the mysterious moon named miranda

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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the mysterious moon named miranda

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