So, all was going well and good. Now how is Rose going to ruin that?
The next day, everyone was surprised to find Mercury still around. Apparently, she had picked up enough knowledge on her globetrotting to be satisfied and now had a much larger concern with stopping Rose Quartz. And now that they were on a better wavelength, the next meeting was actually productive without a single verbal tiff. Unfortunately, they came to the same conclusion.
As she is now, Rose cannot be beaten in a straight fight. The scale and raw power of her energy manipulation means she could easily destroy a planet, perhaps several, at her strongest. The best bet there would be to remain on Earth so that the once-leader of the Crystal Gems doesn't try anything drastic that could hurt her favorite world. If any of them were to leave it would be an invitation for Rose to beam in and end them with a single blast.
The second biggest concern was the millions upon millions of gems Rose had at her disposal. They had no exact head count, but it was more than likely that more of the diamond's empire was behind her than it wasn't. She may have insisted on keeping them out of the fray now but the veritable armada she could have if she wanted was a serious problem.
At the very least they had another set of hands ready if anything came up with Mercury around. A quick sparring session with the others showed that the metalloid-gem showed she was quite well-versed in combat even without a Breaking Point. Her ability to essentially liquefy her body mid-attack and then resolidify around it before the opponent could retreat was a far superior version of Topaz's old fusion-trap that coupled with her larger size and brute strength to make a very welcome addition to any fight.
For now, the Crystal Gems' only option was to wait and hope that nothing extreme happened before they could develop a solution. That game plan changed when an undescriptive car drove up to the front steps of the beach house and agent Van Carson burst through the temple's front door.
"I hate to barge in like this, but this is an emergency!" he shouted, the collected professional he was before a distant memory. Even his suit was crumpled, and his hair was askew.
"What's wrong, Agent Van?" Steven asked, sounding like he was already dreading the answer.
"So, it's been quite some time since the last disturbance, but I'm going to assume your mission to broker peace with the aliens who attacked Earth a month ago was successful?"
"Sure was," Bismuth nodded, "Heck, you can say hi to them if you want us to introduce you."
The agent briefly looked ready to have a panic attack at that before turning back to the issue at hand. "That'll be later, but the real issue is the fleet of spaceships spotted heading towards Earth! Larger than the original invasion force!"
The gems all but stopped dead hearing that. They're minds all went to the same place but what else could it have been? Van hurriedly pulled out several pictures taken from satellites and observatories across the country to show several pictures of a veritable wall of spacecrafts waiting in the darkness of the final frontier.
"Oh crap…" Greg sighed, "We should probably get in our ship and meet her, huh?"
"It looks like we don't have a choice," Topaz said before heading out to get her crew ready and her ship prepped for takeout. While everyone else had no choice but to wait to head out into a new mission, Steven sulked. What was his mother thinking at this point?
For the fearless leader of a interplanetary revolution, Rose Quartz was more occupied was wringing her hands together. She hoped that the other Crystal Gems would take the hint and come to her rather than sit by and wait for her arrival. It was one thing to concoct strategies to avoid an overwhelming force. She practically had to act in the exact opposite way to the old days to say nothing on who she was doing this to.
Nevertheless, she waits in anticipation until several ships report an oncoming craft. Only one, according to them.
"So, the diamonds aren't with them," she surmised aloud, "There's no way they could fit onto Pink's refitted ship without altering their form…"
Pretty soon she could see the Crystal Beacon itself flying towards her. After confirming with the ship's proper pilot, Rose headed towards the nearest airlock so she could fly off and intercept them. It only took her a few seconds to fly into sight of her family, stopping in plain view of the bridge so she wouldn't catch anyone off-guard.
Before long she was given permission to enter via Topaz just gesturing at her through the glass. Rose quickly phased herself in and found herself face to face with an assembly of stony faces as everyone was forming a wall between the bridge and the rest of the ship. She met eyes with everyone and noticed one distinct absence.
"Where's Steven?"
"That's none of your business," Greg scowled, "Now what exactly are you doing here with an army behind you?"
