becoming/kink bingo fill
Title: Becoming
Pairing/Group: Taguchi Junnosuke/Tanaka Koki, Nakamaru Yuichi
Rating/Warnings: NC-17-- sci-fi AU, dubious science, and a dubious consent interlude
Word Count: 5031
Summary: Junno's latest assignment is... different.
Notes: This was written for the body alteration / injury square of my kink bingo card, and can be read as a prequel (!) to O Green World. Many thanks to je_levy for idea-baseball and beta-sticking, as well as to sekky_chan for gdocs lurking.
Junno has always been open-minded; it's how he'd even ended up where he is now, as a pilot in the space exploration program stationed on Europa. It’s kind of a nice change from the service; much more relaxed, though the base is just as no-nonsense and sterile as the service had been. At least there are viewports throughout its corridors so he can see Jupiter and the rest of its moons, as well as the distant bright speck that must be the sun.
He’s had a long day, so to speak, and Junno is ready to fall into the cot in his austere quarters. It’s basically a closet with an even smaller closet of a refresher built into it, with a holoscreen reachable from bed. It’s quite cozy; Junno thinks it’s kind of fun, even if it’s a little claustrophobic.
Once the door has slid shut behind him, the holoscreen pings at him. He’s got a message; it’s probably something dull like a follow-up with the station’s medic regarding the injury that had gotten him here. It’s fine, at least according to Junno. His only complaint is how stiff his knee gets when he gets too cold.
Junno sits heavily on the edge of the cot and taps the screen to open the message. It’s actually not as dull as he’d been expecting-- it’s from the director of the program.
Report to Landing Bay 1129 at 0800. You will meet your new assignment.
J
It’s worded a little strangely, but Junno is more intrigued than unsettled by it. He falls asleep easily once he’s set the holoscreen’s alarm.
Junno almost beats his alarm awake as his hand flails toward it practically unconsciously. He showers quickly and finishes making himself presentable in record time. It’s a good time to make doubly-sure that his appearance is neat, and Junno spends more time than usual making sure the epaulettes of his shirt are positioned just so and that his hair is neater than he normally wears it. He’s got to look good for meeting his assignment, whatever that means.
He perches on the edge of his cot to tug on his boots, and then pauses one last time to make sure his trousers are properly buttoned and zipped. Junno leaves for the landing bays once he’s certain that he’s done up completely. It won’t do to make a sloppy first impression.
Minutes later, Junno is halfway across the station. It isn’t much farther to the assigned bay, and he wonders what the message meant when it had said he’d meet his assignment there. He would be working with people, so why go there instead of to one of the commander’s offices?
As he steps into Bay 1129, the first thing Junno sees is a ship. It’s not as small as the fighter models he’d piloted in the past, but it isn’t a gigantic monstrosity of a personnel transporter, either. The ship actually looks more like it’s meant to carry people for a lengthy stretch of time-- it’s big enough to have several levels. He wonders how many other people he’ll be working with.
No one else is in the landing bay; Junno is a bit early though. He waits, resisting the urge to go right up to the ship and touch it. Its lines are beautiful, the whole thing blotting out the stars behind it, and Junno feels proud that he’s been chosen to fly this machine.
His personal holoscreen trills, and Junno opens the screen in surprise. Come closer is all it says, and he can only assume that it’s a message from the ship. Junno’s only heard rumors of something like this, ships that communicate with their pilots. Surely it isn’t possible.
Junno steps forward, striding toward the ship’s nose. Its hull is shiny, smooth silver, and he wonders what it would feel like to touch it. It looks slick, somehow. As soon as he raises a hand to do just that, though, brisk footsteps echo behind him. He turns, smoothly transitioning his curiosity into a crisp salute.
The newcomer is an elderly man; he’s dressed sharply and Junno wonders who he is. He doesn’t introduce himself. The man simply says, “I see you’ve met the STAR RIDER. You have been chosen to receive the latest augmentations to fully interact with her, and you will report to the medical officer at once.”
That’s all that he says, turning his back to Junno after his declaration. Junno lowers his hand and watches, and then turns to look at the ship one last time before following his latest instructions.
He can’t help but feel a little nervous as he enters the medical wing of Europa station. Junno usually does his best to stay away; everything smells too clean. He squares his shoulders, though, and does as he’s told. It’s actually exciting, to be part of the next step in the evolution of navigation.
Junno barely notices the receptionist’s terminal; as soon as the door slides shut, his holoscreen chimes again. It instructs him to go directly back; apparently he’s been expected. The inner door slides open, and he finds himself in a room with a young man, around his age. He’s a bit shorter than he is, pale from the glow of the fluorescent lighting, with his dark hair pulled back into a low ponytail.
“Hello,” he says, barely glancing up from his holoscreen. “I’m Tanaka Koki, pleased to meet you.” Junno barely introduces himself before Koki continues on. “I’m not sure how best to describe what will happen today; maybe it’s better to just start shortly.”
“Why don’t you sort of give me an overview? I’ve only been told to go places today. I mean, what does ‘augmentation’ have to do with piloting a ship?”
Koki bites his lip for a moment. “Well, basically it means I’m going to install a way for the ship to communicate directly with you. You’ll be able to interact with it too, through your link.”
Junno is thoroughly confused. “Install?” he asks, wondering how that’s even accomplished with a human being.
“I’m going to create a pathway through your skull so that the ship A.I. can write itself into a corner of your brain.” Koki says it matter-of-factly and rises so he can guide Junno to have a seat on the steel table that dominates the back wall of the room. “At first the ports I create will actually allow the ship to physically plug into you, but as time passes you’ll be able to do it completely independently of any tangible aids.”
Junno nods, letting the idea sink in. It sounds kind of neat, even though he still isn’t sure of what to expect. Koki steps in front of him, and without warning plunges both hands into Junno’s hair. His fingers press and prod his scalp, and along the back of his neck and ears. Koki's fingers pause behind his right ear, and he makes a thoughtful noise. Then he tilts Junno's head to the side, peering closer.
"Lie on your front for me," Koki says, letting go of Junno and patting the table. He steps back and Junno rearranges himself, resting his chin across his arms. Once he's settled, Koki's fingers return, this time on the nape of his neck.
