Steven and Connie sat on the pier overlooking the beautiful blue sea that sparkled in the sunlight. Between them was a bag of doughnuts, that they were happily eating as they talked.

"I still can't believe it."

Connie said wistfully.

"Earth joining a massive Galactic Confederacy."

"Connie, you've been on adventures with me and the gems. How is this strange?"

Steven asked as he pulled another doughnut from the bag.

"It's not the same, Steven. We've only ever known about the Gems, and they've never brought up interacting with other aliens. Plus, I think this is the first intergalactic empire that hasn't tried to conquer Earth."

"Finally. Maybe now we can take a break from worrying about Homeworld."

"Maybe. How are the Gems taking this?"

Steven let out a strained sigh.

"Mixed reactions. Pearl still doesn't trust them, and has been arguing with Amethyst and Peridot about it non stop."

"Well, can Garnet see anything?"

"I've tried asking her, but she says there's too many possible outcomes."

Steven's expression turned thoughtful.

"Still I think there's something she knows, and isn't telling us."

Now it was Connie's turn to be confused.

"What makes you say that?"

"I don't know, a hunch? She's been acting a bit more secretive than usual, and I've been noticing some strange things around the beach."

"What do you mean?"

"It's just been small things; strange prints in the sand, noises in the middle of the night, and just this unsettling feeling."

"Well, what if the CIS knows about the Gems? If they have been doing reconnaissance around the Earth, then they could have found signs of the Gems and tracked it here. I wouldn't be suprised if the CIS had some kind of spy droid, or commando droid."

As much as he didn't want to believe it, Connie had a point. The Gems would stand out a lot on Earth, and Ronaldo was the first to find out about the CIS scout drones.

"Maybe. Let's hope they don't have a grudge against Gems."

Connie just gave him a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry Steven. I'm sure it's nothing we can't handle. Besides, they came for peace. I don't think they would try to attack"

Just then, there was a slight beep from Connie's pocket. Pulling out her phone, she checked her messages.

"Sorry, it's my mom. I have to go."

"It's ok. I should probably head back as well. Don't want Pearl to worry even more."

The two separated with a laugh. As he walked, Steven looked about. The streets of Beach City were busy today, or as busy as the small sea town could be. People went about their daily lives; going to work, having fun, or eating lunch. Had anyone just visited the town itself they would have thought nothing of it. However, if you were to go to the beach or head towards the old lighthouse at the top of a tall cliffside, they would see a massive statue built into the cliff side. The statue depicted a large woman with curly hair, eight arms, and two faces, the second being located on the forehead of the first. Moss had grown on some parts of the statues, and three of its four outstretched arms were missing their hands. The other four arms bend to the abdomen of the statue. But even stranger than the monument itself was a wooden beach house built at its base where the four lower arms came together. Steven happily walked up the sandy slope to his home. From the wooden steps he could already hear arguing. Sighing tiredly, he opened the door to his home.

The first thing he saw were two bickering gems.

"I can't believe they agreed to this! The CIS factories are no better then Homeworld kindergardens!"

Pearl was pulling at her hair as she paced around the living area. Meanwhile Peridot sat on the couch rolling her eyes at the display.

"These CIS factories aren't that destructive. They're more like human factories."

The green Gem dismissed, but Pearl glared daggers at her.

"They are using them to create war machines! How do we know they don't plan to betray Earth!?"

"Because they have no reason to."

Peridot Countered.

"The CIS and Earth both benifit from the deal, and why would the CIS go to war with Earth when it's already fighting three other nations?"

"That doesn't make it any better!"

Pearl nearly shouted. Steven decided now would be a good time to break up the fight.

"Hey guys. I'm back."

"Oh, hey Steven."

Peridot replied, happy to have a distraction from Pearl's worrying.

"Hey Peri. Where's Amethyst?"

"I believe she went to her room."

"Steven, did you notice Garnet on your way back?"

Pearl asked.

"No, why?"

"She left not too long ago. She didn't say what she was doing though."

"I'm sure she's fine. Though she hasn't been around the temple lately."

"I have my reasons."

They all turned to the Gem in question entering through the door.

"Get Amethyst."

Pearl looked at her confused.

"Um, why exactly?"

"We're having guests soon."

Everyone was shocked at this.

"What!? Why—"

Pearl screamed in confusion, but was cut off by Steven's excitement.

"Who's coming? What are they like?"

Before Steven could continue, Pearl placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Wait, who exactly is coming?"

"There were CIS droids that were observing us."

"WHAT!? Why were they here!? Why didn't you tell us!?"

"Because I knew either you or Steven would try to find them. They aren't here to hurt anyone, and only have orders to observe."