Rose stumbled at that. "P-Please, I said I was sorry! I never meant to hurt him! I-I just want to see him…"
"You brought tens of thousands of gems with you on a visit?" Pearl scoffed, "That doesn't sound like very reasonable unless they're all bringing apology gifts."
"And don't try dodging the question again," Adamite said, cutting Rose off mid-plea, "Now, we want to know exactly why you are here and the literal legions you have brought behind you!"
The mother froze up for a moment before visibly deflating. "My sources tell me that the diamonds are here. Naturally, I'm worried about what they're planning."
"They aren't planning anything!" Connie shot back, "Get the conspiracy theories out of your head! The diamonds said they were sorry; they aren't fighting us anymore!"
"Easy there," Garnet warned, placing a hand on the girl's shoulder before she could ran further, "But she does have a point. As far as we're concerned, the battle between us is over."
"And how exactly do you know that?" Rose asked.
"Well, they've been living a few feet away from us for a while now…"
"THEY'RE WHAT?!"
The entire ship shuddered, Amethyst actually hiding behind Pearl in fear as Rose's voice suddenly sounded like a thousand and an overwhelming light exploded out of her.
"Have you all lost your minds?!" Rose growled, sounding like a literal demon, "Those warmongering monsters tried to kill you all and destroy our home and you're letting them near our home?!"
"First off, you haven't been there once since you got back," Lapis pointed out albeit shakily and with a hand around Adamite's waist for comfort, "And second, the world's still fine!"
"For how long? You do realize what happened the last time they showed up around here?"
"Yellow Diamond may have led that invasion but that's the past, Rose!" Pearl begged, "Can't you just realize that and move on?"
"And what of the people of that planet?" she asked with an arch of her brow, "How would they feel knowing that the very one responsible for raining death and destruction across the globe are now living side-by-side with their heroes?"
"And that's why we haven't operated that closely with humanity," Garnet said simply, "Because people need time to grasp what they don't understand. That's what you said, once."
"Yes, I did… But now I think it's time for a change in policy. And I think it's only fair we keep people in the loop this time."
The group's eyes collectively narrowed at that. "What did you do?" Bismuth asked.
"Oh, I simply rigged your ship's communication system to let the various governments of the world know about the Diamonds' ships being in Beach City."
A wave of gasps and accusations followed. Rose had to steel her expression in order to not flinch although she could feel her eyes burning with unshed tears.
"Rose, how could you?!" Amethyst cried, "What are you trying to do, turn the world against us?!"
"Humanity has developed a long way since the days of finding the corrupted gems. Gems, our comrades and family, who are dead thanks to those three monsters. Their soldiers who were loyal to the bitter end suffered the same fate. Steven wasn't the only one who saw that Centipeedle creature, yes? Whose to say they won't declare you all disposable just like they did with their past peons?"
"You've officially gone too far, Rose!" Topaz barked, "And as captain of this ship, I hereby declare you a trespasser! Remove yourself from the premises at once or else I will use force."
The others knew that was an empty threat, but the other crew members still looked at her with pride. Thankfully for them all, Rose chose to leave and phased herself outside without any trouble.
"So…" Greg muttered awkwardly, "Who wants to tell Steven about this?"
"She what?!" Steven shouted, looking halfway been crying and punching the nearest piece of furniture after Connie broke the news that his own mother effectively painted him and his family as harboring the enemies of humanity.
Soon afterwards Pink Diamond overheard and now the three diamonds were crowded around the temple's front porch in order to think of a way to fend off the PR tidal wave that was coming. White Diamond, much to their amazement, suggested someone else come up with idea since she knew subjugating people would be worst possible answer in this case.
"The only thing we can do at this point is address them directly," Garnet sighed, "If we try to hide then we only look more suspicious. And Rose wants to stir people up into a mob so that they'll chase the diamonds off-world where they'll have nowhere to run."
"Well, I suppose it's good that I'm here," Agent Van sighed, nursing a mug of coffee to help collect himself, "I'll need to contact a few higher-ups but for a top priority situation like this we should have something organized in a few days tops.
