Teen Parents

Peridot and Steven are sitting together on a bench. Steven has his arm around Peridot's shoulders

Steven: I honestly never expected to be a father at this age. I mean I know how babies are made but I never expected this.

Peridot: We had an accident while fusing.

Steven: Looking back I realize there was nothing I could do to prevent it. I mean we were trying to save my Dad's life

Greg Universe is fleeing for his life in his van. In the air a giant green nose is rapidly gaining at it chases him. Greg swerves and dodges the snot beams fired from the nose, as Greg crashes into a telephone pole Steven and Peridot run towards each other. Once they meet Steven twirls Peridot and the two fuse to form a large brown skinned fusion.

The fusion is male has curly brown hair and is about 61/2 feet tall. He is muscular yet skinny and has 2 gems a brown triangular gem on his forehead and a round one on his belly. Stevidot is wearing a combination of Peridot's and Steven's clothes. Green socks, denim shorts and a green starred T shirt with goggles.

Once formed Stevidot summons his weapon which happens to be a large yoyo. Stevidot shoots out the yoyo which hits the nose. The nose explodes in a storm of snot. Steven and Peridot separate only to find a large surprise. A large naked teenager with a brown gem on his forehead is there as well, this is Steven and Peridot's child.

Baby: (Starts crying) I'm cold.

Greg: Guah? Wha, What's that?

Steven: What's happening?

Peridot: (Muttering) Fuse with Steven they said. Nothing's going to happen they said. Well does this look like nothing. Steven this is our offspring.

Steven freezes up. Peridot walks up to Steven and takes his wallet. She then takes the new gem by the hand and walks away.

Peridot: Come offspring we must attend to your needs.

Moments later the two are at the boardwalk T shirt shop. They are trying to enter but are barred by the proprietor.

Shop Owner: Ma'am you can't bring that man into the store.

Peridot: Well why not?

Shop Owner: Because he's naked.

Peridot: That's exactly why we're at the T shirt store.

Shop Owner: Look you're new to this planet but you can't just walk around naked. Why don't you take him home?

Peridot: We have no clothes for him at home. Now will you please let us in? I have money.

The owner of the T shirt shop looks round. Seeing nobody around he lets the pair in. Moments later Peridot and her son walk out. He is wearing an extra-large T shirt, a pair of swimming trunks and flip flops.

Peridot: Come offspring let's take you to the beach house. The gems will know what to do.

Later at the beach house it is nighttime. Steven and Peridot's son is sleeping in Steven's cubby. Just like a small child his butt is up in the air. Peridot is pacing at the doorway when Steven finally decides to come in.

Peridot: About time you got back home. I had the hardest time putting down your son.

Steven: Sorry it took a long time calming down my Dad. Is that Steven junior?

The two walk up to the cubby and look and their new son.

Steven: Where are the gems?

Peridot: They ran into the temple screaming. I have decided to name our son Topaz.

Steven: I must say you are incredibly calm. Here you are with what must be the most bizarre situation ever encountered and you just took charge. I am impressed and surprised.

Peridot: Who do you think I am Lapis? Steven since crashing to Earth I have had to deal with the bizarre every day. If I didn't I would be curled up in the barn sobbing.

Back at the barn Lapis is curled in the fetal positon on a pile of hay. She is quietly sobbing.

Lapis: I wanna go home.

Back at the beach house it is late at night. Steven and Peridot are sleeping on the pull out couch. Their sleep is disturbed as Topaz starts sobbing. Messy haired Peridot gets up, pulls down the strap of her jumpsuit and walks up to the cubby. A suckling sound is heard. After several minutes Peridot pats her son on the back and loud burp is heard.

The next morning Steven wakes up. Peridot is reading to her son. The newborn looks huge as he sits on her lap.

Steven: (looking at his son) Peridot it's late September. These clothes aren't exactly warm.

Peridot: I know but this is all I could buy with your allowance.

Steven: I'm going to call Connie's mom to check him over.

Back in the Maheswaran's house the phone rings. Smiling Connie leaps and answers the phone.

Connie: Steven I am so glad you called. I was thinking you and I could go hang out at the mall. There's this really great movie we could go to.

Steven: Connie I can't play with you today actually I was wanting to talk to your mother.

Connie: (frowning) Hey Mom it's for you.

