
we have something else in common: you are a Peeping Tom, too!
She didnt smile.
What makes you think Im alone all the time? Im very close
to my family and I get along with all my teachers. In fact, Im
hardly ever alone!
She wasnt the least bit impressed. I didnt say alone: I
said, lonely! I didnt hear you mention any friends, Austin. Do
you have any close friends?Austin looked into those turquoise eyes with the black holes in
the middle yanking him in.
Such gravity, he thought. Well, lets seetheres Bryan
Officer Ross. We are very close friendshes my Godfather
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That falls into the family category. I mean people our
age?
Lets see theresin my
Austin lowered his head, What a genius I am, he thought. Is
there really no one?She changed the subject back to family, At least hes
comfortable talking about family, she thought.
Ok, tell me about your family. She was quite anxious,
although she tried to hide it. It was after midnight now.
Mom is great! It has really been tough on us; my father was
a famous scientistbut he died in a medical lab accident when I
was two years old
Miranda gasped! What? How did he die? She lowered her head, Sorry
Its ok. He was working with some manufactured viruses one
day. The containment field broke down lost integrity they said.
The last protocol for such an accident issterilization.
Miranda jumped into a standing position. Austin saw her eyes
open wide.
Are you telling me he was deliberately killed?
Austin looked up to the sky, There has to be very strictprotocols when many lives are endangered my father respected
those protocolshe was one who helped to design them!
Keats! Albert Keats was your father?
Yes. I never really knew him! I only know what family,
including Bryan Ross, told me. And his colleagues, of course.
Miranda began to cry.
I lost my mother just a year after I was born to some sort of
drowning accident. When I turned sixteen I was told she had post-
partum depression. My moms parents, my grandparents, of course,raised me. I love them dearly and they have been great to me, but
they are really strict because they had to be. I never knew my father
because no one knows who he is! Mother knew, but she never told
anyone. So, I dont even know if she even told my father she was
pregnant! I was given my mothers last nameAustin, Im so
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sorry, but I really have to leave now! My grandparents must be
worried by now!
Austin stood up. :Wait, Miranda. There are a few things I
need to know!
She ran over and kissed him. He was taken aback from thesuddenness; at least you have time to calculate when an asteroid is
going to collide with you.
Dont you worry, Austin Keats! We are connectedmore
than you know! We WILL see each other soon! Austin, you have a
close friend now!
She smiled that huge smile through her tears. Then she bolted
toward the river.
Miranda wait! At least tell me where you live!She turned to him and pointed to the woods, I live in
Greenbriar Manor!
Austins jaw dropped. No one has lived in Greenbriar Manor
for almost 20 years now
Austin watched his moon Miranda resume its orbit. He was
trying to wrap his genius mind around what she last said. Of course,
he reasoned it out
Her agethe timingGreenbriar Manorcould Mirandasmother really be
He had heard Bryan Ross talk about a Stephanie Myers to his
mother when he was 10 years old Bryan had given him his first
telescope for his birthday. Apparently Bryan had just been
promoted to homicide detective. He was called out to this very park
because some kids had discovered a body floating in the river.
She was dressed in a nightgown. There were no obvious signs
of foul play The coroner ruled it was a suicide because she was
being treated for terminal cancer because of a genetic disease calledXP-A, which he later found out was the A form ofxeroderma
pigmentosum, a hyper-allergic response to the UV rays of sunlight.
The bodys DNA in skin is unable to repair the skin, afterward
torturous sunburn and cancers form from even the tiniest exposure
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to sunlight. The type A form has a 40% mortality rate by the age
of 20.
Austin didnt hear much more of that conversation, but Bryan
was obviously upset; he had never seen him cry before or since.
Could the dead woman have been Mirandas mother? Have theMyers really returned to Greenbriar Manor? Why was Bryan Ross
so upset? Was it because it was his first dead body? Was it
something much deeper?
Austin had just finished packing his equipment when the police
cruiser pulled up. A car horn honked twice. Austin waved andslowly toted his bulky equipment toward the police car. He saw
only one officer approach him. From the silhouette, he knew it was
Bryan.
Whoa, Austin; let me give you a hand!
Are you alone, Bry? Wheres your partner?
Officer Jenkins got a ride back to the station with Officer
McCoy. I dont have to go back and I was going to give you a ride
home, anyway, right?Austin couldnt hold it in any longer, Bry, I saw something
incredible tonight; I dont know how to process it all!
