AN: I was thinking about how Emerald and Spinel would look and sound if they were actual characters on Steven Universe. Since a lot of the VA's are singers and recording artists I think Rhianna would be good for Emerald. I imagine Emerald would definitely have seductive eyes like Rhianna and her speaking/singing voice would be perfect. As for Spinel, I think Queen Latifa would be perfect. I imagine that using Queen Latifa's build, voice, and attitude would fit Spinel like a glove. Anyway…on to the next chapter! Enjoy!

Chapter 7: Retreat

After several days of research, Emerald finally decided to conclude the expedition. Sapphire was right by her side helping submit all of their findings to the data stream. The pair was sure their superiors would be pleased with the information, and would likely move forward with a harvest. This particular planet was rich in the minerals needed to create new Gems. Resources were plenteous, and that would allow the progenitor Gems to complete their important task.

As the two veteran Gems broke down the temporary base, the two younger Gems conversed. For the time being they compared each other's height. Ruby insisted that she was a little taller, but Sapphire concluded that if Ruby's fluffy hair wasn't a factor they were actually the same height. In order to test that theory, Ruby pulled her coarse curls back to fully expose her hairline. When she reached towards Sapphire to do the same the blue Gem recoiled and stepped back out of reach.

"C'mon, Sapphire. We can't compare if you won't let me…"

"Please don't touch my bangs!" Sapphire snapped, taking Ruby a bit by surprise.

"W…why not?"

"I just…don't want you to, okay?" Sapphire responded with just a slight hint of irritation. Ruby simply let the issue drop with a shrug as she sat down on the ground, crossing her stocky legs. Sapphire chose to stand next to a nearby tree, toying with the ruffled edges of her skirt.

"Ummm…so what are you and Spinel going to do after this mission?"

"I dunno…go home I guess."

"Oh…where's that?"

"Part of the Military complex. It's pretty well known. You heard of the Dirty East, right?"

"That sounds…vaguely familiar. I've never been there."

"Makes sense. Gems like you aren't usually seen around there."

"Huh…?"

"Well it's true…" Ruby mumbled as she threw a stick at a large insect flying by. The bright yellow creature was thrown off course for a second before soaring off into the distance.

"Perhaps I should come by the complex sometime…"

"What for?" Ruby asked in a bored tone while polishing her Gem with her thumb.

"I think that anywhere you and Spinel live has to be pretty interesting."

Ruby glanced up at Sapphire then shook her head with a chuckle.

"Seriously? You think it would be interesting? Try dangerous! A nice Gem like you wouldn't last five minutes in the Dirty East!"

Sapphire found herself feeling a little insulted by Ruby's presumption. She did have some self- defense training and had learned to summon her weapon about fifty years prior. She decided to keep that information to herself as they continued their conversation.

"May I make a suggestion? Since it's so dangerous why don't you give me a tour sometime?" Sapphire inquired, punctuating her request with a sweet smile.

"Uh…sure, no problem. But if you get hurt or anything you better not hold it against me. It's not like I didn't warn you."

"Thanks." As Ruby gave her a thumbs-up and a broad smile, Sapphire giggled softly at how cute she looked. She didn't dare voice that though. Given Ruby's personality that might have started a fight.

Soon the pair was rejoined by Emerald and Spinel and the crew headed back to the warp pad. As the security detail walked a few feet ahead, Spinel playfully poked Ruby's cheek.

"I saw you getting along with your new friend."

"Wha…? You mean Sapphire? Eh…I wouldn't say we're friends. She's ok I guess…"

"Scoop, you need to stop. I can tell you like her."

"Are you crazy? No way!"

"Calm down, love. You know I'm not the jealous type. I don't mind if you have other friends."

"Well…she is pretty nice."

"She's pretty cute, too."

"What the hell, Spinel?" Ruby grumbled. "Stop fuckin' teasing me, ok?"

"So you do think she's cute, huh?"

"Damn it, shut the fuck…!"

Ruby stopped in her tracks. She was on high alert.

"Spinel, do you hear that?"

Ruby's partner took a moment to listen for herself.

"Yeah, I do hear it. Whatever it is sounds big and it's getting closer." Spinel called back to the others, the edge of her voice giving a clear sense of urgency. "We need to get to the warp pad NOW!"

All four of them broke into a run with Spinel taking the lead. When they made it to the clearing where the warp pad was they stopped in their tracks at the sight of a bit of a problem. It was actually a big problem…with sharp teeth and horns. It appeared that one of the hexapeds wasn't too thrilled about invaders in its territory. The growling, crouched posture, and the baring of sharp canines made its position towards the Gems' presence even clearer. Besides that, the creature was right between the expedition team and the warp pad.

Ruby cursed under her breath then stood by Spinel's side. The pair was ready and willing to do their job and protect the others at all costs. At the same time they had to make sure not to damage the warp pad. Right before Ruby and Spinel were going to make their move a sparkling blue streak passed between them and the creature. That was enough to catch the animal's attention which in turn took off running after the streak and away from the warp pad. The red partners gave each other a silent nod as a signal to take action. Ruby ran alongside the lumbering beast, her weapon at the ready on her left hand, as the blue steak headed right into the arms of Emerald, who quickly implemented a barrier spell just before the beast's horn slammed against the dome. Before the infuriated creature could recover from the impact, Ruby slammed a hard left jab to its side sending tumbling down a slight incline.

Ruby turned when she heard Spinel bark an order to get to the warp pad. It seemed the six-legged creature thought that order applied to it as well as it charged towards Ruby from behind. The small red Gem felt herself boosted forward when she heard the sound of two bodies collide. As she stumbled towards to warp pad she looked over her shoulder to see that Spinel had the enraged beast by two of its horns. With all the force she could muster, Spinel twisted the creature's neck causing it to break with a sickening snap. Once the animal went limp and fell to the ground the other Gems could tell immediately that this wasn't a flawless victory. There was a gaping hole in Spinel's midsection. The veteran Gem shot Ruby a sheepish glance before speaking one last sentence.

"Scoop, you better be ready to catch…"

Ruby sped over to Spinel just in time for the Gem in her partner's eye to fall into her cupped hands. For a moment Ruby cradled Spinel's gem in her hands then gave the corpse an angry kick, sending the body the rest of the way down the incline. Without a word she caught up with the others on the warp pad, holding Spinel's gem tightly against her chest. Not wanting to waste any more time, Emerald activated to warp pad, sending the expedition team back to Homeworld.