Priyanka: Hello Steven what did you want to talk to me about?

Steven: Do you do house calls? It's just that Peridot and I had a son last night and we need him to be checked over.

Priyanka drops her coffee on the floor.

Moments later Dr. Maheswaran drives her car up to the beach house. Just outside is Pearl sitting on the steps rocking back and forth.

Pearl: This isn't happening, this isn't happening.

Priyanka pats her shoulder and runs straight up the stairs with her medical bag. Inside the beach house Amethyst is eating a blender. Steven and Peridot are sitting by the fireplace.

Priyanka: Okay I'm here where's the baby?

Peridot: Topaz is sleeping in Steven's old cubby.

Peridot leads the human doctor up to Steven's room. Dr. Maheswaran stares open mouthed at the large sleeping form of Topaz.

Priyanka: Is this some sort of joke?

Peridot: No it isn't Topaz is the result of Steven and I fusing.

Priyanka: Fusing?

Peridot: It's when gems merge to create a larger more powerful being. The Crystal gems said there was nothing sexual about this but clearly they were wrong. Just like they're wrong about so many things.

Priyanka: So you just gave birth to him?

Peridot: Nothing so traumatic it's just when we unfused there was Topaz.

Priyanka: Be that as it may I insist that you all get a check-up.

A little while later the new family is sitting in the living room wearing towels. As Dr. Maheswaran does her check-up Amethyst is now eating the silverware.

Priyanka: Amethyst why are you eating the silverware?

Amethyst: I can't help it I always eat when I'm upset and we're out of food.

Priyanka: - Okay Steven you seen to be healthy. Peridot I don't know if you're healthy or not. It's time to fill out Topaz's birth certificate.

Priyanka measures Topaz's height, takes him to the bathroom scales, finally inking the soles of Topaz's feet and making him step on a piece of paper.

Priyanka: So when was Topaz born?

Peridot: Yesterday afternoon at 6:39 pm.

Steven: You're pretty sure of the time aren't you?

Peridot: Steven a mother isn't likely to forget the birth of her own child.

Priyanka: Well you seem to be coping very well. Unlike some other gems. I'll just send a social worker to check up on you. Hey Amethyst, where's Garnet.

Amethyst: Little Miss Perfect is in her room.

Inside Garnet's room the fusion is hugging herself and rocking back and forward.

Garnet: This isn't happening. This isn't happening.

On the way out of the beach house Dr. Maheswaran takes Pearl by the hand and guides her into the car.

Steven: Wait, where are you going with Pearl?

Dr. Maheswaran: I'm taking her a hospital to rest.

Steven: Pearl's not human you can't treat her at Beach City General.

Dr. Maheswaran: That's not the hospital I'm taking her too.

Steven and Peridot are sitting on the bench.

Steven: Well it was difficult at first.

Steven is walking home from the drug store. He is looking extremely embarrassed as he carries home a bag of depends adult diapers. Lars sees Steven and snickers.

Lars: Hey Steven has Pearl finally lost it?

Steven: Thank you for not assuming that these depends are not mine.

Back at the bench Topaz is playing with a robinoid while his parents look indulgently on.

Peridot: But after a few days we finally settled into a routine.

The new family is sitting by the fireplace. Steven is reading a newspaper. Topaz is in a set of old fashioned long johns while Peridot is showing her son some flash cards. The door knocks Steven gets up to answer it. At the door is a pleasant looking middle aged woman.

Racheal: Hello I'm Racheal Harbors. Dr. Maheswaran sent me to check in on you.

Steven: You must be the social worker. Please come in.

Racheal walks up to where Peridot and Topaz are sitting.

Racheal: Is this really your baby?

Peridot: Yes, his name is Topaz.

Racheal spends some time looking at Topaz checking to see if he is healthy and happy.

Racheal: So Peridot what are you doing?

Topaz: Momma is testing me with some flash cards. We've been through colors and shapes. This is a trapezoid.

Racheal: Priyanka warned me about this. I didn't know Topaz could talk.

Peridot:(Voice filled with pride) Yes, it appears our offspring has inherited knowledge from both his parents. All he lacks is experience.

Topaz:(Crying) Momma I'm hungry

Peridot: and emotional self-control.

Peridot sighs and pulls down her jumpsuit.

Racheal: Yikes so you breastfeed? That's good. Um I'm just going to look round your house.

