S2-29
Message Received
"How long until we can use the drill?" Amethyst wondered. "Well, with the new co-ordinates we got from the moon base, it should be ready to go, but the Freedom Shield is still running diagnostic checks and performance simulations. Once that's done, the drill will be cleared for usage." Pearl stated.
William was there too, keeping an eye on Peridot, and he spotted something in her possession, as did Steven. "Peridot, what's that you've got there?" The Emerald questioned. "What? Oh, this? It's nothing special." Steven took advantage of the distraction, taking the device from behind Peridot's back, then tossing it to William. "HEY!"
"Hmm... Freedom Shield, got any ideas?" "My scans indicate it is a communication device." The other Gems overheard this and came over.
"She took a direct line to the Diamonds, from the moon base?! What was she thinking?!" Pearl exclaimed. "After everything we've gone through, she's still out to get us!" Amethyst angrily added.
It wasn't long before everyone noticed William's silence. "William? Are you... OK?" Vilo wondered. "Peridot, is this really a direct communication line to the Diamonds, like Pearl said?" "Y-yes?" "Good. I'll take it from here." William activated the communicator!
The device unfolded and transformed into a floating screen, projecting another Gem. "This is the Yellow Diamond control room. Who authorized you to make this call?" It was a Pearl. "I have a message for Yellow Diamond."
Just then, another voice was heard. "Pearl." "Yes, my Diamond?" "Why is there someone on the Diamond line?" "I don't know. I was just about to tell them that-" "I'll take it from here." A large yellow hand was seen on the screen, bringing the view to a higher elevation. Yellow Diamond.
Peridot spoke out. "Yellow Diamond. Peridot, reporting in." "Which Peridot?" "Facet-2F5L Cut-5XG. I'm sorry to contact you this way, but all other forms of communication have been destroyed and-" "This says you're behind schedule on your mission to... How is the Earth?" Yellow Diamond asked. "Full of life, which is on its way to more reliable space travel." "Organic life... spreading across the stars... Where is the Jasper I assigned you? Why aren't you calling from the ship?" "The ship was destroyed." "By whom?" "It was destroyed by unknown planetary defenses." "Hmm... Fascinating. What is the status of The Cluster?" "The Cluster... will emerge shortly." "Good. We'll finally get some use out of that miserable planet... If the humans are fast enough in their advancements, they might just survive. Thank you for your report, Peridot. There'll be a ship heading to your location to take you to your next assignment... if it survives the planetary defenses you mentioned." "Hang on! I wouldn't have called to waste your time with a report." "You already have." "No, I mean... the reason I called, the REAL reason, is that I believe we should terminate the Cluster." Yellow Diamond's gaze finally fell upon the screen. "Why?" "The organic ecosystem creates resources unique to this world! We can't sacrifice all that potential just for one geo-weapon! I came up with a multitude of plans to utilize the planet without disrupting the local-" "I've heard enough! I don't care about potential and resources. I want my Cluster, and I want that planet to die. Just make that happen."
Processing Yellow Diamond's newest order, Peridot refused. "No." "Are you questioning my authority?!" "I'm questioning your objectivity." "You are out of line." "Well, I think-" "I'm not interested in the puny thoughts of a Peridot." "Just-" "You have disrespected this channel and my time with your presence and you would do well to-" "I-" "Shut your mouth! You have failed at every stage of this mission. Your only chance to redeem yourself is to obey this simple order. You are to leave the Cluster to grow. It will tear apart the Earth, and I will take immense satisfaction in erasing that hideous rock off of our star maps. Is that clear?!" "NO! I can tell you with certainty that there are things on this planet worth protecting!" Peridot was sticking out for the Earth and its inhabitants!
"What do you know about the Earth?!" "Apparently more than YOU, you... CLOD!" Peridot had insulted Yellow Diamond, causing the latter to glare at her angrily.
Just then, William spoke up. "Peridot, I'll take it from here."
"Who are you?!" Yellow Diamond demanded. "Don't you remember me? Don't you remember what you did... to my kind?" He revealed his gemstone. "No... No, that's... that's impossible...!" The expression of anger on Yellow Diamond's face was quickly replaced with a look of fear. "That's right. The Emeralds still live. I think it's about time we started believing in the concept of war." Yellow Diamond took a step back, understanding what William meant. "Yellow Diamond, your days are numbered. Write your will, because next we meet, you will pay... with your life. Oh, and I exiled Jasper to the storms of Saturn! She's lucky I didn't crush her gemstone or throw it into the sun. You, however, won't be so lucky."
The communicator deactivated and folded back up, falling in William's hand. It began glowing red, only for the Emerald to absorb the energy building up within it, causing the communicator to go from red to white then a burned out black. Without hesitation, he crushed it.
"Did I just... I... I can't believe I just did that... I thought I could reason with her..." Peridot groaned, realizing what she just did. "Got any idea what that means?" Blith asked the sulking green gem. "That I'm a traitor to my home world?" "You're a Crystal Gem, whether you like it or not." Morlax stated.
"Peridot, you mentioned planetary defenses?" William asked. "Yes..." "Freedom Shield, ready the Construction Drones. Time to make those defenses." "Copy."
And done.
Peridot, welcome aboard.
Yellow Diamond, you've made one Emerald VERY mad.
See you next time, everyone.