Chapter Eighteen: Moridius
Low orbit over Moridius.
Due to unforeseen events during the original colonization events of Moridius, much of the Kindergartens were flooded before the Gems could emerge. In fact, much of the whole planet was flooded: roughly ninety-five percent of Moridius' surface was covered in ocean. The few Kindergartens that survived had just happened to be located at higher altitudes when the initial flooding occurred. Most, if not all, of Gem structures on the planet were on artificial islands, including the Reef, one of the busiest and most popular Pearleries in the four galaxies.
With the Soul Evaporator docked at an orbital shipyard, Emerald briefed her crew on her plan. "Here's what's going to happen: we don't know where the Interlopers made their base, so we're at a disadvantage. Tanzanite, I want you to take Pearl to the Reef to keep her out of harm's way."
"But, My Emerald, I can help!" said Pearl.
Emerald embraced her. "I know you can, Pearl, but this is going to be dangerous. I don't know if I'd be able to live with myself if anything happened to you because of me. It'll be much safer at the Reef. And think of all the neat things you'll see there! And you can meet other Pearls, too!"
"Mmhmm," said Pearl, nodding. Her voice was less than enthused.
"Tanzanite, stay down there with her," she continued. "Take her back to the ship if the Interlopers attack."
"Understood, My Emerald," Tanzanite said.
"Everyone else, with me," said Emerald. "We'll head down to the Central Spire to rendezvous with the planet's higher-ups, so we can search for the bio-venom factory." The rest of her crew voiced their understanding. "Right. Move out."
This is when the group split off into two. Emerald, Onyx, Nines, Tenrit, and all the rest warped directly to the Central Spire, while Tanzanite and Pearl went to the Reef.
The Reef.
The two Gems stepped off from the warp pad into the facility proper. Here, Pearls were made, maintained, and distributed to high-ranking Gems all across the empire. As soon as they walked closer, a pleasant voice greeted them through the speakers.
"Hello, and welcome to the Reef! My name is Shell, and I will be your guide during your time here at Homeworld's premier Pearlery. Down the main hall, you will find…"
Tanzanite paid little attention to Shell as she and Pearl walked into the facility. Plenty of Gems were already present, many of them accompanied by their Pearls. Most of them were quite lavish and fancy, browsing the latest baubles and accessories for their companions.
Pearl was quite nervous, shyly hoping she would not be approached by anyone. Tanzanite was not faring much better-she was wondering if anyone would confront her about this Pearl by her side, which Gems of her type were forbidden to own.
"So, Miss Tanzanite, what are we supposed to do down here?" Pearl asked. "Just wait for My Emerald to finish her mission?"
"That is indeed the plan," answered Tanzanite. "We must stay here until it is safe to return. Those were Emerald's orders."
Silently, Pearl glanced around at the trinkets on display around the room. At any other time, such pretty things would have held her interest for far longer. But now, when the empire was gripped by crisis, especially to be so close to the cause, being here felt empty. As though this place was deliberately trying to distract her from the more pressing matters. And yet, at the same time...who was a Pearl to deal with such matters at all?
"Just a moment! What are you doing out of your display?" Pearl looked up to see a Bazzite approaching her. White, and wearing a long dress halfway between casual and fancy, the Gem had a matronly look about her, were it not for her serious expression. While technically Beryls, Bazzites were considered lower on the hierarchy die to their purpose, which was seen as lowly: creating and caring for Pearls.
"I don't have a display, miss," Pearl answered. "I'm just visiting here on My Emerald's orders. Miss Tanzanite here is accompanying me."
"It is true," said Tanzanite. "My Emerald is conducting business elsewhere on-world, and has asked me to look after her Pearl by taking her here."
Almost immediately, the Bazzite's expression lightened. "Ah, I see! In that case, how would you like to try out our latest polishing procedure? Just a few minutes in our spa, and you'll feel like a new Gem!"
"That sounds lovely!" said Pearl. "Yes, please!"
The Bazzite, however, was not listening to her, instead waiting for an answer from Tanzanite. "Yes, that sounds lovely indeed," Tanzanite said. With that, Pearl was indicated to follow Bazzite down the hallways.
As they walked towards their destination, Pearl saw several other Pearls standing, almost unmoving, upon pedestals lining the hallway. One of them was in a particularly difficult-looking ballerina stance, which she was struggling to maintain. Another Bazzite nudged her limbs back into place when they drooped. "Honestly! Do try harder to hold still. You'll never find an owner fidgeting like that!"
"Sorry, miss," said the Pearl meekly, "I'm trying my best."
A little bit further down, she was greeted by another Goshenite browsing a selection of white Pearls, matching her own countenance. Her gaze never met theirs, as she regarded them with no more care than one would a simple piece of furniture. Making matters worse, she already had a Pearl by her side. Given by her nervous expression and wringing of her hands, this Pearl was quite aware what it meant for her: her master was seeking a replacement. Not that she bothered to hide this fact.
"Here we are!" said Bazzite. "This is where you will receive your luxurious treatment." She leaned in closer. "I'm not supposed to say this, but it's reserved for only the fanciest of Pearls!"
