It had been over a week since the mission, and Crimson was getting antsy. She knew it would be a terrible idea to risk going to see Sky and Caddy right now, but she wanted to. All the rebellion knew was that they were alive; no one had been able to get close and neither of the Diamonds' Pearls were chancing a trip to base. That said something in and of itself.

They'd just have to keep waiting.

Almost as worrisome was the fact that they didn't know how the Diamonds had reacted, hadn't seen any signs of how White Diamond was dealing with the "attempted theft." News had spread like wildfire that she'd gotten rid of her Pearl, decided not to replace her, and that was drowning out any other rumors circling around.

Crimson had stayed close to home since then, exercising caution when she went out but refusing to stop altogether, even though she knew it worried Silver. Somebody needed to go out to talk to other Pearls and gather information—the latter especially important when their two best informants weren't able to act.

"Hi, Crimson," Aura greeted her, poking her head out from the infirmary. She always seemed to find an excuse to be there when Crimson was due back so that she could hear the door opening. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, all good. Hi." She smiled as best she could, shapeshifting off the old clothes she put on for her trips out. "Anything happen while I was away?"

"No, sorry," she replied, understanding the real question being asked.

"Okay," Crimson sighed. "Do you know where Silver is?"

"In the common room, prepping for training the new recruits. Chroma's there too."

"Great, thank you. And how are your patients?"

"Tin's left as of this morning, though we're going to keep giving her treatments to be safe."

"Makes sense. Thanks for looking after her, you've been doing a great job."

"Oh, no, anybody can do that kind of thing," Aura laughed self-consciously. "I'm just glad we have the healing tears."

"Well, I'm sure the bedside manner helps," Crimson replied with a smile. "I'll see you later, okay?"

"See you."

Crimson made her way into the common room, immediately locating Silver and heading over to her. The other gem was lying on the ground, sprawled out comfortably beside Chroma, who was working on what must have been part of the warp pad. "Hey," Crimson greeted them. "I'm back."

"Welcome home." Silver looked relieved to see her.

"Good to see you," Chroma said simultaneously.

"Thanks. Aura says nothing exciting happened while I was gone?"

"Not a thing."

"Well, the projector Pearls are starting training today, so Cyan and I have been working on that," Silver said. "I also need to stop calling them projector Pearls, it doesn't feel like a very nice way to say it. The new recruits."

"Then you just run into the problem of what to call them once we get new new recruits," Crimson agreed with a smile.

"Speaking of problems…"

"Oh no."

"No, not a new one. I just wanted to know if we had a plan for the Agate?"

"I've talked to Pearl and Cyan to get their opinions. Considering she used to be one of White Diamond's favorites, it seems too dangerous to let her out right now. Maybe when we're better equipped to handle whatever happens…"

"Yeah, I kind of figured. So I was thinking maybe we should set a room aside just for that? I mean, I doubt the Crystal Gems really want her floating around their room all the time."

"Fair point," Crimson conceded. "Where were you thinking?"

"There's the room next to the forge," Chroma said. "Azalea said she doesn't need it, so we were thinking we could make it more secure and use that."

"Oh, you mean the one behind my room?"

"Yeah, if that's okay."

"I don't see any problem with it. Go right ahead."

"Thanks. Oh!" Silver perked up suddenly, waving energetically over Crimson's shoulder.

She twisted around, a smile finding its way to her face as soon as she laid eyes on the yellow Pearl in the doorway.

"Um, hey."

"Caddy!" Crimson jumped up. "Thank the stars you're safe. Both of you!" She caught sight of Sky peeking tentatively around Caddy. "Are you alright? Come here."

Sky was rushing into Crimson's arms in an instant, clinging on tight.

"Sky," she breathed, hands coming up to hold her. "You're home."

"It's been awful," she whispered, trembling as her cheek pressed to Crimson's non-gem shoulder.

"Yeah," she murmured. Then, a little louder, she added, "Caddy, you too."

"Me?"

"You, Cadmium. I've missed you too."

Caddy brightened a little, quick to join in and make it a small group hug. "Must have been quiet without me, huh?"

"Unbearably," Crimson said with a smirk.

"Thought so." Her voice was light but she was holding herself far more rigidly than she usually did, more akin to Yellow's posture. "Thanks, boss," she said quietly after a few moments.

