Welcome to Rossmore
Peridot was using all her concentration to fly the van. As Peridot sweated Steven could see that she was straining. Steven stuck his head out. He could see the police cars trying to get out of the sand. If not for Peridot he would have been caught. Steven felt a bullet whiz by his cheek. They were actually shooting at them. He stuck his head in. Peridot still had her eyes closed.
"So where are we going?" he asked.
"Just drop your cellphone and drive to the barn," ordered Peridot.
Not caring if he broke any speed limits Steven drove as fast as he could to the farm. Peridot lay slumped in her seat. The poor gem was exhausted. As he saw the farm come into view Steven felt like he was in the all clear. He and Peridot could rest and then when the hysteria all blew over return to Beach City.
As Steven drove into the driveway he could see Bismuth waving at him. Her smile faded. From the corner of his eye a police car popped out from some nearby bushes. Blocking the driveway, the policemen started shooting. The patients in their robinoid units ran around like headless chickens. Steven stepped out of the van a bullet whizzed by his ear. These guys were trying to kill him.
Whether it was the cops shooting at Steven or the fact that one of the cops had stepped on one of her patients, Bismuth had had enough. Her face contorting with rage she ran straight at the policemen. The cops ignored her and were still shooting at Steven who was now in a protective bubble.
Big mistake the rainbow haired behemoth used her bare unaltered hands to smash into the engine of the police car. Roaring she punched the arm of the nearest police officer. Steven winced as he heard a bone snap.
That left the other cop. Whether it was for the cop's safety or his own Steven smashed his shield into the man's face. He slumped into unconsciousness. Steven was about to tend to the man when he heard Bismuth shouting at him.
"There's no time, get on the warp pad go, go, go," ordered Bismuth.
Not needing to be told twice Steven raced back into the van. As Steven drove onto the warp pad he thought about how he always wanted to see the Canyon of Souls. On the other side he found himself on a warp pad at the Beta Kindergarten. He tried shaking up his lover.
"Peri, Peri wake up. We're at the Beta Kindergarten," he said loudly.
But the little gem would not wake. She must have strained herself quite a bit lifting the van. This was by far the most impressive feat Steven had seen. So Steven spent the next two hours staring at the sandstone walls of the Beta Kindergarten until Peridot awoke.
When she did awake Peridot looked terrible. The green gem looked thin and gaunt.
"How, how long was I out?" asked Peridot.
"Two hours. Is there anything I can do for you?" asked Steven very concerned.
"My power reserves dangerously low. Can you make me something to eat?"
So Steven managed to find some pancake mix and made some pancakes over a fire. After Peridot wolfed them down she looked a little better.
"Steven I'm sorry but I'm still not well by any means," admitted Peridot. "I need your help searching the Kindergarten."
"Well what are we looking for?" asked Steven.
"Rooms of any sort cut into the walls. That is where we'll find supplies."
So the couple searched the orange sandstone walls of the Kindergarten. As Steven looked her could see countless emergence holes. Many of them were amorphous and shaped incorrectly, thanks in part to Jasper's digging. Suddenly Peridot let out a shout for joy. She straightened up and pointed eagerly to a hole at the floor of the canyon.
"Steven there it is, a room. Help me over," squealed Peridot.
"Well what's in there?" asked Steven.
"I don't know. It could be anything, rations, machinery even a feeding chamber," she pulled Steven's arm.
Once they were at the door, Steven still not see what made that hole any different. Peridot squealed and pulled Steven inside. The tunnel was dark, illuminated only by Peridot's glowing gem. As they went further in Steven could see the sandstone walls were replaced by metallic ones. Peridot pulled Steven's hand until they came to a door and a panel. Peridot touched the panel and opened the door. Inside was a featureless light room that glowed with its own light. Peridot somehow opened a panel and started fiddling inside. Then she started stripping off her clothes.
"Wait what are you doing?" asked Steven.
"Steven what we have here is a light based feeding chamber," explained Peridot. "After making a few adjustments I have managed to make it operational. The concentrated light will give my gemstone all the power it needs. Oh this is going to feel so good. I haven't fed properly since I came to Earth."
"Well can I join you?"
