Batman and Alfred glared across the table. On the other side sat Peridot, Lars and Yelena looking rather sheepish while Superman sat behind them protectively.
"Peridot and Lars I just saw your work with the Cluster and I want to know why in the name of God you thought it was okay to warp my house into space?" snarled Batman.
"Ah exactly when did this happen?" asked Peridot.
"That house was a pile of garbage. So yes I thought nobody was living there," answered Yelena.
"Master Batman I told you we should have invested in a grounds keeper," said Alfred sadly.
"Be that as it may, my house is still floating in space. I want you to warp it back," said Batman.
"Look Mr. Wayne. As much I would like to. I barely survived warping the Cluster. It's going to be a long time before I warp anything," said Lars.
"How did you figure out my identity?" cried Batman.
"I read the newspaper, duh!" replied Lars.
"Well then its settled. I'll just buy you a new house," said Peridot.
"Peridot you can't simply buy yourself out of trouble!" scolded Superman.
"Why not?"
"My home was more than a just a shelter. It housed my family since they first landed with William Dewey. It was filled with history and family heirlooms," said Batman.
"Well then how about you write a list of all the stuff you want and my sisters and I will retrieve it. That is the most feasible," explained Peridot.
The next day Bruce Wayne and Alfred watched the final Peridot pod return to the station. As he waited a Peridot wearing a helmet chased another in Bruce's best suit.
He picked up the Peridot wearing the helmet, "Hey these are not toys. Put them back, now."
The children scurried away while Bruce walked over to the docking bay. A tired Peridot stepped out of her pod with a large family portrait.
"There that's the last item on your list. Now can I go?" asked Peridot.
"Oh, that was only page one," said Bruce. He shoved a pile of papers right into Peridot's arms. "You still have many more to items to retrieve."
Peridot's eyebrow twitched, "Really?"
Alfred cleared his throat,"If I may, I heard your sisters talking about setting up a warp pad array. Even if it doesn't work it would keep them from being underfoot."
Peridot winced as she heard a distant crash. "Okay let's do this."
Still Peridot and Clark still had other things to attend. They flew their pod back down to Earth and landed right next to a lawyers' office Bryce, Sugar and Hoffman. They went inside only to see workers carrying away boxes full of files.
"Sorry this office is closed. We're presently relocating due to this office's structural damage," said the receptionist a young man in a dress shirt.
Peridot looked around, there were cracks in the walls and she could see a hole in the ceiling. "Oh you might want to service us. I could repair your office building."
The boy stood up, "Dad that green kid says she can fix the office building."
A balding middle aged man came forward, "Miss Peridot, Mister Kent to what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Mr. Sugar, I'm looking to get some refugee claims and apply for adoption yet again. Peridot discovered 4 of her sisters and would like to take them in," said Clark Kent.
"They were slaves from an alien ship which the Crystal Gems crashed," added Peridot.
"So a refugee claim would be no problem but adoption? That's a whole different kettle of fish. First off you have to prove that you have adequate accommodations for these children."
"The entire globe has been through massive earthquakes. I don't know if any building is intact," remarked Peridot.
"That's true but you also prove that you have to time took take care of them. That means no more trips to Bialia and making sure that Peridot doesn't buy another person," pointed out Sugar.
"That won't be a problem I'll be busy following a big lead in Metropolis," assured Clark.
"But not too busy," questioned Sugar. "How old are they Peridot?"
"They're maybe ten. We don't keep birth records on Homeworld" admitted Peridot.
"Don't forget we need to admit them into the school system," said Clark.
"That would take a little time but if you have a private school they can be admitted to no problem," replied Sugar.
"Oh, I can get them admitted into the Wayne Academy. I'll pay for their fees," said Peridot.
"Well then I'll fill out the forms you get your robinoids and then our business is concluded," smiled Sugar.
"Actually there's one more thing. A friend of mine got hurt during the big earthquake. Because of the extent of her injuries and her unique metabolism I need an advocate for her medical care," said Peridot.
"What makes her metabolism unique?"
"She's part gorilla."
"Oh get her admitted to Star labs. They'd be the most qualified to care for her and you better inform her family," ordered Sugar.
Clark and Peridot thanked the man and then they headed back to their house. The row of townhouses were ruined. Clark swore softly the roof had collapsed and it had been raining last night.
"Hi, Mr. Kent, Peridot," called out Steven. He waved as he pulled a large tarp over the roof of his house.
"Nyeh, heh, heh, now to program my robinoids into repairing the house," snickered Peridot.
With a flick of her controls Peridot's robinoids swarmed all over the house. They covered it like a shifting cocoon. Clark looked at this for a while.
"So how long will this take?" he asked.
"About 24 hours," replied Peridot. "Hey Steven! I can get them to fix your house too!" hollered Peridot.
"Forget about it Peridot. You've done enough," shouted Greg out the window.
