Debate
Every Gem in the New Rebellion agreed on one thing: change was needed.
But what kind of change? That was an altogether trickier question, one built up of a million smaller ones.
What was to be done with the Diamonds?
Some said, We reason with them. They are logical. They will not want Gems needlessly hurt. Once they see that they can't win, they will see reason and listen to us.
Others said, That will never work. They will refuse to relinquish their power.
Others said, We will make them. We will fight until they have no choice. We'll lock them up and take their power from them.
Other said, You can never control a Diamond.
Other said, So we'll shatter them.
The response came: You can't shatter a Diamond!
But others insisted, Yes, you can. Remember Pink Diamond!
So others wondered, Maybe we can shatter them. But should we?
oOo
Another question: what did the New Rebellion want?
Some said, To not be hurt.
Some said, To be safe.
Some said, Freedom.
But how to get freedom?
Some said, No more Masters.
Others said, How is that possible? We need Masters, or how will anyone know what to do? Who will lead?
And others said, Well, we pearls will lead, of course.
Some wondered, But will other Gems follow pearls?
And the answer came: They'll have to.
oOo
A final question: Would that be any better?
Some cried, Of course! We will be good and fair Masters!
Others said, How can we guarantee that?
Others wondered, Why should Pearls be the ones to lead?
And some replied, Because we're intelligent, and reasonable, and hard working.
And others replied, Because we deserve to.
And others still said, Because we built this movement.
But some asked, But surely others can lead just as well?
Some said, Our rebellion is made of all kinds of Gems, not just pearls.
And others argued, Yes, but we all serve different purposes. You could hardly imagine putting a Ruby in a position of power, could you?
Some said, Once we've won, we can't just expect everyone to get along. Spinels and Emeralds and Quartzes are used to getting what they want. We'll need to keep them in check.
And others asked, All of them?
And they replied, No alternative.
And others said, Yes, there is. Remember the Crystal Gems? The stories say they were all equal.
But others said, The Crystal Gems are dead.
oOo
Many questions don't have simple answers.