Notes:

I swear, the conditions of these messages challenge the author as much as they do the character. I think I did the best I freaking could based off a friendship just a few days old. I'm noticing a theme of this. I was apprehensive before starting Amethyst's because I figured there'd be nothing mindblowing to it due to them being BFFs who already talk a lot. I was downright nervous for Connie's, especially on the shipping subject, but I somehow got a lot of material to work with beyond that. And the Bismuth solution was obviously to wax philosophical on history and semantics. Do I see Greg's as a major challenge? Actually... no. I think he's gonna be my last easy hurdle. I'm PRETTY sure the Lapis and Steven chapters won't be coming out as frequently as the others...

Bismuth grunted as she hammered down a small piece of smelted metal over her work bench. All day long, the veteran Crystal Gem dedicated her day off to make a proper weapon for Peridot. She was really feeling a creative groove after she finished Connie's new sword… but now she had something of a creative block, because there were too many options to consider for the little gem. Bismuth took notice to how expertly Peridot controlled a steel beam and used it to surf through the air for most of the fight. It even served as a handy elevator for a certain part of the fight with pallid Blue.

She didn't see the one time Peridot used that hammer she found lying around in the battle, and after that it became Connie's makeshift weapon.

What Bismuth kept in mind was Peridot's gradually-improving control over all types of metal. She used scrap to cut herself free from a hair trap and dealt a critical blow to their Diamond foe in the process. So it was obvious Peridot could be creative with her metal methods, and alter pieces to be anything she wants them to be. Perhaps this was why Bismuth had a very hard time settling on just one kind of weapon. Bismuth's specialty was weaponry made for close combat; Peridot should never be in a close combat situation. She would have to be a ranged attacker, similar to an archer or a sniper. The latter seemed much more fitting for Peridot, really. But she'd also need a reliable way of evading a direct attack, and that's when the steel beam came into mind.

This part, at the very least, was what Bismuth was certain of. She managed to craft a thin, circular disc that was large enough to hold Peridot and at least two other passengers. Bismuth figured Peridot would have more control over a circular mode of aerial transport that she wouldn't have to risk falling from, given that the beam had a very thin platform for footing. This would suit the technician much better.

Keeping all this in mind was Bismuth's best way to keep herself in line. It kept her mind off of the truth. She probably would never have a chance to actually give Peridot any of these things, regardless if she was alive or dead. The White Diamond threat was just too overwhelming… there wouldn't be time.

"Bismuth… it seems you haven't moved from that spot since we went our separate ways this morning."

Bismuth turned around to find Garnet walking by. She let out a relieved smile and a chuckle. "Well, you know me. Makin' stuff just for the sake of makin' it is my way of just playin' around for a day. Besides, you know Connie needed a new sword, and…"

"I admire your resolve to stay positive in a time like this," Garnet commended. "Just don't get too caught up in that mindset. We have just as much reason to be hopeful as we do to be fearful for the worst. But I wonder how you intend to give Peridot any of your presents, given the situation…"

"I-I know, I know," Bismuth said uneasily before she sighed. "Honestly, all I know what to make for Tiny is a better hovering platform, and some kinda long-ranged weapon. But you know how I roll, Garnet."

Garnet nodded. "Close combat was your specialty. Our specialty. So it's difficult to know for sure what will suit her… remember that she lived a very different life from the rest of us. It's apparent she has an affinity for modern technological weaponry as well… you may want to rethink your approach to this. But I think she will definitely appreciate your platform."

Bismuth smacked her forehead in exasperation. "Awww, crap! You're right! I don't get most of this tech of today; I just haven't had the time…!"

"There's no need to take your frustration out on yourself," Garnet said, in an attempt to console her fellow teammate. "All of that has been beyond your control. I promise, when we retrieve Peridot and dispatch White Diamond, we will all gladly take you on a tour to experience Earth and its changes in the past 5000 years." She then pointed to the beach house. "And we will welcome you to be part of our household. But we have dangerous work ahead of us before that… I believe you should at least bring the platform with you whenever you decide to come in for the night. I should have communicated this better, but many of us wished to gather together indoors and… be as casual as we can be, given the circumstances. We should all get to know each other, Bismuth. And that applies to you more than anyone else."

"That's… that's so mighty kind of you," Bismuth said, fully sincere and touched at the gesture. "Thank you, Garnet. You've just given me a long-term goal to shoot for."

