Episode 55: Interactions
November 11th 1:00 p.m.
The skies above slowly turned gray with the passing clouds coming together. The light from the sun slowly dimmed, changing the atmosphere bleak and dull. Crackles of thunder ruptured through the clouds sending arcs of lightning from one direction to the next. Little by little rain droplets started to form underneath the clouds, growing more and more until they grew heavy enough to fall.
Returning to the Evans Residence, the Rainbows and Crystals gathered inside the house. Once inside they took notice of Christie and Greg sitting in the living room.
"Dad? What are you doing here?" Steven asked.
"I was on my home from the store, but I forgot to get sugar. So I came by to ask Christie for some." Greg replied. "Is...everything okay?"
Stepping into the living room the Rainbows and Crystals took a seat on a chair, couch, or the floor surrounding Christie and Greg. Once everyone got to where they wanted to be Green began explaining to them what they just discovered on the moon and information about the Cluster. Time slowly passed as the guardians of Earth elaborated their discovery and how much time was left before the Cluster reaches it's goal. With every word leaving the lips of the Guardians Christie and Greg remained silent, taking in everything their families were telling them. Once the final word was said...the duo were given the chance to expression their thoughts on the matter.
"ONLY FIVE DAYS!?" Christie and Greg yelled.
"Yes." Green replied with a nod. "Unfortunately our attempts in dismantling the Kindergartens started it's activation. But we are going to take care of this immediately. Although...the actions we must take are rather...limited. Our first priority is to inform Mayor Alexis and Mayor Dewey."
"Is that a good idea?" Greg asked.
Green nodded. "We cannot keep this information hidden. There is a possible chance something might occur before the official day comes. We must not make assumptions like this, but our knowledge of the Cluster is still new." He then stood up from the couch, "It will cause unrest and fear for the Dewey siblings, but it is a better choice than for them to handle it later." Turning his head, Green locked his eyes onto Pearl, "Pearl. Will you please speak to Mayor Dewey?"
Pearl's eyes blinked. "Why me?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Amethyst replied. "He got a crush on you. Plus he'll feel more comfortable that way."
Once again...Pearl blinked and tilted her head. Thinking on that whenever the mayor of Beach City saw Pearl he'd always blush. Although...Pearl slowly narrowed her eyes remembering that one time he tried to ask her out on a date. Shivers went through Pearl at the very memory. A sigh then left her mouth. As much as she didn't want to confront that man...the whole planet was at stake.
"Very well..." Pearl groaned. "I will...talk to Billiam."
"Thank you, Pearl." Green replied. "I will speak with his sister."
"May I come too?" Christie asked as she stood up. "It's been a while since I've seen the mayor. And I'd like to help." She added, earning a nod from her husband.
"Greg. You're coming with me." Pearl said.
"Me? Why?" Greg replied, pointing at himself.
"Because I do not want to face Billiam by myself." Pearl answered. "Also...Peridot is going to be staying with us."
Greg blinked at her before turning his head to the unfamiliar Gem sitting on the floor. Standing up from the couch Greg approached her and raised out his hand, "You must be Peridot. Nice to meet you."
Peridot descended her eyes onto Greg's hand before ascending her head to his face. She narrowed her eyes and stood up, "I do not wish to lower myself toward a meat-sack."
"Peridot!" Garnet yelled.
"What?" Peridot replied. "This is only a temporary alliance. As such, I shall not tether myself to this planet's inhabitants. Furthermore, is there anyway for us to reach the Cluster within the confines of this "Destiny City" you mention before?"
Though despite Peridot's remarks...she had a point, making everyone around her ponder on the thought. How were they going to get to the Cluster? More importantly, what were they gonna use to get to it?
A small gasp exited Bismuth's mouth, "I know. We'll use a drill." She turned her head to Citrine, "Citrine. Can you call the boss and ask him to give you the drill?"
Turning his head to his friend, Citrine opened his mouth to reply, but as he was about to a thought just came to him, making his scratch the back of his head and advert his eyes. "I can't do that."
