Pearl was stationed just outside the sliding doors to her diamond's blue print room. Highly unprecedented, for her not to be permitted, but whatever it was that she was discussing was certainly of the utmost importance. She was under strict orders not to allow any interruptions. So when she heard the soft footfalls of bare feet on the cold stone floor, her weapon was drawn, her body positioned perfectly to strike first, her posture stance balanced, but grounded.
Rose Quartz's curls were the first to catch Pearl's attention — soft pastel and…everywhere. The next second, Pearl shut down her instinctive reaction, reset herself to defense-mode. "Entrance is not permitted." She held her spear aloft as a warning signal. She had never interacted directly with Rose Quartz alone, had only seen her in passing. That being said, she was sure that this would not go over well.
"Pearl, I need to speak with your Diamond. It's urgent. Stand down." Her tone was even and measured; firm but not unkind. Soothing. Pearl dismissed that train of thought immediately.
"Per my Diamond's direct orders, entrance is not permitted until further notice. Thank you." She nodded with some finality.
"Please announce my arrival. I'm sure she will be more than happy to receive me. As your superior, this is no longer a request." She smirked.
Pearl faltered. Was that true? Technically, she was a superior. Pearls didn't rank at all in the chain of command. And still…she considered her spear. Not appropriate. She said nothing, but slipped quietly through the doors to her Diamond's blue print room. She did not wait for a pause in their conversation, lest they assume she was eavesdropping.
"Rose Quartz has requested to speak with my Diamond. She insists that it is urgent." Pearl kept her chin held erect, hands folded behind her back. Pink Damond froze and tapped the surface of her control panel — 'click, click, click'. Pearl caught the briefest flash of Yellow Diamond and her Pearl before their connection was disconnected and the screen disappeared.
"Bring her in." Pearl turned to execute this command. "Pearl?"
"Yes, my Diamond?" She turned back around, suddenly nervous.
"The next time that you deliberately disobey a direct order, I will have you shattered on sight. Is that understood?"
"My sincerest apologies, my Diamond. Understood." She nodded solemnly, moving back through the doors where Rose Quartz was waiting. She flashed Pearl a perky smile as she glided through, Pearl's head just barely coming to her waist. Pearl couldn't quite get used to it — her sheer presence was overwhelming.
"My Diamond," Rose Quartz bowed briefly. "We are ready to proceed as directed to your newest colony. I have prepared three warrior ships and seven explorers, fitted with twenty five Peridots each to ensure their smooth operation."
"You are to captain one of the explorers yourself. Assess for potential threat. Our latest numbers indicate there is minimal intelligent life with only a basic understanding of dated technology, so there should be no trouble. That being said, I want no surprises."
"Very wise to take caution," Rose Quartz nodded.
"My personal Pearl is to accompany you in overseeing your preparations for flight. I will send her with a communication device and she will document your progress in preparations, track your budget, and report to me her findings for my review. You worry on prepping your soldiers and your Peridots. Cut PL07-4008 is awaiting your arrival in the bay. You are excused." Pink Diamond waved a dismissive hand at her Pearl by way of excusing her.
"Yes, My Diamond." Pearl thought she must have imagined the mischievous glint in Rose Quartz's eyes as she made her bow and turned to exit. Pearl followed silently, close on her heels.