Peridot bit her lip "You better not. I have no idea the effects of a light chamber would have on organic life. And even if you weren't harmed I feel that with us together we wouldn't be able harvest the energy efficiently. Look how about you explore the Beta Kindergarten? You could find a way out for our van."
And so as Steven waited for Peridot to emerge he explored the Beta Kindergarten. The Kindergarten was not as extensive nor as desolate as Amethyst's old Kindergarten. As he looked he could see bushes and shrubs growing near some exit holes. He even saw a stream trickling as he went further on. Steven went deeper into the canyon the emergence holes trickled out and then stopped. He saw more plant life and even animal scurrying about. After a few hours of exploring Steven went back to the door Peridot found.
A little while later Peridot stepped slowly out of the door. She was completely naked.
"Hey there thanks for taking care of me. How about I take care of you now?" she said suggestively.
He pulled her into a hug. She wrapped her legs around him.
"You're feeling better," said Steven as he pinned her against the wall. "You know what I want you to do now?"
"Hmm I can't wait for you to tell me."
"I want you to do quick check up on the van and then to repaint it."
Peridot grumbled and said Steven was no fun, then she went onto work. After checking up the van's engine and filling it up with water, Peridot found some paint and started repainting the van.
"Peri, Peri stop. What are you doing?" asked Steven a little shocked.
"Why I'm putting an undercoat on the van of course," said Peridot coyly.
Steven sighed and put his hand on his forehead, "It just that- Peridot you're naked."
"Well of course I am. I'm trying to seduce you. Now what color would you like the van?"
"Augh you little minx. I can't think of anything right now. You've convinced me, c'mere you," with that Steven started stripping off.
They made love on the canyon floor. As Steven predicted Peridot was very frisky. Still whether it was the sun beating down or the fact that Peridot hadn't fully recovered the green gem tired very quickly. When they were done Peridot played with Steven's hair. At least she seemed happy. Steven however was not.
"Peridot, you do realize that we can't stay in the canyon forever," said Steven softly.
"Hmm I know, even though there is plenty of food, water and shelter. This place has absolutely no wifi," said Peridot drowsily.
Steven laughed, "I should have known about your priorities. Peri you're a riot."
"Don't laugh. I'm thinking about you. You would no doubt like to contact your family. Besides I don't want to be cut off from civilization."
Realization hit Steven. Being at the barn must have been a punishment not only being with Lapis but being far away from everything too. "Well don't worry about that. Let's find a way out of the Beta Kindergarten and explore. If we don't find something with a 100 miles. We'll settle down in Paris deal?"
He gave her a quick kiss on the lips.
"Deal but you still haven't answered my question."
"And what question is that?"
"What color do you want the van?"
One tickle session later, Peridot instructed Steven on how to use the paint sprayer. As Steven sprayed the van in a nice anonymous blue Peridot searched the Kindergarten for some supplies. She came back with an assortment of equipment, some jugs of water and a rabbit Peridot had speared. They stayed the night there after having a quick meal of the rabbit and some edible plants. Still hungry Steven set up the mattress outside and the couple slept under the stars.
The next morning Steven and Peridot got into the van without any breakfast. When Steven asked if Peridot could use her metal powers to lift the van again, the gem gave him a withering look. As the sun rose in the sky Steven drove through the canyon looking for a way out. Steven couldn't but notice that this kindergarten was different from Amethyst's.
Aside from the obvious differences between the color of the stone walls, this Kindergarten was full of life. There was plants and animals living here. In some places a river ran through it. It was possible to make a life here but not really to live here. The loneliness and isolation were getting to him. Steven could only imagine what it would be like for Peridot.
"Steven, Steven over here," shouted Peridot in his ear.
"Geez Peridot are you trying to make me deaf?" said an exasperated Steven.
Peridot pointed to an incline to his left. "Steven I have found our way out. That incline goes all the way to the top. Come on Steven drive this puppy up to the top."
The land above the canyon was a desert, barren. Steven couldn't tell if this was due to the kindergarten or if this was normal for this type of terrain. He quickly found a road and started driving. Peridot giggled as his stomach growled.
"Once we're at a diner, I'm going to order a whole pile of flapjacks," declared Steven.
For a while they drove. Steven kept an eye on the speedometer remembering his promise to Peridot. At about the 80-mile-mark hey found a sign. It said 'Rossmore 20 miles'. The name sounded familiar but before Steven could go further the car broke down.