"Mm-hm." She squeezed both of them tight before letting go. "Are you here for long? Do you have time to sit down?"

"We have a little while, but we shouldn't push it," Sky answered, swiping at her eyes even though no tears had spilled over. "We should probably give you the new information first and then—"

"Don't worry about that today," Crimson interrupted. "Or, no, that's rather irresponsible to say. If there's something important, tell us. If not, you should just sit down and try to relax."

"I…I don't think there's anything urgent," she said slowly.

"As long as you're not planning anything big in the central area, you're fine," Caddy agreed. "If you are, then…maybe don't. Things are a mess."

"We weren't. We have a few plans in the works, but nothing that would happen right away. Here, grab a seat." Crimson threw a few extra pillows together for them, all identical replicas.

"Thanks."

Caddy and Sky settled in amongst the cushions, and Crimson wondered how long it had been since they'd been able to indulge in real, friendly physical contact. They seemed anxious to hold onto each other in some way or another.

"Can I ask what…?" Crimson trailed off uncertainly.

"We'd rather not talk about it right now, if that's okay," Sky whispered.

"Oh. Yeah, of course. I'm sorry."

"We're okay though," she added quickly. "We're…We're just having to be really careful right now. That's why we didn't come sooner."

Crimson nodded. "I figured that was it. But you're going back?"

"I think we need to, for now," Caddy said. "White Diamond's being…scary. If we disappeared right now, I don't know what would happen. We decided to wait until we've got, you know, a better time to do it. Maybe if she goes off-world for a little while. Or something."

"I guess that makes sense. I just worry." She looked between the two of them.

"We'll be okay," Sky reassured her again. "I mean, not okay, but…we've been working hard to make sure our Diamonds trust us, so we're safe for now."

"I'm sure you've both done great." Crimson reached over to squeeze her hand briefly. "Things will settle down soon."

"I hope so."

"Has White been okay?" Caddy asked suddenly.

"I think she's still processing."

"Ah."

"She's in the room next to the one you two share, if you want to visit."

"I'm not sure we have time for that right now," Sky said, looking more at Caddy than Crimson.

"Yeah," Caddy agreed reluctantly. "We'd be rushing in and out, and that wouldn't be too great. Next time, I guess, when things calm down."

"Sounds like a plan," Crimson said gently. "I'll tell her you say hi?"

"Yeah, thanks, boss."

"No problem. Is there anything else I can do for you while you're here?"

"Nah, I think we'd be happy just hanging out here for a few minutes."

Sky nodded. "It's really nice to be back."

"Yeah, you got it."

"So what's been happening 'round here?" Caddy asked, trying to keep her voice light and airy.

"Well…I'd say 'the usual' but I'm not sure we have a usual exactly." Crimson smiled. "We have new recruits starting training today, and the warp pad is coming along nicely, and we've been keeping a low profile outside."

"I'm so jealous, I want to train," Caddy complained.

"She summoned," Sky added excitedly, brightening up. "Did White tell you?"

"No, she didn't," Crimson said, eyes going wide. "That's how you dissipated the Agate?"

"Yep," she said proudly. "I can't believe she didn't tell you how cool it was! I mean, at the time it didn't feel very cool because have you seen Agates? I thought she was going to squash me! But it was really cool to think about once everything started to calm down!"

"That's amazing," Crimson exclaimed. "Any chance I can see?"

"Yeah, I haven't had a chance to see either," Sky said, tugging at Caddy's arm.

"Okay, okay, I'll try! I don't know if I can do it on command." She reached to her gem and made a show of concentrating deeply. "Mm… Maybe not," she muttered after a moment.

"That's okay," Crimson reassured her. "It probably takes time to figure it out when you're not in a life-threatening situation."

"Oh, great idea! You want to shapeshift into an Agate for me? Maybe we can recreate the moment!"

"Let's not," she laughed.

"Fiiine," she sighed, and instead lit up her gem to project an image of her weapons. "They're like this. Nice and pointy, and they can spin!"

"I understand White's 'very stabby' description of you now," Crimson laughed.

Caddy beamed. "So she did mention me!"

"Is that a compliment?" Sky asked skeptically.

"It is when being very stabby helped rescue her!"

"I guess." She smiled. "They look really cool. I can't wait to see them in person."