"To think bureaucracy only needed an alien invasion to finally work smoothly," Priyanka said, "But in all seriousness, thanks. No one here's really equipped to tackle a scandal like this."
"Don't mention it. If you'll excuse, I'm going back to that lovely pizza place on the boardwalk while I make some calls and hopefully get this to be someone else's problem. I'm just an in-betweener for a reason…"
The agent left with some goodbyes soon after leading to a tense wait. At least no one in Beach City was breathing down their neck. Peridot was sorely tempted to break into websites with her technopathy when she caught wind of some truly stupid theories going around online but Bismuth was able to lead her into her lab where they could tinker the time away instead of her potentially crashing the internet.
With that crisis averted, the others were left to their own devices. The diamonds, having now gotten a real glimpse of fun, felt sour about having to hide on the beach or else risk worsening their frayed reputation. At least now Pink was more open to them and willing to chat. She even mentioned something about finding some juggling supplies which brightened the diamond's spirits and got the rest of the temple curious.
That night was the worst when every primetime news show decided to break the story about Rose Quartz all at once. Some played up the shock at meeting the revived leader of the Earth's saviors, others slandered the diamonds for instigating the invasion. Then it turns out that several of these stations had managed to get a message from Rose herself.
"People of Earth, I am Rose Quartz, founder and former leader of the Crystal Gems," she introduced formally, standing on the bridge of a battleship with all the poise of a hardened general, "And earlier today I learned that my team, including my only son Steven, have recently been assisting the diamonds. You may remember the full-scale invasion they were responsible for some several weeks ago."
"I'm also sure that combination of facts makes no sense to you. Why would the very protectors who put their lives on the line suddenly be allied with the attackers who destroyed innocent peoples' homes or ended lives?" She left a pause there, just long enough for the audience to piece that riddle together before her eyes turned ice-cold.
"It's because those diabolical conquerors weren't satisfied with just defeating them. They want to subjugate them, force them into being their tools. You see, those three have been enslaving planets for a thousand generations, colonizing them to expand their army and reinforce their superiority over all life in the universe. They intended this to the Earth about 8,000 years ago when I formed the original incarnation of the Crystal Gems before I drove them into retreat. In retaliation, they sent a final attack that massacred my rebellion down to me and two others out of a force originally in the thousands."
"In between then and now, I laid dormant in a semiconscious state in the satisfaction that the world and the unique people that inhabit it were safe even at that cost. I awoke for brief periods at a time, experienced a bit of life on your world, and eventually I found true love. A young rockstar at the last turn of the millennium who abandoned his dream for my sake. I then decided I wanted to leave behind something more important and gave birth to my only son Steven, a process which cost me my life."
The wistful smile on her face grew even more so as she blinked a set of tears out of her eyes. "And yet I never regretted it. I wanted only the best for this curious world that seemed like a beacon of life in the sterile wasteland that the diamonds were making out of the galaxies. It's… So reassuring to me to see how far humanity has come in its technology and its efforts to grow both societally and spiritually. Before I say anything else, I'd like to thank you for proving me right all those years ago. I said that humans had infinite potential and with how you've advanced in spite of diseases and disasters, you've surpassed my wildest expectations."
"Sentiments aside, you're no doubt wondering how I managed to die by childbirth and yet still be here talking to you. It frankly involves a lecture in gem physiology that's too long to put here but I have only been alive again for a short time. In that time, I have managed to destabilize the vast majority of the diamond's interplanetary empire to establish a peaceful regime where the gems who suffered under a strict caste system and militaristic laws could finally have independence and a life away from constant battles."
"That, naturally, doesn't sit well with the diamonds who have now lost all of their forces and territories so now they hunker down on your planet to hide and regroup. And they have forced the other Crystal Gems into assisting them… Presumably with the threat of death if they don't comply but they did spend millennia brainwashing innocents into being their mindless drones so I can't rule that out."
