Cyanite’s recommended contact wasn’t exactly what Kibum had been expecting. In the holo image before them, Zhu Yilong was elegance incarnate. Of a similar height to Ming, he looked as if he might have stepped out of a fantasy vid if the cerulean robes and the ruler-straight waist length midnight hair were any indication. His artfully pale face was flawless – obviously a product of modification to an extent, but though he had to be relatively ancient by now, he had a youthful softness to him that shone from his stardusted brown eyes and appeared in his relaxed and welcoming smile.

                One loosely sleeved arm gestured towards him smoothly. “You must be Captain Kim Kibum.” It was not a question but the quiet melodious sound could have easily turned it into one.

                Kibum thought his tone could probably rival a Moladhi and figured he’d had additional modification done there as well. “I am,” he answered unnecessarily, resisting the urge to look at Jinki for reassurance or support. He had no reason for it, but there was definitely something about Yilong that left an unsettled feeling in his stomach. Or perhaps that was too strong a word, but it was more than nerves and the twisted rush of desperate hope that worried at him.

                “And your crew it seems,” Yilong added, obviously modified eyes taking in the rest of the group, including Taemin and Jonghyun, their holo nature obvious by the way their feet hovered a hair above the ground.

                Shaking himself free of whatever was bothering him, Kibum nodded once and gestured to those nearby. As if Jinki could tell something was getting at him, he edged closer, nearly enough to touch but not quite. Kibum could still feel the warmth of him though and it was enough. Introductions were easy to make from there and then they moved into the heart of the matter.

                “I’ll not bore you with trivialities,” Yilong smiled, the expression enigmatic this time. “Malacite explained your situation to me.” He steepled his long fingers together in front of him as he regarded the crew with quiet judgement.

                Kibum let the other man’s gaze wash over him and then took a quick breath, stepping forward with what courage he could muster. “Then can you help us?” Not the most diplomatic approach, to be sure, but Yilong made him oddly uncomfortable. It was almost as if there was something unsettlingly familiar about him but Kibum couldn’t pinpoint it. Nor did he understand why he might think so.

                Almost mystical eyes shifted back to him with a slow blink. He didn’t answer immediately, the weight of his gaze heavy and all encompassing. “You remind me of someone,” he mused, one hand rising to his face so he could tap his cheek with his first two fingers. A quiet chuckle escaped and he nodded once, ignoring the confused frown that blossomed on Kibum’s face. “I have no actual need for a ship captain’s services. But-” he added, forestalling the immediate sense of disappointment that was ready to crash down on Kibum.

                “But what?” Kibum prompted, his stomach twisting into a tighter knot. It was the closest they’d gotten to an actual positive and to have it hanging there before them so precariously was agonizing.

                “I do have a job I can offer. Nothing big,” he explained, with a shake of his head, but then his hand rose as if to hold their attention. Not that he needed to. Even the smallest job would have been welcome at this point. Anything to get them back into the stars again and on their feet once more. “It could, however, be the beginning to more.”

                He tilted his head and settled his eyes on Kibum again, apparently waiting for a response of some kind. Kibum glanced to either side, catching the same curious expressions on his companions’ faces. They gave hesitant nods and shrugs as was their nature and Jinki at least grabbed Kibum’s hand to give it a reassuring squeeze. He wondered if the other man would ever know how much he helped to ground and center him.

                “We’re listening,” he finally answered, focusing his gaze back on Yilong, blinking once when a satisfied smile lit his face up.

                “Very well. I was planning on having my usual agent transport a small package from Star-Seeker’s Rest. I can request that you bring it to me instead,” he explained, folding his hands into his sleeves with a pleased smile tugging at his lips.

                Kibum frowned. He wanted the work, but it seemed strange that anyone would cancel an established service on a whim. “Why?” he couldn’t help but ask, the tension in his belly returning.

                “I have something else I can assign them to,” Yilong answered quickly, his expression unchanged. “This is just a trial run for you, remember?”

                Kibum looked at Jinki again, a small uncertain crease between his brows. “Too good?” he wondered quietly, still unable to shake the vague worry the whole exchange was giving him.

