Chapter 1: Bounty Hunter Topaz
"Tech specialist Peridot, this is Yellow Diamond. Come in." A cold, crackling hiss of a voice, similar to a viper, hissed into a strangely shaped radio clutched in a slender yellow wrist. The radio crackled as a voice on the other side answered.
"Yell… Yellow… Diamond! Thank the Homeworld your there! I just…" The hissing voice cut the other voice short. "I don't care. Listen here tech specialist, I only called because I am curious as to what has happened to Commander Jasper and Informant Lapis Lazuli." The other voice was silent for a moment, before responding shakily "Commander Jasper and Lapis Lazuli are currently fused as Malachite, trapped in one of this planet's "oceans". I've lost a leg and desperately require…"
"SILENCE!" Yellow Diamond roared. Peridot's voice faltered once again and trailed off with a nervous blare of static. "Good… now with some quiet, I can analyze this situation more clearly. From what you told of me, Lapis Lazuli was the one who had trapped their fused self, this Malachite, in the body of liquid?" The member of the Diamond Authority questioned.
Peridot took a nervous gulp before responding. "Ye… Yes…. From I have observed, Informant Lapis Lazuli has betrayed the Homeworld. She has not officially allied with those "Crystal Gems", but has done it for that "Steven". She is still trying to maintain control of the fusion." The tech specialist returned with a nervous tone.
Yellow Diamond put a hand to her chin as she calculated the various options to deal with this unexpected turn of events. Going to Earth herself would be impossible, as the Diamond Authority needed to stay together to fully maintain their incredible power, as well as this problem being too much of a minority to require a personal visit from her.
Given Peridot's trouble in even dealing with those Crystal Gems, the Gem leader knew she couldn't rely on that pathetic excuse for a Homeworld Gem. There was only one other option to look to in order to bring back Jasper and eliminate the traitor, Lapis Lazuli.
Topaz.
The name alone often caused weaker-minded gems to collapse from sheer terror. The gem by the name of Topaz was somewhat of a legend, a bounty hunter that could bring in any target, no matter who or what it was, for the right price of course. It was also a male, one of the rarest occurrences in gem history. Topaz was renowned for his abilities, and was once rumored to have single-handedly brought down an entire colony of Crimson Scorpions, nearly unstoppable monsters, with only his weapon in hand.
He was the perfect candidate to go to Earth, eliminate the traitor, and retrieve Commander Jasper. His price may be a little high, but nevertheless, the eldest member of the Diamond Authority was more than willing to pay his price when it came to matters like this.
"Alright. Try to stay in one piece tech specialist Peridot. I am sending Topaz to planet Earth as soon as possible." Yellow Diamond said to the radio. The voice was silent for a moment before spluttering indignantly "Yellow Diamond! I don't need that… hunter to come help me retrieve Commander Jasper!" Yellow Diamond shook her head as she sighed heavily. "Peridot, when has it ever come to your attention you are completely outmatched against these Crystal Gems? You have lost a leg while fighting them, and even then you had the advantage!" Peridot attempted to argue, but Yellow Diamond cut her off with a cold "Yellow Diamond out." Instantly the connection between the two gems ended as the Diamond Authority member placed the device on the table in front of her.
She slowly crossed her arms as she pressed a button on the table and spoke into a microphone installed into it: "Emerald?" Instantly an obedient voice answered. "Yes great leader Yellow Diamond?" The gem smiled slightly at this choice of words. "Send for Topaz. I will need to brief him on his mission." She responded.
The gem on the other end quickly responded with a quick "Yes Ma'am!" before the connection cut off. Yellow Diamond then proceeded to turn back to the massive map of the galaxy she had on her wall. "That traitor Lapis Lazuli will regret ever betraying us to be with those Crystal Gems…" She hissed softly.