"Before anything else, I advise everyone listening this to remain calm. I am monitoring the planet for any malicious activity from the diamonds as we speak so they will not try anything as they have previously. And if they do step out of line…"
Rose then proceeded to hold up a glowing pink ball of energy that size of her head before crushing it in her fist with a look of tranquil fury. The camera suddenly shut off leaving quite a few news anchors suddenly cutting to commercial while the Crystal Gems were distraught beyond words. Their only solace was that their former leader didn't provoke a riot intentionally.
The next morning, Greg got a call at the crack of dawn from Agent Van that the government would be escorting the three main Crystal Gems, Steven and his father to Empire City for a live appearance of national TV to give their side of the perspective. While many of the gems wanted to have their say, the group quickly agreed that having the most experienced with Earth matters along with Rose's direct family to approach the controversy would be a good idea.
Despite getting picked up in a limo and flown to the city on a private jet for the sake of time, nobody was in the mood to appreciate the luxury even as they all sat in the green room for whatever TV studio had agreed to do this. Steven was practically slumped over the arm of the couch he and Greg were in while the gems had to resist the urge to bolt instead of facing of the millions of viewers they would no doubt have.
When someone from the production crew told them all they had five minutes to get ready, nobody was eager to get in front of the cameras. Someone clearly noticed this and sent Agent Van to check on them.
"Okay guys, I know there's some pressure on," he tried to comfort, "But this is nowhere near as urgent a situation as last time. Just look friendly on the cameras, don't shoot your mouth off and it'll all be fine!"
"It's the fact that it's even come to this that's the problem," Pearl sighed, "I just can't believe Rose is trying to start a smear campaign!"
"Well, technically, it's just the diamonds she's after," Greg said, hoping he was helping.
"It's still drastic and it's putting all the pressure on them while painting herself as some perfect savior," Garnet added bitterly, her arms crossed as she leaned against a wall, "It's only a few steps away from the diamonds' propaganda."
"Better not tell her that," Amethyst snarked, "I don't wanna get lasered because I badmouthed her."
Van had to wince at that, seriously hoping that the purple scrapper was exaggerating. The time before the show passed by like lightning and soon they were escorted onto the set with a large wooden desk next to a brown leather couch and marching armchairs. All of the furniture was bathed in blinding lights with cameras already trained on them and the background showing nighttime shots of Empire City.
They were told to wait for their cue as the show itself began and out walked the host for the evening; a tallish man with flawless skin, slicked back brown hair and a tailored three-piece black suit that set off his natural features and winning smile.
"Ladies, gentleman and everyone in between, welcome to the EC Signals, the premier primetime show for the greatest city in the world and beyond! I'm Milo Waters and it's a pleasure to see you all again! Tonight, we have some incredibly special guests here to address the issue that is taking the world by storm. We've all heard the message from one Rose Quartz but now it's time to hear from the other side! Coming all the way from Beach City, Delmarva, please welcome three of the Crystal Gems along with Greg and Steven Universe!"
Somehow the five guests missed the audience of a few hundred people behind all of the cameramen and thus were incredibly nervous as they stepped onto the stage with only Garnet managing to wave without shaking. The three gems sat in the couch with Amethyst sitting closest to the host on the right seat with Pearl in the middle and the fusion on the left. That left the father and son in the chairs with Greg taking the far seat as the audience settled down.
"First and foremost," Milo said politely, "I think we all owe you a major debt of gratitude for the little fact that you all saved the entire world! Seriously, folks, give these nice boys and gems a hand!"
The audience broke out into raucous applause on demand, stunning the group silent albeit from some visible blushing on Steven and Pearl. The audience went quiet again almost as fast letting Milo clear his throat.
"With that said, people all over the world have been reeling since a message from Rose Quartz came in. Now, just to confirm this, she was the founder and leader of your group?"
"Yes, she was," Garnet said immediately, "For thousands of years, in fact. Gems don't age, you see."
"Now for Greg, Rose was effectively your girlfriend, correct?"