Peridot cursed "Step aside Steven this is my department."
As Peridot bent over the engine Steven became acutely aware of the sun beating down. Peridot grumbled and cursed as she looked down at the engine block.
"Unbelievable, the fuel line's broken among other things. I checked this like yesterday and the line just suddenly burst," she shouted.
"Can you fix it?" asked Steven.
"No I cannot. I need the proper parts. Steven you have to go into town."
He looked at her and saw how tired she looked. Out here she would be so vulnerable.
"Hey Peri how about you come into town with me?" Steven asked.
"And just how do you propose I come with you?" she said.
"Oh I've got a few ideas," he said cryptically.
Moments later Steven had transformed himself into a horse while Peridot rode on his back. He was normal looking for the most part his mane was curly instead of straight. Other than that he was just a plain nondescript horse. As they rode they received the stares of passerbys. The two trotted past a sign which said:
Welcome to Rossmore
Once they were within sight Steven stopped and found a concealed spot.
"Okay I'm going to see if I can get a tow truck. You just keep out of sight," said Steven.
Peridot was having none of this, "Steven no. In case you have forgotten you need to pay for that tow truck. I don't know how far they're searching for us but you can't use your bank card. I can."
"But Peridot you're green."
"And that's not going to change. Look I am through hiding in the shadows away from the world. So just let me just get some money and then we can deal with the van."
Steven found a garage soon enough. It appeared to empty until he went into the back. An older man stood over a car checking out the engine. Steven called out. For a moment the man didn't seem to notice, then he slowly peered over the car.
"You, young fella were travelling around these parts when your car broke down?" said the mechanic.
"It's a van and I'm travelling with my girlfriend. Our van broke down about 20 miles away," replied Steven.
"It's going to cost you. You know that?"
"Hey I can pay. I've got 100 right here."
"It's about $150 and that's just to cart your vehicle into town. Then there's the repairs."
Steven sighed. It was going to be a long day.
When Peridot went into town she was worried about the stares she might receive. After all this wasn't Beach City but surprisingly nobody looked at her. As she walked further into town she could see why. All around were alien themed stuff. There were alien T-shirts, alien, coffee mugs there was even one restaurant called the Frying Saucer that promised a breakfast 'Out of this world'. It also had a help wanted sign. Peridot made a note of that.
Finally, she came to the ATM there was a small line-up of tourists. Why couldn't they have Interact like the rest of the world? She waited impatiently an older human tried to work the machine. The elder human seemed to have never used one of those devices and to make matters worse wanted to do a whole set of banking. The sun beat down mercilessly as the senior human dithered oblivious to the line up behind him. There was a sign of relief as the old man left. Peridot didn't care if he reached his objective or not. The line passed quickly then.
Now it was Peridot's turn. As she typed in her pin the screen flashed 'ATM out of order please return at another time'. She literally growled as she walked away, it was time to see how Steven was doing.
She found Steven negotiating with an older smug looking mechanic. Her boyfriend turned around looking for help.
"Peridot did you get any money?" Steven asked desperately.
"No, the ATM is broken but I do have a credit card," she gently pushed Steven aside. "All right you, how much damage is it?"
The old mechanic laughed, "I can see who wears the pants in this family and its Brown. That'll be $150 to drag your van to my garage plus the expenses for parts and repairs."
"Just get it into town. I can fix it myself," said Peridot.
"A woman after my own heart. Where were you 40 years ago?"
"My best bet is on a desk as a set of schematics."
They rode with the old man to the van's site. Mr. Brown widened his eyes as Steven lifted the back of the van and hooked it on the tow truck.
"Whoa you're a strong one aren't you? Maybe you should try working with me in the shop" said the old mechanic.
"Sorry, Peridot's the handy one," said Steven.
Once they were on the road Peridot asked that they be driven to the scrapyard.
"With the purchase of a few tools, I'll be able to repair this van myself," explained Peridot. "If you want you could drop us off at the Frying Saucer."
Once they were at the diner Steven and Peridot went right in. Peridot marched right in and sat in a booth next to a window.
"Oh you must have been really hungry," laughed Steven.
"In part, did you see the sign outside? If we are going to stay here for any significant length of time we need to procure money. This place has a help wanted sign," replied Peridot.