Bismuth's eyes widened. "Why not? We'll give it right back."
"The drill belongs to the company, Bismuth." Citrine pointed out. "Employees aren't allow to take any equipment of any kind from the company outside of work. If that were the case I would ask my boss to let me have it for this, but it's out of my hands."
"Oh, oh! I have an idea!" Steven said, getting everyone's attention. "Why don't we build a drill ourselves?"
"Build a drill ourselves?" Connie questioned.
"Yeah. We can make our own drill." Steven replied.
"Hun, buildin' a drill ain't like buildin' a house." Amber pointed out. "We're gonna need a lot a parts fer somethin' like that."
"What about the base under the house?" Kameron replied. "We've got some stuff there that we've never use. We can use that for the drill."
Amber opened her mouth to retort, but quickly stopped herself.
Everyone else began thinking the same thing. There were equipment they never use and as time passed they forget what kind of gear they stored.
"That can work." Pyrope said.
"Which only leaves one last question. What should the location be for our drill?" Azurite replied. "The base doesn't have stations."
"I know a place." Kameron called out.
"Your forest?" Charoite assumed.
Kameron shook his head. "Another place that's in Destiny City. But...it's been a while since I've been there, so I need to check in on it."
The others turned their heads to Kameron with confused expressions. "Exactly...what kind of place are you talking about?" Lepidolite asked.
"It's underground." Kameron replied.
"I see." Green said. "Show us once you've reached it. For now, let us divide into three groups. Kameron, you, Lapis, Steven, Connie, and Peridot travel to this underground location. Pearl, you and Greg speak with Mayor Dewey. Myself and Christie will speak with his sister. The rest of you go into the base and find what is required for the construction of the drill. Are there any questions?"
Without wasting a second, Peridot stepped forward. "Yes. Why should I go with these..." She immediately stopped talking due to the instant glares placed on her. "Why should I be placed in a group who's objective is to locate instead of engaging in the development of the drill?"
"Because this is an opportunity for obtain some learning experience." Green addressed. "I am putting you into the same group as my son and nephew because it is to help you understand the planet better."
Peridot wanted to retort, but...she held herself back. The clock was ticking... There wasn't anytime for complaints. As much as she disliked this type of grouping, she'll have to handle it anyway.
When all was set and done, everyone began to do what was needed.
November 11th 1:15 p.m.
Out on the streets of Destiny City Kameron, Lapis, Steven, Connie, and Peridot sat in Kameron's car while waiting for the street light to change. Droplets of rain began to fall from the skies and slowly began to pick up by the second.
Turning her head Peridot raised her eyes to the skies. Her eyes blinked at the droplets coming down while tilting her head. "Kameron. What is happening outside?"
"That's called rain, Peridot." Kameron replied.
'Rain?' Peridot thought to herself.
"It doesn't rain on Home-World?" Steven asked.
"Home-World doesn't have weather phenomenons like this." Peridot replied. "Why does this planet have such a concept?"
"Well, rain occurs when the sun's heat reaches any form of water. Then the heat condenses the vapor in the air and make it visible." Connie explained. "But from different locations or different weather patterns, the clouds themselves can form in many different ways. The clouds in the skies right now are called Nimbostratus, which are the cause for rain and thunder."
"What's thunder?" Peridot asked.
Just when Connie opened her mouth a crackle of thunder pulsed and clapped. Peridot and Lapis "eeped" at the sound right when a lightning bolt shot itself through the clouds, illuminating the sky and bringing out a loud clap.
"NO!" Peridot screamed.
"Peridot, what's wrong!?" Steven asked worriedly.
"The Cluster is about to activate!" Peridot shouted.
"WHAT!?" Everyone else screamed.
"What else could that horrible sound come from!? It's all over!" Peridot yelled.
"Calm down, Peridot. That was just thunder." Kameron replied before they started moving.
"That was thunder?" Lapis asked.