"What are you doing?" Junno mumbles. Koki's hands feel good, and he's ready to nod off.
Koki responds, nonchalant. "Gotta give you two ports. It's better to have them closer to your brain; we could put them elsewhere, like your wrists or elbows, but it wouldn't be ideal."
It finally sinks in, what Koki's been alluding to, and Junno can't help shivering. "Will it hurt?"
"Yes," Koki says. "You have to be awake for the procedure, but then you'll sleep for a few days while you heal. Don't worry; I'll take care of you." The way he says it, quiet and confident, reassures him, and he nods.
"Sit up again, please." Koki turns to make some notes on his holoscreen. "I'm actually going to do this in the medbay of the ship; that way once you're ready you can link."
Junno stands and straightens his shirt as he follows Koki back to the ship. He ignores how nervous he's beginning to feel; this is just another assignment and he'll do just fine. When they get back to the landing bay, the boarding ramp is lowered. Maybe the ship does have its own semblance of sentience; Junno is intrigued.
Koki leads Junno to the lift, and they ascend to the middle level. He already seems familiar with the ship as he strides down the corridor. Another door slides open; it’s the medbay, all gleaming white and stainless steel.
“Sit,” Koki says, setting up his tools. Junno does his best not to look too closely. Once the clinking of supplies ceases, Koki speaks again. “Shirt off, please.”
Junno complies, eyes curious as Koki steps in front of him again. Wordlessly, he takes Junno’s jaw in his hands and turns his head to the side. “Hold still,” Koki murmurs, and the next sound between them is the quiet buzz of clippers above and behind his right ear. He pauses and takes a critical look at his handiwork and then makes a second pass before setting the clippers aside and brushing at Junno’s shoulder.
“In the room across the corridor there are some more comfortable trousers. Go change; there’s a refresher if you want to rinse off. Once I’m through, you’re going to sleep it off and there won’t be time for showers.” Koki smiles a bit, the first that isn’t all business-like, and Junno thinks he’s kind of adorable. He’d never say it though; it wouldn’t be proper.
He rinses off quickly, stopping to look in the mirror once he’s pulled his pants on. He’s halfway to a mohawk; the way the rest of his hair is mussed makes it look like he’s just rolled out of bed after a particularly wild night cycle. It’s kind of cool, Junno thinks, and he returns to the medbay and Koki.
“On your belly again. You can rest your head on your arms; just face me,” Koki says. Once Junno’s positioned as requested, Koki continues. “What I’m going to do is give you two ports-- one will go behind your ear and the other at the nape of your neck. I’ll talk you through everything, okay, once everything is numb.”
Junno nods, and everything feels sort of strange and tingly. He wonders when Koki stuck him. There's a dull pressure behind his ear, and he's quiet as he asks, "What is that, Koki?"
"Just me. Does it hurt?"
Junno barely shakes his head.
"Good. I'm going to finish preparing the first site. Remember, stay still." There's a rasp against his scalp one more time, and then something cool is wiped after it. "Let me wash up before I really get started," Koki says.
Water runs somewhere behind Junno, and Koki's footsteps are quiet as he returns to his side. From his vantage point, Junno can watch as Koki pulls on a pair of gloves and picks up a scalpel. All he feels is pressure as Koki begins to work.
“I’m making the first cuts. One so I can slide the port access under your skin, and then two smaller ones that its edges will poke through.” Koki’s voice is low and steady as he works. “Gotta drill for a second, but it’s not a big hole; the bottom edges of the port will anchor here.”
Junno thinks he should probably be a little more alarmed at that statement, but he can’t find it in himself to care that much. He’s changing, gaining the ability to interface with a machine, and it’s too fascinating to be upsetting.
“There,” Koki says, a little triumphantly. “The first one is in. Now look at the floor; I need the back of your neck. This port is more superficial, no drilling into anything. The ship’s wires will just use this one as a guide to link into your spinal column.”
Neither of them say anything as Koki works. Once the whisper of the silken sutures stills and Koki sets aside his tools, he helps Junno sit up. He blinks, feeling the beginnings of a headache, and rubs at his eyes.
“All right?” Koki asks, one warm palm against his shoulder.
It takes a second for Junno to answer, his voice rough. Once he speaks satisfactorily enough for Koki, the other helps him to stand and make his way to one of the stasis units. He settles in, making sure to stay on his left side so that Koki can have access to the rest of his body.
“Get some rest, Junno. I’ll be close by if you need me; just let me get you hooked up. Once the ship is ready for travel, it will take care of all the stasis procedures. Until then, it’s me.”
Junno is sure that he imagines the way Koki’s hand trails down his spine. Too forward, but he likes it.
He’s not sure how long he sleeps, but when Junno wakes up, he’s under the watchful gaze of Koki and another man. The newcomer looks to be close to his age, tall and lanky. He doesn’t say anything to Junno; instead he nods in acknowledgement before turning and leaving. Koki looks a little smitten as he haphazardly salutes.
Junno keeps the groan he wants to make in check and closes his eyes against the too-bright lights. His throat feels like sandpaper and his head is pounding, and he’s pretty sure this is the worst he’s ever felt.
“Who was that?” he rasps, mouth dry.
“The commander of this ship. His name is Nakamaru Yuichi.” Koki helps Junno sit up, and then turns his head to inspect the first port. He pokes at it and makes a thoughtful noise, stepping around the stasis unit to examine the second one. “How do you feel?”
“Parched.”
“I’ll get you some water. But first, where are we? What is your name?”
Those are silly questions, Junno thinks, but he answers anyway. “We’re on the STAR RIDER and my name is Taguchi Junnosuke.”
Koki nods, making a pleased noise. He makes good on his promise of water, and Junno nearly drowns himself in his haste to drink it. “Once you’re ready, we’ll go to the cockpit so you can load the A.I., and then you’re free to return to your quarters. You’ll have plenty of time to get used to your link.”
Junno nods and stands slowly as Koki hovers; once he's proven that he's steady on his feet Koki beckons him to follow. They return to the lift, this time going to the upper level.
The lift opens up to a single room. There are three seats, two of them within reach of the controls. The control panels gleam, their layout familiar already. A large holoscreen serves as a viewport. It's like home.