"Enjoy, Pearl," said Tanzanite. "I will wait for you here." Pearl nodded, as she entered the spa room. It certainly did look enjoyable-the Pearls within sure seemed to think so. She looked forward to it, but at the same time, she couldn't shake a nagging feeling from the back of her mind. She was happy with Emerald, but how many Pearls out there did not have such a kind and loving owner? She tried to put the thought out of her head as she readied herself for treatment.
The Central Spire.
Emerald was first to step off from the warp pad. She walked towards the Spire in a businesslike manner, with Tenrit having to speed-walk to catch up to her. "Uh Emerald, I was just wondering what I should be doing. I mean, I don't exactly blend in in a place like this, you know."
"Right," Emerald replied. "Tenrit, I'll need you to keep a low profile. Stay in the group, preferably hidden, and try not to draw too much attention to yourself. The last thing we need right now are these Gems asking more questions than they already will."
"Out of sight, you got it," Tenrit said, retreating back amongst the team of Citrines. He did his best to keep hidden from the Gems they passed by, which only proved to draw their attention further. After all, the only thing odder than a horned robot was a horned robot dancing around like a spy in a b-movie.
"Alright, alright, you're gonna have to stop doing that," said Nines. "Please, at least try and pretend you belong here."
"Trust me, if there's anywhere I belong, it is here," Tenrit said, walking more casually. "If it wasn't under more pressing circumstances, I would be absolutely gushing about being on an actual Gem colony!"
"Heh, it kind of sounds like you are," Nines said. "You know, for an organic, you're not so bad."
"Well hey, thanks," said Tenrit. "That means quite a bit, coming from a Quartz."
Citrine chuckled. "Wow, you really are nuts. You like Gems more than most Gems do!"
"Oh, yeah, I'm what you'd call a fanatic," said Tenrit. "Got a couple of weird looks for that back home. But that's what got me through all those thousands of years hooked up to a machine. All that knowledge flowing through my head...it could get a bit overwhelming at times. But I'm just glad it's over now."
"Well, hopefully, all that knowledge could help our case," said Nines. Emerald had arrived at the Spire. If she was going to go looking for the Interloper's base, she would have to convince the planet's leadership first.
The Pandora's Box.
Alone in his private chambers, Pythoriax sat fuming. The last few weeks had not been going in his favor. Not only had that bothersome Emerald returned; not only had his allies proven ineffective at dealing with this; but above all, he was furious at Zirconium. That filthy war machine had muscled her way in front of his control. It was almost as if she aimed to usurp him. He was not strong enough to defeat her if she tried. He could not allow that to happen.
He activated the speakers, making sure to isolate them away from Zirconium. "Serpentine, I need to see you immediately," he said.
After a few moments of waiting, the reptilian Gem entered his chambers. "What's this about?" she said. "Shouldn't you be talking to Zirconium instead?"
"No, my dear Serpentine, I wanted to speak to you," Pythoriax drawled as he strolled around the room. "You see, I have-shall we say-a proposition for you."
"And what did you have in mind?" she asked.
"It's about a mutual enemy of ours, Emerald," said Pythoriax. "Ah, I can see the hesitation in your eyes. Are you afraid to face her again?"
"Not afraid, just hesitant," Serpentine insisted. "She's too powerful. I don't think I could beat her on my own."
"Well...what if I told you, I have a way for you to attain your revenge by proxy? A way to defeat her without fighting her yourself?"
"I'd say you were insane," Serpentine said. "Whatever you're planning, I couldn't care less. Talk to Zirconium, not me, I-"
"Zirconium is NOT IN CHARGE!" Pythoriax all but screamed, losing his cool for what seemed like the first time ever. Serpentine visibly recoiled from this outburst. The Interloper general positioned himself to be between the Gem and the door. "She does not possess sole command of this movement. I do! I am the one chosen by the Primax to retake what is rightfully ours! You, Zirconium, all your fallen friends, nothing more than tools to be commanded! And I, none but I, can command you! You obey me! You are subservient!"
"Alright, enough of this!" said Serpentine. She summoned her claws, preparing to remove this Interloper by force. "Get out of my way before I slice you to scrap."
Pythoriax just laughed. His hollow, vicious mirth echoed off the halls around him. "Insubordinate insect!" he snapped. "I will show you your place!" Serpentine made good on her promise, charging at the general. Before she could reach him, however, Pythoriax revealed his secret weapon. He produced a Gem destabilizer from a hidden compartment, thrusting the tines into Serpentine's chest. The Gem screamed as yellow energy surged through her physical form, until it was destroyed, her gemstone clattering to the floor.
Pythoriax continued to laugh. "Just as it was meant to be!" he said, lifting the gem off of the ground. "I on top, you below." Pythoriax's chest opened up, revealing a slot beneath his core, the perfect size for a gem such as this. He inserted the knife-shaped stone into this slot; almost instantly, glowing green energy began to flow through his circuits, visible from the outside as glowing lights. He cackled, summoning Serpentine's claws onto his hands as his jets pulled him into the air.
"EMERALD!" he screamed, echoing down the halls. "I'M COMING FOR YOU!"