"Excuse me may I take your order?" asked the waitress. The young woman was wearing alien makeup and a waitress' uniform. She looked like a krunkle from Space Truckers. In fact, all the waitresses were dressed as aliens.
Steven replied "Yes I would like a pancakes and Peridot"
"I would like-" the lights flickered and the fans shut off. Peridot was unnerved, "What was that?"
"We're next to a military base. The testing they do sometimes causes brownouts but we use gas to cook here so serving you should be no problem," explained the waitress.
"Well I would like some poutine or failing that some cheese fries," said Peridot.
After a long wait their meal had finally arrived. The waitress apologized profusely saying that their present cook was feeling ill. It was then that Peridot asked about the help wanted sign. When Steven assured the waitress that they were serious a harried looking grey haired man came right out.
"Hello there I'm the owner and manager of the Frying Saucer, Mitch Kowalski. Tell why are you interested in working here?" said the man.
"Well Peridot and I have been driving in the area when our car broke down. We're looking for a place to stay for a while," said Steven.
"My pay isn't that great but I pay in cash and I ask no questions about your background. Also these are only part time positions I have a full time cook only he's sick today. Do you know how to cook?" asked Mitch.
"I sure do. I've been cooking for myself since I was eight," declared Steven.
"That's, good. So how are at making pancakes?" Mitch asked.
"I make the fluffiest and tastiest pancakes you have ever had. I also make a pretty mean hamburger and French fries," boasted Steven.
"And you, young lady have you ever waited tables?"
"Well actually… no but I'm a quick study and I can start right away," replied Peridot.
"You do realize that you have to wear a costume," stated Mitch.
Behind him a waitress laughed, "Sir, I don't why you can't see this but that girl is already wearing makeup."
"So what? I'm color blind and the last waitress was allergic to latex. You aren't allergic to latex are you?" asked Mitch. Peridot shook her head. "Well then come here tomorrow morning at 5:30 am for the breakfast rush."
Mitch turned to Steven, "Well then young man, it's time for your job interview. Follow me into the kitchen."
Once Steven was in the kitchen Mitch ordered Steven to make him a stack of pancakes. After that was done the older man took a bite out of one of the pancakes. The older man's eyes lit up.
"Those are the best pancakes that I have ever tasted. Now step aside I want to show you how to make our special the breakfast saucer."
The older man then poured out some pancake batter around a circular cookie cutter. Then one the pancake was done he broke an egg into the center and cooked it sunny side up. He served his strange creation with some hash browns and some sausages.
"This is our showpiece menu item. It is the only breakfast meal that we serve all day. Master that and you should be on your way."
"Got it when do you want me to start?"
"How about now?"
Steven sighed and rolled up his sleeves.
When Peridot walked out of the Frying Saucer she found that the ATM was now working. Thinking quickly Peridot got as much money as she could. She then scurried back to the scrapyard. With her luck the staff might mistake the van as junk.
The green gem made it just in time. There in the scrapyard a rather stupid looking man was rolling the van into the compactor.
"Wait!" Peridot screamed. "I have stuff in there and the van was in the parking lot."
The man stared at her open mouthed. He pulled down the lever. The walls stared coming in. Peridot thinking quickly pushed the lever up with her mind as she raced towards the idiot.
"I said stop. I distinctly told your manager that I would be leaving for a quick meal," said Peridot when she finally reached the man.
"Wasn't in our books," the man pulled the lever again.
So he was stupid and malicious. Well two could play that game. Peridot used her mind to jam the pistons at the sides. The compactor let out a bang and a huge puff of oily black smoke. The manager, the one Peridot spoke to came running out.
"Robbie you idiot you broke the car crusher and why do you have that van in there?" shouted an older fat man.
"I thought I could clean out the yard," said Rob having the sense to look ashamed.
"My boyfriend and I were living in there," Peridot was practically shouting.
The fat man with far more sensitivity than Peridot credited him for, turned to her, "Miss I'm terribly sorry about what almost happened. This isn't the first time Robbie has taken the initiative. He trashed a Canadian family's truck last week. If there is anything I could to do help you just let me know."
"Actually I would like to look at my van's engine and get some parts," replied Peridot.
"As for you Robbie you're fired."