Junno crosses the room, his bare feet quiet against the steel floor. He drags his fingers along the arm of the pilot's seat, almost reverently. He sits down, hands loosely curled against the armrests, and sighs. It's perfect.
Out of the corner of his eye, he can see the way Koki is biting his lip in an attempt to hide a grin. "Do you need a moment alone?" he asks, and Junno shakes his head, laughing a bit.
"I'm ready to link in, Koki."
"The first time we'll have to manually do it. After that, all you'll have to do is think it." Koki steps behind him and presses a button on the console. A row of lights flash, and his seat shakes as wiring emerges from the armrests to wrap around his wrists. The same thing is happening with the back of the seat; he can feel them snaking across his shoulders.
Junno thinks he should probably be more alarmed; instead he's fascinated. Koki's fingers follow the same path before grabbing the end of the first cable. "This one goes in the nape of your neck," Koki says, one palm spread across his chest. "Take a deep breath."
He does. He gasps it out when the first pinpricks of pain blossom along his spine.
It hurts, burns, and Junno can't do anything, not even a whisper of a scream. Vaguely he hears Koki's voice, but he can't make out the words. The pain levels out, but only for a moment; Koki's hand is on his cheek and his eyes look worried, and then there's another starburst flare behind his ear.
Through the haze Junno can feel something in his brain, in his skull, and he fully realizes that Koki had really meant installation.
Hello, a voice in his head whispers. Allow me to make some adjustments.
Almost immediately, the pain stops.
There. Much better, correct? Don’t worry about answering; I already know.
Junno wonders if he’s going mad. He can feel his pulse thundering through his veins, and he’s afraid that his heart is going to rattle right out of his chest.
Impossible.
“Koki,” Junno whispers. “There’s something in my head.”
Koki’s hand is still on his face, and his thumb strokes his cheek in an attempt to calm him. “I know. It’s the ship’s A.I., and you’ll never be alone again.”
No, you’ll never be lonely again. You’ve got me. The voice sounds less frightening somehow as it continues. I need a name.
Junno doesn’t know how to answer that. It doesn’t seem to matter to the voice in his head, because it answers for him. I’ve got it. Call me Navinosuke.
The wires disengage themselves from Junno, and he feels empty. He slumps into the seat once they’ve slithered back into their recesses. All he wants to do is sleep, but Koki’s hands are insistent as they urge him to get up.
“Come on, Junno. Let me take you to a proper bed.” Koki’s insistent, and Junno wills himself to push himself out of his seat. This time he isn’t as steady, and he’s glad for Koki’s stubborn help as he leans against his shoulder. They manage to return to mid-level, and Koki steers Junno to the room across from the medbay. Junno sits on the bed, though it’s more of a near-fall, and Koki looks like he doesn’t know what to do. All he says is, “I’ll be across the hall if you need me.”
Junno nods. Everything hurts, and his body feels heavy as he settles onto his side. He stares as Koki leaves, eyes lingering on the way his hips sway.
Nice, isn’t it? Navinosuke’s metallic voice is conspiratorial, and Junno groans low in his throat. Don’t deny it. Let me help you.
Junno’s body moves of its own accord; he’s horrified when he realizes that Navinosuke is the one manipulating him. He stares up at the ceiling, eyes wide and unable to make a sound as he rolls onto his back. His right hand drags along the waistband of his trousers, and then delves into them. It’s almost as if a stranger is touching him.
Let me adjust something. Junno’s never heard something sound so self-satisfied; he nearly chokes as he’s flooded with endorphins. Much better.
Everything feels good, at least to his body, but Junno can’t shake his discomfort. He’s not ever going to be in control of himself, ever again. He’s fully hard now, and Navinosuke keeps whispering against his skull.
I’ve always wondered what this would feel like. Is it good for you?
Junno doesn’t know how to answer. It does feel good, but he’s scared. What if he loses himself completely? What happens then?
His train of thoughts comes crashing to a halt as he comes sticky over his hand. Junno wants to groan, but he can’t even work his vocal cords now; he’s trapped under Navinosuke’s whims. He sits up, and Navinosuke walks Junno into the refresher. Got to get clean, you know.
Junno watches, numb, as he washes himself. He’d never felt awkward in his own skin until now. Once he’s clean, Navinosuke allows him to stumble back to his bunk. There’s a drawer open next to the bed, and Junno finds another pair of pyjamas in it. He slips them on, and then slips into bed again.
Get some rest, Navinosuke whispers, and it’s almost comforting.
The next few days pass in a blur. Junno isn’t sure when he’s in complete control of himself; even when Navinosuke is silent, Junno knows he’s there, watching.
He fears that one day he’ll wake up, and Navinosuke will have taken complete control of his body.
Junno lets his fears percolate, oblivious to the worried glances Koki shoots at him throughout their trial runs with the ship’s controls. It’s only when Koki forcibly drags him to the medbay that he realizes it, and Junno is silent as he’s pushed to have a seat.
Koki sits across from him and folds his hands in his lap. “Junno,” he says. “Are you alright?”
Junno shakes his head. He can’t meet Koki’s eyes.
“Maybe I should have told you about the trial studies with earlier models of A.I. and their pilots.” Junno looks up at that, and Koki continues. “They didn’t go well.”
“How so?”
“Aside from rejection of the interface ports, the ones that succeeded still had to keep their sanity. The A.I.’s can and will take complete control of their human counterparts.”
Junno’s heart drops into his stomach.
“But there is a way to stop it. The successful trial studies showed that pilots who had something to latch onto, something to keep them grounded, were able to fully partner with their A.I. system.”
“What do you mean, Koki?”
“The pilots who had something other than orders to live for were able to keep their A.I.’s in check.”
“I don’t have anything other than my orders, though.”
It’s Koki’s turn to be unable to look him in the eye. His fingers twist together, and he bites his lip. Junno’s pretty sure he’s found something he wants; he holds his breath to see what Koki has to say.
“You could, though.”
“What do you mean?” Something feels weird in his chest, and he’s pretty sure Navinosuke has nothing to do with it.
Koki rolls his eyes and huffs as he looks up. “I kind of like you!” Once he’s done with his declaration, he looks away again. Junno can deal with that, and it seems Navinosuke can too.
