Ten and the Crystal Gems stood in the main corridor of Emerald's ship. A handful of crew were arrayed before them, watching the group warily with their hands near their weapons. "Well, if it isn't Emerald's Rose Quartz pet," said the tall one in the front. She had a long, thin face the color of milk chocolate that looked nothing so much as weathered. "Are these new members of the crew? Looks like they've been roughed up a bit."

"No," said Ten. "These are my friends. And I'm the new captain of this ship."

The crewman all looked surprised, then one and all burst into laughter. "Sure, and I'm a Diamond. Is this another one of your little ploys to oust sedition, Emerald?"

"Emerald's not in my head."

The tall one nodded, clearly not believing her. "And where is Emerald, then?"

Ten opened her hands and swept off the bits of gem that still clung to them. "There's Emerald," she said. The Crystal Gems looked away from the tasteless display.

The crewman gems exchanged incredulous looks. One moved forward and picked up a shard. After examining it, she turned excitedly to the others. "She's not lying! This is Emerald's!"

"What?! She's been shattered?!"

"Did you get both of them?" another asked, looking awed.

"Yeah," said Ten. "They're both dust."

"I can hardly believe it," said the tall one in front. She snatched the Emerald shard from her ally and looked at it herself. After a moment, she smiled broadly and turned to a soldier behind her. "Go to the bridge and tell everybody that Emerald is dead! We're free!"

"Yes, ma'am," said the other, clearly pleased to be able to deliver the news. She turned and ran off.

"So we're not going to have any trouble?" asked Amethyst.

"Heck no," said the tall one. "We've got no problem with you lot. That was all Emerald's deal. Besides," she pointed to the pile of gems that the Crystal Gems had carried in, "I have some friends in there that you're returning to me, so I'm doubly grateful. You've saved more than your own lives."

The Crystal Gems let out a breath of relief. "Man, are we done fighting now?" asked Amethyst.

Pearl caught the apparent leader's attention and asked, "What are you going to do now?"

The tall one shook her head. "What do you mean?"

"First, I'm taking control of the ship," said Ten.

The crewmen laughed again. "And why should we make you the captain?"

"Because I just freed you all from Emerald, for starters. And who else here is going to be the captain? I'm the only one who knows anything about being part of a renegade band."

Their leader chuckled. "Whoa, whoa, slow down. Renegades? We aren't renegades. I think you're projecting, Rose Quartz."

Ten stepped forward. "You've been rounded up by an Emerald, forced to fight against your will when many of you aren't even warrior-class gems, sent to your deaths or sometimes personally executed by Emerald on a whim, all with the express permission of the Diamonds. Tell me, do you really want to go back to Homeworld knowing that your lives mean nothing to the Diamonds? There are still twenty-eight other Emeralds out there; what do you do if you meet one?"

The gem opened her mouth to respond, but hesitated. She closed it again, looking thoughtful. "I see what you mean by 'what are you going to do now.' The thought of giving another Emerald the opportunity to shanghai me doesn't strike me as pleasant. I'll talk to the crew about what they want to do, but… going renegade? That's preposterous."

"You're a Zircon," said Ten. "You're a very reasonable type of gem, that much I know. You were made by the Diamonds to be a researcher, and look at where you are now. Do you think that a Diamond who cares anything about who you are or why you were made would let something like this happen to you?"

Zircon shook her head and turned away. "Stay here," she said. "I think we have much to discuss, but after I talk to the crew."

"Let me say one last thing," said Ten. "If you let your crew decide who gets to run this ship, who do you think it's going to be: someone reasonable and fair, who has everyone's best interest and survival in mind and not just their own, or some big, violent, brutish idiot that gains the position by pummeling everyone else into submission? If I'm your captain, I'll make sure smart people are at the top, and you can be one of them."

Zircon looked at her a long moment. Finally she nodded and left the Crystal Gems there as she disappeared through a doorway.

The Crystal Gems looked at Ten. "Are you sure this is what you should be doing?" asked Pearl.

"I don't have a lot of choices now. I can't stay here and first thing Emerald did when she had control of me was find and destroy my ship. If I have to leave, it's on one of these Emerald ships, and I'll be shattered before I let some brainwashed, Diamond-loving fool fly us right back into Homeworld's clutches." She looked over at Amethyst. "Sorry again. No matter how hard I try, I guess you're right: I'm just a killer. Thanks for coming with me despite all that."

"You did save us," said Amethyst, flushing. "Not bad for a killer."

"It is the least we could do as thanks," added Garnet, "even if we don't approve of your choices and can't let you stay."

Ten nodded. "A promise is a promise, and I keep my word."

