Chapter Two: Memories Old and New

March 30, 2015. North American BAINE Headquarters, Classified Location.

A rampaging corrupted Gem here. A runaway combat robonoid there. Not to mention the handful of SEEN loyalists still causing some problems. While Daniel Bridge was all too happy with being promoted to Captain, if there was one aspect of it he could do without, it was the paperwork.

Daniel was no stranger to filing reports now and again, as his old job as SWAT commander had its fair share of paperwork as well. However, great commander as he was, he just couldn't wrap his head around all this new Gem stuff. For instance, how was he supposed to memorize each individual type of Agate? Or tell the difference between a Nephrite and a Jadeite on sight alone? And why did they call their robots 'robonoids' instead of just 'robots?' And for crying out loud, why did all these different types of Quartzes have to look so similar!?

Captain Bridge sighed, placing his pen on his desk. Ever since that fateful day, when Homeworld's agents had returned to Earth, he had found it hard to focus on anything else. The Crystal Gems had barely managed to stop Jasper, who, while undoubtedly strong, was only one Gem. What would happen if Homeworld decided to send the full bulk of its armies? Humanity was strong, surely they'd be able to fend them off...right? He needed to clear his head; maybe a walk around the compound would do it. Daniel slowly got to his feet, and exited his office.

Daniel preferred to keep his office somewhat dark, so he was momentarily blinded by the brightness of the outside world. He stepped out into the multi-storied, while-tiled facility. All around him, agents both in uniform and out strolled this way and that. Each time he saw the main plaza, it reminded him of the very first time he arrived here. He headed to a place he frequented, going there whenever he needed guidance.

Before long, Daniel arrived at the memorial wall. This gigantic black stone wall, taking up an entire hallway, contained the names of every BAINE agent who had bravely given his or her life in the line of duty. The worst part was, during his time as a captain, Daniel had known several of them personally. One name, however, was much more familiar to him than the others.

When he arrived, Daniel found that another was already there. He was a well-built man with surprisingly long dark hair. He had darker skin, and was most likely of Middle Eastern descent. He was standing right in the spot Daniel himself often stood, his eyes fixed on the same name: Kaden Carter, Captain. 1949-1997.

"You know, I never got the chance to say goodbye," said the man as Daniel approached, not taking his eyes off the name. "The last time I saw him, he was on a plane back to the States. I never guessed he would be gone by the end of that year."

"You-you must be Farouk," said Daniel. The man nodded. "I heard you and Carter were close."

"We were like brothers," said Farouk. He turned to face the Captain; even in this somber moment, this man's cheeks were rife with smile lines, giving a clue towards his jovial nature.

"Well, if it's any consolation...he gave his life to protect innocent people," said Daniel. "Innocent Gems."

Farouk nodded, smiling slightly. "I've heard. If there's anything about his death that I could have predicted, it was his giving it willingly. He always put others before himself."

Both men somberly reflected on their fallen friend and colleague. After a few seconds, Daniel broke the silence. "So...did you come all the way here to pay respects?"

Farouk laughed, though his eyes were still solemn. "No, I was just passing through." He looked up at the Captain. "I was called in to deal with a certain situation here. I take it you've heard about our unwanted visitors from space?"

"Heard about them?" said Daniel in mock outrage. "Buddy, they're all everyone's been talking about around here!"

"Around the rest of the world as well," said Farouk. "If intel is to be believed, agents from numerous other countries are being transferred to this installation. If Homeworld really is seeking a fight, we'll need all the power we can muster." The pair of them had begun to walk and talk, heading to another part of the facility.

"Speaking of power," said Daniel, "what do you think the plan is if Homeworld does decide to attack?"

"Hmm...I imagine it would go something like it did all those millenia ago, when they first arrived," said Farouk. "Guerilla warfare. We can't stand up to them on the same level, so we'd need to undermine them with hit-and-run tactics."

"But we don't have Rose Quartz this time," said Daniel.

"Hey, it's not like Rose was some unstoppable goddess," Farouk said. "She was a good leader. And there's no shortage of those these days."

"What, me?" said Daniel. "Though, I suppose Garnet has really stepped up to that mantle…"

"Not to mention, we have her son," said Farouk. "He may be too young now, but he'll grow into his role, trust me."

Daniel still wasn't convinced. "But back then, Homeworld wanted to colonize this planet. And we had an army of Gems on our side. If they come back, not only will they have better tech, but they'll also have killing intent. They'll want this planet dead and gone, Farouk. They'll get right to destroying every human they can find. And we'll only have three Gems on our side."

"And a half," added Farouk.

"And a half," Daniel repeated half-heartedly.

The pair walked in relative silence, until they reached their destination. They arrived at the garage, waiting for the convoy of vehicles to return from a recent mission. Daniel was there to greet his soldiers once they were back, and Farouk was just along for moral support.

"And what about this Peridot?" said Daniel. "Surely she's planning something?"

"Hey, if what the Gems said was true, she's nothing more than a technician," Farouk said. "If anything, I'd be more worried about Malachite."

Daniel nodded. A Gem more than capable of wiping out all life on Earth had fused with a Gem more than willing to do so. It was a miracle that they didn't get along. "I think we'll leave her to the Crystal Gems."

"Agreed," Farouk said. "Even if we are sweeping the oceans, I think it'd be best if we steered clear of her once we do find her."

Soon enough, the convoy of trucks had arrived from their mission. The troopers disembarked, talking amongst themselves. Daniel made his presence known to them all by clearing his throat. "So, mission accomplished?" he asked once he had gotten their attention.

"You know it, Danny boy!" One of the soldiers took off his mask, walking towards Daniel with a cylindrical device in his hand. This was meant to simulate a Gem's bubble, meaning that the corrupted Gem housed within couldn't reform.

"Ichigo," said Daniel. "How did the mission go?"

"Not great, but not terrible," he replied. "So, the good news is, we managed to catch her." He held up the canister to indicate this. Inside was a reddish gemstone, shaped like a six-pointed star. "The bad news is, there was quite a bit of property damage."

"Yeah, what he doesn't tell you is that he caused most of it," said a woman approaching from behind. A Verrics sniper rifle was slung over her back.

"Hey, it was just some old scrapyard anyhow!" said Ichigo defensively.

"Sure, sure," said the woman, who's name was Hester. "By the way," she said aside to Daniel, "not that I'm keeping score, but I'm the one who took it down!"

"Good work, to all of you," said Daniel. "Get that gemstone down to the containment chamber.

"Way ahead of you," said Ichigo, walking off. "Evenin', Farouk. Or maybe night. I got no idea what time it is.."

"By the by, boss, here's the reports," said Hester, handing a manila envelope stuffed with papers to Daniel.

Daniel looked down at the stack of paperwork. "Right. Yeah." This was going to be a long day. But, he thought to himself, better a boring day than a perilous one, especially with all the recent incidents involving the Homeworld Gems.