Racheal checks out the house. She spends a while in the kitchen and bathroom before coming to Steven.

Racheal: Steven can you show me Topaz's room?

Steven: Sure it's my old cubby. Come up and see.

Racheal: And where do you sleep?

Steven: Well I have a room in the temple but since Topaz is so young, Peridot and I sleep on the fold out couch.

Racheal: You sleep together?

Peridot: Might as well. The damage was already done when we fused.

Racheal: So where are your guardians?

Steven: Pearl's at Pleasant Shores, Amethyst is eating the old warehouse and Garnet's in the temple.

The temple door opens a frazzled Garnet comes out and makes herself a cup of coffee.

Racheal: So how do you think Steven and Peridot are holding up?

Garnet: Better than me. Steven, Peridot I'm sorry if I had known fusion would do this I would have never allowed it.

Garnet goes back inside the temple.

Racheal: Peridot I can't help but notice that your look pale. Have you been out since Topaz was born?

Peridot: No, Steven is the one who does errands. My hands are rather full caring for Topaz.

Racheal: Well it's about time that you had some fun with your child. How about you have a family outing sometime?

It is morning Steven and Peridot are in the park. Topaz is wearing a T-shirt and overalls. They are each holding Topaz's hand between them. Steven looks self-conscious as Topaz skips and jumps between them.

Topaz: (pointing at something) Daddy is that a weapon?

Steven: No that's a bird.

Topaz: Is that a weapon?

Steven: No that's an anthill.

Topaz: Is that a weapon?

Steven: You are so much like your mother.

Topaz smiles and runs to a set of swings. He sits on a swing and smiles.

Topaz: Push me Daddy push me.

Steven pushes his large son on the swing. Topaz laughs as he goes higher and higher. Then he loses his grip and comes crashing down onto his Dad. He sits up crying. Peridot rushes in.

Peridot: Oh are you okay?

Steven: I think I may have cracked a couple of ribs.

Peridot: I wasn't talking to you.

Topaz: I scratched my epithelial layer.

Peridot: Aw let Daddy kiss it and make it better. Then we can go to the boardwalk.

Moments later the family is on the boardwalk. Onlookers stare at them while Steven and Peridot do their best to ignore it. They finally come to the Big Donut.

Steven: Hey Topaz how would you like to get a treat?

Peridot: Steven no that's a little too advanced for Topaz.

Steven: Nonsense nobody is too young for donuts and this will be a chance for Topaz to socialize.

Peridot: I'm all for socialization.

They enter the Big Donut. Sadie is making a pot of hot coffee drops it as she sees Topaz.

Sadie: I heard about this from Dr. Maheswaran but I thought she was pulling my leg.

Topaz has his face pressed against the glass staring at the donuts.

Steven: Sadie I'd like you to meet my son Topaz. Topaz say hello.

Topaz: Daddy can I have one with sprinkles? Can I?

Steven: Topaz say hello to Sadie

Topaz:(Sticks his head up) Hi.

Steven: We'd like 2 donuts and two cherry sodas please.

Peridot: Steven no! All that sugar.

Steven: Will not do him any harm. This will be a good experience trust me.

Moments later Topaz runs out of the Big Donut in a sugar rush. Steven and Peridot race after him. They finally catch up to him at the Funland arcade. Topaz is jumping up and down.

Topaz: Oh look Mommy blinky lights. Can we go in Mommy can we?

Peridot: Sure why not? You need to burn all that energy

Later Topaz is playing at video game. He smiles as he blasts away then the smile fades and he pukes right on the floor.

Peridot: I told you donuts were too advanced for him.

Mr. Smiley:(Walks in) All right who's responsible for this mess?

Peridot points to Steven.

Smiley:(Handing Steven a mop) All right you know the drill Steven.

Steven grumbles as he mops the floor. In the background Peridot and Topaz play video games. Later the couple leave the arcade. They push a wheelbarrow with a tuckered out Topaz sleeping in it. As they are walking home when Steven's cellphone rings.

Steven: Hello yes this is Steven Universe. My father had a what? Okay I understand, no do what you must. Okay I'll be right there.

Peridot: What was that about?

Steven: That was the hospital. My Dad just had a nervous breakdown. They're moving him to Pleasant Shores.