Whoa, partner! Calm down! I take it you got to see Uranus,
then. Good for you, Hawkeye!
BryanI think I saw the daughter of the Greenbriar
Ghost!
Bryan Ross clenched his jaws and bit his lip. What on earth
are you talking about?
I saw her, just as clear as I see you! And I talked to her- justlike you and I are talking right now!
Austin heard the rattling of his equipment as Bryan carried it.
It sounded to Austin like the load was twice as heavy as it should
have been. Bry, are you alright?
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In a surprising, calm tone, Bryan asked, Hawkeye, tell me
what you saw!
Austin described his encounter with Miranda in clear detail.
As Bryan put the equipment in the back seat of the police car,
Austin saw a strange expression on his face. Bryanwhats goingon?
He turned to Austin and smiled. I am glad you are a trained
observer just like me and your old man! You say this Mirandas
last name was Myers?
BryanI remember a long time ago that you spoke of a
Stephanie Myers that you foundon your first
You heard me talking to your mom? Sorry, palthat was a private
conversation. But Im glad you heard because tonight I amdeputizing you for an investigation. Are you up to the challenge?
Austins eyes got wide, Sure! But I better ask what you want
me to do.
Hawkeye, lets go to Greenbriar Manor and check it out!
Bryan turned to Austin. Austin just looked straight ahead and shook
his head, Bry, I have to know, too!
The police cruiser turned onto a dark, asphalt road and proceeded to
the gate leading to the estate.
Bryan, how are we going to get in? That gate is locked
electronically...
I have a key just in case trespassers climb over the fence
or come in from the riverside.
Neither Bryan nor Austin was prepared to see what they saw.
Bryan? Is there any reason why that gate should be open?
Theyre plenty of reasons. Some of them are legalAustin, Ithink I better take you home and call for backup before I go in
there
Call for backup NOW! I have to see whats in there for
myself!
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Officer Ross did just that; he called for backup. Austin, I
know youre a man, but your mother will skin me alive if you even
get a scratch! Do EVERYTHING I say when I say it! You got
me?
Roger that!Ten minutes later a second cruiser showed up. Its lights were
off as Officer Ross requested. McKenzie, you stay here by the
radio. Ross was a bit amused to see Officer Jenkins there as well.
Well, Roy, why are you here when you are off-shift?
Are you freaking kidding me? When I heard where you were
and who was with you NOTHING could have kept me away!
Thanks buddy! Ok, you two, the three of us will proceed on
foot. Austin, get behind us and keep your senses on full alert. Tugon my shirt if you notice anything out of the ordinary. Dont say
anything out loud!
Roger that, Bry, Austin said with a breath-less whisper.
The driveway straightened out after a hundred yards. Jenkins
pointed to what they all saw: a car and a moving van parked by the
manor. All the lights in the manor were on.
Bryan was upset, Why in the hell did no one call to tell us
someone is moving in? Jenkins took off his hat and wiped thesweat off his forehead, then let out a heavy sigh. I dont think
ghosts drive vans nor need lights!
Bryan radioed an update. We still need to proceed with
caution; these people may not be here legally!
Roger that! Jenkins and Austin responded in unison.
The front door of Greenbriar Manor was as wide open as the
eyes of the three investigators. No secrets appeared to be there. It
was as if the Manor was an open book - a book pleading to be read.
The three were willing to oblige.Austin, I want you to hang back in the shadows and observe.
Here is a walkie-talkie. If you hear or see anything that doesnt look
right, that talkie is linked to Officer McKenzies radio. Call him
every 5 minutes anyway and give him a status report. If you hear
gunshots, you run fast and call McKenzie. Is everything clear?
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Austin swallowed loud, Sure, Bry; I understand.
Austin observed the two officers slowly approach the front
door. He heard a doorbell.
What in the heck are they doing? Bry may as well have
brought a megaphone! Austin whispered in the talkie, Theofficers are at the front door and just rang the doorbell! No response
yet, but the front door is wide open!
Understood, Mr. Keats. Stay alert!
Austin saw an elderly couple appear at the door. No weapons
drawn, no erratic behavior observed. The two officers showed their
IDs and badges.
The old man held out his hand, which both officers shook.
The old woman shook Officer Jenkinss hand and embraced OfficerRoss!
WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAT? Austin spoke out to himself.
As he relayed his observation to the cruiser, Bryan motioned for
Austin to approach. Austin updated the cruiser, followed with an
obvious sigh of relief.
As Austin walked into the front door, a third person stood
there that Austin recognized instantly.
Miranda!She smiled her smile. Austin, I would like you to meet my
grandparents! Gram, gramp, this is Austin Keats, the son of Albert
Keats! Gram, may I show Austin my room? He might be able to fix
my computer while hes here.
Only for a short while. Its very late and everything is in the
house now. We all need to get some sleep!
Miranda kissed her grandmothers cheek and grabbed Austins
hand. Follow me, professor; I need to borrow your brain!
Austins attention became focused on Miranda, but BryanRoss detected the heavy, tense atmosphere in the vast living room.
He became nauseous. He noticed that Mira Myers looked as pale
as he felt.
Austin we cant stay long, were obviously intruding. Roy,
you can go back to the cruiser and you two can go. Thanks for your
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help! Just put in your report that the original owners are back in
Greenbriar Manor and there was no incident. Austin, you have 15
minutes!
Roger thatI meanok!
Frank Myers offered Bryan a chair, but Bryan countered withan offer to close up the van and to check all the outside entrances
and first floor windows to see if they were locked.
We have patrolled the estate for many years. Rest assured
that we are always patrolling around here because of the stupid story
of the Greenbriar Ghost
Bryan gagged on the last words and Frank sat him down in a
chair. The couple looked anxiously into each others eyes. Frank
winked at his wife.Its the right time. Mira, go get us some tea and bring the box
with you. Frank walked over to the front door and locked it. He
retuned to a recliner next to Bryan and sat down.
Long time, no see, Detective Ross?
Excuse me, Frank, but I am no longer a detective. The
incident concerning your daughter made memade me go back to
being a patrol officer. You said it is the right time, Frank, and it
isthere is something you need to knowFrank took hold of Bryans left hand. We know, son, we
know. But there is something that you dont know.
The door clicked behind Austin and he was tackled onto the
bed. He looked up to see Mirandas awesome face but his ears were
met with that insane laughter. His eyes showed astonishment.
Im not going to rape you, silly boy. I was so surprised to see
you standing at my door with two police officers. I was hoping youreally are a Peeping Tom. But you have to tell me so I can be
ready
Miranda, you are insane! My mom is already going to skin
me alive and now your grandparents are too! Didnt you say they
are very strict? Geez, what am I going to say to them?
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What do you mean? I already told them everything about
tonight. Why lie when we didnt do anything wrong?
How did they take it when you came in wearing just a
nightgown? I am soooooo dead!
Nothing like a little excitement on a Friday night. Actually, Ithink they were delighted in a way. All my clothes are still packed;
this gown was on top of a box so I wore it. I didnt think anyone
would be around anyway. You should have seen my Grams face
when I told her you are Albert Keats son.
Oh? Why would react at all? Did she know my father?
Silly boy, EVERYONE knows about your father. Did you
watch that 60 Minutes report last year about your dads
breakthrough in gene therapy?Well, yeah, of course. Anything concerning my father
interests me. In fact mom, Bryan, and I watched it together.
Is that man downstairs the Bryan you have been talking
about?
Yep. Hey did you say you have a computer that needs
fixed?
Austin, I really dont care about the damn computer right
now! Do you know if hes the same Bryan Ross that worked on mymothers case?
Was your mothers name, Stephanie?
Yes. That is right! So that is him! I want to ask him about
the investigation
Miranda.., I know you want to find out more about your
mom; youre just like me when it comes to my dad! But Bryan
never recovered from that case. He gave up being a detective
because of it! I saw him cry about it in front of my mom 8 years
after it happened! I think you better go slowly about discussing itwith him. Let me pinch-hit for you on this. Ill let you know when
the time is right.
Miranda leaned over and kissed him. Austin was still kissing
air when he opened his eyes from that insane laugh of hers.
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Austin, theres a few things I need to tell you before you
leave. Have you ever heard of a genetic disease calledxenoderma
pigmentosum?
I knew your mom had it when I overheard Bryan and my
mom those years back. So I looked it up on the internet. Soundshorrible! Is that what you wanted to tell me?