                Jinki’s mouth quirked to the side and he shrugged subtly. “Maybe, but it’s the best we’ve got so far. And I don’t think Cyanite would send us to somebody too shady.” An embarrassed cringe appeared as he ducked his head with a quick glance in Yilong’s direction. You had to be careful around modified Terrans.

                An amused laugh was the modified Terran’s only response. “I take no offense. But if you don’t want my contract, it does not bother me.”

                Kibum flinched when another hand landed on his shoulder and he turned his head to see Ming looking down at him. “There are no tells to indicate he’s lying or a threat.” The medical android focused his gaze on Yilong as if to dare the other man to contradict him.

                Instead, Yilong’s eyes narrowed slightly before his brows rose just a hair. “Another mod Terran. Interesting,” he murmured, an intrigued glint in his eyes.

                “He’s not a mod Terran,” Kibum corrected with a shake of his head. “Ming’s a medical android.”

                Yilong looked Ming up and down once, eyes moving slowly and deliberately. “If you say so,” he conceded without arguing. Even more confused, Kibum looked at Ming again, but only got a reassuring pat on the shoulder from the android. “That aside, shall we agree upon a contract or not?”

                It almost felt like the other man was trying to put Kibum on the spot. He was well aware of the illusion of pressure and lost opportunities. Worse, it was working. But honestly, despite his misgivings and general uneasiness about the other man, he didn’t have a real reason to turn it down. And if he did, there was no telling when they might find something else. And maybe it was just because he really needed a direction, needed something to do or work towards… He wasn’t sure he could take just sitting and waiting and searching all that much longer. Not when everything in him was geared to trying to make it happen again. If he lost that feeling, that momentum… he was afraid he’d never get it back this time.

                “I guess not,” Yilong started to say when the silence went on.

                “We’ll do it.” Beside him, he could practically hear Jinki’s relieved breath and he felt Ming’s hand tighten just so on his shoulder – a tiny, satisfied squeeze.

                “I’ll send you the contract this afternoon then,” Yilong responded without missing a beat.

                “Huh?” Caught off guard by the seamless return, he flinched in surprise.

                “I can’t very well send it to you now,” the other man snorted with a shake of his head. “I have to make some changes after all. But you’re welcome to review it at your leisure and send it back to me when you’re ready. There’s no real rush,” he explained, his hand flippantly gesturing in the air.

                Kibum heard the tone, though. Moladhi were famous for practicing double speak – saying one thing on the surface but meaning or implying or inferring something else entirely at the same time. This very much felt like one of those instances. “Thank you,” was all he said. It wouldn’t do to press his luck and they’d still have ample time to look over it themselves when Yilong sent it to them later today.

                “You’re welcome. Now. I really should be going. Ever the busy shopkeeper,” he explained innocently with a flourish of his hand and lengthy sleeve. Without another word, the call ended, leaving them to their thoughts in the holo communication cell.

                “Well that was interesting,” Kibum exhaled, feeling as if he’d run a race or something.

                “Quite,” Jinki chuckled, squeezing Kibum’s hand again as he gave him a bright smile on his right side.

                “But also successful,” Ming reminded them, offering a smile in turn on Kibum’s left side.

                We have a contract! Taemin cheered enthusiastically, bouncing in place.

                Taking his cue from the other AI, Jonghyun followed suit. Yeah!

               

                The contract was pretty straightforward. No obvious loopholes and it appeared to be a simple delivery run to Earth 3.0 where Yilong’s shop was. Or at least Kibum assumed it was his shop. That what the registry said anyway. But… “Did anyone else think Yilong was a bit… odd?” he asked, struggling to pick his words with care.

                “Definitely not your average Terran. Even for a mod Terran,” Jinki agreed, a thoughtful expression on his face.

                I liked him, Taemin chimed in, popping into view with ease. He was really pretty. Maybe I should try long hair too!

                Jonghyun grunted in agreement with a single nod as he manifested into view too.

                Kibum could find no fault in their answers, but it didn’t feel like it was enough. “What do you think, Ming?” he asked, shifting is focus. “You’re the expert on these matters.”

                For a moment, Ming didn’t respond, an unfocused look in his eyes. Kibum was about to ask again when he perked up and shrugged, his mouth quirking to the side. “He was extensively modified. I could register no original Terran parts on him. Only his brain activity was authentic. Though that could explain part of your unease with him, Captain,” he went on, openly processing out loud.