"No we need her help," shouted back Steven.
"Steven I'm your father. How dare you go over my head?"
"I wouldn't if your head wasn't stuck up your butt!"
As Steven and Greg argued Clark felt distinctly uncomfortable. He turned to Peridot, "Hey I think it's time you saw the Fortress of Solitude."
Clark got changed and they flew off. Because Peridot was flying in her pod the Man of Steel had to slow down. After several hours a huge crystalline fortress appeared on the icy plains.
"This is a little out of the way," remarked Peridot.
"That's the appeal. Come inside," said Clark as he landed.
Inside was the most advanced tech she had seen in years. An artificial intelligence matrix, holographic interfaces and even nanogrowth tech.
"Whoa, this is amazing. Clark you forget about your powers you could do so much good with this tech," gasped Peridot.
" I tried something like that a few years ago only to be informed that giving to alien tech to primitive civilizations was against the law . That's how I met Hal Jordan," replied Superman.
"What about my robinoids and batteries?"
"The batteries aren't too advanced and as long as you use the robinoids for your personal use you should be fine. Now it's time for the zoo."
Peridot followed Superman into a long corridor. On either side were alien creatures sitting and relaxing in their artificial habitats.
"They look lonely," said Peridot.
"They're the last of their kind. I rescued them from Brainiac's ship. Brainiac destroyed their homeworlds in an effort to catalog them.."
"Sometimes the Diamonds do the same thing with any interesting lifeforms they come across when they conquer planets."
"Peridot I want to ask you a question. Your sisters they seem quite ...young compared to you. Why is that?"
"Simple I'm smarter than your average Peridot. My gem placement makes me highly intelligent and the extra training that I got to watch over the Cluster helped as well."
"It's going to be a lot of work caring for them and you can't just ask Yelena to do it."
"I know but I want to give them the same chances I got."
Clark gave Peridot a tour of the living quarters. They had a small meal and then they went to bed. The next morning Clark and Peridot warped into the watchtower to help retrieve Batman's home.
The more Alfred thought about retrieving Wayne Manor the worse the idea seemed. Over the years when Bruce was not attending to business or being Batman he would stalk the halls stopping to stare at his parents' portrait. Master Bruce did not tend the manor preferring to keep it as much as possible as his parents left it. Everywhere Bruce looked there were reminders of his parents. It was like the house was haunted.
"Get back here. That is not a toy," shouted Master Bruce as a giggling mini Peridot ran off with some knickknack.
He ran off chasing the unruly green child. Since relocating to the Watch tower Master Bruce was more engaged focusing on the now instead of the past. Alfred had never seen him so alive. And now they were going to bring back the manor.
At about 10 am Peridot and Superman warped in.
"All right girls, time to put your warp pad plan into effect," announced Peridot.
The younger Peridots cheered. They used rocket packs to carry out the warp pads while Peridot looked on in the control room.
"Right that's good Rhombus place the warp just a few decimeters to your left and then you're done," said Peridot. "All Peridots return to base."
Alfred peered over Peridot's shoulder. "My word are those the defense missiles?"
"I guess so but-" The Manor exploded in a ball of flame.
"Oops my mistake."
Batman's mouth opened and closed as he looked at the wreckage of his house.
"I sincerely doubt that," replied Peridot.
"Alfred why in the name of God, why?" cried Batman.
"Because I'm sick of you looking back on the past. All this time you are looking back you're missing the here, the now. You spend all your time trying to avenge your parents, trying to bring them back you've forgotten to live. When was the last time you had a nice meal or went out on a date? Wayne Manor was killing you and I do not regret destroying it."
"Well I guess I'd better buy you that house then," said Peridot.
"Make sure you get it in Tuscany. The sun would do Master Bruce some good."
"Fine. Okay girls let's take you to your new home," called out Peridot,
The little Peridots cheered as the larger Peridot led them to the warp pad. Yelena soon joined them and the new family warped away.
"Okay ladies, let's give a quick tour of the house. Out here we have the living room this is where we place guests. It has a monitor with boring programs and lots of couches for people to sit on. In here is the kitchen where the food is stored and well as the food preparation equipment. Clark likes for us to eat with him every once in a while..." Peridot continued her tour of the house. She breezed past Yelena's and Clark's room pointing out the need for privacy, had a hard time explaining what the bathroom was and spent extra time showing off the workshop. It was finally time to show the last room. "Finally we come to your room. Voila! The Pear computers like I promised."
The little Peridots rushed in. Sure enough there were 4 little desks each with a Pear computer. In the center of the room was a huge bed. While off to the side was a bookcase groaning with books. One of the Peridots pulled out a book.
"Miss Peridot what are these?" asked the Peridot in the afro.
"Those are books a primitive data storage device with information on this planet's culture. But that is not all I will be enrolling you into a training facility to adapt to life here. This is your new room. You can do whatever you wish here but after 10 pm keep quiet. You may not sleep but Clark and Yelena do. I'll leave you to it. Tomorrow we'll go clothes shopping."