"Me too," Crimson agreed.

"Thanks!" Caddy hummed happily as she turned off the projection and leaned back into the cushions to get comfortable, her legs crossed leisurely at the ankle and shoulders beginning to relax.

No sooner had she gone still than Pearl and Amethyst came into the common room and caught sight of them.

"Oh, you're back!" Pearl exclaimed, coming over. "It's good to see you."

"Thanks," Sky said shyly. "You too."

"Yeah, we missed you guys!" Amethyst said. "Steven's been all worried about ya."

"He has? We…We haven't really talked to him very much before."

"I talked to him once!" Caddy volunteered. "He gave me something called a crayon that had my name on it!"

"Did he show you how to draw with it?" Pearl asked.

"Yep! I really like it."

"She tried to draw on me," Sky added, "but it didn't really take."

"Yeah, not to skin," Caddy said with a nod. "So I just drew on one of the papers Steven gave me and then stuck it on!"

She laughed a little. "Yeah. Anyway, Steven seems very nice. I'm sorry we worried him. And everyone."

"No, no, you don't need to apologize," Pearl said hastily. "This situation with the Diamonds certainly isn't your fault."

"Well…" Caddy began with a small smile. "It kind of was."

"You know what I mean, Cadmium."

She laughed. "I do. And I can tell somebody's been spending too much time with Crimson."

"She has not!" Crimson protested. "Well, yes, I suppose we've talked, but it's not like I'm the only one who calls you by your full name!"

"You're the only one who does it in that tone of voice," she teased.

"What about Sky?"

"Sky's more like…" Caddy cleared her throat, shapeshifting her hair to Sky's. "Cadmium!"

Sky giggled.

She smiled, shifting Crimson's hair on next. "Versus Cadmium. It's totally different."

"If you say so," Crimson laughed.

"I'm going to say it differently just to confuse you next time," Sky said lightly.

"Don't, your way is cutest!" She slung an arm around her before turning her attention back to Pearl and Amethyst. "You two want to stick around? We could use some company."

"We can take a few minutes," Pearl said agreeably.

"That's probably all we've got anyway! We're just having a quick recharge before we go back."

"Man, you guys must be busy," Amethyst commented. "Even on normal days, it seems like you spend all your time running back and forth."

"We…sort of do," Sky laughed quietly. "But we don't mind that part."

"Yeah, gotta get exercise in since we aren't at training very often," Caddy said.

"Oh yeah, I guess you aren't."

"But we're happy as long as we can come here together," Sky said warmly.

"Yeah, that's the important thing!" Caddy agreed.

"It does make a difference, knowing you have someone," Pearl agreed with a nostalgic smile.

Amethyst grinned. "Uh huh. Speaking of, is it some kinda tradition that Yellow D's Pearl and Blue D's Pearl fall in love, or was that just coincidence?"

"Fall in love?" Sky asked blankly. "Us?"

"Oh, yes, deeply in love," Caddy said, turning sideways before pretending to swoon and then falling back gracefully to be caught by Sky's hurriedly outstretched arms. "I long for the moments I get to be in your embrace, my dearest."

"The mere thought of being close to you sustains me," Sky replied, a small smile playing on her lips. "When shall we truly be able to be together?"

"Soon, my love, soon we shall run and be free to love as we desire."

"Can we risk so much?"

"We must! I would risk a thousand harms if it meant your freedom. But if your feelings have wavered…"

"Never, my lovely Cadmium. Though I shatter at the thought of our affair causing you even one of those harms."

"I am the same, but we must be strong. The chance of spending our lives together is worth it, is it not?"

"Of course it is. My gem aches with boundless passion for such a day that we might be as one."

Caddy snorted, giving up the act as she dissolved into laughter. "Oh my stars, boundless passion? Really?"

Sky's face flushed a deep blue. "I was running out of things to say!"

"You're the best," she declared. "I didn't know if you'd play along."

"It was too good an opportunity," she returned happily. "Now can you please get up? This isn't very comfortable."

"Aww, fine." Caddy took Sky's shoulder and righted herself.

"To answer the original question," Sky said, smoothing out her sleeves, "no."

"Yeah, sorry to disappoint. You'll have to look to the other two for the gooey romantic scenes." Caddy sighed dramatically. "Alas, my affections lie elsewhere."