                “Oh?” Kibum hummed, head tilting curiously.

                “It is likely a remnant of the Uncanny Valley effect,” he posited, one finger resting on his lips. “He is supposed to be Terran and he is, but the form is no longer actually of Terran composition, hence giving the effect of an artificial being that is like a Terran. Such a contradiction could cause many Terrans to feel uneasy,” he finished, though there was a wrinkle in his forehead that wasn’t usually there.

                Kibum made a face and sighed. “So the contract is solid and Yilong himself seems in the clear too. More or less,” he added with a slight frown. All his reviews on the site were good. Well, there were always some negative ones but the positives far outweighed them. A quick search didn’t even find any general controversies around him. Kibum wouldn’t say he was squeaky clean but there were no glaring marks against him either.

                “We can keep looking if you’d prefer,” Jinki offered, pushing the contract back to give Kibum space.

                But- Taemin started to say until Jinki looked at him. Fine.

                It made Kibum laugh. “No.” He took a breath and squared his shoulders. “We already agreed not to look a gift horse in the mouth. At the very least, this should let us get our foot in the stars.” Even as he said it, he was filled with a roiling sense of uneasy and nervous excitement. It felt as if everything he was meant to become really did hinge on this moment and that was both exhilarating and terrifying. But… with a look at Jinki’s warm face, he knew he wasn’t alone. His glance extended around the rest of the group and they all seemed to realize he was thinking something as they offered smiles all around.

                “Ready when you are, Captain,” Ming said, hand gesturing towards the still seated man and the floating contract.

                “We got this,” Jinki agreed, reaching out to grab Kibum’s nearest hand in his, giving it a careful squeeze.

                Kibum looked between his first mate and medical doctor before taking in his navigation and comms and weapons and defense AIs. The latter two were grinning at him expectantly. He gave a breathy laugh and rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand. “Alright crew,” he hummed, reaching out to pull the contract back towards him. “Let’s do this.”

 

                With the contract signed, all that was left was to get the ship finished up and cleared for takeoff. Really, she’d nearly been ready at the time of the contract anyway. And she was quite a sight to behold, sitting in the shipyard before them. Of a similar size to the Shine, she was sleeker this time around, with stationary boosters set into an omnidirectional unit on each wing. That newest addition had been the most expensive upgrade but Kibum felt it was well worth the price if he didn’t have to worry about what had happened the first time ever again.

                The pilot’s cabin and main deck still extended in the front and the belly was as boxy as before since it could hold a similar amount of storage. Both had additional reinforcement this time around though. Kibum was determined there would be no repeats. Again, the cost had been added to the overall bill, but since he figured he’d be paying for it for a good long while, what was a bit more for the added peace of mind and security?

                There was just one problem…

                I still think the Shine is the best name, Taemin volunteered, having reviewed the previous records so he could project the name on the side of the ship.

                The sight tugged at Kibum’s heartstrings and his gut twisted in memory. It was hard to catch his breath for a second. “Considering our typical runs, the Courier might be more accurate,” Ming chuckled as he crossed his arms.

                “The Courier’s already a ship,” Jinki explained with a wave as he leaned close just enough to nudge Kibum’s shoulder.

                Shaking himself free, he literally laughed when Jonghyun seriously suggested, It should be the Fight or Flight. What? he wondered when amusement filtered through the group. Is that not what Terrans do?

                “He’s not wrong,” Ming added with a nod in the AI’s direction.

                “Eh. We do but that hardly sends the right message,” Jinki countered, waving that off with a hard shake of his head.

                Kibum was listening but he was only just paying attention as other options ran through his head.

                What about Kibum’s Nest? That from Taemin.

                The Juggernaut. Then Jonghyun.

                “I don’t think our ship qualifies for either of those,” Jinki laughed.

                “Kim’s Crew?” Ming suggested.

                “Maybe? But it still doesn’t seem right,” Jinki added, an obvious shrug in his voice.

                Oh! How about-

                Kibum stepped forward and paused right next to Taemin, stalling the flow of words that would have followed. “Pull the Shine back up please,” he requested, pointing at the side of the ship.

