Narrator (0:00)

A short message for Grown Ups the new season of mysteries about true histories is here. Max and Molly are back facing off against the power hungry Pogs, a group determined to rewrite history. With help from Aunt Em and a few surprise guests, they'll travel from Ancient Egypt to 1875 to stop them, using math, history, and a whole lot of teamwork. Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hello friends, and welcome to sleept Stories. Red finally got to sleep when her alarm went off way too soon. She can't believe it is time to get up. Already. Red's mind is racing with everything that happened. How is she going to make it through the school day without anyone noticing? The Transfer Student Volume two, Part six Red lay there wondering what that awful sound was coming from the side of her bed. Surely that wasn't her alarm. It couldn't be. It was just too soon. Too soon to open her eyes. After about five minutes, she realized that yes, that was her alarm and it was time to get out of bed. Ugh. Sitting up, she went through all the complaints she hadn't thought of in a while. Why do I have to go to school anyway? Would it be so bad if I took science at university or started working in a lab somewhere? Her mother and father thought so, saying it would draw too much attention to her and that she could take all the courses she wanted online as long as it was anonymous. Her reverie was broken by the voice of her brother, Blue. Hey, stinky head yelled from downstairs. Mom says you're going to be late and miss the bus if you don't come downstairs quickly. And I'm going to eat your breakfast. Just as a favor, of course. Red stuck her tongue out at him in response, even though she knew he wouldn't see it. Red moved as quickly as she could, considering she had so little sleep. It wasn't that fast. Her head still ached slightly, an after effect of the charm's activation. She checked her nose carefully when she woke up. No more blood, at least, but she wondered what other effects the technology might have had on Mars. Her father once told her a story about a researcher who spent too much time with untested tech. Her hair had turned silver overnight. Gathering herself, Red grabbed her school clothes and hurried to the bathroom. Of course, Blue had left it a mess. Toothpaste on the mirror, water everywhere. At least he hadn't run off with her towel this time. As she brushed her teeth, Red glanced at her calendar where she'd circled Saturday in bright red marker. Two days Two days until she could investigate the coordinates properly. The thought sent an equal mixture of excitement and dread through her. What exactly would she find there? And more importantly, who else knew about it? After getting dressed, she double checked that the charm was secure in its new hiding place taped to the underside of her dresser drawer. After last night's activation, she didn't want to risk carrying it to school, where it might decide to start glowing in the middle of math class. Red. Her mother called from the kitchen. Your waffles are getting cold. Coming. Red called back, making her way downstairs. In the kitchen, Blue was already munching on a waffle drowning in syrup, some of which had also found its way onto his shirt. He grinned at her mischievously. I saw weird lights coming from your room last night, blue said between bites. Were you signaling the extraterrestrials again? Red froze, fork halfway to her plate. What? What are you talking about? I saw blue light under your door, blue continued. Like a flashlight, but weirder, More glowy. You have some new device that I can hack into? Their mother turned from the sink. Red, you weren't up late last night, were you? You know how important sleep is for cognitive development. She placed a hand on Red's forehead. You look tired. Are you feeling all right? I'm fine, red said, avoiding her mother's gaze. Just stayed up. Studying for English. Mr. McCaskill assigned a paper on idioms. You know how I struggle with those. Her mother didn't look entirely convinced. Well, make sure you get more rest tonight. You can't learn if you're exhausted. Yeah, your brain needs sleep to remember things, blue added, tapping his head in an exaggerated gesture. I relearned that in science yesterday. Red took a bite of her waffle, enjoying the sweet taste of maple syrup, one of Earth's few redeeming qualities. As she ate, her mind kept replaying Dr. Hart's message. 47 days. Three cache sites. The aid has been compromised. She glanced at the calendar hanging on the kitchen wall. 47 days wasn't very long at all. Earth to Red, her mother said, waving a hand in front of her face. Are you sure you're feeling okay? Just thinking about school stuff, red replied, forcing a smile. Trying to remember if I finished my math homework. I'm sure you did, her mother said with a knowing smile. You always do. Red quickly finished her breakfast, grabbed her backpack, and headed for the door. Two days until she could visit the coordinates. Two days of pretending and everything was normal. Don't forget your lunch, her mother called, handing her a paper bag. Red thanked her and stepped outside, the morning air crisp against her face. The charm might be safely hidden at home, but its message still filled her thoughts as she walked to the bus stop, wondering what other secrets awaited her discovery. But the loud yellow monstrosity never showed up. Instead, a sleek, mostly quiet electric bus pulled to the curb, blue with yellow trim, as if someone had tried to redesign the old model but forgot to fix the color. Red climbed aboard, nodded to Ms. McDonald, and made her way to the back. It might be quiet, but the road still had the same bump that always launched her into the ceiling if she wasn't paying attention. Charlie's hands were full of tissue and his nose was all red. He had a cold yet again. Hey, Red, charlie sniffled, pushing his glasses up