"Yeah, I'm not her type," Sky laughed, knocking a hand lightly against Caddy's gem.

"And vice versa," she agreed, ruffling Sky's hair. "That was fun. I always have to dip you for our duets; it's nice to switch it up."

"Definitely."

Crimson and Amethyst were laughing as they settled back into place, and Pearl had a hand to her mouth in a futile attempt to stifle her own amusement.

"Yeah," Amethyst said once she caught her breath, "I take it back. You two are definitely different from our two."

"Thanks," Caddy said, her own smile softening to something quieter but no less genuine. "We'd like to be our own gems."

"You are already," Pearl and Crimson said simultaneously, then looked at each other in surprise.

Sky beamed, her happiness and amusement radiant in combination. "Yeah, I think Caddy might have been right about you two."

"I'm glad they're safe," Blue murmured, looking on as Sky and Caddy talked to the others.

"Mm-hm." Yellow glanced up from the tablet she was using. "Are they staying now?"

"I don't know." She let her head fall lightly onto Yellow's shoulder. "Do you want to go talk to them?"

"Not right now. It's not like we're friends." The words came out a little harsher than Yellow intended. "I meant they probably want to spend time with the Pearls they're closer to. Crimson and White and…whoever else. I don't know."

"Pearl's over there."

"Pearl is Pearl."

"Fair enough." Blue smiled. "So, um, I was thinking about going to the new recruits' training today, just as a show of support. Would you like to come?"

There was a hopeful sparkle in her eyes, and Yellow would have found it hard not to indulge her even if she'd wanted to refuse. "Yeah, I can do that," she said. "You've been talking to them?"

"Oh, no, not really. I mean, I said hello." She looked oddly uncomfortable. "I just thought it might be a nice way to get to know some more Pearls."

"Sure." Yellow hesitated. "Are you alright?"

"Huh?"

"You. Are you alright?"

"Yeah."

"Okay." Yellow frowned at her. "You've seemed…"

Blue tilted her head, waiting.

"Never mind. Just make sure you're taking care of yourself."

"I will."

"Okay." Yellow stretched, getting to her feet. "Let's go then."

She wasn't surprised that the newer Pearls had all arrived even earlier than they had, most looking nervous and jumpy, especially when she and Blue walked in and took a seat on the bench beside theirs. Blue seemed to be contemplating going over to say something, but before she got a chance, one came over to join them.

"Hi!" she announced herself cheerily. She was similar in complexion to Yellow, but with striking caramel-colored hair and clothes. "I'm Tin. You're Blue and Yellow, right?"

"Um, yes. You said Tin?"

"That's right." She smiled. "It's nice to meet you. Is it okay if I sit here?"

"Sure." Yellow picked up her things from the bench to make space for her.

"Nice to meet you too," Blue added. "Are you just watching today?"

"Mm-hm. Silver said I should go slow, just in case, so she's going to give me a private lesson later. I'm just here to cheer Mercury on!" Tin waved happily to someone on the next bench over.

Yellow opened her mouth to ask who Mercury was, but when her eyes followed Tin's, she found a near-identical Pearl sitting there and had to do a double-take. "Ah."

"You were in service together, right?" Blue asked. "Under two Topazes?"

Tin's smile faded just slightly. "Yeah, that's us."

"You're the ones who've been in the infirmary," Yellow realized. "You're all healed now?"

"Well, Aura's holding out hope there's more to be done, but I'm pretty sure I'm officially cracked."

"You're…?"

Tin turned her head, pointing to the gem nestled in her short, sharp curls.

Yellow and Blue both let out an involuntary gasp at the sight of the chip taken out of the center of Tin's gem.

"Sorry," Blue said quickly. "It just looks painful."

"It was," Tin said easily, smiling. "It's better now though."

"I didn't know you could be cracked without it…" Yellow gestured vaguely at Tin's form.

"Being glitchy?"

"Yeah."

"I think it is, actually, it's just not things you can see." She shrugged. "I'm still figuring it out myself."

"Oh."

Just then, Silver came in and clapped her hands loudly to get everyone's attention, even though no one aside from Blue, Yellow, and Tin had been speaking in anything more than a whisper. "Okay, everyone, we're ready to start! Cyan's going to talk first, and then she'll turn you over to me so we can get started on your training. Sound good?"

