The clicking of high-heals echoed loudly off the walls, the only other sound White could hear (to her slight amusement) was Yellow Diamond nearly snorting in pure irritation as she rapidly paced back and forth. Her back was turned towards her, but she was sure that Yellow's hands were clasped tightly behind her back as they usually were. She always did this display whenever she was extremely irritated with her, and she had not seen her like this in almost six hundred thirty-five thousand years.
"It's too soon," said Yellow turning to White as she continued her marching, "you've given her a colony far too soon. She isn't ready for such a responsibility yet."
"I believe," said White calmly without turning towards Yellow, "that if Pink Diamond is capable of creating a gem on her own, then she is capable of managing a colony. She has proven herself to me."
"This isn't about gem creation," said Yellow calmly, "this is about experience, and she has barely any experience managing gems White. You wouldn't let me go manage my own colony until I was nearly five hundred thousand years old, and Blue was nearly a million years old...White," said Yellow approaching White, "She's barely two hundred years old. She needs more time. Let me or Blue take her for several millenniums to one of our colonies; show her how it is done. Blue Diamond is preparing to-"
"Do you doubt her capabilities as a Diamond," asked White turning to her, "or is this something else? Jealousy does not become you, Yellow." For the first time, Yellow had a scowl on her face. White had always known that out of the other Diamonds, Yellow was the most sensitive when it came to not being able to create gems on her own. She was the only one who still tried to learn while Blue had lost interest many eons ago. Yellow clenched her teeth and ground them slightly, but then swallowed her pride and cleared her mind.
"As I said," Yellow said, however her voice had a slight waver that had not been there earlier, "this isn't about that. This is about preventing what could potentially be a disaster; you can ask Blue Diamond as well," she said turning away," I have already discussed the matter with her and she agrees with me."
"If she ends up needing help," said White, "then we will provide with help when the time comes, however," she said turning towards Yellow, "I reward those who earn it, and she has certainly earned it by providing Homeworld with something useful. It is rather nice, for once," she said turning away from Yellow, "that it finally came from another Diamond." Yellow could only blankly stare at the back of White's head. Not really wanting to admit that White was right; not wanting to admit that her words had stung her in a way she didn't fully understand. White turned her head slightly so that only just the faintest part of her eye could see Yellow still standing there, looking somewhat defeated.
"Are you still there," she asked her, "I thought you would have left by now, knowing how busy you usually are?" White could hear Yellow's dress whip in the air as Yellow quickly turned to leave; her wounded pride in each stride. White closed her eyes and sighed as she rubbed a sensitive spot near her gem. Yellow did have a point, a very valid point. However she did feel confident that the planet in question was so plentiful that it would be exceedingly simple to colonize. If Pink did have trouble, and she probably would as all new Diamonds did, then they would help. Yellow was simply being over protective, it was her nature. Out of all the Diamonds, Yellow seemed to be most concerned for all gems' overall happiness and well-being. She would be fine soon enough, she would soon see that her concerns were simply over-exaggerated.
Yellow first tried to work to take her mind off of her disasterous meeting with White, but she was still too irritated so she stood up and simply paced back and forth in the Throne Room, even wondered if she would go to her own private chambers until she was calm again. She heard someone enter the Throne Room; she turned to see who it was and saw that Blue had entered the room. Yellow shook her head and continued her pacing and decided that perhaps it would be best to go to her chambers.
"By your pacing and scowling," said Blue calmly as she went to her throne and sat down, "it seems that you and White did not see eye to eye in the matter of Pink's new colony."
"She's an old fool," Yellow said, "she's completely blind to what she's doing. She can't see the disaster that will take place if Pink is allowed to take a colony so soon."
"Even I see that she is too young," said Blue, "but a disaster? I wouldn't go as far as to say that Yellow."
"Am I the only one who is thinking about what will happen?"
"Of course not," said Blue, "but you always only think about the disasters. What is done is done; Pink Diamond has a colony. Let us be proud of her and her...accomplishment," she said the last part with a bit of strain in her voice, "and be supportive of her." Yellow turned to her and sighed.
"Tell me Blue," she said sitting down and finally showing how tired she looked, "and be honest as I will be: are you slightly jealous?"
"Of what," asked Blue.