The next day the family is at Pleasant Shores. Greg is sitting on a deck chair with a blanket wrapped around him. On the next chair is Pearl. Greg is staring out into space when he notices Steven.

Steven: Hi Dad how are you feeling?

Greg: Steven I had the most horrible dream. You and Peridot gave birth to a teenaged son.

Steven: It wasn't a dream Dad. Dad I'd like you to meet Topaz.

Topaz: (Hugs Greg) Grandpa.

Greg: Nooo!

Nurse:(Rushing in) Oh no! He's had a setback. We're going to have to ask you to leave.

Later on it is dinnertime. Steven is eating a microwave Pizza, while Peridot is running a current through her gem. As the power flickers on and off the cell phone rings.

Steven: Yes, this is Steven. You want to what? If you do that my family will be out on the streets. Look I'll work something out. Yes, you'll get your money.

Peridot: Who was that?

Steven: That was the bank. Since my Dad is hospitalized they want to foreclose on the house's mortgage.

Peridot: They can't do that can they?

Topaz: Mommy do we have to move out?

Peridot: Of course not honey.

Steven: We need to make some money. Looks like I'll be working at the carwash.

Peridot: I'll stay home. I'll watch over Topaz and see if we can sell anything at the temple.

The next morning Steven is leaving the house for work. In the background Topaz is up in the rafters. Just as Steven is about to walk out the door Peridot hands him his lunchbox and kisses him. Once he is gone Peridot turns to her son.

Peridot: I'm going to – Topaz get down from there right this instant. (sighs) I can't turn my back on you for a moment can I?

Days later, Steven is trudging home from the carwash. He looks very wet and very tired. Connie approaches him wearing a skimpy T shirt and shorts.

Connie: Steven you look so tired. What happened?

Steven: I just had a rough day at work and now I have to go home and help take care of Topaz.

Connie: You look like you could use a break.

Steven: I'd like that but Topaz and Peridot are waiting for me at home.

Connie: Isn't Peridot there to look after him? Look you're tired you need to take your mind off things. How about we go get some pizza and talk about old times? C'mon it will only take a little while. I'm buying.

Steven:(picks up the cellphone) Hello Peridot I'm going to be staying a little late at work.

At the beach house Peridot puts down the cellphone. She is wearing curlers and a house dress. In the background Topaz is playing with a molecule set.

Peridot: Topaz we're going to pick up Daddy.

At Fish Stew Pizza. Steven and Connie are sharing a large pizza. Connie is patting his shoulder as Steven pours his heart out.

Steven: It's just been so hard. I'm working all the time when I'm not at the carwash I'm helping Peridot take care of Topaz.

Connie: There, there I understand you're all alone.

Steven: No I'm not Peridot has been great with Topaz. But we're both just kids, neither of us are prepared for this. Honestly I don't think anybody is.

Peridot enters with Topaz in tow. She is wearing her old jumpsuit and has much nicer hair than usual.

Peridot: There you are I've been slaving away over a food synthesizer and you're having dinner with your old girlfriend.

Steven: This isn't what it looks like.

Connie: Yes, it is. Steven wants to be with me. You're a weirdo who can't even cook properly.

Steven: Connie Amethyst ate our stove that's why Peridot was working on a food synthesizer.

Peridot: Steven I get it having a family was the last thing on your mind, you're overwhelmed, you're scared. Guess what so am I. Steven I cannot raise Topaz alone. I love you. So please come back home.

Connie: Look Steven and I are destined to be together. The last thing he wants is to be around a pair of freaks like you.

Peridot starts crying. Topaz hugs his mother afraid.

Topaz: Mommy does Daddy not love us?

Steven: That's it Connie you are way out of line.

Takes a pitcher of cola from a nearby table and dumps it over Connie. The girl shocked runs right out of the restaurant.

Peridot: That's it we're going to a marriage counsellor now!

The family is in a waiting room. Topaz is playing on the floor while Steven and Peridot sit next to each other. Steven tries to hug Peridot but she flinches away from his touch. The office door beside them says Harley Quinn Marriage Counselor.

Harley: Steven, Peridot and Topaz I'm ready to see you.

Harley's widen at the sight of what looks like two kids leading a large teenager.

Harley: You're Steven and Peridot but you're just kids!

Peridot: We're actually alien beings.

Harley: And to think when I moved out of Gotham I had left crazy behind. So tell me why you are here?