                Huh? Okay, Taemin chirped, turning back to the ship and holo projecting the name again.

                He raised his hand to trace the letters and then scribed new ones with a thoughtful frown on his face.

                “What are you thinking, love?” Jinki asked, stepping close to wrap his arms around Kibum from behind, perching his chin on the other man’s shoulder.

                Kibum pursed his lips and then placed his hands atop Jinki’s. “It’s silly, I know, but it just feels like we are the Shine. But different now. Changed,” he sighed, chewing on the inside of his bottom lip.

                So… like Shine 2? Taemin suggested, projecting the number at the end.

                Immediately, Kibum and Jinki wrinkled their noses and he was pretty sure Ming did too in his periphery. “Not exactly,” Kibum answered gently.

                There is II, Jonghyun offered, gesturing at the name. The 2 was replaced with II instead.

                “Uh uh,” Kibum shook his head. “Way too generic.”

                “It could be Shine with two I’s,” Ming suggested, gesturing towards the I in the middle by slashing his finger twice.

                Taemin obliged and ShIIne appeared on the side. “Eh,” Kibum and Jinki answered at the same time, exchanging looks with a laugh.

                “That isn’t it, but I do think we’re getting close,” Kibum murmured, waving the second I away and then tracing the name again before lingering in the space just past the last letter. His finger drew another e. “Can you add one more e please?”

                Like this? Taemin asked for clarification, adding one more e to become Shinee.

                “So Shine?” Jinki wondered, trying the name on his tongue before he shook his head. “Shine e?” he tried again until his eyebrows rose in excitement and he blurted, “Shiny!”

                Kibum laughed with a grin. “Shinee.”

                Oh! Taemin and Jonghyun cooed in agreement at the same time.

                Ming just chuckled under his breath. “I didn’t realize you were such a poet, Captain.”

                “Huh?” Kibum chirped, completely lost.

                “You started off as an uncut gem with the intent to shine,” he explained, focusing on Kibum intently. “Now, seasoned from the first leg of your journey, you’re starting to become a polished gem,” he explained, gesturing towards the ship. “Shinee.”

                Kibum’s throat closed as Ming’s explanation sank in. He pursed his lips and tried to take a shaky breath as he looked at the ship with new eyes. The thought hadn’t even occurred to him but now that it had been voiced out loud… it fit. Emotion filled him, threatening to burst at the seams and all he could force out between trembling lips was, “That’s beautiful.”

                Jinki cupped the side of Kibum’s head and kissed him softly on the cheek close to his ear so he could whisper, “It’s perfect.”

                Kibum’s fingers tightened on Jinki’s arm and he nodded quickly, pursing his lips again so that the emotion wouldn’t spill out further. His breath was still shaky when he felt Ming’s hand on his shoulder, a firm, steadying presence. And off to the side, Taemin and Jonghyun were happily cheering.

                I like it! Shinee!

                The Shinee! Yeah!

                With Jinki’s arms around him, Ming at his side, Taemin and Jonghyun nearby, and the Shinee on standby, something inside Kibum finally clicked. He had his crew. His family – especially Jinki but the others were starting to feel like it too. And his ship. His new home. It was all here. Everything. “I think… I’m finally ready,” he whispered, his lips and blinking rapidly to keep the tears at bay.

                “We’re ready, love,” Jinki corrected gently, hugging Kibum closer.

                “We all are,” Ming agreed, squeezing Kibum’s shoulder before he let go and drifted towards the AIs. “Alright, alright. Yes, we’re all excited about the Shinee,” he chuckled, drawing their attention so they’d quiet down.

                Kibum took one more steadying breath and turned his head just enough so that he could see Jinki’s face. “Thank you,” he whispered, leaning his head against Jinki’s.

                Jinki laughed softly and nuzzled Kibum’s head back. “Where you go, I go, love. What makes you happy, makes me happy. No thanks needed,” he promised, arms still firmly wrapped around the other man.

                “Still. Thank you,” Kibum repeated, soaking up Jinki’s endless support and warmth. “For everything.”

                “Thank you, too. For everything,” he mirrored back without a hint of hesitation in his response.