"Of Pink getting a colony so early, or her actually creating a gem on her own," Yellow turned away from Blue and clasped her hands in her lap, "or White seemingly favoring her." Blue seemed taken back from the last part, but she looked away and quietly said:
"A bit of all of it, but I can see why on the last part," she said turning towards Yellow, "you can't deny it; Pink is a very sweet gem."
"Sweet but naive," said Yellow, "and she's getting far too much too soon. It will ruin her."
"Oh you worry too much," said Blue waving her hand towards Yellow turning away from her.
"I've seen it before," Yellow said with a small smirk, causing Blue to quickly turn back towards her and give her a scowl.
"What is that suppose to mean," she asked glaring at Yellow.
"You're very spoiled," said Yellow, "and I say this in the most loving way I can: It hasn't done much for you over the centuries. I remember when you first came out, you were so quiet and reserved...I would even say shy; but then," she said turning towards her, "White let you have your way more and more and soon you just," she shrugged, "changed. We all do, I suppose. I'm sure I am not the same gem I was when I first emerged. I guess I just want," she said with a slight marigold blush flushing on her face as she turned away from Blue, "I just don't want her to change so quickly."
"The great hard and rigid Yellow Diamond," said Blue with a sly smile, "blushing. I thought I would never see the day." Yellow's face scrunched up tighter, clearly embarrassed. Blue smiled.
"I will ignore your comment about me," she said raising her head up pridefully, "because I don't think it is completely true, but I will admit, it must be hard watching ones you care about changing in ways you don't fully approve." Yellow nodded, she knew Blue didn't understand and now it was her turn to see what could and most likely would happen.
"Don't worry Yellow," said Blue, "Pink has us to watch over her, she is not alone, and you are not alone in this anymore." Yellow turned to Blue who gave her a smile. It was very comforting to know that finally she had someone who would back her up, even if it was someone to simply to talk too. White use to support her, but she had become distant and it was hard to approach her, be it her own ego or White being so intimidating for anything. Yellow closed her eyes and chuckled.
"I appreciate your support," she said quietly.
"How long do you think it will take to get to the planet," asked Pink to Yellow. Yellow shook her head.
"These things take time," she said calmly, "and you're jumping far ahead: First of all, you don't even have any Colonial Dropships yet, and those are very complicated to build. How do you think you will even get any gems to the planet in the first place without any ships? Second, Dropships take a lot of time to construct," she said looking at her, "and now that you have gems of your own, they are expected to construct them for you, and no, before you ask we will not lend you any." Pink's face fell, she was just about to ask that.
"Third," said Yellow continuing typing on her holo-pad, "given the distance of the planet and looking at the records from when the planet samples were taken," Yellow began to mumble about 'factoring current technological advancements', "If, and that is a very heavy if, your small court manages to construct the proper amount of Dropships's within a generous time-frame of twenty-five years; I would estimate that it will take about one hundred years to travel to the planet with the given advancements we have, fifty if we pushed it."
"So we could theoretically be at the planet in seventy-five years then," asked Pink. Yellow sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.
"Pink," she sighed again, "you're only thinking about going there as soon as possible. I understand you're excited. Believe me I was very excited when I finally was able to colonize for the first time as well but I had time to build up my gems and gain experience. You hardly have any gems to your name, and you're rushing things through. You're making the very same mistake I did millenniums ago. Learn from mine, and take your time with this." Pink huffed and sank in her throne, but Yellow only continued typing.
"Patience will reap you rewards in the future, you will see."
"Yes I know," said Pink, "but I'm just very excited. I was worried that I wouldn't-" but she paused and decided not to finish, but Yellow stopped her work and looked over at her.
"Wouldn't what," asked Yellow. Pink sighed and shrugged her shoulders.
"It's silly," Pink chuckled, "but I didn't think that until a solution to my," she paused and gestured at her gem with her hands, "issue was solved that I wouldn't be of any use to the Authority; that I was going to just sit here until then and only be a figurehead leader. Now though," she said looking over at Yellow, "I feel like I actually did something important, something useful and...I finally feel excited to be...a Diamond." Yellow calmly looked at Pink as she told her this and when she finished her small speech, she sighed and minimized her holo-monitor and put her fingers to her temple, much like White Diamond would do. She gave Pink a very strange small smirk with a raised eyebrow.
"Damn your amusing speeches," she finally said, "I suppose I could spare a few members of my court to help you build some of your Dropships, but only on the condition," she said pointing a gloved finger to her, "that I shall be allowed to help guide your early colonization efforts without protest. You need someone to-" but before she could finish she was immediately tackled and pressed deep within her throne.
