Power: Online.
Executing systems check…
Power available: 10%
Power usage per hour: .004%
Cell integrity: 3% [Risk of power source destruction.]
Physical integrity: 42%
Warning - Motor functions impaired. Efficiency at 49%
Sensory systems functioning at 80%
Scanning Temple perimeter…
Temple has not been breached.
Scanning surrounding area…
Alert: Warp pad in use. Five unidentified Gem-based lifeforms detected.
Engage? [Y/N].
Command overridden. Reason: Directive Two - Power cell will be destroyed if hostilities engaged.
Running simulations…
Simulations complete.
Returning to stasis. Accessing memories...
98 years into the Rebellion...
Several heavy footfalls echo through the corridor. The uniform lighting vanquished any form of shadows as two large, orange humanoids walked side by side in step, adding to the imperial oppression of the atmosphere. The air itself seemed to demand loyalty from all that enters. One of the humanoids activated the metallic door, opening it with a push of a button. The two enter the next room, a busy hive of many little green humanoids that were either solo typing on holographic screens or in groups assembling elaborate hardware. There was no idleness from these drone-like workers, and they were consumed by their tasks, enough so to not even bat an eye when the two larger humanoids marched through the factory. As the two reached the doors on the other side, they were greeted by a skinny humanoid. Its skin was clammy, and its dress was similar to that of the workers, a simple one piece with the color of their skin and a white diamond in the middle of their midriff. The small humanoid also bore a large oval gem upon its bosom. It should also be noted that all of the humanoids bore gems as well. This is how these race of beings came to be known as Gems, identified by the type of gems their information is stored in.
"The overseer would like to see you now," the skinny gem said, moving out of the way of the two soldiers who bore jasper gems on their noses.
The two Jaspers entered the domain the overseer. Two figures were in the room sans the newcomers. One was a slightly taller version of the workers in the adjacent room. Its visor was larger than the drones, and its clothes were sophisticated to the point of near-nobility. The gem bore a triangular peridot upon its forehead, and it was busy with the screen projected from the device in its hands, going through files and logs. This gem payed no attention to the two Jaspers.
However, the second figure, a large yellow gem with shoulder armor, a hairstyle reminiscent of a lemon, and a yellow quartz upon its chest, glared at the two Jaspers with some regard. Its insignia, however, bore a yellow diamond instead of a white, like the others. A large cutlass was leaning on the chair the quartz was sitting, within arm's reach of the overseer.
"Report," the overseer demanded.
"Yes, Lemon Quartz," the Jaspers said in unison, kneeling before their commander, "there has been reports of rebel activity moving past our location, according to our scouts. So far, there has been no signs of an assault or any sort of discovery."
Lemon Quartz nodded. "Increase patrols, but make sure they're out of sight. Remember, this facility cannot be exposed to the defectors."
The two soldiers bowed their heads. Lemon Quartz gestured them to leave, waving her hand dismissively. As the duo left, the Peridot in the office spoke.
"Lemon Quartz, would you like to see this cycle's reports?" it asked.
"Gladly," Lemon said. A green holographic screen projected in front of the Quartz's chair. The overseer examined the logs with scrutiny, passing each individual document after a quick read. The gem pointed at specific log.
"What does this mean, Manager, when there has been a 'mass shattering in Block D'?" Lemon Quartz asked her peridot assistant.
"There was a malfunction with the containment system," the Manager replied with monotone, "a test subject had to be destroyed after shattering several Rubies on guard."
Lemon sighed. "Great, now we're going to have to get more Rubies. Have the shards been put to use?"
"They are currently being processed for experimentation."
"Good. I'd hate to see them go to waste," she replied nonchalantly, scrolling through other logs. "How is it coming with our other projects?"
The manager pulled up another one of its many screens. "The cloaking device in Block A has reached prototype field testing stage, while our research team encountered an obstacle with the light cannon's firing mechanism. Block B reports..."
Lemon Quartz listened idly as the peridot rambled on about the happenings of the facility. When the gem wanted to go to Sol System Planet-3, was she was expecting was to be on the front lines, crushing the gems that had the nerve to rebel against the great Diamond Authority. Not to be put on babysitting duty for a bunch of techies who probably wouldn't know even how to defend themselves against a simple Ruby.
"... and the new alloy has been found to react to Gem energies when processed," the Manager concluded.
"Good, good… could you tell that pearl outside to head to Block C? We're going to have some of the Diamonds' courts visit the facility. It would be rude of me to not send my pearl to help with their… settling."
"As you wish," the Manager replied. Turning towards the door, the Manager poked its head out. "Pearl-MR67!"
The pearl jumped. "Y-yes?"
"Your Quartz demands you head over to Block C! Head over there, and look presentable, we're having guests!"
"O-of course…" the pearl said softly. She took her leave as soon as the Manager re-entered her master's office.
The pearl treaded carefully through the block, avoiding the other Peridots in their working frenzy. Unlike most gems that have at least an ounce of dignity and self-identity, pearls are servants of their betters. Don't speak when spoken too, do as your master commands, do not disobey the Diamond Authority, the code most pearls live their near-immortal existences with. A life of bondage and servitude, with almost no way up. They are just above, however, criminals of their caste-based government- no, religion, to be more precise. Thus, the condition of the facility reflects this sort of eternal monarchy: neat corridors with orderly edges, patrols of near-robotic soldiers marching through, the occasional transport of shattered gems upon carted prisons, and the rare citizen (if one could call them such) of Homeworld that emits an aura more fitting for a noble.
The pearl entered the hangar and stood by the other identical gems of its type where large, pond-sized pads stood just above the floor. Light bursted out from the pads as a horde of gems, too much variety to even be mentioned as individuals, strode off the transport device in a rainbow flood of bodies ranging from crimson velvet to supernova blue, and everything in between. Chatter erupted from the guests as they proceeded down the corridors escorted by the elite amethysts and the obedient pearls. Our pearl was stuck towards the back, listening idly to the gossip of those who were unskillful in the art of subtility.
"Have you heard?" one such guest asked, leaning towards her companion.
"About what?" replied the other.
"The mixed fusion was seen just two cycles ago, fighting for the rebels."
"Oh dear. Looks like the defects managed to tame the abomination…"
The pearl said nothing. It was not in its place to join the two in conversation. Out the corner of its eye, the pearl noticed a strange door. Despite its programming, the pearl separated slightly from the group as the guests stopped to hear the propaganda spewed from one of the speakers. There was a small window carved into the door, low enough for the tiny pearl to peer through the thick glass. Leaning closer, the pearl could barely make out a glowing gem at the end of the darkened room. It seemed to be a Ruby at the end of the hall. Curious thoughts had entered the pearls mind when suddenly, the pearl realized she was lagging behind the group now, and hurriedly rushed to catch up with the tour, less she faces repercussions for her absent mindedness.
Try as she might to stay off the radar, there will be someone always watching her every step...
In a dark room, only lit by multiple video feeds, a green gem smiles.