 

                Their launch day came sooner than Kibum thought it would. He was sure that even though he was ready, and knew it, that he’d never actually feel ready. But after the congratulatory party the night before and the seeing off party on the day of, when Kibum walked into the shipping yard to see the Shinee, that concern at least melted away. With the new name blazoned on the side, she was ready and waiting for them to take her into the next leg of their journey.

                Kibum felt rather than heard Jinki come up beside him, his presence a palpable feeling. “How you doing, love?” he asked, fingers brushing against Kibum’s for a brief moment.

                “I’m good,” Kibum answered, taking a breath and pulling his shoulders back to at least pretend to have the confidence he wanted to feel.

                “Me too,” Jinki followed up, hooking his fingers lightly around Kibum’s.

                Kibum gripped tighter but kept the contact tenuous. He knew if he held on too hard, he’d be rooted to the spot and he needed for that not to happen. If Jinki got on the ship first, he could – would – follow. He looked over at the man that had been by his side since his second semester in university. A lot had happened since then, and changed, but he didn’t know what he’d done to deserve such a person in his life. Honestly, it shouldn’t matter, and right now it didn’t, but at least he’d have time to figure it out when they stepped out into the universe again, together.

                “You okay?” Jinki wondered, giving Kibum’s fingers a little shake.

                Kibum laughed once, a breathy escape of air from his lungs. “Yeah.” He made sure to focus on Jinki and forced a smile into place. “I just… need a minute, I think. Can you… head in and make sure things are good to go?” he asked, taking the Taemin pin from his chest and holding it out to Jinki.

                Jinki smiled and accepted it without question. “Sure, love.” He leaned close to steal a quick kiss on the lips, fingers lingering in Kibum’s as he did so. “Don’t take too long, okay? I might have to come back out to get you if you do,” he winked, keeping his tone light and playful but Kibum knew he was serious.

                “Sure,” he nodded in easy agreement. With reluctance, he let Jinki’s fingers slip from his but kept the smile on his face as the other man walked into the Shinee. The Shinee. His ship. Their ship.

                He was startled when Ming spoke next to him, arriving undetected. “You ready, Captain?”

                “As ready as I’m going to be,” Kibum responded, taking a breath and letting it out slowly. “Are you?” he shot back, pulling a grin as he turned to look at the doctor. He was surprised when Ming was looking at him already.

                “I am,” he answered, his gaze holding steady. “But Captain. If I may?” he added, tone rising up in inquiry.

                “Of course,” Kibum nodded, granting immediate permission.

                Ming frowned for a second, as if he wasn’t entirely sure about speaking up. But then the hesitation disappeared and his expression smoothed out. “Please call me Minho from now on.”

                “Minho?” Kibum echoed to confirm. When Ming nodded, he went on, “Any reason?”

                Ming shook his head with a tiny furrow between his brows. “I’ve been Ming for a long time now. But… I used to be Minho. I think it’s my original name.”

                “Your original name? Not a model number?”

                Ming shook his head. “A name. Minho. Choi Minho. I should have had a model number, but I do not recall it.”

                “Oh,” Kibum chirped in surprise as he searched the medical android’s face. “Well. I don’t see any problem with it,” he decided after a moment. “Doctor Minho. Doctor Choi?” he tried out, expression uncertain when he used both.

                “Just Minho,” the doctor answered with a low chuckle. It was eerily reminiscent of a Terran.

                “Minho then,” Kibum agreed, smiling broadly at the android.

                “Thank you, sir.” He moved like he was going to head inside and then stopped, attention focusing on Kibum again. “Do you need another moment or…?” he trailed off, leaving the question unfinished.

                Kibum bit his bottom lip and took a breath, looking around the area as he did so. He had no reason to stay out there. His farewells had been given, the ship was as ready as it was going to be, his crew was waiting, and all that was left was to get onboard. He turned to look back at the entrance of the shipping yard, the opening seeming both familiar and foreign at the same time. Looking through the busy portal, his mouth quirked to one side. His future wasn’t here. He didn’t know where it was meant to be but Starseeker’s Rest was not it. At the very least, Yonichi wasn’t it. He turned back to the Shinee where Jinki, Taemin, and Jonghyun already were. There. That was where his future was. Wherever it took them.

                “No,” he responded with a gusty exhale. “I’m good. Let’s go, Minho,” he added before taking the lead to step onboard.