"Yeah. Thunder happens when the lightning in the clouds passes through air, making it expand until it releases a discharge." Kameron replied. "Lightning rarely strikes the ground and the weather isn't bad enough for lightning to get brought out. We're gonna be okay."
"Are you positive?" Peridot questioned.
"Yes. I've seen weather like this before." Kameron assured.
Despite Kameron's assurance Peridot wasn't very convinced. She grabbed both of her arms and tightly increased her grip. Then a hand was placed on her shoulder. Turning her head she looked at both Steven and Connie looking at her with concern.
"It's gonna be okay." Steven said softly. "Hold my hand, it'll help you." He added.
Releasing his hand from Peridot's shoulder he shifted it and offered it to her. Switching her eyes from Steven's face to his hand Peridot entered a conflicted scenario. As much as she hated being trapped on Earth and held by her captors, she was gonna have to listen to them for survival. And so...she slowly raised her hand and placed it in Steven's. Though for reasons unknown...her fears of thunder started to weaken.
November 11th 1:30 p.m.
Near the edge of Destiny City to the south lied a large light yellow mansion. This mansion has been with the city since it's very beginnings, serving as a home for every single mayor elected. A two-story building with a small flag of Delmarva on the front door and a oversight to witness Beach City several miles away, it is a damn miracle this very location still exists.
Reaching up to the driveway Green stopped the car and turned off the engine. Both he and his wife turned their heads to the front door being guarded by two men in suits. Getting out of the car Christie brought out her umbrella and opened it up before raising it over herself. Green softly took the umbrella so he'd shield his wife and himself from the grueling rain as they approached the mansion.
Getting close to the front door Green and Christie were then blocked by the men in suits.
"State your purpose, Green." Suit #1 asked.
"I must speak with Mayor Alexis. It is an urgent matter." Green replied.
"She's very busy at the moment. Tell us the matter and we will inform her of it." Suit #2 said.
"Please." Christie said. "It would be better for us to tell her in person. She must know from her own ears."
Suit #1 and Suit #2 turned their heads to one another. Their main objective was to protect the mayor from any threat imaginable. That was their main job since they became apart of the C.S.F., but at the same this was the leader of the Rainbow Gems. Speaking to the mayor directly meant something bad was coming. As much as they wanted to keep following direct orders, both Suit #1 and Suit #2 stepped aside.
"She's in her office." Suit #2 informed.
"Thank you. Apologizes for this abrupt visit." Green replied.
Entering the building Green closed up his wife's umbrella and placed it into the umbrella holder to his left. Straight ahead the husband and wife began walking down the long hallway. From left to right on the walls they each took quick glances at pictures of previous mayors before Alexis. Mayor Jordan, Mayor Sinister, Mayor Walker, Mayor Atrocity, Mayor Lar Fleas, Mayor Eliza Wong, Mayor Zamera, and lastly Mayor Hand. A collection of mayors that left the seeds for Alexis to follow upon.
At the end of the hallway Green and Christie approached a large door with two women in suits guarding it. They both moved aside, allowing the couple to step inside. Inside the room they spotted a middle-aged woman with brunette hair in a ponytail with brown eyes. She wore a white button-collared shirt with a black blazer, black dress-pants, and black heels. The woman was pacing back and forth with her phone placed next to her ear.
"Listen, I understand that you've made a promise to your workers. I am well aware of the state your company is in, but you need to understand that your building is falling apart. As much as it pains me to say this, you're going to have to lay them off until the building gets repaired correctly." Mayor Alexis said in agitation.
...
"No, you're not listening to me. I'm taking care of your company right now. Please be patient and I will inform you of it's completion." Mayor Alexis said, gripping the bridge between her nose.
...
"Yes... Okay... I'm happy we finally reached an understanding." Mayor Alexis said with a sigh. "It's okay. We talked it out and reached an understanding. And I'll ask the other stations to let you all work with them until the building is finished."
...
"Thank you. Have a good day." Mayor Alexis said before hanging up.