"Thank you," cried out Pink as she continued her smothering, "of course I agree to the terms! I appreciate all you do for me and-"
"Yes, that's lovely," said Yellow trying to push her off of her, "but please get off."
"What," said Pink, "afraid of a little hug?" Yellow only grumbled, she wasn't about to tell Pink that she was crushing her with her weight and it was very uncomfortable. Finally Pink stood back up and gave Yellow much relief.
"I really do appreciate your help," Pink said again.
"I know," Yellow said, "but understand that these things will take time, even with help."
"Do you think Blue will help as well," asked Pink hopefully as she sat back down in her throne. Yellow hummed as she reopened her holo-monitor.
"I wouldn't doubt it," she said, "but you should only ask if you need it. You already have my help," she said looking over at her, "I know you want to go as fast as possible but-"
"I know, I know," said Pink, "I need to have patience."
"Very good," said Yellow typing away, "now go and organize your gems and get started on your work, you've got a lot of planning ahead of you. If you need help with it, let me know." Pink nodded in agreement and took her leave. Yellow was right, she did have a lot of planning ahead of her. It was most certainly the boring part, but it was indeed very critical. She made her way to her chamber and sat in her chair and pulled up her monitors to begin her planning. After a few minutes, it was becoming evident that this was going to be the hard part for her, as she was quickly loosing interest in it.
"My Diamond," asked Pearl from the corner of the room, "if I may, would you like some assistance in planning your colony?" Pink looked over at Pearl's eager face. She knew better: this was Diamonds' work, meant for her only; not for Pearls.
"Well," said Pink looking back at the monitor then back at her, "this is really a Diamonds' work...but that doesn't mean you can't offer some advice," she said...then got a little idea, "and...perhaps if you really want to, you could type up the orders."
"Oh," replied Pearl enthusiastically, "I would be delighted to do so!" She quickly hopped over towards the chair and positioned herself comfortably on Pink's chair as she adjusted the holo-monitor to her size.
"You may dictate what you will," she said looking up behind her with a glimmer in her eyes, "My Diamond." Pink smiled and rubbed Pearl's back with one finger. Perhaps it was a bit mean (and a bit more lazy) to make Pearl type up her work, but she had offered her services, hadn't she?
"Thank you for your help Pearl," said Pink as she continued rubbing her back. Pearl didn't see anything wrong with this. She saw this as her doing something very important, something not many pearls would ever be allowed to do. She felt a very lucky gem indeed.
A few hours later...fifty-eight to be exact...and the basic outlines and orders of the colony was in place. Pearl saved and duplicated the orders and distributed them to all of Pink's senior gems so they could begin their work. Pearl rubbed her hands together, they were cramping from all that typing that she had done, but thankfully it was done for now. It wouldn't have been so bad, but Pink talked so fast it was hard to keep up with her words, then she would change her mind making her re-write things. She stood up and stretched her back.
"You did very well," said Pink as she too stood up from her chair, "if I had been typing, I would still be working on the third order. Thank you again Pearl."
"Oh, it was my pleasure," said Pearl as she bowed. She looked over at Pink as she laid down on her bed and took something from a small cubbyhole near the side of it. It was one of those odd cakes that Yellow and White always provided for her. It wasn't her place to say anything, she knew that but she found it somewhat concerning.
"My Diamond," she asked quietly, "I know it's not my place to ask, but aren't those suppose to satisfy you for several years at a time?" Pink looked down at Pearl then at the cake in hand. She sheepishly twirled some of her hair in her free hand.
"Well yes," she replied, "I mean, they're suppose too but, lately they haven't been lasting as long so I've been sneaking them from Yellow's room. She's hardly ever in there so I doubt she's noticed."
"Won't she find out," asked Pearl not hiding her fear.
"Eventually," said Pink taking a bite, "I suppose I'll just have to tell her the truth soon. I am," she said blushing, "slightly embarrassed though."
"You shouldn't be," said Pearl reassuringly, "It's not your fault." Pink only blushed a bit more. What Pink wasn't telling her was that she figured that it was indeed her fault it wasn't working as well as it use too, because awhile ago she sneaked one just because she wanted an extra one and ever since then she had cravings.
"Regardless," Pink said clearing her throat, "I should still speak with her about it, I hope she'll understand."