The new recruits nodded nervously.

"All yours then," Silver said, gesturing for Cyan to go ahead as she grabbed a seat on the other side of Blue.

"Thanks." Cyan moved to stand at the center of the room. "Hi, everyone. It's great to have you here. My name is Cyan and I'm the rebellion's tactician, so I'm sure we'll see a lot of each other no matter what job you choose." She paused. "I'd like to get to know each of you, so why don't we start by having you tell me your names? If you're not sure or if you don't have one yet, you can just say 'Pass' and it'll be the next gem's turn. Silver, would you mind starting us off over there?"

"Sure! I'm Silver."

"Blue."

"Yellow."

"Tin."

"Mercury."

"Um, p-pass?"

"Pass!"

"Pass."

"Pass…"

"Pass."

"Pass?"

"Pass."

"Pass."

"Perfect, thank you," Cyan said warmly. "There's no rush, just tell me whenever you've made your choice. And raise your hands if you've been on a tour of the base already?"

Everyone's hands went up.

"Okay, just checking. Let's get started talking about what we do then…"

"So why are you guys here?" Tin whispered as Cyan began explaining. "You've been with the rebellion a while, right?"

"A little while," Blue agreed. "But I wanted to see what this was like."

"That's cool." Tin fidgeted a bit. "Can I see your projections?"

"Right now?"

She nodded eagerly. "Please?"

"Well…" Blue glanced over at Cyan. "I think it might be a little distracting, so maybe once they finish talking?"

"Oh, yeah, good plan," Tin said easily. "Thanks."

"Shouldn't you be listening?" Yellow pointed out.

"Nah, we heard this part already, just from somebody else. But I told Mercury she should come to it anyway so she can get to know the gems she'll be training with. She was nervous."

Yellow looked over at the other Pearl skeptically, taking in her composed posture. "Not compared to the rest of them."

Tin laughed. "Her own kind of nervous, I suppose." She waved to Mercury again.

"Tin, I'm three feet away," Mercury whispered, leaning across the gap between the two benches. "You don't need to wave."

"I know, but I want to."

Mercury clicked her tongue quietly but didn't quite manage to look exasperated when she saw Tin's smile.

"Hi," Blue offered, leaning around to wave at Mercury as well.

"Hi." Her eyes sharpened as they swept over Blue and Yellow in turn.

"Hi," Yellow added belatedly, feeling it was rather unnecessary at that point, but Mercury nodded in acknowledgement.

"I think we should pay attention," Blue whispered. "We're being distracting. Maybe we can talk later, Mercury?"

"Sure," she answered warily, turning her attention back to Cyan.

The blue gem was still working her way through basic information about the rebellion, eye occasionally darting to Blue but seeming unbothered by their conversation. "And if you have questions about any of that, you're always welcome to ask me or Crimson or any other Pearl. Everyone here will do their best to help you settle in."

Yellow's attention drifted again, though she kept her eyes on Cyan. She'd been putting almost all of her focus into working on the warp pad, and she wondered if that was why Blue seemed a bit distant as of late. She hadn't been coming to watch Yellow work as much as she had on Earth, and Yellow found herself missing the small interruptions. Not that there weren't interruptions, considering the wide variety of Pearls who came to visit Chroma, Lavender, and Pearl, but it was different.

Blue had her own skill set and her own things to do though, so it made sense that she wouldn't be around as often. Maybe once the warp pad was finished and Yellow wasn't so busy, they'd be able to go spend some time together on Earth. She was growing to like the atmosphere on base, but there were days she missed the peace and quiet.

That was still a little way out though, so there was no point dwelling on the plans now. If Blue wanted to use this training as an excuse to spend more time together, Yellow didn't mind. She reached out to take Blue's hand discreetly—though there was no real way to be discreet with Tin right beside them and Cyan in front—and was pleased to see the smile that lit up Blue's eyes.

Yellow almost lost track of time after that and before she knew it, Cyan seemed to be wrapping up her talk. Good, she thought. The actual training will be more interesting to see.

"And before we finish," Cyan was saying, "I'd just like to add that I hope you'll all feel comfortable to come and talk to me about anything you might need. I know it feels weird to have a conversation about a decision instead of someone just making it without asking you, but it's actually a very important part of the process. The more I know about you as individuals, the better I'll be at finding roles that will make the best use of your skills. Does that make sense?" She made sure to look at each Pearl in the group for confirmation, waiting for each of them to nod. "Okay, thank you. I honor your service."

