Kim and Gage met onboard the mighty USS America. Kim was a board member for the deck watch standing boards and Gage was working on that qualification. Although reluctant to ask, Gage received training from Kim with the help of a mutual friend. With Kim being an IT and Gage being an ET, their jobs closely aligned with one another, thus short visits amongst one another became more consistent. As time passed a friendship was made. As the idea of being more than friends crossed each other's minds, Kim initially thought Gage was "too young". But Gage's charm and genuine kindness won her over. Gage on the other hand knew from the start that Kim was someone he'd like to be with and will continue to tease her to this day about her momentary doubt.