Peridot shut the door only to come face to face with Yelena.
"I believe you have something to say to me," said the human girl.
"Yelena I understand that you may not be happy that we took my sisters in without consulting you."
"That's an understatement. I wanted more in life than to be a simple maid."
"I get that. Yelena I want you take on more responsibilities."
"If you think I am going to be a nursemaid to those 4 children then you're wrong."
"I will taking care of them. Yelena since Madeline Grodd got injured I've been having a hard time managing the factory. Yelena I want you to be Acting Factory Manager." Yelena gasped. "Now it isn't really all that technical. The robinoids can work themselves but you'll be responsible for shipping, organizing security and if you like market research."
"Really, thank you. What about Clark?"
"Oh I think he knows what we're up to now." The girls both laughed.
Squaridot was just playing a computer game when Peridot came in.
"All right ladies, I got some clothes for you to try on," said Peridot. Her sisters all gathered around.
"You mean you went to the store without us?" asked a Peridot with a gem on her stomach.
"No, no I just had them lying around. Put them on. You'll like it," replied Peridot.
"I don't see the purpose of these," said Squaridot as she eyed a hoodie. "Our bodies already project clothing templates themselves."
"Because it will help you fit in. Now get dressed we're going to get you more."
The younger Peridots cheered. One Peridot mistook the hoodie for a pair of pants. But with Peridot's help they were dressed and out the door in no time. The young Peridots all dressed identically followed Peridot like a flock of ducklings. They were close to downtown so they walked. It was all going well until they came to the first store.
"Closed for renovations!" Peridot looked around. "Another store closed for renovations? What is going on?"
Though not as hard hit as Gotham, Metropolis still suffered a lot of property damage especially downtown. There were cracks on many places and some shops were crumbled heaps but the result was the same. Everywhere Peridot looked the stores were closed.
She hailed down a cab which quickly pulled over.
"Where too Miss?" the cabbie's eyes widened as Peridot pulled down her hood.
"Take us to a clothing store that's actually open," ordered Peridot. Her sisters piled in after her.
The cabbie drove them to a ruined building. In front lay the stock on tables with a large sign 'Going Out of Business Sale.' Peridot paid the man and they poured out onto the street. She walked up to the woman behind the table.
"Do you have any change room?" asked the green Gem.
The woman pointed to a tent out back. Moments later the young Peridots were all dressed in new jeans and T shirts. They all wore green except for one Peridot who wore a red shirt. Her sisters hissed at her.
"Girls what's the matter?" asked Peridot.
"3MT is out of uniform," explained Squaridot.
"No she isn't! I explained to you before you are all individuals. 3MT is free to make her own choices as are you all. That means she's free to dress as she likes except when you go to school," explained Peridot.
"In that case can I live on Oa with Auntie Sayd?" asked 1AM.
"Sayd has already gone home, remember?" replied Peridot. 1AM slumped her shoulders. Peridot decided to cheer them up. "You know what you girls need? A makeover let's see if there's a hairdresser nearby."
A couple of hours later all 4 young Peridots sported the very same pyramidal hairstyle as Peridot. Peridot sighed. Now it would even be harder for Clark to tell them apart. Forcing a smile Peridot turned to her sisters.
"Right let's get your school uniforms and then we'll get ice cream" announced Peridot with a forced smile.
Then it was off to the Looking Smart Metropolis' one and only purveyor of school uniforms. Peridot bought a sweater with her new set of clothes and her sisters got a set of clothes each. There was a nearby Lenny's so Peridot bought them all sundaes. It was getting dark so they headed home.
Once they had got home the Peridot 2NT twiddled her thumbs. "Peridot was is the purpose of this school?"
"School is where you will learn about this planet and its customs. I myself go there to learn about biology," replied Peridot.
"It's just that, that we aren't as trained as you. We- we don't know how to read Terran,"admitted her little sister.
"I'll teach you," answered Peridot. She led them to their room. Having them all sit down she picked up an Alphabet book. "A is for apple," Peridot said as she showed them the picture.
"What's an apple?" asked the Peridot with a gem in her eye.
This was going to take a long time. A couple of hours later Peridot finally completed her first reading lesson. Clark was waiting outside.
"So what now?" asked Peridot.
"I managed to get your sisters set up at Wayne Academy and write a letter explaining your absence. You missed 3 days of school."
"And the other stuff?"
"The Cluster is in L5 orbit and it is continuous link with J'onn. It will act as a line of defense should the Diamonds arrive. The Green Lanterns are setting up negotiations with the Diamond Authority. They will releasing the Crystal Gems' prisoners to them. And Bismuth and the Off Colors are going to be opening a hospital for the corrupted Gems at the Temple."
"So what do we do now?"
"We go back to normal or as close as we can get."
Fin