Oh, can we? He looks like he’d be so much fun, Junno.
Junno can’t help but agree with Navinosuke. He reaches out and takes one of Koki’s hands in his own. “Really?”
Koki nods, and Junno tugs him forward using his grip on his hand. He stumbles into his arms, and Junno is content to hold Koki there. Gentle fingers thread into his hair and pet him; they’re careful against the short bristles around his port. Junno sighs in contentment, and he’s sure that Navinosuke echoes it in the back of his mind.
They stay like that for several long moments before Koki speaks again. “I was originally only supposed to install the link, you know.” Junno looks up at him, brow furrowed. “But I made my request to the commander that day he visited, and he agreed. Said he’d need a medic.”
Junno pulls Koki to perch on his lap. “Good. Might be needing one.”
Koki laughs, then sobers up. “Your ports still haven’t fully healed. You aren’t cleared for heavy exertion yet.”
“‘S’okay,” Junno mutters into Koki’s neck. “We can wait; Navinosuke can make adjustments to my healing ability.”
“Alright then,” Koki replies. “Let’s take this to a proper bed; it’s almost night cycle and it’s been a long day.”
Both of them pile into Junno’s bunk. He falls asleep to the content hum of Navinosuke in the back of his mind and Koki’s even breaths against his chest. It’s the first time Junno has ever felt so happy; he’s got a purpose that isn’t dictated by anyone else.
Junno gets more and more comfortable with Navinosuke. The days pass swiftly as they become used to each other’s presence in Junno’s head, and their control over the ship becomes seamless. Koki converts the spare sleeping quarters into a lab of his own with the permission of Nakamaru; Junno has yet to meet him. He wonders what he’s like.
It’s late in the day cycle, and Junno and Navinosuke are just finishing the day’s simulations. The lift doors slide open and Koki joins them. His jacket is loose on his shoulders, and his shirt is half-untucked; Junno wonders what’s brought this on. He’s quiet as Koki climbs onto his lap, facing him.
Koki’s fingers dance around the edges of the port implanted in the back of his neck, and then make their way to the one behind his ear. He turns Junno’s head to get a better look at that one, and then hums. “I think it’s safe to say you’re cleared for heavy lifting, Junno.” Koki has a sly look in his eyes as he says it.
“Yeah?” Junno shifts Koki in his lap, grinning. Koki nods. “I think we should christen the ship.” The console behind Koki trills, and Junno adds, “Navinosuke agrees.”
Koki smirks as he shrugs his jacket off the rest of the way and drops it behind him. Junno rests his hands on Koki’s hips, content to watch as Koki tugs his shirt up and unbuttons it; it joins his jacket shortly. He wiggles his way out of Junno’s hold only long enough to unfasten his trousers and fumble in one of his cargo pockets before letting them fall to the floor as well. Koki hangs on to Junno’s hand as he kicks out of his boots, and then climbs back into his lap, all pale smooth skin.
Junno simply watches as Koki tears at the drawstring of his pants, one hand wrapping around him roughly. Koki lines them up, hand curling around them loosely as he strokes. “Come on, Junno,” he gasps, and Junno complies, taking the lube from him.
It’s a bit awkward to slick his fingers at this angle, but Junno is determined. At the first slide of his slippery fingers along Koki’s crease, Junno gasps at the way the hand Koki’s got looped around his shoulders scratches him. Koki adjusts his grip, warm palm cradling the back of Junno’s neck, and runs his fingers along the edges of the port there as he’s worked open.
Both of them are gasping into each other’s mouths; it’s too much work to properly kiss. Their tongues flick together and Koki momentarily draws Junno closer. “I’m ready,” he says, balancing precariously as he shifts in Junno’s lap.
Junno thinks that Navinosuke must have helped him somehow, because he’s not got enough hands to have slicked himself, but he concentrates on the way Koki feels around him, hot and tight, nearly smothering him. Once he’s fully seated, he stills, waiting for Koki to adjust.
An electric jolt spurs him into motion; Junno gasps at the echo of metallic laughter in his head. Koki’s fingers dig into his skin, and Junno does the same, his nails digging into Koki’s hips as he holds him in place. Koki bounces with the force of his thrusts, and Junno plants his feet more firmly against the floor.
Koki’s fingers continue to play with the back of his neck, and Navinosuke is making adjustments in his brain, making his nerve endings sing. Junno is nearly overwhelmed in the most delicious way. “Koki,” he gasps. “‘M close.”
Against his will, Junno’s thrusts slow down; more adjustments. Make it last, Navinosuke whispers; he’s almost drowned out by Junno’s deep groan. He bites his lip as he pulls Koki down to meet his hips. Koki manages to get a hand around himself, the other never leaving the back of Junno’s neck, and it’s only a few rough strokes before he’s shuddering and gasping as he comes. He feels amazing around Junno, and he barely has time to process the feeling before he’s overloaded with the starburst of his own orgasm.
They’re a tangled, sticky mess as they recover their breath, and Junno has never felt more content in his life. Navinosuke is happy, too, a constant electrical tingle in his brain. Reluctantly, Junno slips out and shifts Koki in his lap; he’s almost a dead weight in his arms. Koki hadn’t been kidding about heavy lifting.
Junno is nearly asleep in his seat when the lift doors slide open. Koki’s out cold, oblivious. He doesn’t even try to make himself presentable; it’s hard to do with a grown man in his lap. Junno simply sits up as best he can.
Boots click against the steel floor. Junno turns his head, eyes meeting the surprisingly soft gaze of the commander. His voice is pleasant as he murmurs, “At ease.”
He simply looks down at Junno and Koki, completely unruffled. It’s kind of unsettling, and Junno wonders what he’s there for.
“We haven’t properly met. My name is Nakamaru Yuichi, and I’ll be the commander of this ship. It seems you’ve healed admirably.” He pauses for a moment, carefully not looking at the tangle of Junno and Koki’s limbs, and continues. “Perhaps tomorrow would be a better time. I’ll be back at 0800; please try to have your pants on, both of you.”
With that, Nakamaru turns, the barest grin on his face. Navinosuke waits until the lift doors have closed fully before he comments.
Think he’d play with us too?
Junno nearly shakes Koki out of his lap with his silent laughter. This is going to be the best assignment ever.
