The small delivery vessel landed on the marked off section of beach that had been provided for it. Despite it's size the ship carried hundreds of new gems that would be crucial in the coming harvest. Amongst the numerous Gems that would act as the foot soldiers, strategists, and base laborers was a single Ruby, it was that Gem that was brought out first and given room enough to form it's body.
As she opened her eyes for the first time in years Ruby was treated to the sight of a truly imposing Gem, She was easily three times her size, with a mass of curling pink hair drapped around herself that fell past the gem in her navel, a hole cut for it in her long flowing white tunic. She was most likely a commander given her stature, and a look at the color of her gem confirmed it. The small scout gem immediately fell to one knee and lowered her eyes to the sand.
The tall Gem gave a slight chuckle and Ruby could already feel the consternation welling up in herself, she didn't like surprises, though the next one soothed away that discomfort. "I had forgotten how very formal Gems from home where." The voice was smooth and caressing even as it playfully mocked, and despite herself she looked up to meet the other's eyes; and in them found warmth she'd never seen from a Gem of so high a station, it was perplexing to say the least. The Taller Gem must have seen the confusion on Ruby's face and patted her cheek gently. "I am Rose Quartz, I'm second in command of this harvest." Ruby obviously didn't need to introduce herself everyone knew what Rubies were, so she remained silent as she stared up into those kind pink eyes.
Rose stood with her a moment longer before turning and beckoning the smaller Gem to follow. "Obviously we don't have the galaxy warp operational yet or youwould have been able to make the trip in a considerably less cramped fashion. The warp network we do have set up is limited at best."
That stunned Ruby enough that she forgot herself and spoke up. "That's not right, I was sent just after the first wave but you've had at least a year to establish yourselves you should at least have the network up."
Rose turned with a mischievous secretive grin. "That's true we should, but apparently our analysis of the capabilities of the indigenous life were a bit unreliable." There was almost satisfaction in the matronly Gem though Ruby very rarely took notice of such things, furious with herself at the outburst, every once of her self control keeping her hands to her sides balled in fists as they were, so focused was she that she lost a bit of the conversation.
". . .That's why it's so good you've arrived we can begin work on the first Kindergarten." Before Ruby could offer up a promise of good, efficient service a louder voice rumbled over her.
"I should say so! Let's see how these meatsacks deal with a thousand or so Amethysts and Jaspers barreling down on them." The new Gem stood a head taller than Rose, with long straight sickly yellow brown hair that brushed the sand as she approached. She was slimmer than Rose but not slight by any imagining and wore heavy looking regal gem armor. The flesh of her physical form was a deeper brown than her hair, with two triangular streaks of deeper chocolate on her face, the tips below each eye, the base widening to encompass the whole of her Jaw line. The Heavy brown diamond that rested on the right of her chest marked her the commander of this operation and that was exactly how she carried herself. "Why isn't this Ruby kneeling, picking up your bad habits already?" The words were one part jovial, one part sincere. Rose simply shrugged and grinned back at her commander even as Ruby fell hurriedly to one knee, gritting her teeth and muttering "Stupid Stupid Stupid." Until she felt Rose's hand on her chin lifting her gaze up once again.
To her great surprise Ruby found sadness there. Brown Diamond was already half way down the beach making her way towards a cliff face that seemed to have been carved out to be used as a command center. Rose looked as if she wanted to say more, but shook her head, and for a moment Ruby was sure she saw flecks of moisture splashing away. "As you may have guessed you'll be paired with a Sapphire for this mission, she came with me in the first wave so she's already had time to gather the information she'll need."
Of course she would be paired with a Sapphire, 90% of the jobs Rubies were called on to do were to protect Sapphires out in the field, so much so it was part of her gem itself; Even if she found most Sapphires to be apathetic bores there was an inherent desire built in to her to defend them. Still she was glad she wouldn't have to be waiting around for the information gathering process, that was always the most tedious part of any mission, and if the life on this planet really was more impressive than the reports had said maybe she would even see a little action. "Let's go and meet her then shall we?" Rose asked as she began walking in the direction Brown Diamond had gone. Ruby followed quickly after with a nod, the barest hint of a smile crossing her lips.