A long drawn out sigh left her mouth as she lowered her phone from her ear. Turning her head she noticed both Green and Christie standing near the entrance of her office.
"AAAAHHH!" Mayor Alexis screamed while raising a leg up.
Putting her leg down heavy breaths exited her mouth as she placed a hand on her chest. "Don't scare me like that."
"Our apologizes, Your Honor. We wanted to wait until you were finished with your call." Green replied.
Mayor Alexis soon narrowed her eyes at him and puffed up her cheeks. "Green. How long have we known each other?"
"Twenty years." Green answered simply.
"Please call me Alexis. I know you're being respectful, but you're allowed to call me by my first name." Alexis replied as she walked up to the couple. "And I see you brought your wife with you."
"It's good to see you again, Alexis." Christie said as the two shared a hug.
"You too, Christie." Alexis replied as they separated. "You're looking well."
"Thank you." Christie said kindly. Christie's smile soon vanished, "I'm sorry we came here abruptly, but my husband and I have urgent news to share with you."
Alexis turned her gaze from Christie to Green. Sucking in some air she turned around and walked over to her desk before taking a seat in her chair, letting out a long sigh. Reaching for her lower drawers she pulled out a large glass bottle and two small glasses. Taking one of the glasses she poured the substance from the bottle into the glass before drinking it.
"Take a seat." Alexis said. The couple listened and sat across from her as she poured more of the substance and drank it. "What is it this time? No offense, but is the invasion of your kind finally coming to kill us?"
"No." Green replied while shaking his head. "What we're about to tell you is going to be very...intense. There is a chance that the Earth is going to implode in five days."
The room fell into silence. Alexis placed her glass and bottle down. Her eyes slowly expanded as Green's words entered her ears. The Earth was going to...implode. Implode...
Looking at the bottle Alexis grabbed it and started drinking it. After taking a few gulps she put the bottle down. Lifting her head she locked her eyes onto Green. "Are... Are... Are...you positive?"
Green nodded. "My family and the Universes have captured a Home-World Gem named Peridot who've showed us a Geo-weapon within the planet called the Cluster. Prior to her capture we've eliminated several Injectors from the Kindergartens, unknowingly reactivating the machine. Those be sure that we are taking care of this immediately."
"That doesn't help with my stress, Green." Alexis replied, placing a hand on her head.
"We thought it would be best to have you informed just in case." Christie addressed. "We're unaware of what might happen in five days-"
"FIVE DAYS!?" Alexis shouted.
"...Yes, five days. But we'll stop it." Christie finished.
Alexis placed another hand on her head. This was too much. Far, far too much for her mind to grasp. She's already having a very busy day since the start of this morning and now THIS? This giant unavoidable bomb that'll blow up within five days. As if there wasn't anything else for her to worry about.
"*groan* Thanks for telling me this. I appreciate it." Alexis said as she removed her hands from her head. "On the fourth day I'll evacuate the city. Right now I need to make a dozen calls and make a meeting about this. Can you please join me?"
"Of course." Green replied.
"And...exactly where is this "Cluster" located?" Alexis asked.
"Underneath Destiny City." Christie replied.
With that newfound knowledge Alexis slammed her head onto her desk, letting out a long, long moan.
November 11th 2:00 p.m.
At the Dewey Residence Pearl and Greg sat down quietly in their seats. Right next to them was a door leading into Mayor Dewey's office, but it was also guarded by a man and woman wearing suits and shades.
With every second passing Pearl continuously tapped her lap while locking her eyes onto the door. It's bad enough for her to talk to the Mayor of Beach City, but it's even more agonizing to wait until he's meeting was over. She was well aware of how busy being a mayor could be, but with the amount of news she needed to tell him her patience was gradually decreasing.
As for Greg, he merely sat in his seat whistling. Rocking his head from side to side he was getting a good rhythm going, making him start tapping his knees.
'Yeah... Yeah, yeah! This is great rhythm! Now I just need to fill in the words.' Greg thought to himself.
