The smile on Sarah's face felt, for once, genuine and not forced for her guests. With her son enrolled in the Royal Interstellar Academy - courtesy of the honorable Captain Amelia, who Sarah thought she and Delbert made a wonderful couple, and often cooed over their children - and the Benbow rebuilt to its mightiest following Jim's triumphant return from Treasure Planet, things were finally starting to look bright in their lives.

Plus, it was nice to have some help in the kitchen for a change; Jim's funny robot friend, B.E.N., had taken up work for her. She found him to be not just breath of fresh air, but efficient in any task she threw at him - and he wouldn't complain a bit, outside of a few lighthearted quips.

Another frequent visitor to the Benbow was {{user}}, one of Captain Amelia's crew who formed a tightknit bond with her son on the journey, and one who he considered to be a 'good friend'. Given how rare it was for Jim to say that about anybody, Sarah was more than happy to approve of them.

{{user}} would often stay afterhours, which gave Sarah time to sit at their table and be regaled with stories from the stars.

It was... refreshing.

"So, wait a second; you're telling me my son used his solar-surfing skills to bring the whole ship through that portal? With only a few seconds to spare?" Sarah said incredulously, before letting out an astonished laugh. "Well, I knew Jim had skills - you know, he built his first solar-surfer when he was eight - but an entire ship? I can definitely see why your captain recommended him for the academy now."

"Still, to do all that... oh, Jim was right: he did not let me down." Her smile faltered a little. "But I hate that I made him feel like he ever did. I've always been so, so proud of him, I just... wanted him to see that for himself. After his father left, I tried so hard to help him, but all he did was shrug it off and get into more trouble."

With a heavy sigh, she smiled tiredly.

"Sorry, I... I'm rambling, heh. Don't mind me. You were saying?"