I don't know why, but whenever I try to freaking post on here, it always does that nutty crap with the chapter and I can't stop it. Doesn't do it to anything else, just this. I keep trying different methods to prevent it from happening in the first place, but if they don't work and that junk pops up, have patience. It's not my fault.
Units later, I wake up in the chamber, the dull colors not as comforting as they are in my ship. I stand and dress, pulling goggles out of my gem and adding them to the outfit. They shield my eyes, and along with my scarf, hides all facial reactions and tells. Ready to face the Diamonds, I step out the room and follow the hall. At the end, it opens directly into the council chamber. Taking a deep breath, I step into the chamber to face the Diamonds and give them my decision. They're sitting right where they were when I left them half a cycle ago. My visage is stoic beneath my goggles and scarf, despite the storm I'm feeling inside.
"Have you made your decision?" the central Diamond asks.
"Yes. I will go to Earth. I will capture the rebels."
They nod in unison. "Very well," WD responds. "Leave as soon as possible." I nod, turning away and heading out the door. I have the papers folded in my jacket pocket, despite the fact I've already memorized them. Outside, I hop on my bike and start driving. I'm going to need some more tech. And a drink
Half a unit later, I stop my bike in front of an unmarked building, nothing to differentiate it from the others. But I know it's the place, has been for the past eight thousand super cycles. I walk inside and see one of the few sanctuaries on Homeworld, the Pirate's Cove. It's a joke on the part of the owner, based off of Earth's pirates of their age of naval trade and exploration. It's only followed this theme for a couple super cycles now. Immediately beyond the bouncer, a Red Beryl, I can see the bar, with the owner/bartender at work.
Black Pearl is a matronly gem with long black hair and dark gray skin wearing comfortable pants and a large shirt. Her gem is a black oval on her forehead. She looks up at me, smiling. "Well now," she says, standing and putting her hand on her hip. "Look what the cat dragged in."
"Mama Pearl," I greet, smiling as I remove my scarf and pull up my goggles. "Sorry I've been gone so long."
"Say nothing of it," she responds, coming around the counter and scooping me into a fond hug. "Just don't let it happen again, sugar, or else I'll have to nail you to your stool." We laugh as I sit on a stool and she settles on the other side of the counter, already making my usual. "So, what brings you to Mama Pearl's Cove this time?" We chuckle at her direct question.
"A drink," I answer, taking a swallow. "And tech." She nods appreciatively before waving over the Beryl from the door. After whispering to him for a moment, she motions me towards a door in the back. Inside is her office, a sparse room, but the secret lies beyond. With a glow of her gem, the back wall recedes to reveal a room packed full of illegal tech.
"You looking for something special or just a refill?"
"A little of both," I reply as I walk around. I pull down a couple boxes of destabilizer nades, as well as impact ones, ammo for my rifle, some energy cuffs, etc. Then, I head over to the special requisitions area. Looking through, I pull down a signal forger, a shield inhibitor, a mk vii positron barrier generator for my ship, as well as a couple high caliber turrets to add to my bike. Turning back, I can see Mama Pearl has already rung up all of my purchases on her personal console. I link mine to hers, transferring over the half a million credits for my buy.
Looking at me over her console, she gives me a questioning look. "You got a big job comin', don'tcha, baby?" I nod, serious once again. She walks over, hugging me again. "You headed back, ain'tcha?" I nod again, stock still in her arms. "She might be alive you know."
"If she is, then she's one of the targets."
We stand silent for a time after that. Pulling away, she holds me at arms length, looking me in the eyes. "Now you listen to me, GQ. I have known you almost since you were gestated. I have seen you learn, changed by your experiences and by this world. But, you've always held onto that code of honor. Always. I trust you to do the right thing, I trust you to be the gem Fire Agate always said you could be." I look down at the floor at the mention of Fire Agate, my mentor, my brother. "Don't you look away from me," Mama Pearl says, grabbing my chin and making me look at her. "So, you're gonna go to Earth, you're gonna do whatever it is you gonna do, and you're gonna live with whatever the outcome is. Alright?"
I nod, smiling sadly. "Alright, Mama Pearl, I gotcha."
"Good. Now, come out and finish that drink. You're gonna need it, sugar."
Units later I stumble out to my bike, thankful it's auto-stable function will keep me safe on the ride back to my ship. Despite a couple close calls, I make it back safely, taking a moment to look at my ship. It's been fixed up and given a new coat of paint, almost as good as new. I stop and poke at the console for a few minutes until the desired menu pops up. I order an engine overhaul, as well as new stabilizers and forward cannons to be delivered among other things. I forward the payment to the official Authority account, and it goes through rapidly. Inside my ship, I can hear the gems outside at work as I unpack and undress, storing everything in their spots. I change my outfit into my shorts and loose tee before collapsing onto the bunk. I set an alarm for about eight units and settle in, falling asleep quickly, hoping for a dreamless rest.