Steven: Well my Dad was being chased by an alien spaceship.

Peridot: It was a life or death situation.

Steven: So in order to save my Dad's life Peridot and I fused.

Peridot: We defeated the spaceship but then after we separated there was Topaz.

Steven: It all went pear shaped. The Crystal Gems all panicked, my Dad had a nervous breakdown and the bank threatened to foreclose on the beach house. As a result, I had to work at the carwash.

Harley: So let me get this straight. You committed one rash act and now you are living with the consequences of your actions? I can relate to that.

Peridot: It gets worse.

Steven: One night I was coming home from work and my old girlfriend shows up. She offers me pizza and this is no excuse but I was so tired. I just wanted to be a kid again. So I called up Peridot and said I would be late for work then we went out for dinner.

Peridot: Look taking care of Topaz is not easy. You turn your back for one moment (winces as she hears a crash) and that happens plus breastfeeding and diaper changes. I suspected something so I marched straight down and found him with Connie.

Steven: It was awful Connie said Peridot and Topaz were freaks and that I didn't want to be around them. Peridot was crying and then I saw Connie for what she was. So I dumped a pitcher of cola on her.

Peridot: That's when I demanded we go see you.

Harley: So when was the last time you had any fun?

Peridot: Well last week we took Topaz to the park and the boardwalk.

Harley: No I meant as a couple, alone.

Steven: Well once when Topaz was asleep we watched Lonely Blade 6.

Harley: (knocks fists together) I meant you know. Because it seems to me that you both are doing your best to tackle the challenges of adulthood without enjoying the benefits

Peridot: (Blushes) Never, we produced Topaz through fusing.

Harley: Well here's my advice take time to work on your relationship. Get a babysitter and go explore intimacy however you do it.

Steven and Peridot are getting ready to leave the beach house. Peridot is wearing a nice dress while Steven wears a little bow tie. Garnet is with them while Topaz is playing on the floor.

Steven: Now here's the number of the family doctor, the fire department and poison control center. If you have any problems don't hesitate to call us.

Peridot: Topaz's bedtime is eight. I've left some milk in the fridge for him to drink be sure to heat it up. At bedtime read him the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin.

Garnet: Don't worry about a thing I can handle it. Have fun dancing you two.

Peridot: No we're going to engage in coitus.

Steven: Peridot you don't say that.

Peridot: And be sure to give him a bath.

Steven drags Peridot out the door. Peridot is still shouting out instructions.

Garnet:(turns to Topaz) Hey kid your father's favorite TV show is on.

Later Topaz and Garnet are sitting on Steven's bed watching Crying Breakfast Friends

Topaz: Wait why are they crying all the time?

Garnet: Topaz you're young you haven't experienced all of life's sorrows. Well once I

Topaz listens to her story. As Garnet continues Topaz's eyes widen in an expression of horror.

Later that night Peridot and Steven are returning back home.

Peridot:(Nuzzling Steven) Steven I had a wonderful time tonight.

Steven: We did it together and it was great.

Peridot: Yes, it was I can't wait for us to do it again. Now let's see our little angel.

As they open the door. Topaz runs up to them crying.

Topaz: Mommy, Daddy I had a terrible time. Garnet told me this scary story…

Steven sighs as they walk in and try to comfort their son.

A few days later the couple are sitting once again in the marriage counselor's office. The pair are sitting as far apart as possible.

Steven: We had this huge fight.

Peridot: It was just that with all these expenses, Pearl and Greg's hospital bills, the mortgage as well as Amethyst's bail we just can't make ends meet.

Steven: You went into Amethyst's room behind my back. Those were Amethyst's things.

Peridot: I was trying to find something to sell. You work all hours yet the money you bring in isn't enough.

Harley: Money problems eh? the most common reason for a breakup. Peridot you're very capable why not put Topaz in daycare and rob a – no can't suggest that, get a part time job.

Steven: We can't do that.

Harley: Well why not.

Peridot: This maybe Beach City but I can't ask somebody to change a man's diapers

Harley: Well perhaps it is time to make Topaz more independent. Get him toilet trained.

Steven and Peridot: Thank you doctor.

Harley: That'll be $500 in unmarked bills.

The couple are sitting on the bench again.

Steven: Toilet training was very hard.