"But how can you know! You said-"

"I can't tell what the CIS as a whole is planning, but these were droids with predictable programs. They don't have the same unpredictability as sentient beings."

"But why would the CIS send these droids in the first place? We should have destroyed them before they could get any information."

"Pearl, we can't deal with the CIS the same as Homeworld. Like it or not, Earth is apart of the CIS now, and we've spent many centuries trying to keep information on Gem kind hidden. If the CIS wanted to do anythng against us they would have the full backing of every government on Earth."

"But-!"

"No Pearl, the CIS has shown that it's not hostile. We should be careful, but we can't risk attacking them."

Nobody spoke as they waited for their guests to arrive. Peridot remained on the couch with her tablet, Amethyst sat with her looking slightly bored, Steven was in the kitchen eating a sandwich and Garnet and Pearl were waiting by the window watching the vast blue sky. After a few minutes, Garnet finally spoke.

"They're here."

They all rushed outside and looked up. Floating to the ground was a CIS shuttle. The Crystal Gems rushed to the beach, and all of them were on edge. The door of the shuttle opened, and a small group stepped out. Four Magnaguards, each armed with a yellow electrostaff, were standing by a humanoid figure. They were wearing a brown cloak and hood that covered their body and head. Concealing their face was a metal mask reminiscent of a human gas mask. Poking out from the cloak they could see an ornamental, curved handle cane. The handle curved back into the shaft of the cane, and morphed into something akin to a cutlass crossguard. As the figure approached Steven began to feel his skin crawl, and with a quick glance at the Gems he knew they felt the same thing. The mysterious figure spoke, their voice artificially distorted through the mask.

"Greetings."

They said evenly. From the corner of Steven's eye he saw Garnet adjust her visor. The figure's head snapped to the fusion, and a pained cry split the air. All eyes turned to Garnet who was clutching her head.

"And here I thought you would afford me some courtesy. It's rude to pry."

Through the distortion the Gems could almost make out a mocking tone. Immediately Pearl and Amethyst summoned their weapons, but Garnet quickly stood back up.

"Gems stand down. We don't know what they're capable of."

"I'd listen to your leader,"

The figure said.

"After all she overstepped her bounds when she tried to use her Vision."

They seemed to emphasize that last point. Steven took a hesitant step forward.

"How did you know about Garnet's vision?"

The boy asked.

"I know many things Steven. All will be explained in time. Pardon my caution, but I would rather we speak inside. I will also be taking my Magnaguards with me."

"Enough of this!"

Pearl pointed her spear at them, and the guards immediately readied their weapons.

"You have no place here! You've spied on us, you've hurt Garnet, and you haven't told us your reason for being here!"

"I expected better of you Pearl. Fear has clouded your mind."

"I don't fear you."

"You may not fear me, but you do fear the CIS. Or maybe you fear what will happen to you."

The figure took a step forward.

"The Earth no longer needs the Crystal Gems, but maybe I can offer you something else."

Garnet recovered and placed a hand on Pearl's shoulder.

"Let's hear his offer."

Garnet never took her eyes off the figure. With brief hesitation Pearl gave a reluctant nod, but didn't dispel her weapon.

"Now, may we go inside?"

"Not until we hear of your intentions."

Garnet replied firmly. There was a few seconds of tense silence until the mysterious figure let out an annoyed sigh.

"Very well."

The Crystal Gems remained silent as the figure spoke.

"I would first like to apologize for my actions. I do not trust you all, and was suspicious when your leader tried to use her ability. I can assure you I mean no ill will. This matter is something beyond the galactic governments."

"Can you please get to the point?"

Peridot said bluntly.

"Right. To make this quick we need your help. My former master… knew of your exploits, and your abilities would be helpful to my cause—"

"We are not fighting in your war."

Garnet said, cutting him off. However, the figure calmly continued.

"I won't force you to fight them; however, I currently have a much larger threat on my hands. One I believe you are very familiar with: The Gem Empire."

A wave of shock went through them all.

"The CIS may be able to produce millions of droid soldiers, but I'm fighting a war on all fronts. I know you've defeated The Gem Empire time and time again, and I believe you can help lead my armies against them."

The Gems were struck silent. He was offering to help them defeat their oldest enemy. Peridot seemed excited by the idea, as her face lit up at the notion. Amethyst and Steven shifted uncomfortably. Sure the offer seemed wonderful, but both felt that something was off. Pearl retained her suspicion of them, and Garnet tried to remain stoic on the matter, however it was clear from her stiff movement she was wary of the offer. It felt like an hour before anyone made a move, but then Steven took a hesitant step forward.

"What do you plan to do to the Gem Empire?"