Black Rutile finished writing up her report right before she had to go on her rounds of the facility. She had a lot of responsibilities as Facility Manager, and had to make sure that all of the other managers had their areas clean and well organized. As Facility Manager, she had access to all areas of Project F, including the restricted areas, which was fascinating and horrifying. There was something morbidly wonderful to her however, to be included in this project. There must have been a part of her that must be defective, she supposed, to find intrigue and to some extent...joy to be apart of this twisted project. There were gems who were suffering every day, many fearing that they would be shattered...some begging to be and yet here she was, treating them as if they were some organic to be studied as if they didn't matter and having pride with each success. However the process of science and learning was cold and cruel and it didn't care who or what suffered at the hands of higher education, very much like the Diamonds themselves.
As she walked down the halls, she made sure that they were clean. The halls were impeccable. The pearls seemed to be doing their jobs well. The team of pearls given to Project F was the most obedient group of pearls she had ever seen, especially after the first month there. After seeing what was really going on at the facility, the pearls knew that they could easily become...expendable and they had to make sure they remained useful at all times. She paused when she realized she was receiving a call from Peridot 3C9. She opened up her holo-monitor and saw Peridot in the screen but froze up when she also saw Yellow Diamond in the video feed as well. She saluted the Diamond and bowed.
"Black Rutile Facet-2352 Cut-5TG, Project F Facility Manager at your service," she said very somber.
"Yes," said Yellow, "One of White Diamond's gems," said Yellow who had looked up Black Rutile's information, "one of her rarest gems," she said raising her eyebrow, "I like a gem who knows how to serve her empire with work."
"Your words humble me," said Black Rutile.
"Enough pleasantries," said Yellow waving her hand, "let us get down to business as to why I have called. I need you to increase production of Solution C as soon as possible. You will be given the necessary requirements for it from one of Blue Diamond's colonies." Peridot didn't say anything, but Black Rutile made a small audible gasp that caught Yellow's attention.
"Is there a problem," asked Yellow.
"With all do respect," bowed Black Rutile, "but as is, Project F was designed to be a research facility, not a processing plant. We do not have the space, equipment or gem power to increase Solution C production without creating a separate facility." Yellow looked at Black Rutile, but surprisingly nodded.
"Agreed," she said, "I will send out a team to construct a new wing of the facility, once done, you know what to do with them." Black Rutile's eyes dimmed as she nodded.
"Until then," said Yellow, "you will simply have to make do. The first shipment of supplies should be arriving by tomorrow and I want the first batch made by the end of the week . Keep me informed." With that, Yellow Diamond cut her end of the feed, leaving only Peridot's and Black Rutile's still on. Only then did Peridot show any emotion and it was pure rage.
"I can't BELIEVE them," she said in a fit, "don't they know how hard it is trying to do all this work, and on top of it making that...that..."
"I know," said Black Rutile trying to calm her down, "but we've been given orders. All we can do now is try to do what is asked of us."
"I'm just so frustrated with her," said Peridot mumbling under her breath.
"Who," asked Black Rutile, "Yellow Diamond or-"
"No," cried out Peridot waving her arms around in frustration, "that blasted Pink Diamond! It's more than obvious what's happened! She's sabotaging herself and nobody's going to correct her behavior at all. They're just going to let her just do as she pleases. I wonder if she even has ever read one...ONE of my reports?! If she did, then she would know what exactly what went in those things she consumes and then perhaps she would be more conservative with them."
"If she did," said Black Rutile, "I don't think she would even touch them." Peridot looked to the side and hummed.
"You're probably right," she said, "but that doesn't excuse her from keeping herself ignorant. It's not like she could find out from myself or asking Yellow or White."
"True," said Black Rutile, "but perhaps you would be wise what you do and say. I've been serving White Diamond for nearly sixty-thousand years now," she said, "and I know for a fact if she doesn't want something known, she will go out of her way to keep it unknown. Perhaps this is the case with Pink? You could get yourself in trouble if you go and do something rash like that." Peridot seemed to calm down a bit from that bit of advice.
"I didn't realize you were that old," mumbled Peridot. Black Rutile nodded and thought about it.
"I often don't think about it myself," she said, "I don't think any of my generation of gems still exist. I think I am still around because of my rarity and I've learned to keep in line," she said looking hard at Peridot, who only looked away.