Later when Peridot rolled up the van to the garage. She and Mr. Abbot looked at what was left of the engine. She was amazed at the damage that was done to it.
"Ms. Peridot I would say your engine didn't just die it committed suicide. Now I know that this van is over 20 years old but to have so many parts breaking down at the same time it's unbelievable," said the fat man in amazement.
"Oh I can believe that. I had a stint with bad luck when I was here 5 years ago," replied Peridot. "Do you have the parts for it?"
"Look if you want to keep the van. My suggestion is to replace the transmission and engine block and to be frank it will take some time to remove and replace them."
"Mr. Abbot that is not a problem, you find me the parts and I'll do the rest."
When the man had left, Peridot using her skill and powers quickly removed the engine and placed it on the floor nearby. Then Peridot went out into the scrapyard. She had a lot of work to do.
When Steven went back to the junkyard it was already dark. Peridot with the van was already waiting for him in the parking lot. She was dirty but looked proud.
"Hey Peridot, look I'm bushed and I could use a shower. How about we spend the night in a hotel?" asked Steven.
"No need Steven," said Peridot proudly. She opened the doors with a flourish. "Behold I have unfolded the fourth dimension within your van. I anticipated your need for a shower and have installed a shower head and stall plus a toilet and sink along with a working water recycling system."
"That's nice, can we drive away now?" asked Steven.
"That will take a little while, we don't have all the parts," admitted Peridot. "But we can stay the next couple of days here. Now I have to lock the gate for tonight."
"Hey Peri how about we save water and have a shower together?"
The next morning Steven and Peridot were at the Frying saucer bright and early. There was still time before the doors opened so the couple ate a some of donuts and waited. At precisely 5:30 am an older woman with pasted on pointed ears and a pink waitress' uniform marched up to the diner and unlocked the doors. Peridot and Steven walked right in.
Once they were in the waitress looked up at Peridot just for a moment.
"Oh you must be the new girl. Just get a uniform from the back and come see me. As for you, I'm sorry but the cook isn't in right now. All I can do is make a pot of coffee," said the woman.
"Actually I'm the new part time cook. I can turn on the grill if you like," said Steven helpfully.
"Fine but next time you come in wear closed toed shoes, not those flip flops."
As Steven fired up the grill the senior waitress flipped on the open sign. He studied the waitress's features. The woman looked thin and tired. Her hair tied up in a bun was flat and limp being a mousy brown. Steven had no doubt the woman was younger than she looked. As the customers came in she dutifully poured them their coffee.
Peridot on the other hand, seemed a little lost at first but she made up for it as she smiled at the customers. It was the same fake smile that she put on whenever the gems asked her to do something. They fell into a routine quickly enough until two hours later a train wreck of a man sauntered into the diner wearing sunglasses.
"Gord, you're two hours late," scolded the waitress. In time Steven was at the grill he found out her name was Gertrude.
Gord was a middle aged man. His skin was flabby as if he lost a lot of weight in such a short time. He pulled off his sunglasses. His eyes were bloodshot. If anything the man reminded Steven of a Kevin gone to seed.
"So? The Frying Saucer doesn't make money until now," sneered Gord.
"We made over $200," snapped back the Gertrude.
Then Gord noticed Steven at the back, "Hey junior, this is my shift so back off."
Steven not wanting a fight took off his apron. He stepped out of the back. Gord still wanted to make something of it.
"Hey look at that! The young hippy is wearing sandals and has hair like a girl. News flash the Sixties are over," shouted Gord.
Steven ignored him and walked over to Peridot. He gave her a quick kiss.
"Steven," she said in his ear. "Take the money out of the van. I'm writing down the parts that you need don't be afraid to ask Mr. Abbot for help and failing that go to the garage."
"Hey sweetheart, get back to work," said Gord. Then the horrible man tried to rip the paper out of Peridot's hand.
"Let go! And kindly remove your hand from my buttocks," snapped Peridot.
She gave Steven a significant look. Peridot could handle herself. Steven left.
When he got to the scrapyard he showed Mr. Abbot his list.
"Yeah I don't know what half of things are but Peridot wrote down the list," said Steven putting his arm behind his head.
Mr. Abbot looked at the list, "Clever, I would have never thought about doing this? Steven grab the dolly and follow me."