Seeing her hand move to salute, Yellow and Blue began to do the same in return, only to be taken aback when Cyan outright punched herself in the eye—or at least where the new recruits must have supposed her eye was hidden under her hair.

There was a scattering of startled gasps from the other Pearls, Mercury the only one not to react. Tin, on the other hand, burst immediately into laughter.

Cyan grinned, flipping her bangs up briefly to show them her gem. "Kidding."

The new recruits exchanged quick looks, then giggled a little, the sound nervous and breathy.

Cyan looked remarkably pleased with herself as she surveyed the reaction, though her gaze caught on Mercury for a moment before skipping back over to Blue. "Anyway, that's all I had for you, so Silver can take it from here!"

"Thanks, Cyan." Silver stood up. "Okay, can everybody come over one by one? I'm just going to ask each of you a few questions individually so I can get a better idea of where to start. The rest of you are free to look around." She smiled, beckoning to the Pearl on the farthest end of the bench. "You want to go first?"

"Um, okay," she agreed, blushing a little as she walked over to Silver.

The rest of the Pearls took the opportunity to get up and wander the room with wide eyes, while Mercury turned slightly toward Tin. Before she could say anything though, Cyan spoke up.

"You feeling okay, Mercury?"

Mercury jumped, startled to be addressed on her own. "Yes, why?"

"Well, Tin seemed to like my joke, but you just sat there."

She raised her eyebrows. "I'm not Tin. Also, it's kind of obvious you have an eye gem, so…" The it wasn't that funny was clearly implied, though Mercury didn't say it.

"I see."

Mercury stared back at her impassively.

"Still nothing?" she asked, disappointed. "Alright, well, you better catch up with the others."

She nodded, getting up immediately to join the rest of the recruits and Silver.

"Tough audience, huh?" Cyan said conversationally, one hand on her hip as she turned to Tin.

"Actually, she's a really good audience," Tin said earnestly.

"You know, if I hadn't seen you laughing just now, I would think you're trying to say my humor's no good," she said, smiling.

"Never!" Tin waved her hands airily. "She just takes a while to warm up to people. I'm sure she'll laugh at you eventually!"

"Thanks, I think," Cyan chuckled.

"You're welcome." Tin paused. "Cyan, right?" she asked, more seriously.

"That's right."

"Okay," she said with a smile. "Is it okay if I keep coming to training and stuff, Cyan? I'm not quite ready to join in yet, but I want to be as prepared as I can."

"Yes, of course, you're welcome anytime. I'll probably come sit over here myself sometimes so I can observe, so you won't lack for company either."

"Okay, thanks!"

"I think Silver was talking about putting together a light exercise regimen for you, so you can talk to her about that when you're ready."

"Yeah, she told me! I will, definitely."

"Good. I look forward to working with you then." Cyan gave her a warm smile before turning her attention to Blue and Yellow. "If there's any suggestions you want to make, I'd be really happy to hear them."

"Oh, no, we just wanted to watch," Blue said. "You did a great job."

"Thanks!"

"Are there any missions coming up where you might need us?" she asked hopefully.

"Hmm…" Cyan considered it. "There's a few maybes, but nothing for sure yet."

"Oh, okay."

"I'll let you know as soon as I've got something!" she reassured her.

"Thanks." Blue smiled. "Anyway, don't let us keep you."

"No, no, it's fine, it's always a pleasure to talk to you." Cyan paused. "Though I guess I should go make the rounds and introduce myself one-on-one. Feel free to stay as long as you like."

"Thank you."

It wasn't long before Silver and Cyan had talked to everyone—short conversations, presumably to keep them less intimidating—and all the new recruits got into place to do some basic exercises and get used to the feel of holding one of the practice swords.

Blue smiled as she watched a few of the more daring Pearls try to swing the weapons, their stance and grip wobbly. "Were we like that at first, I wonder?" she asked Yellow.

"We were probably worse."

They exchanged a smile, and Blue giggled as she leaned in to place a tiny kiss on Yellow's lips. "Well, I'm glad we get to keep improving together."

"Me too."