Summary
Jim is sent out to the InterStellar Academy. His mother worries for him, as any sensible person would, but should there be cause for worry? What dangers lie ahead?

Chapter One: Heading Out

The morning was clear, not a cloud in the sky. However, the mood at the Benbow Inn was gloomy. Sarah Hawkins watched her sixteen-year-old boy move about the Inn, packing for the InterStellar Academy. He'd been asked to join in less than a week from his return. He was now leaving in only a couple of hours.
"Well, I think that's it. Mom, do you need anything before I head out? Mom?" Jim looked around, but she was gone. Sighing, Jim headed upstairs to change into his uniform.
Delbert came by with Amelia soon after. Unfortunately, she had to leave with Jim, as she was still Captain, if not also a new mother. Jim embraced the doctor and said, "Well, I'll miss you. Don't worry, I'll make sure the Captain's safe." Delbert smiled. Amelia said farewell to her husband and turned alongside Jim. Suddenly, B.E.N. and Morph came rushing up the pathway. "Jimmy! I almost missed your farewell! I...I...wauggh! I'm gonna miss you...so MUCH!" Jim smiled and patted the robot comfortingly. Morph chirped softly and cuddled next to Jim. He morphed into a medal, hoping to pass and come along. "I'm sorry Morph, you can't come. You stay here and keep an eye on Mom for me okay? Ah Morph, don't cry!" Morph began to squeal and melt into water, but he seemed to understand after a minute. "Where's your mother?" Amelia looked around, hoping to spot out the Innkeeper. Jim did the same, and finally saw her, standing at the door, simply watching them. Jim walked over to his mother, a reassuring smile on his face. "Mom, are you going to be okay here? I mean, I'm sure they would understand if I delayed my flight out..."
Sarah raised an eyebrow.
"James Pleadies Hawkins, you have dreamed of nothing more than becoming a spacer and traveling the world. You are not going to back out now. I just can't believe how much you've grown over the past year. I could barely talk to you, and now, I really am so proud of you. I love you. Good luck out there." She didn't cry...not one tear was shed. She just smiled and hugged her son. Jim wiped a stray tear away when he thought she wasn't looking.
"Well, we've got to go now. Listen, I'll write to you twice a week. That's a promise. Be safe mom."
"You too, dear. You'll do great out there, Jim."
As he waved goodbye, the vessel was announcing last calls to board. Just before he did, he thought he could see someone standing off in the distance, and he thought it was Silver, his eye gleaming in the sun, but perhaps it was just his imagination. Jim and Amelia boarded, and the ship set out.