Glass lenses seemed to bore into Steven's eyes, as the figure stared at him.

"That is classified Information Steven. All you need to know is that we're currently at war with the Gem Empire."

Gulping down his nervousness Steven continued to question them.

"But do you have to. Maybe you could set up peace talks. Their leaders are just hurt, maybe you could reason with them."

"Oh really?"

Sarcasm dripped through the distorted voice.

"I'm sure they just attacked our expedition ships out of grief, or destroyed our diplomatic vessels because they were mourning."

Their words cut like a knife.

"We sent several diplomatic ships to discuss a possible treaty, trade agreement, or non aggression pact. Only one shuttle ever made it. The Diamonds not only dismissed us, but brushed us aside as if we were nothing to them. They claimed we were lower lifeforms, and as if they couldn't insult us even more they openly discussed a possible invasion before destroying the shuttle and the droids we sent."

Steven was at a loss as the figure began to calm themselves.

"The time for peace has passed Steven. It's a noble end, but it cannot be achieved unless we force the Gem Empire to listen to us. If you want peace, then you must fight for it."

Steven was still determined to make his case.

"Maybe we can help. I've talked with homeworld Gems before. Not all of them are bad."

Peridot piped up behind Steven.

"It's true. I even tried to kill him before, and look at me now."

The green Gem began to shrink away as the unfeeling mask stared her down.

"So you've shown me one example displaying the simple truth that not everyone agrees with their own government. Tell me what exactly is your plan? Will you stand in front of the Gem Armada and just talk them down?"

Now Steven was beginning to shrink back, as the figure's words cut him down.

"Maybe we can talk with the Diamonds?"

A distorted laugh rang out.

"Really? And how do you expect to get an audience with the Diamonds? Need I remind you that only one of our vessels made it to homeworld when we weren't at war."

"Well I am a wanted criminal by homeworld-"

"So you'd be attacked on sight."

Through the distorted voice the Gems could make out that they were losing patience. Steven tried to think of some other option, but everything the boy said was mercilessly picked apart or refuted. It began to dawn on Steven that he really didn't have a plan. It wasn't as if the Diamonds themselves would come to Earth. They're the leaders of the Gem Empire after all. Sensing the increasing tension, and Steven's own doubt, Garnet decided to intervene.

"You're asking us to leave our home to enter another war? We can't exactly trust you."

The figure's attention snapped away from Steven, and shifted to the fusion.

"I've already made arrangements to have some droids protect Earth in your absence. I can assure you I have Earth's best interests in mind."

"And how do we know you'll keep your word?"

Pearl Interjected.

"To put it bluntly, you don't really have a choice."

"And why is that?"

Garnet asked.

"If the Gem Empire comes to Earth they will no doubt bring an army with them. Do you really think your puny group will stand a chance?"

"Do you doubt our abilities?"

Pearl grew more defensive by the second.

"Of course. The Crystal Gems may have been powerful in their hayday, but now you're a shadow of your former glory."

Pearl's hand began to twitch.

"I wonder where Rose went wrong."

Pearl surged forth before any of the others could utter a word. Strangely, the Magnaguards didn't move towards Pearl, but rather moved in front of the others. Pearl had a direct path—

Pearl's spear was stopped. An eerie scream began to echo from the figure, but not the person themself.

All the Crystal Gems stood perplexed by the strange weapon the person was wielding. The crook of the cane had been detached from the shaft and a dark red beam of energy was emanating from the separation point. The blade was about the length of a normal sword, and the air was permeated by the unnerving sound of millions of screams echoing from a distance. Despite this the two combatants hardened their resolve, and the figure let out a distorted chuckle.

"I would suggest the rest of you stay out of this. I would prefer we have an honorable duel."

The others summoned their weapons, or in Peridot's case levitated her tablet. Amethyst glared at them.

"No way! We're not letting you hurt Pearl!"

"Then I'll consider this a test of your abilities."

The Magnaguards readied their staves, and with a flourish the figure broke their lock with Pearl.

"Now..."

The Gems could practically hear his smile.

"Let us begin."

Each of them broke into their own fights. Pearl against the Mysterious figure, and each of the Crystal Gems were paired with a Magnaguard. Steven was on the full defensive, and used his shield to block each swing from the guard. Even now, he was unsure if fighting was the best course of action. Usually he would try to reason with them, but this was a robot and their leader was preoccupied with fighting Pearl. Garnet went after the Magnaguard with her gauntlets. The guard tried to dodge and weave around each punch. With it on the defensive, the guard had little room to attack. Amethyst was on more even ground with the Magnaguard. Each traded blows and blocks. The guard would dodge each spin, and blocked each strike of her whip with the electric portion of its staff. Likewise Amethyst would dodge every swing and try to counter attack. Peridot struggled the most. She tried to use her powers on the metal body of the Droid. However she lacked a way to properly dispose of the machine. She did what she could by moving strikes out of the way, pushing it off balance, and trying to restrict its movement.