Pairing/Group: Taguchi Junnosuke/Tanaka Koki, Nakamaru Yuichi
Rating/Warnings: NC-17-- sci-fi AU, dubious science, and a dubious consent interlude
Word Count: 5031
Summary: Junno's latest assignment is... different.
Notes: This was written for the body alteration / injury square of my kink bingo card, and can be read as a prequel (!) to O Green World. Many thanks to je_levy for idea-baseball and beta-sticking, as well as to sekky_chan for gdocs lurking.
Junno has always been open-minded; it's how he'd even ended up where he is now, as a pilot in the space exploration program stationed on Europa. It’s kind of a nice change from the service; much more relaxed, though the base is just as no-nonsense and sterile as the service had been. At least there are viewports throughout its corridors so he can see Jupiter and the rest of its moons, as well as the distant bright speck that must be the sun.
He’s had a long day, so to speak, and Junno is ready to fall into the cot in his austere quarters. It’s basically a closet with an even smaller closet of a refresher built into it, with a holoscreen reachable from bed. It’s quite cozy; Junno thinks it’s kind of fun, even if it’s a little claustrophobic.
Once the door has slid shut behind him, the holoscreen pings at him. He’s got a message; it’s probably something dull like a follow-up with the station’s medic regarding the injury that had gotten him here. It’s fine, at least according to Junno. His only complaint is how stiff his knee gets when he gets too cold.
Junno sits heavily on the edge of the cot and taps the screen to open the message. It’s actually not as dull as he’d been expecting-- it’s from the director of the program.
Report to Landing Bay 1129 at 0800. You will meet your new assignment.
J
It’s worded a little strangely, but Junno is more intrigued than unsettled by it. He falls asleep easily once he’s set the holoscreen’s alarm.
Junno almost beats his alarm awake as his hand flails toward it practically unconsciously. He showers quickly and finishes making himself presentable in record time. It’s a good time to make doubly-sure that his appearance is neat, and Junno spends more time than usual making sure the epaulettes of his shirt are positioned just so and that his hair is neater than he normally wears it. He’s got to look good for meeting his assignment, whatever that means.
He perches on the edge of his cot to tug on his boots, and then pauses one last time to make sure his trousers are properly buttoned and zipped. Junno leaves for the landing bays once he’s certain that he’s done up completely. It won’t do to make a sloppy first impression.
Minutes later, Junno is halfway across the station. It isn’t much farther to the assigned bay, and he wonders what the message meant when it had said he’d meet his assignment there. He would be working with people, so why go there instead of to one of the commander’s offices?
As he steps into Bay 1129, the first thing Junno sees is a ship. It’s not as small as the fighter models he’d piloted in the past, but it isn’t a gigantic monstrosity of a personnel transporter, either. The ship actually looks more like it’s meant to carry people for a lengthy stretch of time-- it’s big enough to have several levels. He wonders how many other people he’ll be working with.
No one else is in the landing bay; Junno is a bit early though. He waits, resisting the urge to go right up to the ship and touch it. Its lines are beautiful, the whole thing blotting out the stars behind it, and Junno feels proud that he’s been chosen to fly this machine.
His personal holoscreen trills, and Junno opens the screen in surprise. Come closer is all it says, and he can only assume that it’s a message from the ship. Junno’s only heard rumors of something like this, ships that communicate with their pilots. Surely it isn’t possible.
Junno steps forward, striding toward the ship’s nose. Its hull is shiny, smooth silver, and he wonders what it would feel like to touch it. It looks slick, somehow. As soon as he raises a hand to do just that, though, brisk footsteps echo behind him. He turns, smoothly transitioning his curiosity into a crisp salute.
The newcomer is an elderly man; he’s dressed sharply and Junno wonders who he is. He doesn’t introduce himself. The man simply says, “I see you’ve met the STAR RIDER. You have been chosen to receive the latest augmentations to fully interact with her, and you will report to the medical officer at once.”
That’s all that he says, turning his back to Junno after his declaration. Junno lowers his hand and watches, and then turns to look at the ship one last time before following his latest instructions.
He can’t help but feel a little nervous as he enters the medical wing of Europa station. Junno usually does his best to stay away; everything smells too clean. He squares his shoulders, though, and does as he’s told. It’s actually exciting, to be part of the next step in the evolution of navigation.
Junno barely notices the receptionist’s terminal; as soon as the door slides shut, his holoscreen chimes again. It instructs him to go directly back; apparently he’s been expected. The inner door slides open, and he finds himself in a room with a young man, around his age. He’s a bit shorter than he is, pale from the glow of the fluorescent lighting, with his dark hair pulled back into a low ponytail.
“Hello,” he says, barely glancing up from his holoscreen. “I’m Tanaka Koki, pleased to meet you.” Junno barely introduces himself before Koki continues on. “I’m not sure how best to describe what will happen today; maybe it’s better to just start shortly.”
“Why don’t you sort of give me an overview? I’ve only been told to go places today. I mean, what does ‘augmentation’ have to do with piloting a ship?”
Koki bites his lip for a moment. “Well, basically it means I’m going to install a way for the ship to communicate directly with you. You’ll be able to interact with it too, through your link.”
Junno is thoroughly confused. “Install?” he asks, wondering how that’s even accomplished with a human being.
“I’m going to create a pathway through your skull so that the ship A.I. can write itself into a corner of your brain.” Koki says it matter-of-factly and rises so he can guide Junno to have a seat on the steel table that dominates the back wall of the room. “At first the ports I create will actually allow the ship to physically plug into you, but as time passes you’ll be able to do it completely independently of any tangible aids.”
Junno nods, letting the idea sink in. It sounds kind of neat, even though he still isn’t sure of what to expect. Koki steps in front of him, and without warning plunges both hands into Junno’s hair. His fingers press and prod his scalp, and along the back of his neck and ears. Koki's fingers pause behind his right ear, and he makes a thoughtful noise. Then he tilts Junno's head to the side, peering closer.
"Lie on your front for me," Koki says, letting go of Junno and patting the table. He steps back and Junno rearranges himself, resting his chin across his arms. Once he's settled, Koki's fingers return, this time on the nape of his neck.