A crackle of noise played overhead, and a voice boomed through the corridors. "Everyone, listen up!" said the voice. "Emerald has been shattered! We're all free! Everyone report to the bridge immediately. We have a lot of things to discuss and a new captain to appoint. The discussion begins in five minutes. Make sure everyone comes. Everyone, got it? Zircon out." There was a click, then silence. It was clear the emphasis was for Ten.

"Do you need us there with you?" Amethyst asked.

"Nah, now that I'm amidship, I think I should be fine."

"We'll wait here, then," said Pearl, "in case you need anything."

Ten nodded, then made her way deeper into the ship.

Steven sighed. Amethyst looked over. "Thoughts, little man?"

"A lot of thoughts, yeah," he said. "I don't know if what we're doing is for the best, but I don't know what else we can do. I don't want Ten to stay here if she's going to shatter gems, but I also don't want her to leave. She's still our friend. Will she be safe on her own?"

Pearl said, "Well, if she can convince the crew of this ship to follow her, she won't be on her own. I think being a renegade on a ship will give her a sort of comfort. After all, that's what she was for thousands of years."

"Maybe."

Steven sat down against a wall and waited. Amethyst shuffled over to Pearl and whispered, "Not to mention this way she'll be safe. Killer or not, if we can get her off the planet, she won't have to be around when the real trouble comes."

Pearl nodded. "Add a pair of shattered Emeralds on top of everything else we've done to anger the Diamonds and there is no doubt we have only delayed the inevitable. Still, it is good knowing that at least Ten will be safe."

"Any thoughts of leaving with her?" asked Garnet. The others turned to see a gently mocking smile on her face.

"Of course not," said Amethyst. "This is home. I ain't going anywhere."

"Me neither," said Pearl. "If they want this planet, they are going to have to take it by force. We'll make them work for it."

"Spoken like true Crystal Gems," said Garnet. She looked over at Steven. "He might understand a little better if we told him these things."

"Do you really want to worry him with such heavy thoughts?"

"No, I don't. Hopefully he'll come to understand on his own."

The Gems moved towards Steven and sat around him, each placing a reassuring hand on him, and waited for Ten to return.

The Crystal Gems waited for several hours. Mostly they were too tired for conversation, content to rest instead. Steven and Amethyst slept and even Pearl drifted off at some point. Garnet jostled them awake as a door hissed open. They sat up as a huge colossus of a gem stepped through, one hand rubbing the side of her head. She looked them up and down, then motioned for them to follow without a word. The Gems followed hesitantly, but she led them past several other soldiers and crew members who were all coming from the direction they were headed. A few gave them inquisitive looks, recognizing them as outsiders, but left it at that.

They approached a large door with writing in the Gem language above it. "The bridge, huh?" said Amethyst. "You think she convinced 'em?"

The door slid open to reveal several gems in low conversation. Ten sat in a fine chair while the others stood around her, pointing out several displays and panels in front of her. Ten noticed them and waved enthusiastically, spreading her arms wide as if to say 'get a load of this.'

"Ooooh yeah," said Pearl. "She's convinced them alright."

"Huh. Good for her."

Ten waved dismissively. "Thank you, Amethyst, that will be all."

"Wha?" said Amethyst, looking confused.

"Yes, Captain," said the large hulk that escorted them, using the title begrudgingly. She turned and walked through the door, which closed behind her.

"Whoa, that's what I would have looked like?" Garnet nodded. "Whew, I dodged a bullet. She is ugly. You see how puffy her face was?"

"Ah, yeah, that was because she challenged me for the title of Captain," explained Ten. "Some people only know how to talk through violence, so I showed her how eloquent I can be." She made a jabbing motion with her fist, smiling widely. "Fortunately, I was able to convince these guys to see reason: Homeworld isn't what it used to be, the Diamonds are callous and care only for their own power and glory, and we're better off without them." The crew around her looked uncomfortable at that remark, causing Ten to wave a hand in the air. "Mocking the sanctity of the Diamonds is still new to them. They'll get used to it."

"That's good to hear," said Garnet. "We're happy for you."

"And what a crew this is gonna be! I've got my officers here: Zircon, first officer and head of research and development; Peridot, head of engineering; Nephrite, head pilot; and Jadeite, head of navigation. We've got the whole galaxy open to us!"

"That's great and all," said Amethyst, "but what exactly are you gonna do?"

Ten laughed. "You know what? I don't care. I spent so long coming here, spent that whole time surviving in misery, and I lived, but I didn't really live, you know?"

"No," answered Pearl.

"I mean that I don't want to make it about some destination. There are other gem renegades out there, others with ships and hierarchies and—some in the crew believe—even whole underground gem societies, hidden from the overbearing eyes of the Diamonds and their fractured Emeralds. Maybe we'll try to find them. Maybe we'll just go on our merry way and fly straight out of this galaxy. Who knows? I just know that I never want to be part of the Gempire again."