Garnet gave Bismuth a thumbs-up gesture. "By the way, Amethyst is organizing some kind of project, as Steven still isn't doing too well. It's nothing threatening, but all of us will be needed for him to put himself back together. However, it requires listening to Peridot's message. And I'm certain you haven't watched yours yet, because it's highly doubtful she asked you for weapons when she expects herself to be deceased now."

"Geez, you're good at this," Bismuth mumbled. "I'll admit, the stuff you're sayin' makes me want to see it now. It's just a little hard… since she was with us from the beginning."

"I understand." Garnet nodded before turning to focus on the ocean behind them. "By the way, have you seen Lapis at all today? I expect her to return soon, but she has been impossible to spot all day."

"Can't say I have," Bismuth said with a sigh. "I last saw her fly straight out to the ocean till I couldn't see her anymore. That was this morning. I'll admit I have kinda been hearing something almost explosive out there… and the tides are comin' in mighty strong now."

Garnet thought it over for a bit. "Likely releasing her own stress and anger. Not to mention having so little water to work with on Homeworld; seeing this ocean must feel divine to her now. For now, we'll let her release that negative energy. Meanwhile, Bismuth…"

"Yeah, yeah," Bismuth muttered. "I'll see what Peri's gotta say about me. I imagine it can't be that much; we've only known each other a few days…"

"But you have been under her command for the most poignant moment of her life," Garnet pointed out. "You were with her from the start as well, Bismuth. Don't forget that." She started to walk off towards the beach house. "See you soon."

"Of course you can see that," Bismuth said with a laugh. "You tricky little cheater. Seeya inside!"

The dodecahedron prism containing Peridot's message sat securely not far away from Bismuth. She didn't want to have to constantly look at it, but she didn't want it completely out of her sight, either. After swiping the crystal, Bismuth walked off towards a nearby alcove. She knew these messages were meant to be seen privately, and this was a good a place as any as the house was nowhere in view. With the ocean being extra rough today (Bismuth knew that wasn't just happenstance), she had a nice, natural soundproofing barrier all around her. Bismuth raised up her crystal and ran her hand over it gently.

"Okay, Peri… talk to me."

The crystal rose up from Bismuth's palm and quietly hovered in midair as it displayed a screen through light projection, properly layered so that the footage was visible and of perfect quality. There sat Peridot… and Bismuth recognized that chair. Despite a total lack of apparent surroundings beyond a shining glass wall, it was easy for her to figure out where this took place. And just like that, Bismuth realized exactly what Peridot was doing while Lapis made peace with her during their trip.

"… Log Date ETA: 76 minutes…

Hello, Bismuth. Last time I saw you, I trapped you and Lapis and held you there until a reconciliation was made. I trust you're doing your best, at least. You've given me no reason to believe you're suspect. I wish I could tell you why I think Lapis is acting the way she is, but I honestly don't have a clue. It feels so… out of nowhere. So, I apologize for putting you through that; you didn't deserve it, but I know Lapis isn't going to talk if she's trapped by herself. She used to be a prisoner of mine, you know. Back when I was the Crystal Gems' enemy. It took her a while to get over that; I'm hoping I didn't trigger a comeback.

Anyway… I'm making this because despite my confident appearance, I strongly believe there's a 75% chance I won't be coming back with you here. For the record, I'm not getting that vibe from any of you… just me. I'm not at all a superstitious fool, but there's something inside me that's really shaken up… like it's telling me to get ready to die out there… somehow. I didn't want to make you all worry needlessly over a mere "feeling" I have, if you're wondering why I never told you until now. But I got to thinking… I owe so many people the life I have now. And for many of them… I never shared proper words with. I've withheld valuable information from them… kept secrets… harbored grudges.

You're the most unique case, Bismuth. I haven't known you long enough to pull that kind of dreck. I've made personal posthumous messages to… oh, I think 5 people now? All that's left is you… and Lapis… and Steven. I've got an hour to speak my heart out to all three of you. So, let's go.

Okay, I fibbed a little. Steven told me about what happened when he first found you in Lion's mane… and what led to you being re-bubbled. Only to find out there was more truth to your words than he would dare admit after finding out the truth about his maternal unit, and with Ruby and Sapphire's wedding coming up… knowing how much they, as well as Garnet, mean to you… you were given a second chance.