"What are you doing?" Junno mumbles. Koki's hands feel good, and he's ready to nod off.
Koki responds, nonchalant. "Gotta give you two ports. It's better to have them closer to your brain; we could put them elsewhere, like your wrists or elbows, but it wouldn't be ideal."
It finally sinks in, what Koki's been alluding to, and Junno can't help shivering. "Will it hurt?"
"Yes," Koki says. "You have to be awake for the procedure, but then you'll sleep for a few days while you heal. Don't worry; I'll take care of you." The way he says it, quiet and confident, reassures him, and he nods.
"Sit up again, please." Koki turns to make some notes on his holoscreen. "I'm actually going to do this in the medbay of the ship; that way once you're ready you can link."
Junno stands and straightens his shirt as he follows Koki back to the ship. He ignores how nervous he's beginning to feel; this is just another assignment and he'll do just fine. When they get back to the landing bay, the boarding ramp is lowered. Maybe the ship does have its own semblance of sentience; Junno is intrigued.
Koki leads Junno to the lift, and they ascend to the middle level. He already seems familiar with the ship as he strides down the corridor. Another door slides open; it’s the medbay, all gleaming white and stainless steel.
“Sit,” Koki says, setting up his tools. Junno does his best not to look too closely. Once the clinking of supplies ceases, Koki speaks again. “Shirt off, please.”
Junno complies, eyes curious as Koki steps in front of him again. Wordlessly, he takes Junno’s jaw in his hands and turns his head to the side. “Hold still,” Koki murmurs, and the next sound between them is the quiet buzz of clippers above and behind his right ear. He pauses and takes a critical look at his handiwork and then makes a second pass before setting the clippers aside and brushing at Junno’s shoulder.
“In the room across the corridor there are some more comfortable trousers. Go change; there’s a refresher if you want to rinse off. Once I’m through, you’re going to sleep it off and there won’t be time for showers.” Koki smiles a bit, the first that isn’t all business-like, and Junno thinks he’s kind of adorable. He’d never say it though; it wouldn’t be proper.
He rinses off quickly, stopping to look in the mirror once he’s pulled his pants on. He’s halfway to a mohawk; the way the rest of his hair is mussed makes it look like he’s just rolled out of bed after a particularly wild night cycle. It’s kind of cool, Junno thinks, and he returns to the medbay and Koki.
“On your belly again. You can rest your head on your arms; just face me,” Koki says. Once Junno’s positioned as requested, Koki continues. “What I’m going to do is give you two ports-- one will go behind your ear and the other at the nape of your neck. I’ll talk you through everything, okay, once everything is numb.”
Junno nods, and everything feels sort of strange and tingly. He wonders when Koki stuck him. There's a dull pressure behind his ear, and he's quiet as he asks, "What is that, Koki?"
"Just me. Does it hurt?"
Junno barely shakes his head.
"Good. I'm going to finish preparing the first site. Remember, stay still." There's a rasp against his scalp one more time, and then something cool is wiped after it. "Let me wash up before I really get started," Koki says.
Water runs somewhere behind Junno, and Koki's footsteps are quiet as he returns to his side. From his vantage point, Junno can watch as Koki pulls on a pair of gloves and picks up a scalpel. All he feels is pressure as Koki begins to work.
“I’m making the first cuts. One so I can slide the port access under your skin, and then two smaller ones that its edges will poke through.” Koki’s voice is low and steady as he works. “Gotta drill for a second, but it’s not a big hole; the bottom edges of the port will anchor here.”
Junno thinks he should probably be a little more alarmed at that statement, but he can’t find it in himself to care that much. He’s changing, gaining the ability to interface with a machine, and it’s too fascinating to be upsetting.
“There,” Koki says, a little triumphantly. “The first one is in. Now look at the floor; I need the back of your neck. This port is more superficial, no drilling into anything. The ship’s wires will just use this one as a guide to link into your spinal column.”
Neither of them say anything as Koki works. Once the whisper of the silken sutures stills and Koki sets aside his tools, he helps Junno sit up. He blinks, feeling the beginnings of a headache, and rubs at his eyes.
“All right?” Koki asks, one warm palm against his shoulder.
It takes a second for Junno to answer, his voice rough. Once he speaks satisfactorily enough for Koki, the other helps him to stand and make his way to one of the stasis units. He settles in, making sure to stay on his left side so that Koki can have access to the rest of his body.
“Get some rest, Junno. I’ll be close by if you need me; just let me get you hooked up. Once the ship is ready for travel, it will take care of all the stasis procedures. Until then, it’s me.”
Junno is sure that he imagines the way Koki’s hand trails down his spine. Too forward, but he likes it.
He’s not sure how long he sleeps, but when Junno wakes up, he’s under the watchful gaze of Koki and another man. The newcomer looks to be close to his age, tall and lanky. He doesn’t say anything to Junno; instead he nods in acknowledgement before turning and leaving. Koki looks a little smitten as he haphazardly salutes.
Junno keeps the groan he wants to make in check and closes his eyes against the too-bright lights. His throat feels like sandpaper and his head is pounding, and he’s pretty sure this is the worst he’s ever felt.
“Who was that?” he rasps, mouth dry.
“The commander of this ship. His name is Nakamaru Yuichi.” Koki helps Junno sit up, and then turns his head to inspect the first port. He pokes at it and makes a thoughtful noise, stepping around the stasis unit to examine the second one. “How do you feel?”
“Parched.”
“I’ll get you some water. But first, where are we? What is your name?”
Those are silly questions, Junno thinks, but he answers anyway. “We’re on the STAR RIDER and my name is Taguchi Junnosuke.”
Koki nods, making a pleased noise. He makes good on his promise of water, and Junno nearly drowns himself in his haste to drink it. “Once you’re ready, we’ll go to the cockpit so you can load the A.I., and then you’re free to return to your quarters. You’ll have plenty of time to get used to your link.”
Junno nods and stands slowly as Koki hovers; once he's proven that he's steady on his feet Koki beckons him to follow. They return to the lift, this time going to the upper level.
The lift opens up to a single room. There are three seats, two of them within reach of the controls. The control panels gleam, their layout familiar already. A large holoscreen serves as a viewport. It's like home.