"Look," said Black Rutile, "I've got a lot of new work ahead of me now. I have to get the processing area ready and," she sighed, "and I have to plan for the construction crew when they arrive, not to mention my usual facility duties."
"Yes-yes," said Peridot, " 'no rest for the wicked', isn't that something White Diamond says every so often?"
"I believe so," said Black Rutile, "I think she picked it up from organic life forms from one of her colonies long ago."
"How ironic," Peridot said dryly.
White looked over at the figures of Pink Diamond's colonial efforts; it was very apparent that Yellow and Blue was helping her to some extent. She knew that those two would help her to some degree. Normally, she would have been more strict about these things, but for the first time in such a long time she was excited for a prospect of a new colony. Perhaps it was the prospect of the new gem type that had sparked the new interest within her, but there was the smallest bit of regret of not taking the planet for herself. However, the planet would be incredibly easy to colonize; perfect for such a young Diamond to cut her teeth on with little chance of failure. She was just finishing reading the last report when she received a outside call. To her surprise, it was Peridot 3C9, calling at an earlier time than normal.
"My Diamond," Peridot dryly said while saluting, causing White to raise her eyebrow at it, "Peridot reporting in on requested increasement of Solution C. Production has increased per requested by thirty percent and should increase by another fifteen by the end of the week. When the new facility is built production should be more stable within the following weeks." White closed her eyes and rubbed the area near her gem.
"Peridot," White said after opening her eyes and looking hard at Peridot, "I have no idea what on Homeworld what you are talking about. Care to explain to me why you have increased Solution C production? You know how I feel about it, and I do not like to waste such valuable resources to create that product and I. do. not. like. to not be told of things AFTER they are already done!" White shouted as she slammed her hands down hard on her armrests, cracking them and causing some sparking in parts of the chair. Peridot started shaking, she didn't know that White Diamond had no idea about the new facility and product increase. Peridot tried to keep calm, but with White Diamond's eyes literally glowing with anger and scowling hard at her it was very hard to do so.
"I am very sorry my Diamond," she said saluting, "but I was contacted by Yellow Diamond and requested to increase production. I am only following through and giving my report on it." White Diamond took in a deep breath and settled down into her chair. She looked to the side and sighed deeply not covering her irritation with Yellow. Rubbing the same spot near her gem, she looked back over at a slightly shivering Peridot in the video feed.
"When was the order given," White asked more calmly.
"A-A month ago, My Diamond," said Peridot. White hummed and sat up straight.
"How many gems are working on the new processing facility," White asked.
"Nearly four hundred, My Diamond," said Peridot quietly. White Diamond sighed, knowing that each one of those gems wouldn't ever leave Project F.
"Such a waste," said White, "It could have been done with half that amount of gems. Where are the new resources coming from?" Peridot looked to the side, but then said quickly:
"From Blue Diamond's 4th Colony, My Diamond." White closed her eyes again and shook her head, knowing what that meant.
"Very well," sighed White standing up, "thank you for your report Peridot. When the facility is running, please inform me." She ended the call and she turned to leave the room. As she left the room, she glanced at her pearl and said:
"Pearl, go to my bismuths and have them repair my chair," She didn't even acknowledge her bowing and agreeing to do so, White was more determined to go find Yellow or anyone else at the moment. There wasn't anyone in the Diamond Throne Room so she started checking the private rooms. White did find Yellow in one of the rare times when she was in her room. Her back was to her as she was working on something in her chair. White folded her arms and scowled at the back of Yellow's head.
"We need to talk," said White sternly. Yellow paused and turned her head towards White.
"So you know," said Yellow quietly.
"Yes, I know. When where you going to tell me exactly," asked White who was starting to loose her temper.
"When it was complete," said Yellow turning towards her, "I know you don't like to be kept in-"
"Quiet," said White suddenly and sharply. Yellow did as told, knowing that White was already very agitated and it would be unwise to further provoke her.
"Next time," said White, "you will come to me, no matter what the situation is, no matter how you may think I will react to it. Because I would think it would be better to ask permission, than for forgiveness from me," said White pointing a long finger at Yellow. Yellow looked at the finger inches from her nose, giving her a slightly comical look. White was confused, Yellow had hardly ever stepped over her head especially over something so simple as this.
"All I want to know is this: why?" Here White was slightly surprised when it appeared that Yellow was slightly blushing.
"I just," said Yellow tightly, "I didn't want you to get upset with her."
