The Weight of the Stars - K. Ancrum Page 0,46

the tarp off, grabbed a butter knife off the counter, and began cutting the seals.

The boxes had been sitting there since the accident. Untouched for years. Ryann had gathered their parents’ things together intending to put them into storage or throw them away, but days became weeks and then weeks turned into months, and there they sat.

James seemed too upset to be bothered with handling things gently. He rifled through their mother’s research papers, tossing some of them on the ground. He kept opening boxes and discarding items haphazardly when they didn’t yield what he was searching for. Their mom’s ID badge clattered onto the kitchen floor, but he didn’t even stop to pick it up.

Finally, his fingers closed around a small brown address book.

James crossed the room and stood beside Ryann’s chair. He flipped through the address book, folded it open, handed it to her, and pointed to a name. Then he leaned down and kissed her tenderly on the forehead.

Another way. Use it wisely.

He picked up Charlie, went into his room, and closed the door.

This letter is intended for Mr. Jiro Takanari who worked in the Engineering and Safety Center at NASA with Dr. Gillie Bird. If he is no longer in this position, please remit this back to sender or forward to his last known address.

Hi Mr. Takanari,

I don’t know if you remember me, but I’m Dr. Gillie’s daughter, Ryann. I hope you are doing well.

I am sorry for contacting you out of the blue like this but I feel like you may be able to help me with something. Recently I became acquaintances with a girl named Alexandria Macallough. You may know her as The Uninaut’s Daughter. She has spent a lot of time and effort trying to receive messages from her mom and only has access to basic materials like radio scanners. SCOUT hasn’t given her access to any information and she really deserves to have at least something. My mom mentioned that you had been monitoring this mission, but I don’t know how much information you were able to get. It was also a very long time ago, and I understand if it’s no longer relevant to what you’re working on now.

I just wanted to reach out and find out if you have any resources, or can point me in the direction of someone who does.

I know we haven’t ever spoken, but I remember you being good friends with my mom. I hope that’s enough for you to at least consider it.

As you may know, I am the sole provider for my brother, James, and we are caring for a one-year-old boy. We have been attending school, but winter break just started and I would really like to use the free time to work on this.

Thank you for your consideration,

Ryann Bird

Dear Ryann Bird,

There are few things left in this world that could have surprised me more than receiving this letter. I remember your mother fondly and am pleased to hear that you and your brother are doing well.

I was unaware that Mr. Macallough moved to the area. However, I am very surprised that SCOUT has withheld data from the next of kin of their cohort. I do not believe that they would do so unless there were some extenuating circumstances. I am sure you will be able to explain in more detail at a later date.

It is very interesting to hear that you have been following the first Odyssey mission. NASA is a direct competitor with SCOUT but our research division has been following the mission as well. I’m certain that you’ve heard all the recordings Mr. Macallough has and I am limited by what I am authorized to share with the public, but if you are interested we have intercepted a full gallery of all the images sent back from the ship.

I would be happy to see you and your brother(s?) during your winter break.

Let me know when you are available to come by.

I am looking forward to making your acquaintance again after all this time and it gives me great joy to see you following in your mother’s footsteps in regards to your interest in space exploration.

Jiro Takanari

Mr. Takanari,

Thank you so much! I didn’t expect to get a response!

I wanted to ask you something about the Odyssey archive. Is there any way that me and some of my friends can come as well to see what you have from it? Mr. Macallough doesn’t have more than ten or so recordings and no