You know… that already makes us a lot alike, Bismuth. At least in terms of recruitment. Back when I still had delusions of returning to Homeworld, I ended up getting poofed by Garnet after I kidnapped Steven as a last resort to find a way off Earth. The only reason I didn't stay bubbled in the Burning Room for eternity is because Steven let me out. Because I was taken out just as I was about to tell those clods about the Cluster - and ask someone else for that story; I don't have time to recap for you - that left some mystery to what I was trying to communicate. Of course, only Steven cared enough to let me out to finish explaining. If he never did that, we wouldn't even be having this conversation, Bismuth. Because this planet would have been blown to bits by now! What I' m getting at is that we both lucked out big time, being given second chances to redeem ourselves. And due to being given that second chance, our involvement led to a huge impact on future events. We haven't even really started our mission yet, but I can already say with certainty I wouldn't be able to pull this off at all with just Lapis and ol' PUU. So, I'm very grateful to have you; never think otherwise.

Thing is, I completely get why I was originally condemned to life in a bubble… you… not so much. I mean, you did directly threaten Steven's life, but so have I. Might as well throw Lapis in there too… so, y'know. Join the club. But I was openly antagonistic to everyone and fully ready to shatter any one of them due to my alignment. While you… you had always been an ally to the Crystal Gems. And for disagreeing with Rose for completely justifiable reasons, you were sentenced not only to several millennia of bubble-stasis, but Rose lied about the entire thing to the rest of your friends just to be sure they would never try to look for you. And on top of that, even if they did mount a search effort, they'd probably never find you because you were stuffed away in a very limited-access pocket dimension where no one would think to look. She just swept you under the rug! And you were a close friend of hers; the evidence certainly points to that!

If there's one thing I have any kind of opinion on Rose-slash-Pink for, it's how she treated you. I don't agree with her ideology either, for the record. So, in some alternate universe, that could've just as easily been me… and that's a terrifying thought. Of course, the strike against you is going after Steven after you were freed. Even I can take a non-biased standpoint on this, because like so many others, you were set on making Steven pay for his maternal unit's actions. I guarantee you, Steven would have never bubbled you and lied to his friends that you were merely shattered. It's not in his nature. And apparently, unlike his maternal unit, Steven cannot lie to save his life. He can't spin a story like that and keep everyone fooled for so long… he'd crumble under the pressure of guilt and confess by the end of the day.

I just wish more people would stop literally seeing Steven as the gem who created him instead of the offspring he truly is. His entire existence is a contradiction to everything we thought we knew about life, and of course he has his maternal unit's gem, but in his case, the gem does not define who he is and it never will. Honestly, I wonder if it's only because I've served under a Diamond for so long that I know better than to treat Steven like he's actually Pink Diamond. He never once acted like any kind of Diamond or a leader of a rebellion to me. So I find it easy to separate him from his maternal unit! I mean, I guess being so detached from these ancient events would also make it a very simple distinction to make. Still… I assume since you've been given a second chance, you're making the effort to see Steven as Steven… and no one else. What he does with his inherited powers from here on out are on him; I know for a fact during this mission, I won't stand to hear about Steven being talked about like he's Rose Quartz. It's such an insult to act as if Steven isn't his own person. So please, don't obliterate the good will you've earned with me over this. You have no idea how grateful I am to have someone like you around, Bismuth.

You've been as fun to have around as you've been useful to getting us to this point in our mission, Bismuth. I'm sure you don't need me to spell out what I'm implying. Honestly, that's a relief. There's way too many overly-serious fun-haters in this group. I'm sure you noticed Lapis has a tendency to fall into that category. She can be fun under the right circumstances, but I've lived with her and I still can't tell you what conditions must be met to make her something other than a total wet blanket. Me, Amethyst, and Steven could definitely use a new dynamic to our little fun club. H-heh, maybe I haven't really seemed all that "fun" myself, lately. I assure you, that's all contained to our present-day situation. Once Garnet resumes her role as the leader, I can go back to being more liberal with my behavior.

Anyway, I'm assuming Lapis will grow up by the time I leave this chamber and make amends with you. I feel like you two could get along great, so I hope that's what my treatment of you encourages. Maybe the PUU will bring you together in song; who knows. Lapis is more from your time, so you'll be able to relate to her on a great number of things. You'll be able to hold a more mature conversation with her than I ever could, for sure. That's sort of the problem with me and how well I take to the others… I'm the only Era 2. The rebellion, the war, the Pink Diamond and Rose Quartz stuff… all that happened well before I existed. Once I did emerge, Homeworld was in full swing with propaganda that heavily altered or removed the war from most of the data archives. I had no idea who Pink Diamond was, let alone Rose Quartz, and I didn't know what the "Crystal Gems" even were until I came to Earth. So it's been weird having everyone so hung up over the Rose-being-Pink Diamond thing… and I just didn't really care. I can understand how and why it would affect you, Bismuth. And I'm sorry you've had your whole world turned around on you… I just can't relate at all to the struggle. It's pointless to do so.