"Well," said White turning out of the room, "unfortunately for her and you, I am. She needs to learn to take responsibility of her actions and you protecting her from me isn't going to help her to learn now is it?" With that White turned out of the room and left Yellow in her room. It was some time later that White eventually found Pink, as she was busy trying to get her colony efforts ready. It was probably for the best for Pink, as it gave White time to calm down and think about what she was going to say.
"Pink," said White, "please come with me, we have somethings to discuss." Pink felt worried, and felt as if she already knew what this was already about, but she quietly followed White down the hall. As they walked, Pink became more nervous.
"Now," White said slowly as they walked, "I know that Yellow had production of Solution C increased for you but the question is, why was Solution C production increased? I can guess as to why, but I just want you to tell me why. I won't get mad," said White turning to her. Pink shrank back and started shuffling her feet a bit.
"Go on," said White.
"Well," said Pink quietly, "I sort of took a...few extra cakes from Yellow's room," she said to White, who looked down at her, "and..." she shrugged letting the words quietly die off. True to her word, White didn't get mad, simply nodded and didn't say anything.
"I see," she finally said, "well then, what's done is done. I'm sure," she said to her, "That Yellow has already told you off for what you have done already?" Pink nodded a bit while looking to the side.
"She did," she said while folding her arms, "while making fun of me."
"You're lucky that's all she did," said White, "and that I had a chance to think about things because I was very angry when I first found out about this as well. This is so," White paused, feeling her temper rise again, "Just...slow down. Don't waste any of it alright?"
"That's what Yellow said too," said Pink, "can you tell me why? What are they made of exactly?"
"You don't need to know as too why and what," said White, "just that you shouldn't waste any of it." Pink huffed in irritation, that was exactly what Yellow had told her as well when she had asked her the exact same thing earlier.
"How many have you been consuming then," asked White.
"Um," said Pink, "I'm only suppose to have one every 5 years but...I've been having one about every...week or so." she said quietly. White groaned and rubbed her forehead, completely irritated at Pinks' greed.
"You have to slow down, I don't care if you wail or make noises," she said poking her, "but you can't keep at that speed. I know that Blue will be willing to provide the necessary provisions for Solution C, but I am not willing to let that pass just so you can feel satisfied for a weeks' time. It's far too costly and I don't like it. You need to learn some self control; I am very disappointed in you. I am going to gain control of all of the Solution C samples and when I see fit, I will give you your allowance."
"That's not fair," said Pink loudly as she grabbed the hem of White's cloak and tugged at it, "you can't just-"
"But I just did," said White as she took her cloak and pulled it back away from Pink. "This meeting is over. If you wish to discuss it further with me, I will be in my private chamber, until then I would suggest you continue working on your colonization efforts." With that White left a very irritated Pink to stand in her wake and think about what to do next.
A few weeks later, Blue and Pink were sitting in the Diamond Throne Room working on their own respected projects. However Blue was smiling and glancing over at Pink who was scowling hard at her work. When Pink would quickly look over at Blue, she would quickly and playfully look away while trying not to laugh. Pink was in a very uncharacteristic foul mood and Blue found it adorable. Half the reason of her foul mood was Blue's teasing her, the other half was the gnawing empty feeling she felt inside.
"What," Pink finally barked out at Blue who finally smiled and laughed.
"I'm sorry," said Blue "you're just so funny sitting there scowling, it's such an odd look on your face."
"It's not funny," said Pink, "don't make fun of me," she said folding her arms, pouting. Blue only chuckled at Pink's tantrum, which only caused Pink to blush and frown harder at Blue.
"I said stop it," said Pink, her voice slightly cracking at the end. Blue covered her mouth with the back of her hand in attempts to stifle her laughter.
"You're terrible," said Pink as she looked away glaring at the wall.
"Now-now," said Blue as she reached inside her robe, "I have something for you that might make you smile again." Pink didn't say anything, but she looked over at Blue as she pulled out from her robe one of the cakes. Pink sat up and Blue chuckled.
"Ah," said Blue as she waved it, "I caught your attention have I?" Blue smiled as Pink didn't even say anything as she stood up and walked over towards her, but Blue couldn't help but tease her one last time and didn't hand over the cake instead waved it away from her. Pink finally snatched it from her as Blue continued to chuckle at her.
"You're such a tease," grumbled Pink as she walked away.
