Well I loved the first half of this chapter, the second half was not quite what I wanted but I won't complain to much as this is already a shorter chapter (though in my defence yesterdays was quite long) The series Vulgaris Adamas, does have it's own tumblr now: domina-alba. tumblr. com
If you want to follow me there I'm open to answer any questions about the stories and you might occasionally see bits and pieces of things that didn't quite make the cut. Anon is currently on for questions and I'll even take requests for short scenes.
We have roughly 2-3 chapters left in this story then there will be a few one shots before we hit the sequel, and guys, I'm really REALLY excited for that.
I hope you enjoy todays chapter and I'll see you tomorrow!
The shuttle back to the fleet was much nicer. The ceilings were higher and the seats in the passenger compartment was more comfortable. The ceiling's still weren't quite tall enough for Domina to stand after her last growth spurt but she could at least stretch out on one of the seats. She had a computer visor on, a parting gift from Yellow diamond, and was flipping through the most recent reports on 19-H25.
"I need to get my own ship." Domina said. "These shuttles are too small."
"We could have taken the flagship back." Pearl reminded her. Domina made a face.
"I'd prefer something a little less.. head shaped." She said. Pearl chuckled.
"You can commission one when we get back."
"I will," She said. The ship jerked slightly as it came out of FTL and started making the final descent to the planet. Domina sat up and glanced at the screen showing the outside, nervously drummed her fingers on her knee.
"They're going to be happy to have you back." Pearl said. Domina nodded.
"I know. Pater's been telling me they're excited. I just.. don't want to let them down." Domina said.
"You won't My Diamond." Pearl said. Domina smiled softly.
"Thanks Pearl."
The shuttle landed where a similar one had twelve years previously. The hanger once again, was packed, the mood was much tenser this time. Pearl opened the door ahead of Domina and stepped out first, standing off to the side. Domina ducked down underneath the doorway and glanced around at the hanger.
Vitus was directly in front of the ship, his hair had gone mostly grey and his face had a few more wrinkles. Behind him stood Mossy Agate along with the fleets Beryls, and behind them were the quartzes with their Agates along with the rest of the colony support staff. The moment Domina set foot onto the planet's surface the gems present snapped a salute. Domina pursed her lips and inclined herself slightly.
Pearl stood off to the side and watched the unease on both sides. Then Domina stepped forward with two long strides and hugged Vitus, she now towered over him by almost a full foot. He chuckled and hugged her back.
"By the gods I hope your done growing." He said "It is good to see you again my daughter, in person." Domina grinned, the first truly natural and easy smile Pearl had seen in months.
"It's good to be back," She said, then looked over at Mossy Agate with a grin
.
"My Diamond." Mossy Agate said stiffly. "Welcome back."
Domina's smile wavered for half a second but she nodded back at the gem then quickly moved to hug Mossy as well, They stood at roughly the same height now. Mossy looked surprised by the sudden hug but patted Domina's back.
Pearl smiled slightly as the tension in the room suddenly diffused, the quartzes and various support staff broke from their positions at the edges of the room and swarmed to say hello to Domina or ask her about her visor, or joke with her about her height. Beryls leaned forward to shake her hand and talk to her about the comments she had made on their projects over the last twelve years. Vitus approached Pearl amidst all this chaos and slung an arm around her shoulder.
"Good to see you too Pearl." He said.
"Likewise Vitus."
Being back with the fleet made things harder on Pearls end. Domina was much more interested in what they were decommissioning as they were getting ready to change planets . However she did have a much wider range considering Domina was often pulled into meetings with all of the colony heads. This meant that Pearl could inspect the store room for decommissioned materials in private and transmit to Jet or Blue about what they had. She was discussing with Blue what was on the latest request list when the door suddenly opened.
Pearl cut the transmission instantly and spun to see Mossy Agate standing in the doorway with her usual impassive expression.
"Mossy Agate." Pearl said, internally she panicked, she knew that Mossy tended to be a little more observant that the other Agates, had she caught onto what she was doing?
"Pearl." Mossy said and nodded at her. She began glancing over the room. "There was something here transmitting off planet."
"How strange." Pearl said keeping her voice level and slowly backing towards the door.
"Yes." Mossy said, she paused and continued to look through the shelves "You know I've been noticing a portion of this material is being moved to a warehouse on Homeworld instead of the normal disposal yards."
"Is it?" Pearl said feigning innocence
"It is."
"Interesting."
"Perhaps," Mossy turned to address her fully, she had a thin smile on her face. "You know what's really strange is that whatever it was is was transmitting in the upper frequencies. If it had been on one of the lower ones we would have never noticed." Pearl nodded and went to open the door.
"Pearl?"
"Yes Mossy Agate?"
"You don't happen to know what this is all going to, do you?"
"No Mossy Agate, it's not any of my business"
"Ah, I'm sure." Mossy said. She flipped the light off behind her and exited just behind Pearl. "Well whatever was transmitting I'm sure it's harmless." she looked pointedly at Pearl. Pearl wasn't sure what this exchange had meant, whether it was a warning or an assurance of secrecy. Still she kept her demeanour impassive and nodded back to Mossy Agate.
"I'm positive it was." She said. Mossy smiled.
"Excellent, I may have some additional materials that... may be able to be put to use by whatever entities have interest in this warehouse. I will send you the manifest."
"Yes of course" Pearl said stunned, she didn't know how else to respond. Mossy agate nodded and began to walk away. "Mossy." Pearl said. The agate stopped and pivoted. "The.. transmission, will anyone else be informed?"
"No, like the warehouse it will be kept on a need to know basis."
"And who needs to know?" Pearl asked. Mossy Agate smiled.
"I can't think of anyone outside the two of us, can you?"
"No."
"Good, that will be all." Mossy said. Pearl frowned but didn't bother to correct her. They were both already getting away with so much.