with the back of his wrist. Did you see Alexa's messages last night? She sent like 20 of them about the stone. Red tensed. I only saw a few before I went to bed. You mean before you stayed up until 3am Doing English homework? Charlie made air quotes with his fingers, then immediately sneezed into his elbow. Sorry, it was just one paper, red said defensively. Sure, sure. Charlie gave her a look that said he didn't believe her. Rachel thinks you're hiding something, said she's never seen you worried about homework before. Red stared out the window, watching familiar houses pass by. I'm not hiding anything. And English is different from science and math. It doesn't follow logical rules. Charlie opened his mouth to respond but was interrupted by another sneeze. When they arrived at school, Red spotted Alexa and Rachel waiting by the front steps. Kurt was probably at early morning practice. She was always working out. There she is, Alexa called, waving our mysterious night owl. Red forced a smile as she approached. Sorry about the late messages. I lost track of time. Since when do you care that much about English? Rachel asked, adjusting her glasses. Her enormous backpack looked like it contained half the library. You've always said it's illogical but not difficult. Mr. McCaskill's asylum assignment is different, red said, the lie tasting bitter on her tongue. It's about idioms and their cultural significance. You could have asked for help instead of staying up all night, alexa pointed out. I just wanted to figure it out myself, red replied more defensively than she intended. The warning bell rang, saving her from further questioning. As they walked toward their first class, Red felt the absence of the charm. She'd grown used to its weight in her pocket, its warmth against her side. Now she felt almost vulnerable without it. Passing the library, Red felt a strange sensation, like a phantom pulse where the charm would have been she stopped so suddenly that Charlie bumped into her. What's up? He asked. Nothing, red said, shaking her head. Just remembered I need to return a book. Better do it after school, Rachel advised. Mrs. Ficklestein gets cranky when you're late returning books. As they continued down the hallway, Red glanced back at the library doors. Something about them seemed to call to her. Maybe it was just her imagination working overtime after last night's discoveries. Or maybe Red. She turned to see Mr. McCaskill approaching, his trademark colorful bow tie clashing wonderfully with his plaid jacket. He was the only teacher whose jokes made her laugh. I was hoping to catch you and your friends, he said, smiling broadly. I would like the Solving a Mystery Club to have a meeting after school today in the library. I've got a new case that I think might interest you all. A new mystery? Charlie perked up immediately, temporarily forgetting his cold. What is it? Mr. McCaskill looked around dramatically, then lowered his voice. I shouldn't say too much in the hallway, but let's just say some precious items have been disappearing under mysterious circumstances. We'll be there, alexa promised, eyes lighting up. Excellent. Mr. McCaskill clapped his hands together. Library. Right after the final bell. Don't be late. As he walked away, Rachel turned to the group. What do you think he means by precious items? Maybe the school sports trophies, Alexis suggested. Or test answers, charlie whispered. Red tried to match their enthusiasm, but her mind kept drifting back to Dr. Hart's message. How could she focus on a school mystery when she had 47 days to uncover whatever Martian seeds were hidden at the coordinates? But maybe this was exactly what she needed. A distraction to keep her friends from noticing her preoccupation and a way to pass the time until Saturday when she could investigate properly. Earth to Red, alexis said, waving a hand in front of her face. You keep spacing out. Are you sure you're okay? I'm fine, red insisted. Just super tired. But I'm definitely up for solving a mystery today. The second bell rang, and they hurried to their classrooms. As Red slid into her seat, she realized that she was now juggling two mysteries. The one Mr. McCaskill was about to present and the far more serious one waiting in the coordinates that only she knew. The day was a challenge. Not the kind of challenge she used to like when she was in school on Mars. Then they were constantly tasked with problems that only students in grad school on Earth would be presented with. Those were hard. Today. It was staying awake and with topics she found dreadfully easy she would often find herself falling asleep. The only thing that helped was that she didn't want to be called upon by a teacher for not paying attention. Red was instructed by aid not to bring attention to herself. The highlight of the day was that she wasn't the last one to arrive for lunch, even though she felt like she was moving in almost slow motion. Charlie hadn't arrived yet, due to a visit to the school nurse for more tissues. You look like you're about to Faceplant into your sandwich, alexa observed as Red slumped into her seat. I'm fine, red mumbled, unwrapping her lunch. That's what you keep saying, rachel noted, not looking up from her book. Something thick about ancient civilizations. But you've yawned 14 times since math class. You counted? Red asked, surprised. She counts everything, kurt said, joining them with her usual mountain of food. Yesterday she told me I blinked 38 times during our group project. 