As they walked through the walls of the walls of scrap Abbot explained Peridot's plan. "Well you see Steven Peridot recognized the make of your vehicle a 1980's Capon very popular but for a while not off the market. They started making them again 10 years ago in a more fuel efficient model same chassis but different engine. Peridot has ordered this newer transmission and engine and failing that has written down parts to convert your vehicle into an electric one.
Oh good the engine is still here. That came from a side on collision. The engine wasn't damaged but everything else was. Now lift the dolly's arms and place it under here."
"No need sir I've got it," Abbot's eyes widened as Steven physically pulled off the engine from the pile and onto the dolly.
"That's over – never mind. You and your girlfriend aren't quite human are you?" asked Mr. Abbot.
"Well Peridot's a naturalized American citizen and I'm human on my father's side," admitted Steven.
"I'll take that as a yes. One pointer I'll give is try to hold back on showing off your strength. You don't want to be noticed. Now come with me and let's look for that transmission."
In no time they had picked up the parts Peridot had requested and about 6 hours later Peridot came limping back home. Once she had changed she thanked Mr. Abbot for his help and paid him. She started working on the van. The tools and parts were floating in the air.
"Steven could you come here with the flashlight?" Peridot asked not taking her eyes off the engine she was working on.
"That's better now I can see where everything goes," purred Peridot. "Steven, I know you don't really like wearing shoes but I need you to go into town and buy some."
"Now? But I was hoping we could have dinner in town," said Steven.
"Yes now, the cook you replaced feels threatened. As soon as Mitch came in he complained about you. The manager was able to dismiss it as hot air but one thing he can't dismiss is your lack of proper footwear. Steven you need closed toed shoes or else you'll be fired. Oh and get some socks too."
"Okay I see your point. How about I get a couple of subs and we can eat it in the van?"
"That's fine remember to be quick about it. As soon as I have installed the engine I want to find a place to camp out."
It took far longer for Steven to get his shoes most of the stores didn't carry his size. Finally, as the stores were about to shut down for the night he found a pair of sneakers. They were cheap canvas things but should do in the meantime with a few pairs of socks.
That left getting dinner, it seemed like a lot of restaurants were closing too. How long did it take to get a decent pair of shoes? The sandwich shop was closed and he didn't want donuts for dinner. That left only one place. He walked into the Frying Saucer.
He regretted it instantly. As soon as he set foot inside the manager crooked his finger and pointed to his office.
"Steven how do I put it. Gord's been making some complaints about you," Mitch rubbed the back of his head. "He said that when he went into the kitchen you were smelling of pot."
"Sir, I was in the kitchen helping out. The Frying Saucer was open 2 hours before Gord came sauntering in and I have never used drugs in my life. Peridot and I are living in my Dad's van."
"Rocker was he? Gord also said that you were rude to him."
"Sir I was nothing but civil. He was being rude to me and might I add he tried to grope my girlfriend."
"I saw his black eye. But there is one thing I can't ignore. You were wearing sandals in the kitchen that's not acceptable."
Steven lifted up the bag containing his shoes, "Peridot made me get them right away."
"She's a keeper that's for sure. Oh and Steven can you and Peridot start work tomorrow at the breakfast rush?"
"Sure. Now, could I order a couple of Galactic Federation sandwiches to go?"
For his troubles he got the sandwiches for free. It was dark when he walked home but Peridot was there to greet him.
"Oh Steven good you brought food. I have all the parts for a windmill we'll be able to power the van now," said Peridot.
They ate as they sat at the end of the van. Steven listened to Peridot as about babbled about her plans to make adjustments to his father's van. He didn't understand half of what Peridot was saying but she was happy and that was important.
"Steven I said do you want to email your father?" said Peridot.
"I can email Dad without being tracked?" Steven said amazed.
"Yes, I was just telling you that now. How about you go back into the van and see for yourself."
The computer was laying on the mattress of the now impossibly big interior of the van. Steven sat down on the mattress and started typing away.
Hi Dad:
It's Steven. I would have called you but Peridot insisted I throw away our cellphones. Well after we landed the van, Peridot passed out. I guess the strain of lifting the van was too much for her…
Steven continued typing his and Peridot's story for the first few days. And realized that he was happy too.