Junno crosses the room, his bare feet quiet against the steel floor. He drags his fingers along the arm of the pilot's seat, almost reverently. He sits down, hands loosely curled against the armrests, and sighs. It's perfect.
Out of the corner of his eye, he can see the way Koki is biting his lip in an attempt to hide a grin. "Do you need a moment alone?" he asks, and Junno shakes his head, laughing a bit.
"I'm ready to link in, Koki."
"The first time we'll have to manually do it. After that, all you'll have to do is think it." Koki steps behind him and presses a button on the console. A row of lights flash, and his seat shakes as wiring emerges from the armrests to wrap around his wrists. The same thing is happening with the back of the seat; he can feel them snaking across his shoulders.
Junno thinks he should probably be more alarmed; instead he's fascinated. Koki's fingers follow the same path before grabbing the end of the first cable. "This one goes in the nape of your neck," Koki says, one palm spread across his chest. "Take a deep breath."
He does. He gasps it out when the first pinpricks of pain blossom along his spine.
It hurts, burns, and Junno can't do anything, not even a whisper of a scream. Vaguely he hears Koki's voice, but he can't make out the words. The pain levels out, but only for a moment; Koki's hand is on his cheek and his eyes look worried, and then there's another starburst flare behind his ear.
Through the haze Junno can feel something in his brain, in his skull, and he fully realizes that Koki had really meant installation.
Hello, a voice in his head whispers. Allow me to make some adjustments.
Almost immediately, the pain stops.
There. Much better, correct? Don’t worry about answering; I already know.
Junno wonders if he’s going mad. He can feel his pulse thundering through his veins, and he’s afraid that his heart is going to rattle right out of his chest.
Impossible.
“Koki,” Junno whispers. “There’s something in my head.”
Koki’s hand is still on his face, and his thumb strokes his cheek in an attempt to calm him. “I know. It’s the ship’s A.I., and you’ll never be alone again.”
No, you’ll never be lonely again. You’ve got me. The voice sounds less frightening somehow as it continues. I need a name.
Junno doesn’t know how to answer that. It doesn’t seem to matter to the voice in his head, because it answers for him. I’ve got it. Call me Navinosuke.
The wires disengage themselves from Junno, and he feels empty. He slumps into the seat once they’ve slithered back into their recesses. All he wants to do is sleep, but Koki’s hands are insistent as they urge him to get up.
“Come on, Junno. Let me take you to a proper bed.” Koki’s insistent, and Junno wills himself to push himself out of his seat. This time he isn’t as steady, and he’s glad for Koki’s stubborn help as he leans against his shoulder. They manage to return to mid-level, and Koki steers Junno to the room across from the medbay. Junno sits on the bed, though it’s more of a near-fall, and Koki looks like he doesn’t know what to do. All he says is, “I’ll be across the hall if you need me.”
Junno nods. Everything hurts, and his body feels heavy as he settles onto his side. He stares as Koki leaves, eyes lingering on the way his hips sway.
Nice, isn’t it? Navinosuke’s metallic voice is conspiratorial, and Junno groans low in his throat. Don’t deny it. Let me help you.
Junno’s body moves of its own accord; he’s horrified when he realizes that Navinosuke is the one manipulating him. He stares up at the ceiling, eyes wide and unable to make a sound as he rolls onto his back. His right hand drags along the waistband of his trousers, and then delves into them. It’s almost as if a stranger is touching him.
Let me adjust something. Junno’s never heard something sound so self-satisfied; he nearly chokes as he’s flooded with endorphins. Much better.
Everything feels good, at least to his body, but Junno can’t shake his discomfort. He’s not ever going to be in control of himself, ever again. He’s fully hard now, and Navinosuke keeps whispering against his skull.
I’ve always wondered what this would feel like. Is it good for you?
Junno doesn’t know how to answer. It does feel good, but he’s scared. What if he loses himself completely? What happens then?
His train of thoughts comes crashing to a halt as he comes sticky over his hand. Junno wants to groan, but he can’t even work his vocal cords now; he’s trapped under Navinosuke’s whims. He sits up, and Navinosuke walks Junno into the refresher. Got to get clean, you know.
Junno watches, numb, as he washes himself. He’d never felt awkward in his own skin until now. Once he’s clean, Navinosuke allows him to stumble back to his bunk. There’s a drawer open next to the bed, and Junno finds another pair of pyjamas in it. He slips them on, and then slips into bed again.
Get some rest, Navinosuke whispers, and it’s almost comforting.
The next few days pass in a blur. Junno isn’t sure when he’s in complete control of himself; even when Navinosuke is silent, Junno knows he’s there, watching.
He fears that one day he’ll wake up, and Navinosuke will have taken complete control of his body.
Junno lets his fears percolate, oblivious to the worried glances Koki shoots at him throughout their trial runs with the ship’s controls. It’s only when Koki forcibly drags him to the medbay that he realizes it, and Junno is silent as he’s pushed to have a seat.
Koki sits across from him and folds his hands in his lap. “Junno,” he says. “Are you alright?”
Junno shakes his head. He can’t meet Koki’s eyes.
“Maybe I should have told you about the trial studies with earlier models of A.I. and their pilots.” Junno looks up at that, and Koki continues. “They didn’t go well.”
“How so?”
“Aside from rejection of the interface ports, the ones that succeeded still had to keep their sanity. The A.I.’s can and will take complete control of their human counterparts.”
Junno’s heart drops into his stomach.
“But there is a way to stop it. The successful trial studies showed that pilots who had something to latch onto, something to keep them grounded, were able to fully partner with their A.I. system.”
“What do you mean, Koki?”
“The pilots who had something other than orders to live for were able to keep their A.I.’s in check.”
“I don’t have anything other than my orders, though.”
It’s Koki’s turn to be unable to look him in the eye. His fingers twist together, and he bites his lip. Junno’s pretty sure he’s found something he wants; he holds his breath to see what Koki has to say.
“You could, though.”
“What do you mean?” Something feels weird in his chest, and he’s pretty sure Navinosuke has nothing to do with it.
Koki rolls his eyes and huffs as he looks up. “I kind of like you!” Once he’s done with his declaration, he looks away again. Junno can deal with that, and it seems Navinosuke can too.
Oh, can we? He looks like he’d be so much fun, Junno.