Pearl and the mysterious figure appeared to be evenly matched. Even with their distinct weapons, their fighting styles were similar. Elegant swings mixed with precise strikes, a deadly dance of swords. However, Pearl found herself struggling against her opponent's cursed weapon. Every swing and lock caused it to let out a horrifying, high pitched scream as if the weapon was in pain. It unnerved her to no end, and her opponent knew this.

"Your skills are impressive."

The figure laughed. Pearl was quick to bring her spear to block, as the figure brought their weapon down on her.

"But surely you can do better."

Pearl's attacks became more and more aggressive as her opponent almost lazily parried and blocked each attack.

The Magnaguard facing Steven had become more aggressive in an attempt to break through his defence. Its attacks had more force in them, and it began swinging faster and faster. As it brought the staff down for a final attack Steven quickly summoned a pink bubble around him, knocking the droid's weapon away and leaving it open. Steven wasted no time dispelling the bubble and threw his shield, decapitating the droid with the sound of tearing metal. However, his victory was short-lived as he had to dodge an attack from the still-functional Magnaguard. Garnet was faring much better. The guard couldn't get a proper hit in, and her gauntlets were able to take most of the electrical shocks. With a final blow she caved in the droid's chest, leaving it a twitching mess in the sand.

Peridot continued to struggle against the droids, as she was no fighter. She didn't even have a proper weapon on her. The droid delivered a quick kick, knocking her to the ground. Peridot braced herself as the Staff rushed towards her, but it never came. Amethyst had used her whip to stop the droid, however with her attention turned to Peridot's opponent, she didn't have time to react as an electric staff connected with the back of her head. Her body was enveloped in yellow electricity, and after a few seconds her form erupted into a pale purple smoke leaving her gem behind.

"AMETHYST!"

Peridot with a surge of anger and fear used her abilities to throw her enemy into the droid who had just poofed Amethyst. Garnet rushed over.

"Peridot! Take Amethyst's gem and help Steven, I'll take care of these two!"

Without a second thought Peridot grabbed the purple gem, and rushed to Steven's aid. The Mysterious figure gave a passing glance to these fights before turning back to Pearl.

"You have fought well. However, I believe it is time we end this competition."

With a flick of their wrist, Pearl was thrown back by some unknown force. Taken by surprise she barely had time to get back up before she was facing a crimson beam of energy. However, instead of her form being poofed on the spot, the weapon was deactivated. The mysterious figure offered a hand to Pearl.

"You fought honorably. I am sorry it had to come to this."

Pearl picked herself up, and didn't drop her glare. They sighed and turned to the three guards that were still fighting.

"Return to my side."

The guards followed their orders immediately.

"I've heard of your abilities, but I prefer to see things with my own eyes. I'm glad I did so."

The Gems couldn't tell if they were being sarcastic.

"Nevertheless, I apologize if I struck a nerve. However my point still stands. You can't take on the Empire alone, and I need your help to stop them once and for all."

Each of the Gems knew he was right in some capacity, but Pearl was still defiant.

"We don't need you! The Crystal Gems have protected this planet for over a millennia! I won't abandon it!"

Garnet placed a hand on Pearl's shoulder

"They're right."

"What!?"

"I know you don't trust them, but Homeworld is coming for us. If they bring their armies we won't stand a chance alone. We need their help."

Pearl looked like she wanted to argue, but thought better of it.

"We'll go under two conditions."

"Very well."

"You will answer our questions when we get to your base, and you'll allow Steven to decide if he goes."

Now Steven was confused.

"What do you mean?"

"Steven, we may not return to Earth for a very long time. We will be fighting a war light years away. I won't force you to leave Earth, but if you do wish to come…"

Steven stared at the Crystal Gems in silence before his expression became stern.

"I'll go."

"Steven…"

"They're right. I still want to make peace with the Diamonds, but we can't do that without the help of the CIS. This is our only chance."

He then turned to the masked figure.

"Can I just say goodbye before I leave?"

The figure was silent for a few seconds until they spoke.

"Very well, but make it quick. My patience is running thin. Someone else can retrieve Jasper. I will wait in the shuttle, and please inform Amethyst of what has transpired."

They left before any of the Gems could get a word in. Without any other options, they each set out. Garnet went to the temple, Peridot and Pearl waited for Amethyst to reform, and Steven went to tell his father and Connie of the offer.