Peridot: I suggested not giving Topaz human food but Steven was against it.

In the beach house Topaz is staring at the toilet. Steven is outside giving instructions Peridot is beside him.

Topaz: So you want me to do what again?

Peridot: argh this isn't working. Our son needs a demonstration.

Steven: Okay you've been in the bathroom just show him how it's done.

Peridot: Steven I don't have the equipment. You do.

Steven: Peridot can't you just shapeshift the parts?

Peridot getting impatient pushes Steven into the bathroom.

Peridot: No! Steven you are the one the most familiar with this procedure. Now do your duty as a father and show Topaz how it's done.

Peridot: If we thought toilet training was bad. Weening was worse.

Sitting at the Kitchen table, Topaz's eyes tear up when Peridot plunks down a baby bottle.

Topaz: What's the matter Momma? Don't you love me anymore?

Peridot: Topaz you are too big to nurse. Now drink your baby bottle.

Topaz: I want my green bobbas.

Topaz starts crying as Peridot walks away.

Steven: oh boy he's really upset. Why can't you nurse him just this once?

Peridot: Steven we've already been through this. Topaz is too large to suckle.

Steven: He's only 2 months old. Why not?

Peridot: Because I don't want to be arrested again.

Steven and Peridot are sitting on the bench again. Topaz is sitting beside Peridot being very quiet.

Steven: We thought things would get better once Dad and Pearl got released from hospital but it didn't.

Peridot: We couldn't find a daycare to take Topaz

Steven: I didn't have to work as much. But then there's Pearl.

Peridot: She's and Garnet been very controlling acting like they know what's best.

Peridot is at the computer she is typing away as Garnet appears from behind.

Garnet: Job searching? Don't get your hopes up. You still have to take care of your mess.

Peridot: Gah Garnet you startled me and that mess is my son so back off.

Steven: She really said that?

Peridot: Yes, she did.

Back at the beach house Peridot is holding Topaz's hand. Topaz is wearing a light jacket and boots in his hand are a bucket and spade.

Peridot: Topaz and I are going out to the beach.

Pearl: Not with him dressed like that it's January.

Later Topaz is wearing layers and layers of clothing. It is so much that he looks like a giant ball.

Topaz: I can't put my arms down.

Peridot: Come offspring let's get out of here.

It is late at night Peridot is sleeping beside Steven when she hears a strange sound. Sitting straight up she sees her food synthesizer spraying orange goop everywhere. Amethyst is standing with her mouth open catching the goop while Pearl looks on with a screwdriver.

Pearl:(looking ashamed) Just making adjustments to the food synthesizer.

Peridot growls in frustration.

A few nights later Peridot is surfing the net when she finds something. She laughs manically.

Peridot: Steven, Steven come and look at this. It's perfect.

Back at the barn Peridot is putting the final touches on her escape pod while Steven helps pack. Topaz is tied to the fence while the Crystal Gems look on.

Pearl: You're leaving us but why?

Steven: Because Peridot found work off planet that's why.

Amethyst: But dude it's on Homeworld which is ruled by Yellow Diamond.

Garnet: That place is a repressive dictatorship Steven you don't know what you're getting into.

Peridot: But I do. Homeworld may have its little problems but it least it has free healthcare and education.

Pearl: So you're willing to give up your rights and freedoms for that?

Peridot: What rights and freedoms? In the past year under your care I have been tied to a fence, almost beaten to death and then left forgotten in a barn until you have use for me.

Steven: I also heard what you've been saying about Topaz. How dare you call my son a burden? Before I had my powers did you think I was a burden? Well did you?

The gems er and um looking ashamed.

Peridot: Hey Steven untie Topaz it's time to go.

On the bench Steven, Peridot and Topaz are wearing yellow diamond uniforms. In the background is a crystalline cityscape with drones hovering in the sky.

Steven: We're very happy here. Everything's going great we have our own apartment, Peridot has this great job and tomorrow Topaz is going to his first day at school.

Peridot: Everybody has been so kind and understanding, we're no longer alone.

The next day Peridot and Steven drive up in their pod. As Topaz gets out Peridot kisses him.

Peridot: Have fun at the kindergarten.

Topaz smiles and waves, putting on his cheeseburger backpack he runs into a large canyon filled with man shaped holes. Waiting for him are a bunch of young gems of all castes.