                Doctor Minho peeled off towards the medical bay almost as soon as they entered, leaving Kibum to head to the main deck by himself. It didn’t take him long to move from the entrance to wander through the cargo hold and up to the main hallway leading past their sleeping quarters and into the pilot’s cabin. His cabin. Behind the copilot’s chair, Jinki was waiting, hands resting on the shoulders but turning to beam at Kibum as he entered.

                Without a word, Kibum grinned back and waved at the seat, gesturing for Jinki to strap in while he moved towards the pilot’s chair himself. It felt odd settling into place once more. The straps secure but comfortable. The seat familiar but foreign. Everything an echo of what had been before but new. He rubbed his hands on the armrests and then traced his fingers over the edge of the control panel. Butterflies swarmed in his stomach.

                With a flip of the switch, he powered the Shinee up. Lights burned bright in the cabin and the ship hummed with life. Kibum took a steadying breath as he snuck a quick look at Jinki. His first mate, engineer, boyfriend gave him a blinding smile in return. He could do this. Taking a deep breath, he sat up straighter in his chair and called out, “Crew of the Shinee. Report.”

                “First mate and engineer Lee Jinki. Ready to go, Captain,” Jinki answered immediately, extending his hand so that Kibum could take it, holding tight.

                Communications and navigations officer Taemin. Ready to go! the AI announced excitedly.

                Jonghyun followed suit. Weapons master Jonghyun ready to go, Captain.

                “Medical personnel and ship’s doctor Minho, ready to go,” the android announced in turn.

                “Minho?” Jinki whispered in quiet curiosity.

                “I’ll explain later,” Kibum whispered back with a wink. Jinki nodded with a shrug in easy acceptance and Kibum turned his attention to the last step. He reached out to push the external coms button. “Captain Kim Kibum of the Shinee to Yonichi flight control. Requesting clearance for takeoff.” He couldn’t help but look at Jinki while he waited for the response. The other man’s presence was steadying in a way that nothing else could be.

                “Captain Kim Kibum of the Shinee. This is Yonichi flight control. You are cleared for launch in t-minus three minutes. Please wait for transfer to the launching bay.”

                “Thank you, Yonichi flight control,” Kibum answered in response, feeling his heart hammer in response. It was both the longest and shortest three minutes of his life. Mutely, he reached out for Jinki’s hand and support and got it without question. Strong warm fingers wrapped around his, molding together like they were meant to be there.

                “Shinee. You are clear to takeoff.”

                Kibum laughed and looked at Jinki. “You ready, love?”

                “Yes. Let’s go.”

                Kibum’s fingers splayed wide on the navigation board as he gently slipped his hand from Jinki’s. “Crew of the Shinee. This is Captain Kim Kibum. We are taking off in three…

                …two…

                …one.”

 

(a/n: Wow. This was an interesting journey. I had only meant for this to be a short story type thing or novella but it really spiraled into something much larger. Not surprising for me exactly, but I was still surprised. haha I wasn't expecting to write an, essentially, slice of life / overcoming trauma and setback sort of story. I mean, I sort of knew where my characters had come from, but as is the case with a lot of my characters, they really tend to come to life and generate their own stories in my worlds. I'm not one that plots everything out meticulously and the characters do generally have a say in what happens and where we go. I'm satisfied with how things played out in the end but there were definitely a lot of surprises. haha I don't foresee myself trying to do something like this again in the near future, though I will say I do not regret it. I have a greater respect for slice of life and trauma writers in general at this point. XD I have discovered it is not my forte for lengthy pieces at least. 

That being said, this is not the end of their story. In fact, as the title implies, it is the beginning. The end of this adventure is merely the beginning of a much larger one. It is one that I would love to come back to and continue soon / at some point in the future. Right now, I will be taking a break from this universe to focus on a new direction, but do know that I loved these characters and this world and I look forward to the day I can fully flesh out the mysteries I've seeded in the first part. Thank you to those who have taken the time to join me on this journey. I appreciate your time and words and presence if nothing else. I hope that you've enjoyed this final update and if you feel so inclined to leave your thoughts or comments, I'd be much obliged and oh so grateful. But if not, again, thank you for sharing this journey with me and happy reading for your next adventure!)