"Aren't you going to thank me," asked Blue as she continued to smile, "I took a great risk of sneaking that for you, you know." Pink only glared at her as she started to eat the cake.
"Well," said Blue as she sat back, still sporting a grin, "I hope that will improve your mood at the very least. How is your colony efforts coming along?" Pink looked over at her holo-monitor and huffed at it.
"It's more..." she placed her cheek on her fist as she looked hard at the monitor, "clerical...than what I was expecting. I was hoping,"
"That you would instantly go to your colony," said Blue, "I know, I know, but that's not how it works. 'A colony begins in writing', that is what White always says.
"Yes," said Pink, looking away, "so she has said."
"Don't look so down," said Blue, "while yes, there will always be written work to be done, but that is only a small part of it. Soon, your ships will be sent to the planet and then within time, they will have a Galaxy Warp Pad constructed and then you will..."
"Wait," said Pink, "you mean I won't go with the Dropships?" Blue smiled and waved her hand at her.
"Oh, you sweet thing," Blue said, "you don't want to go with the first Dropships! It can take centuries to reach a planet from Homeworld, as I learned the hard way. I did the exact thing you wish to do, and I regret it to this day. Eighty-six years on a Dropship; it gets very old very quick."
"I spent a century in a small room reading books," said Pink looking over at her, "I think I can manage it. Besides I'll have other gems with me, I'm sure they'll be able to keep me entertained enough."
"Yes," said Blue, "but aren't you forgetting something important," she asked raising an eyebrow. Pink thought about it then realized what she meant.
"Oh," Pink finally said, "well...I could...um...let's see," she paused to think but after a few moments finally said, "I'm sure I can come up with a solution for that problem. I wish to go with the Dropships; my mind is made up on that."
"If that is your wish, then you are free to do as you please," said Blue, "just be sure that the ship you wish to ride on is designed to accommodate a Diamond...and perhaps have a large number of pantries for you?"
"Oh, shut up," said Pink as she went back to her work, while Blue smirked at her own.
First off, I'd like to apologize for taking so long for an update. I've been quite sick as of late and haven't felt like writing for some time. I know you'll forgive me, but I know many of you look forward to this story and I do enjoy writing it, I hope to have another chapter out before the end of the year but I wouldn't place bets on it.
Now as to the matter of the Diamonds and their 'sins'; this is what I came up with. (Many of you got a lot of them right, but I'm surprised that not many of put more than one to each.) :
Yellow: Wrath and Pride. Yellow is very proud to be part of the Diamond Authority, proud to be a gem and inorganic, of her status and so on, and so forth. She loves a clean, smooth running machine, (as she sees Homeworld and to an extent gemkind) and doesn't hardly see any flaws within her own species as a whole...perhaps pearls because ew, they come from nasty organics. However if you truly anger her then you had better watch out. Truth be told it is reasonably hard to make her angry enough to truly end you, because she could find better uses for you, being the most logical of the Diamonds after all, she isn't a wasteful one. Her temper only gets worse in the future when true tragedy happens to the Authority and her logic can't find her a reasonable answer for it.
Blue: Envy and Pride. Much like Yellow, Blue enjoys her status and position being a Diamond ensues, enjoying the finer arts and luxuries of privilege. Unlike the others, she controls her court with a tight fist and is willing to enforce death to insure her power over her gems. I am sure you are wondering WHY ENVY? Blue is a Narcissists, and being a narcissists she believes everyone else is envying her because of who she is, and to some degree she can be jealous over others when outdone. It's going to take something drastic to change her character for the better.
White: Lust, Pride and Wrath. Much like the others, White enjoys her status, position and being a Diamond, but she isn't satisfied with her position as the most powerful among her race as she wants to dominate more and more. I don't think she remembers her original goal, if she even had one. If you ever make White mad and I mean truly mad, watch out. There are fates worse than death that she knows about and she knows how to be cruel if she chooses to be. Who knows if she'll ever change.
Pink: Gluttony and Sloth. Ah yes, the easiest one to guess. Pink is a hard worker, when she wants to be and if it's something she's interested in. If it isn't, then she'd rather push it off onto someone else. Pink is much like Blue, she enjoys the finer parts of upper class living, but that's not to say she's a snob. She is a kind gem, but also acts spoiled very quickly. She will often think and do for her own wants and desires before others (she often regrets this later), which will make her very unpopular with certain gems in the future.
Thank you all again for sticking around for this! I hope you're enjoying it!