"Yeah, I know I don't look like much these days," the father shrugged, getting a chuckle from the spectators, "But back in the day I was a wide-eyed rockstar who thought he'd be the next huge music thing. I only ever got one person watching my show and it was her."
A round of "aww's" followed making the father shrink into his seat slightly.
"As sweet as that is, the issue at hand is anything but," Milo warned, "Let's get to the big question now: Is it true that the diamonds, the ones responsible for several attacks against Earth, are staying outside of your house right now?"
A few infinitely too long moments later, Pearl bit the bullet and answered. "Yes, they are."
Shocked gasps all around while Milo himself remained as poised as ever and just gestured for her to continue.
"And I'm sure that there are a lot of people terrified by that prospect but this situation is incredibly complicated."
"We've got about forty minutes for you to explain. We cancelled the entire lineup for tonight so feel free to explain all you want."
As complicated and messy as it was, the group decided it was best to not hold anything back. If the people wanted answers, they would get them. It might have taken several commercial breaks but the Crystal Gems told everything from Rose's rise in the original rebellion to the recent fallout with Pink Diamond and how she now had a vendetta against the diamonds. Milo, despite the bombastic personality, was very understanding and only stepped in to ask for some clarity every now and again.
As the show was nearing its end, everyone was starting to notice that Steven had barely said a word the whole time. He nodded along to what was being said and was visibly following the conversation, but he mostly just stared at everyone as they spoke or down at the wooden floor looking like many a shy child pushed on camera.
Before the show was over, Milo decided to address this. "Steven, is there anything you'd like to say to your mother while she had the chance?"
The boy seemed surprised by that but still took a deep breath and decided to look into the nearest camera.
"Mom, er…," he sighed after a long pause, silently wondering if he should've used that term, "I know you're probably really upset at the diamonds but… You've gone way too far. You leaked that message about the diamonds being on Earth the first time by tricking us! And-and then you make that video and paint yourself as the good guy in all this?! I mean just… Just… Why, huh?! What do you get out of all of this?!"
Everyone looked at him in concern as he kept ranting. "You… I can't believe this is even happening! I waited my entire life just to meet you, to not be constantly fixing your mistakes and yet look what you're doing! You're lying to people, trying to manipulate us, your family, all because you just want revenge? How messed up can you get?!"
Short pants followed as he seemed to wilt in his seat, having clearly held that in for some time. Greg placed a comforting hand on his shoulder while Milo and his viewers were notably silent throughout the whole thing. Eventually, the host decided it was time for the broadcast to end. He made a quick goodbye speech, foreshadowed some highlights for next time and then waved off until the cameras cut off.
The Crystal Gems were quick to leave only for Milo to stop them for a moment. "Thank you all so much for being here. And I appreciate how honest you've all been in answering some very difficult questions."
"You're welcome," Garnet replied, offering the man a handshake, "And our thanks for giving an honest chance to express ourselves. I imagine many people would have sensationalized this whole thing for publicity's sake."
"Oh, you have no idea what the producers had to do to get the rights to interview you. Frankly, I think they're aliens of some kind too… But anyway, you're welcome back here to let us know about interesting stories or if you just want to let people know that things have settled down."
"Thanks," Steven said, starting to get some pep back in his voice, "But I get the feeling that isn't going to be for a while…"
Gems didn't need sleep like humans did but rest was still essential to them. Rose Quartz tried to remind herself that but she couldn't pull her eyes away from the screen. She had watched the Crystal Gems' interview on EC Signals over and over again alone in the bridge of the main ship of her armada still sitting over the Earth.
Out of the entire broadcast, she kept replaying one segment over and over until the images were burned into her mind. She watched Steven calling out to her, demanding to know why she was doing all of this. Tears stained her dress as she gripped the sides of the captain's chair hard enough to warp the metal under her fingers without even trying.
"Steven," she lamented in her head, "I don't know how the diamonds are forcing you to say this, but I swear I won't let them get away with this…"
And she still doesn't take the hint... What's she planning now? Find out next time!
Thank you all so much for reading! Feel free to leave any comments or questions below.