Junno can’t help but agree with Navinosuke. He reaches out and takes one of Koki’s hands in his own. “Really?”
Koki nods, and Junno tugs him forward using his grip on his hand. He stumbles into his arms, and Junno is content to hold Koki there. Gentle fingers thread into his hair and pet him; they’re careful against the short bristles around his port. Junno sighs in contentment, and he’s sure that Navinosuke echoes it in the back of his mind.
They stay like that for several long moments before Koki speaks again. “I was originally only supposed to install the link, you know.” Junno looks up at him, brow furrowed. “But I made my request to the commander that day he visited, and he agreed. Said he’d need a medic.”
Junno pulls Koki to perch on his lap. “Good. Might be needing one.”
Koki laughs, then sobers up. “Your ports still haven’t fully healed. You aren’t cleared for heavy exertion yet.”
“‘S’okay,” Junno mutters into Koki’s neck. “We can wait; Navinosuke can make adjustments to my healing ability.”
“Alright then,” Koki replies. “Let’s take this to a proper bed; it’s almost night cycle and it’s been a long day.”
Both of them pile into Junno’s bunk. He falls asleep to the content hum of Navinosuke in the back of his mind and Koki’s even breaths against his chest. It’s the first time Junno has ever felt so happy; he’s got a purpose that isn’t dictated by anyone else.
Junno gets more and more comfortable with Navinosuke. The days pass swiftly as they become used to each other’s presence in Junno’s head, and their control over the ship becomes seamless. Koki converts the spare sleeping quarters into a lab of his own with the permission of Nakamaru; Junno has yet to meet him. He wonders what he’s like.
It’s late in the day cycle, and Junno and Navinosuke are just finishing the day’s simulations. The lift doors slide open and Koki joins them. His jacket is loose on his shoulders, and his shirt is half-untucked; Junno wonders what’s brought this on. He’s quiet as Koki climbs onto his lap, facing him.
Koki’s fingers dance around the edges of the port implanted in the back of his neck, and then make their way to the one behind his ear. He turns Junno’s head to get a better look at that one, and then hums. “I think it’s safe to say you’re cleared for heavy lifting, Junno.” Koki has a sly look in his eyes as he says it.
“Yeah?” Junno shifts Koki in his lap, grinning. Koki nods. “I think we should christen the ship.” The console behind Koki trills, and Junno adds, “Navinosuke agrees.”
Koki smirks as he shrugs his jacket off the rest of the way and drops it behind him. Junno rests his hands on Koki’s hips, content to watch as Koki tugs his shirt up and unbuttons it; it joins his jacket shortly. He wiggles his way out of Junno’s hold only long enough to unfasten his trousers and fumble in one of his cargo pockets before letting them fall to the floor as well. Koki hangs on to Junno’s hand as he kicks out of his boots, and then climbs back into his lap, all pale smooth skin.
Junno simply watches as Koki tears at the drawstring of his pants, one hand wrapping around him roughly. Koki lines them up, hand curling around them loosely as he strokes. “Come on, Junno,” he gasps, and Junno complies, taking the lube from him.
It’s a bit awkward to slick his fingers at this angle, but Junno is determined. At the first slide of his slippery fingers along Koki’s crease, Junno gasps at the way the hand Koki’s got looped around his shoulders scratches him. Koki adjusts his grip, warm palm cradling the back of Junno’s neck, and runs his fingers along the edges of the port there as he’s worked open.
Both of them are gasping into each other’s mouths; it’s too much work to properly kiss. Their tongues flick together and Koki momentarily draws Junno closer. “I’m ready,” he says, balancing precariously as he shifts in Junno’s lap.
Junno thinks that Navinosuke must have helped him somehow, because he’s not got enough hands to have slicked himself, but he concentrates on the way Koki feels around him, hot and tight, nearly smothering him. Once he’s fully seated, he stills, waiting for Koki to adjust.
An electric jolt spurs him into motion; Junno gasps at the echo of metallic laughter in his head. Koki’s fingers dig into his skin, and Junno does the same, his nails digging into Koki’s hips as he holds him in place. Koki bounces with the force of his thrusts, and Junno plants his feet more firmly against the floor.
Koki’s fingers continue to play with the back of his neck, and Navinosuke is making adjustments in his brain, making his nerve endings sing. Junno is nearly overwhelmed in the most delicious way. “Koki,” he gasps. “‘M close.”
Against his will, Junno’s thrusts slow down; more adjustments. Make it last, Navinosuke whispers; he’s almost drowned out by Junno’s deep groan. He bites his lip as he pulls Koki down to meet his hips. Koki manages to get a hand around himself, the other never leaving the back of Junno’s neck, and it’s only a few rough strokes before he’s shuddering and gasping as he comes. He feels amazing around Junno, and he barely has time to process the feeling before he’s overloaded with the starburst of his own orgasm.
They’re a tangled, sticky mess as they recover their breath, and Junno has never felt more content in his life. Navinosuke is happy, too, a constant electrical tingle in his brain. Reluctantly, Junno slips out and shifts Koki in his lap; he’s almost a dead weight in his arms. Koki hadn’t been kidding about heavy lifting.
Junno is nearly asleep in his seat when the lift doors slide open. Koki’s out cold, oblivious. He doesn’t even try to make himself presentable; it’s hard to do with a grown man in his lap. Junno simply sits up as best he can.
Boots click against the steel floor. Junno turns his head, eyes meeting the surprisingly soft gaze of the commander. His voice is pleasant as he murmurs, “At ease.”
He simply looks down at Junno and Koki, completely unruffled. It’s kind of unsettling, and Junno wonders what he’s there for.
“We haven’t properly met. My name is Nakamaru Yuichi, and I’ll be the commander of this ship. It seems you’ve healed admirably.” He pauses for a moment, carefully not looking at the tangle of Junno and Koki’s limbs, and continues. “Perhaps tomorrow would be a better time. I’ll be back at 0800; please try to have your pants on, both of you.”
With that, Nakamaru turns, the barest grin on his face. Navinosuke waits until the lift doors have closed fully before he comments.
Think he’d play with us too?
Junno nearly shakes Koki out of his lap with his silent laughter. This is going to be the best assignment ever.