And while I cannot overstate how much your skills have made this mission so much easier; they're quite invaluable, in fact, I can't help but feel weird about… well, how antiquated your weaponry is. That's not your fault, of course. I hate telling you this because I know this is what made you legendary, but… when you've got time, perhaps consider educating yourself on how your line of work is done in the present day. It's a fine excuse to hone your skills, and it's important you continue to do so despite your well-earned notoriety. The moment you think you've made it in life and you're under the impression there's nothing more to be done to top your current achievement… that's the beginning of the end for you.

You're probably going to prove me wrong somehow, but I feel like my inevitable death should be much easier for you to accept than anyone else, if only because we've known each other for less than a single Earth week. You've been alive as long as some of the oldest gems here, so I shouldn't even be worth remembering once enough time passes!

I'm hoping, similarly, you aren't stupid enough to consider going back to Homeworld if I'm the only casualty of this mission. Because maybe you think I'm just alive and captured. Maybe that will be the only thing that happens to me… but I still do not condone any of you putting yourselves in this kind of danger. All our friends in trouble right now - especially Steven - are worth the risk to save at any and all costs. But me, by myself… no; I can't see the justification to such a thing. You have no idea how far we'll end up escalating the problem with the Diamonds once we rescue the others… but trust me when I say I'm going to be glorified bait for Steven and nothing more. This might sound like low self-esteem to you, but I'm being a realist, okay?! I'm just one Peridot among hundreds of millions in this empire - if you need another me that badly, just go kidnap one on your way out! I won't be able to forgive myself if anything happens to any of you because you went back for me like I'm suspecting you would! So please, Bismuth! You're on my good side; please don't go out of your way to piss me off and defy this order from your superior officer.

I mean, what kind of cruddy captain am I if I can't get my charges to follow a single order?! I've got enough doubts about being a leader already– … is what I would say if I was seriously that insecure! Hahaha. See, that was a test, Bismuth!

Look, I like to think I'm not asking for much. I just don't want you risking your lives after I gave my life to save yours! It's just disrespectful! What was the point in any of this if even one of you stupid idiots get killed or captured because you're coming just for me?! Stars forbid you let Steven join a mission like that. Then I'll REALLY never forgive you, Bismuth! I won't let you put him in danger over me! I love him too much to let his– great. I'd retract that statement I didn't finish, but I have the distinct feeling you aren't going to buy into that.

I suppose I should be straight with you on one thing that was fairly recent – like why I flipped out just before we were set to take off into space. I'm supposed to be setting an example, but then I end up inconveniencing all of you over something I didn't even bother explaining. I am still mad at myself over it… because it was over a stupid picture. It was one of Steven, and there's no shortage of those in his house… but I took a couple with me the first night after we came together, because… you've probably noticed I've been a little… all over the place. But I always have been able to recover quickly enough… and it's because of Steven. He's my goal in all of this – I love the others and naturally I wish to save them even if it kills me to do it, but Steven's my… well, Lapis said he was my center of gravity. My whole world got flipped on its head and has nearly come apart so many times ever since I first got the news about what happened after I reformed. I called these stupid pictures my "gravity stabilizers" because they give me that feeling I need to keep it together. Two variants - this one with me and Steven, it's supposed to cheer me up. If I get too depressed for whatever reason, I won't be able to function as the head of this operation. The one with just Steven… that's the one that keeps my thoughts gathered. It's what I look to for strength. All I have to do is concentrate on it, and suddenly I feel… at peace. Things make sense again, and I remember what I'm doing this for. I needed a way to control this directly, because prior to this, only flashes of him in my memory would bring me back to where I need to be… and relying on my subconscious to flash a reminder of Steven at me when I'm about to lose it is way too risky. I can't count on that, but if I have ways to simulate the effect in tangible form, then there will be no need to gamble on an… unreliable-at-best aspect of my sentient self.

It's not really a simple matter when I said I loved him. I love him in all kinds of ways because of how integral he was to my transition from Yellow Diamond's mindless lackey to a free-spirited individual who gladly fights for Earth. I owe everything I am now to Steven. Absolutely everything. I don't even want to think of living my life without him in it. I won't accept it, Bismuth. So losing him is not an option.