We got a bit side-tracked earlier. On that 60 Minutes show
about your dad, XP was one of the diseases discussed about using
your dads gene-therapy techniques to actually cure it! Not a
treatment, a CURE! My grandparents got in touch with the Keats
Foundation and I was chosen to participate in the first trials. That
was two years ago. After one more year of therapy, I will be a truly
normal person!Austin looked like his best friend died. Are you telling me
you have the same disease Miranda?
She reassured him with that smile of hers. No! Its not the
same disease now! My DNA is now able to repair itself not
completely yet, but almost. If it were not for your dad, I very well
could be dead likelike my mother. I am now able to walk in the
moonlight, which as you pointed out tonight is really sunlight. I can
even go outside during the day now, without the fear of gettingcancer, although for only about 15 minutes a day. But after one
more yearall Ill need is a good sun block! Your dad has
literally saved my life! And I could have two more people to share
it with
Am I one of those people, Miranda? His gaze found her
eyes. He searched for himself in them.
What do you think? She slowly leaned toward him.
Austin kissed her this time.
May I assume that Bry is the other person?Bry, is it? Miranda jumped from her bed and opened her
nightstand drawer, I need to show you something, Austin. But
answer this first, please: when did you become interested in
astronomy?
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Austin flipped his blond hair. Actually, it was Bryan that got
me hooked on it. When I was 10, he bought me my first
telescope
Wasnt that the same night you overheard him talking to your
mom aboutMY mom?Austin shook his head to say yes.
And when did Uranus become your favorite planet?
Austins eyebrows knitted in deep thought. His eyes widened.
Bryan talked about a night he and my dad went to the universitys
giant reflector because a friend told them about a comet that was
going to smash into Uranus! It was the main astronomical event of
that year
I see. Austin, look at this.Miranda handed a document to him. Austin looked at it and
his eyes got wide. Miranda, this is a report written by your mom!
A report on Uranus! She describes why it is her favorite planet
Austin, it appears that the probability distributions of several
events in time have all collapsed by our observations to favor this
reality. She smiled wickedly.
Ok Miss Smarty-pants! What youre telling me is that you
dont believe in coincidence?Thats right, professor! Look on the right margin of page 5.
Austin rapidly flipped to page five. His jaw dropped.
WHAAAAAAAAAAAT?
Written in pencil was a short note: seeing B R tonight!
Now you see why I want to talk to Bryan Ross!
Austin handed back the paper. Mirandas hands were shaking
as she returned it back to its tomb in the nightstand. As she sat up
on the bed, Austin took her hands into his. His eyes filled with an
emotion he had not used in a long time: pure compassion. He wasrewarded with a kiss.
Miranda, I promise I will find out more about this and
AUSTIN, ITS TIME3 TO GO!
Austin got a good night kiss and Miranda walked him
downstairs. Frank Myers held out his hand to Austin. Sorry we
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didnt get a chance to chat, young man! But something tells me we
will see each other soon!
Yes sir, Im sure too!
The door closed behind them. Bryan and Austin walked
slowly to the patrol car without saying a word to each other. .Bryanbroke the silence, Did you fix Mirandas computer?
No sir, we got side tracked,
Austin noticed that Bryan didnt comment. They drove off the
estate and headed to the park exit.
Bry, I found out that Mirandas mom was an astronomer, too!
In fact, Uranus was her favorite planet, too!
Is that so? Bryan Ross looked straight ahead.
Bryan, I also notice that you have the same eyes as Miranda.Bryan cleared his throat, Hey Hawkeye! The Myers
invited us over next weekend. Did you know that Mirandas
birthday is next Saturday? Your mom is invited too! Dont say
anything to Miranda; its gonna be a surprise!
Bryanyour eyes are the same color as Mirandas.
Bryan pulled off to the side of the road and turned off the
engine. And you call yourself a scientist? You broke the main
axiom of science just now!I dont understand you, Bry.
Bryan Ross, the Godfather, put his hand on Austins shoulder.
You cant put effect before cause! The correct inference is
that Miranda has the same eyes as me!
Bry?
Bryan Ross looked into the eyes of his Godson. I wish your
dad was here. Austin I found out this night that Miranda has MY
eyes.
Austins eyes were wide with astonishment. How in theworld do you know that?
The Greenbriar Ghost told me herself. After all these
yearsthey found that Stephanie kept a diary.
As wide open as his eyes were, Austin managed to go wider.
It was only the second time he saw Bryan Ross cry.
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