"It's an idea that takes some getting used to," admitted Zircon, "but your crew was able to overcome Emerald even with your small number. Perhaps if we fight smarter rather than harder, we can maintain our freedom." Zircon chewed the word over. "'Freedom.' That, too, will take some getting used to."

"I'm not sure I like it," said their Peridot, "but I will like it much more than being the slave of some self-righteous Emerald, that much is certain."

"Can you locate the other ship?" asked Pearl.

Ten looked to Jadeite. She spoke with a high-pitched and nervous voice. "The Amethyst Emerald's ship is currently parked in orbit around the planet. Since the two Emeralds were fused, it was mostly used to lug supplies and auxiliary gems. There is minimal crew, unless you count—" she quieted instantly when Ten motioned.

"We'll make sure the ship is taken care of. We might destroy it, or we might take it over, depending on whether the crew wants to split up or not. While not heavily armed, the technology on these things is top of the line. We'll be safe for a long, long time." Her officers nodded, looking somewhat excited to be on some grand adventure, but mostly just apprehensive and worried, not at all taking to the idea as well as Ten but at least willing to try.

"So I guess this is it, then," said Steven.

Ten gave him a heartfelt smile. "I'm afraid so. I think I overstayed my visit and overstepped my bounds. No use looking back at what could have been, I guess. What's done is done. We'll be out of your hair shortly."

"Ten, you can't leave yet."

"Aw, come on, don't get clingy at the last minute. You'll get me all emotional."

"No, I mean, you still have mom's sword."

Ten blinked in surprise, then laughed aloud. "You're right, I do! I almost forgot."

"Did you?" asked Steven skeptically.

"Alright, maybe I was forgetting on purpose." She pulled the blade an inch out of the scabbard and examined the visible edge. "It's a really, really good blade. I'm going to miss this thing, too."

Ten stood, turned Rose Quartz's sword in her hands, and presented it to Steven hilt first. Steven accepted it with some reluctance, knowing it to be one of their final acts together. "Keep taking care of that sword, Steven. It's the finest sword I've ever held and it will keep protecting you so long as you protect it."

"Sure," said Steven, slipping into silence. He looked at the other Crystal Gems. No one looked happy with the choice they had to make, but they also didn't look like they were going to change their minds. They were resigned to this outcome.

Ten cleared her throat and turned to the Nephrite. "Is the ship good to go?"

"Any time you please, Rose Quartz."

"Back to Rose Quartz, are we?" said Garnet.

Ten gave them a sly grin. "Hey, what better way to give a captain some instant cred with the renegade crowd and really stick it to those Diamonds than being a gem with a shatter-on-sight order? Besides, I'm the only Rose Quartz around anymore. It's not like One or the others—" Ten smacked her head. "One! I totally forgot!" She reached into her armor, producing the small leather pouch containing One's shards. "I told her I'd bring her to Earth."

"You did," said Steven. "She's been here. She's seen it."

"I guess that's true," said Ten. "I kind of feel bad about leaving with her, though. She might have wanted to stay."

Garnet said, "From the sound of her, she'd prefer to stay with her friends."

Ten looked at the bag, smiling to herself. "That's probably true."

Steven was struck with an idea. "Ten, do you mind if I try something with One?"

Ten chuckled. "Sure. You're always full of surprises. Let's see what you got." She handed the pouch to him.

Steven gestured Garnet over, who cupped her hands together as he poured the contents of the bag into them. He selected one of the dozens of shards, one of the jagged ones, and sliced his hand with it, then licked the wound.

"Oh," said Ten. "With the battle going on, I didn't even think about how Pearl was still alive. I nearly forgot about your healing powers." She shook her head. "Though I already told you that I don't have all the pieces."

"That's okay," said Steven. He pressed his bloody, spit-covered hand to the shards. After a moment, they began to glow and meld together. When the process was complete, there sat a gem in Garnet's hand, nearly perfect save where three large chunks were missing from the edges. Steven picked it up and presented it to Ten. "Sorry I can't fix her completely, but—"

He fell silent when Ten's hand found his. She smiled at him, tears in her eyes. "No, it's okay. She's more beautiful than she's been in hundreds of years. Thank you." She crouched down suddenly and gave him a strong hug. "I'll miss you, Steven."

"I'll miss you too, Ten," he said as he began to cry.

Ten stood and hugged Pearl next. "Keep fighting the good fight. You'll give anyone who comes for you trouble, I just know it."

"Thank you," Pearl said, her eyes getting misty. "It was nice meeting you, Ten, and wonderful seeing another Rose Quartz. I'm sorry you never got to meet Rose. She would have loved you."

"She sounds like she would have loved anyone," laughed Ten.

"That's true," said Pearl.

Ten reached down and picked up Amethyst. "Come here, squirt," said Ten, hugging her as well.

"Hey, come on," said Amethyst. "You're embarrassing me."