I can't assure you – any of you – that I won't do something absolutely reprehensible if we were to lose Steven. There's a good chance I'll have an identity crisis and… and I might become your enemy. Not that I'd side with the Diamonds again; I mean more like… more like corruption. I don't know if it's possible, but I just know you won't be able to distinguish me from a corrupted gem once I – we lose him!

So promise me, Bismuth… if that's what becomes of me should we lose Steven for any reason… I'm giving you the order to shatter me. You won't be able to rehabilitate me, because I won't be myself anymore. There will be nothing for my damaged self to return to, because all the best parts about me… they'll die with Steven. I won't be the great and lovable Peridot anymore, so as leader of the Crystal Gems as of this recording… you are all under obligation to shatter me under these conditions. This is not a request, and it certainly isn't a negotiation: this is an order. I expect you at least, Bismuth, to understand and respect your superior officer's authority. After all… it's not like I ever poofed and bubbled you over a disagreement and threw you away into the abyss, right?

… I don't like guilt-tripping you into something like this, but it was necessary, Bismuth. I need my teammates to be loyal to me… no matter how much you don't want to follow my orders. You should know this better than anyone.

I'm sorry we couldn't have spent more time together, Bismuth. I've really enjoyed my time building our ship with you, even if you and Lapis agitated me at times. I'll at least have fond, recent memories to think about in my final moments. Unlike most of the others, I actually managed to properly utilize my time to…. "hang out" with you as much as I could, given our restrictions. I really do love you, Bismuth. Just a few days in, and you already feel like a member of my family. Maybe a cool big cousin…

Anyway… I wish you the best. If you'll excuse me, I need to take a minute to find out how I'm gonna roast the sea-beast.

With pride, respect, and honor… I sign off for the final time: Peridot Facet-2F5L Cut-5XG."

Unlike the past messages, there was nothing past the final sign-off. Given her time limit in that setting, it wasn't like she was going to get interrupted by anyone, and there was no time to spare for a PS. Bismuth didn't know this was a tradition for half of her friends' messages, but she would find out soon enough when she reunited with the others.

Right now, the sky was clear and a full moon was out. Bismuth sat in place for a moment, absorbing the words addressed to her.

"Peri, I seriously wonder… if it was you sittin' here and me giving you that message… would you have followed it? Because I seriously doubt it; nothing stops you at all when you want something. You really don't know your own strength, do you?"

Bismuth knew it was pointless even saying this when nobody else was with her, but it was the first thing she had in mind and needed to throw it out there. Bismuth wasn't quite driven to tears, but she came close. She didn't expect Peridot to so solidly defend her regarding her incident with Rose; it was rather refreshing to hear a point of view from someone so completely removed from the situation. It felt comforting to know at least one of the Crystal Gems understood her philosophy.

"And don't you worry about your lil' "center of gravity", hun." Of course Bismuth was endlessly amused by this choice of phrasing. She was going to have to commend Lapis for encouraging her to use that terminology. "We'll protect him with our lives, just as we always do. And we know and love him as Steven Universe; not Rose Quartz. And know this, Peri: Steven's not gonna be as well as you think if you're not with him. We're gonna prove it…"

She stood up after putting away her prism and looked out to the ocean; the waves were definitely coming in more aggressively than usual, but it wasn't the sign of an oncoming hurricane. Bismuth knew that had to be Lapis. She must have been at that for at least 14 hours straight. Was she really all right?

As Bismuth made her way walking along the shore back to the beach house, she spotted a fire and a van… and unsurprisingly, Bismuth eventually spotted Greg Universe in the distance, by himself.

Bismuth knew she needed to start heading back to the house, but she was compelled to stick around… it wasn't long before she figured out why.

Greg and Lapis were her crew. Or more accurately, Peridot's. All four of them were in this together, in this very spot the other night ago. Starting from the point when Peridot reformed and being told what was going on up until this very moment, it had been just the four of them for the majority of the time. And with Peridot "fallen" for the moment, that meant Bismuth headed their team.

She couldn't leave these two out on their own like this. She needed to be there for them, and make sure they had done what Garnet ordered them to do. So she made a beeline for Greg, but not aggressively so. Greg wouldn't be surprised by her presence.

"Hey there, Bismuth. Are you checking out the stars too, or are you worried that Lapis might or might not be planning to drown us all by midnight?" Greg sounded relatively relaxed, even after the latter part of his statement.