42, Rachel corrected. And it was distracting. Charlie finally arrived, his nose even redder than before. The nurse said I might have allergies, he announced, sitting down heavily. Or a cold. Or both. She wasn't very specific. Are you sure you're up for the mystery meeting after school? Alexa asked. Charlie straightened his shoulders. I wouldn't miss it. Besides, I've been practicing my detective skills. He wiggled his eyebrows dramatically, which would have been more impressive if he hadn't sneezed immediately afterward. Red picked at her lunch, her mind drifting between the charm hidden at home and what Mr. McCaskill's mystery might be. Something about the library had triggered that strange feeling earlier. Was it connected? The rest of the afternoon crawled by, but finally the last bell rang. Red gathered her things and followed the gang to the library. The familiar scent of books, paper, ink, and that indefinable mustiness that seemed unique to Earth libraries greeted them as they entered. The library at Maplewood was nothing like the information centers on Mars. Those had been sleek metallic rooms with holographic displays and quiet workstations. This place was all wooden shelves, worn carpet, and thousands of physical books that emanated a particular smell Red had come to associate with Earth's way of preserving knowledge. Mr. MacAskill was waiting for them at a round table near the back, next to Mrs. Finkelstein's. The librarian's desk. She was wringing her hands anxiously. Ah, just in time. Mr. McCaskill beamed as they approached. The entire Solving a Mystery club is here, Mrs. Finkelstein. I told you they'd help. Mrs. Finkelstein pursed her lips. I still think we should call the police. The police. Alexa's eyes widened. What exactly is missing? Mr. McCaskill gestured dramatically. Tell them, Mrs. Finkelstein. The librarian adjusted her glasses. Over the past two weeks, several valuable books have disappeared from our rare book collection. First editions, signed copies, irreplaceable items. I didn't know our library had rare books, charlie said, looking around at the ordinary shelves, momentarily distracted from his runny nose. They're kept in a special climate controlled room, Mrs. Finkelstein explained, pointing to a door behind her desk. It's always locked, and I'm the only one with a key. So how did the books disappear? Rachel asked, already taking notes. That's the mystery, Mr. McCaskill said, clearly enjoying himself. The room remains locked. Nothing appears disturbed. The security system hasn't been triggered, and yet books keep vanishing. Red's interest was genuinely piqued now. Which books are missing? Mrs. Finkelstein handed her a list. Seven books so far. The most valuable is a first edition of Celestial Alignments and astronomical Phenomena by Dr. Edward Hart, with the author's original notes in the margins. Red nearly dropped the paper. Dr. Hart? Yes, Dr. Edward Hart, the astronomer. Mrs. Finkelstein said he was quite renowned in his field during the early 20th century. Is something wrong, Red? Mr. McCaskill asked, noticing her reaction. No, red said quickly. Just surprised the library has such valuable books. As the others examined the list, Red's eyes were drawn to a symbol carved into the wood of the circulation desk. Two concentric circles with a dot in the center. It looked remarkably similar to the circle within a circle Dr. Hart had mentioned. So, Mr. MacAskill continued, your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to solve the mystery of the disappearing books. Mrs. Finkelstein has agreed to give you access to the security logs and camera footage. We'll need to see the rare book room, too, Kirk said, crossing her arms. Mrs. Finkelstein hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. Very well. But touch nothing. We should split up to cover more ground, alexis suggested, already taking charge. Rachel, you check the security logs. Kurt and I will examine the rare book room. Charlie and Red can review the camera footage. Excellent plan, Mr. McCaskill. Approved. Mrs. Finkelstein has set aside the study room for your use. The cameras cover the library entrance, the main desk, and the hallway leading to the rare bookroom. As the group dispersed to their assigned tasks, Red found herself torn. On one hand, this was exactly the kind of distraction she needed. A straightforward mystery with no connection to Mars or the Aid. On the other hand, she couldn't ignore the heart connection or the circle symbol. Looking up at the high library ceiling with its ancient wooden beams, Red wondered if there were more connections here than she realized. Celestial alignments, migration windows, circles within circles. Perhaps solving this mystery might help her with the bigger one after all. Charlie tapped her shoulder. Come on, Red. Mrs. Finkelstein said we could use the computer in the back office to review the security footage. He sneezed into a tissue. I bet we'll catch the book the before anyone else does. I'm coming, red said, following him toward the office. As she passed the circulation desk, her eyes were drawn again to the double circle symbol. Something about it pulled at her memory. A design she'd seen in the murals back home. Perhaps she made a mental note to sketch it later and added to her growing collection of clues. I bet we can solve this by tomorrow, charlie said excitedly as they settled in front of the office computer. Then I can focus on my plan for a weather monitoring station this weekend. Want to help? It's going to be awesome this weekend. Red felt a small pang of guilt. I probably have family stuff on Saturday. Sunday, then. Charlie looked hopeful despite his red nose. Maybe, red said non committally, turning to the security footage on the screen. As the video began to play, Red couldn't help thinking about the coordinates waiting for her, the rusted entrance she might find there, and what secrets it might hold. But for now, she had missing books to find, friends to keep happy, and two whole days to prepare for what might be the most important exploration of her life. Look there. Charlie pointed at the screen. Did you see that shadow by the door? Play it again. And so the investigator investigation began. And that is the end of this part. Good night. Sleep tight. Sa.