"I respect you, Amethyst. You'll do what needs to be done to protect your friends, even when the odds are against you. That takes guts. Keep everyone safe, alright?"

Amethyst blushed. "Yeah, I got it. Just put me down already."

Ten laughed as she put Amethyst on the ground. She turned to Garnet. "Somehow it feels wrong to give you a hug," said Ten.

Garnet gave her a half-smile. "Not like that's going to stop you."

"Nope." She enclosed Garnet in a crushing hug. "Thank you for being patient with me, even when I probably didn't deserve it. I feel wiser for having known you. I hope you can say the same about me."

"Time will tell," said Garnet, patting Ten on the back.

Ten pulled away, walking back toward her chair. "Alright, that's enough getting all mushy. I've got a ship and a crew to take care of. I'll handle of all of Emerald's leftovers so it'll be like she was never here, then I'm off. I doubt I'll see you guys again, so good luck and keep the struggle alive."

"Always," said Garnet. She turned towards the door. "Let's get out of here and go home. It will be good to be back at the temple."

"We'll sweep that place clean of Onyxes before you get back."

"Much appreciated," said Pearl. "Goodbye, Ten."

"Yeah, peace," said Amethyst.

"Take care, Ten," said Steven. "Stay alive out there, okay?"

"That's the plan," said Ten. She waved goodbye until the door closed behind them.

The Gems checked in with Peridot and Lapis at the barn, located Greg and returned him home, then arrived at the temple just as dawn broke. Pearl took one look at the front of the beach house and sighed. "That is going to take a lot of work," she said, sounding pleased at the challenge, or maybe the chance to show off her carpentry.

"We're gonna have to restock the fridge," said Amethyst.

"And check the temple security, making sure Emerald and her Onyxes never got in. There are a hundred things we'll have to do." Lowering her voice so only the other two gems could hear, she added, "Least of which is preparing." The other two nodded solemnly.

Steven stretched and yawned. "It's been a long day," he said. "I think I'm gonna call Connie and let her know I'm alright, then I'll get some shuteye. Hopefully I wake up before the sun goes back down."

"It will be days before your circadian rhythm is back to normal," said Pearl. "Try not to stay up too much longer."

"I won't," he said. They were about to head into the house when they heard a distant thrum in the sky. They looked up to see Emerald's ship hovering far overhead, barely visible in the distance. It dipped once as if nodding, then zipped off into space, vanishing into the morning sky.

"Do you think we'll ever see her again?" asked Steven.

Garnet chuckled. She leaned down, kissed him on the forehead, and guided the Crystal Gems back inside their home.

Ten's fingers traced the edge of One's gem, now resting on the central console of the bridge. "Are all of the Onyxes destroyed?" she asked.

"Yes," said Jadeite. "Every tracking beacon on the planet that we could trace has been found and shattered."

Ten nodded. "Good riddance." She sighed, knowing how disappointed the Crystal Gems would have been in her. Especially Steven. The thought stung, but she did what she thought was best. She looked over at the large monitor at the front of the bridge that showed the other Emerald ship floating in space. "Let's pull the crew aboard and get them acclimated to my command, along with whatever supplies we find, then blow it up. I want to be gone by the end of this planet's day."

"Yes, Rose Quartz," said Zircon. "And the Onyxes on board?"

"Blow them up with it. I don't want those things on my ship."

"Yes, Rose Quartz." No one had yet complained about her orders against the Onyxes; no one else was fond of them either.

Ten picked up One's gem, stroking it idly as she walked to stand in front of the monitor. She watched for a long while until finally, with a triumphant flash, the other Emerald ship exploded into fragments. "If only you could have seen this day," she said to the gem in her hand. "You and all the others. I'd give anything for that."

The view screen turned off so that Ten was looking only at herself. Her eyes went wide as it seemed the gem in her reflection's hand shone brilliantly. She looked down at One, but the gem wasn't shining, but sitting dully. Ten had to take a deep breath. Now that she was safe from pursuit, it wouldn't do to start hallucinating. She shook her head to clear it, then turned back to the bridge.

"Nephrite!" she called out.

"Yes, Captain?" answered the gem at the flight console.

"Take us out of orbit. Set course for the nearest nebula. We'll hide out there while we take stock and decide what to do next. And get me an image of the Earth on this view screen."

"Yes, Captain."

The ship vibrated as it came to life. Ten grasped One's gem and looked one last time at the Earth, saying a silent goodbye as the engines roared to life and the ship soared out into space.

THE END

Author's Note: Hey, thanks for reading, everybody. If you liked my work, make sure to check my profile. I'm a sci-fi/fantasy author and my first book will be out before the end of 2016, and maybe it will be something you'll enjoy. I don't know when the next piece of fan fiction will some out, if ever, but I enjoyed writing this one immensely. Thanks for following along!