"Hm… did she talk to you at all today?" Bismuth inquired, rightfully looking wary of this statement.

Greg just laughed and shook his head. "Nah, nah. That's just my wild imagination getting the better of me," he explained. "I haven't seen her since she flew out over the ocean this morning. I've lived in this area for long, looooong time, Bismuth. I can tell something's up when the tides are coming up so aggressively."

"Guess I'll just need to talk her out of it, then," Bismuth decided. "Water we else gonna do?"

That elicited a full, but brief fit of laughter from Greg. "Oh, Bismuth! Nothing stops you from your wordplay!"

"Hey, somebody's gotta raise morale in this team right now," Bismuth said confidently. "Garnet may be back leading the full team, but Peri passed down her position of our team to me. And from the looks of things, it looks like the Peri team are the only ones out here instead of mingling with our fellow Crystal Gems."

"Huh… looks like you're right." Greg had seen Pearl pass by not too long ago, and she looked much more relaxed than he's ever been used to seeing her. He caught a glimpse of Garnet entering even earlier than that, and knew everyone else was definitely inside already.

Very odd coincidence that only Peridot's makeshift teammates remained outside, isolated from everyone until now. Bismuth was determined to bring them together.

"Besides, I don't really count as a Crystal Gem," Greg brought up with a tone of unease. "This mission here is the most involved I've been with you guys on a productive level. I know I'm not meant for this sort of thing. I'm pretty sure Peridot "drafted" me because she was desperate and probably pitied me."

"Is that what Peri told you in her message?"

Greg clenched his teeth on reflex. "Er… I h-haven't watched it yet," he admitted. "I'm trying to find a good time, but no time is a good time! It was just a few days ago when it was me sitting in this exact spot, giving Peridot some hot cocoa to help her out. You two came this close to making her pass out."

Bismuth stepped over and kneeled to pat Greg on the shoulder. "I understand where you're comin' from; I just watched mine a few minutes ago. If you've got any doubts about Peri's authority or don't know what she thinks of you… give your video a watch, Greg. She can be real enlightening without even meaning to."

"Yeah…" Greg sighed. "I need to get it over with. I just… I thought I'd be done with this after Rose…"

Bismuth chuckled. "Peridot's no Rose Quartz, Greg. She's the great and lovable Peridot from start to finish. You don't really believe she's dead, do you?"

Greg shook his head. "I don't… everyone's made a good point about the hostage thing. But based on what you all told me about White Diamond, that just makes me worry like crazy. Poor Peridot might be wishing for death even if we save her, you know?"

"We can't let those thoughts control us, Greg," Bismuth told him. "Instead, think about the fact that your son's been in bed all day long. And the only way we're gonna get him up is with the power of Peri. But we can't use that power until you and Lapis watch your messages!"

"Cripes! He's still asleep in there?!" Greg was very worried now. "Wh-why didn't anyone tell me sooner?! I gotta get in there!"

"Hold up on that." Bismuth kept a hold on his shoulder to keep him planted on the sand. "Steven's got plenty of eyes watchin' over him right now. If something really went wrong, we'd have been told by now. If you wanna help your boy, man up and watch Peri's message. Don't disrespect your leader, Greg!"

Greg bowed down his head, looking embarrassed. "Right, right… you're right." He pulled out his prism from his pocket. "Uh… so how does this work?"

"Wave your hand over it, then hold it up," Bismuth said softly. "It should position itself for you and play the video automatically." She halted Greg before he did as she instructed. "Ah-ah. She said she wanted only her recipients to hear her message. So I'm gonna head out. Gonna scout the shorelines; see if I can find Lapis anywhere."

"Are you two meeting up here when you find her?" Greg asked. "Because I'll stick around after my message if you want."

Bismuth smiled down at the grown man. "I'd like that. Let's have our own little team huddle before we head back in. I'll make sure Lapis plays along."

Greg seemed comforted with that idea. "Yeah… I think Peridot would appreciate our solidarity. The others might be back with us now, but…"

Bismuth nodded as she stood and headed for the shoreline. "But we'll always be that special squadron of Crystal Gems who answered their call for help. And yes, that includes you, big boy. Now have fun with your message."

"Th-thanks for the vote of confidence," Greg called back. "We'll see where I stand pretty soon, I guess. Let's… let's do it to it."

He waved his hand over the prism, and Greg sat back as he watched the magic happen.

[ NEXT LOG: GREG ]