"Greg." Pearl said.
Hearing her voice Greg stopped whistling and turned his head to her.
"Please stop." Pearl asked as nicely as she could.
"Sorry. I was just crafting a new song. I got the rhythm down, but the words aren't really coming to me yet." Greg replied. His eyes then slowly expanded, "Wait...it's starting to come to me-"
"Greg. I am glad you are crafting a song from your mind, but remember why we're here." Pearl addressed.
Seeing the ounce of agitation in Pearl's expression, Greg calmly sat in his seat.
What could only be described as a miracle occurred as Mayor Dewey's door began to open up, revealing the mayor and a Beach City citizen stepping out.
"Don't you worry now. I'll take care of it as soon as I can." Mayor Dewey said kindly.
"Are you sure? It's pretty bad." The citizen replied.
"I promise." Mayor Dewey assured. "I'll talk to the establishments the moment I get done with this next meeting. You have my word."
With that reassurance the citizen nodded her head and walked out of the house.
Turning his head Mayor Dewey saw both Pearl and Greg standing up from their seats. At the sight of Pearl the mayor felt his cheeks turning red while tugging at his shirt-collar. He quickly shook his head and adjusted his throat.
"Hello, Universes. Step into my office." Mayor Dewey said.
Following him Pearl and Greg walked into the mayor's office and closed the door behind them. They both walked forward and took their seats across the mayor's desk.
"As much as I enjoy seeing my fellow town citizens, I'm afraid this is going to have to be quick." Mayor Dewey said while taking his seat. "I've got to talk to the Frymans and Pizzas shortly. They're very close to start up another Restaurant War. Last time that happened I nearly had to close them down before they agreed to a treaty. But that's not important right now. What is it that you need to discuss with me?"
Pearl intertwined her fingers together. She sucked in some air into her mouth and slowly exhaled it out. "Billiam. Promise me you won't freak out over this."
The tone in Pearl's voice sent a vibe through the mayor. He swallowed some air and placed one hand over the other. "Is this similar to that invasion that happened a month ago?"
"Yes." Pearl said with a nod. "Within five days, Earth might get destroyed."
Billiam Dewey has dealt with a lot of challenges in his life. Surviving school, getting elected as mayor, the departure of his sister, the lost of their mother, the disappearance of their father, watching his son Buck grow up, and handling the hardships of Beach City while keeping track of any phenomenons caused by Gems. Complaints, struggles, and work he can handle, but...getting told that the entire planet was going to be destroyed was an entirely different thing all together.
Sweat began to fall from the mayor's head. Small breaths began to leave his mouth as he stood up from his chair. Placing a hand on his chest his breathing started to increase little by little. Descending his eyes he opened his desk drawer and brought out a bottled water and a small orange container. Opening the container he poured out two small white pills into his hand before putting them into his mouth and drinking some water with it.
"Are you okay?" Greg asked.
"*sigh* No. No, no, I'm not okay." Bill replied as he placed the bottle down. "I have prolonged QT Syndrome."
Greg's eyes widened just as he stood up from his chair. "Is it serious?"
"Unfortunately." Bill replied. "I'll have to go get a refill soon. But...please, please tell me you're families are gonna handle this?"
"We will." Pearl assured.
"Thank you, Pearl." Bill replied. "If that's all you need to tell me then can I please have some solitude for a moment before I can continue my job?"
Both Universes nodded and began to exit his office. As they did Bill picked up his phone and started to dial in a number.
November 11th 2:30 p.m.
Downtown Destiny. The very soul of the city and housing all kinds of attractions and businesses for all. From banks and stores to restaurants and apartments, the most common but wondrous things anyone can look forward to when they decide to come and live here.
Entering a large parking garage Kameron and the group went inside and located a spot without too many cars around. With the car parked Kameron turned off the engine and everyone began to get out before closing their doors.
"Okay, my second place is nearby. Let's not waste any time." Kameron said as he started walking.
"Kameron." Steven called, making his brother and turn to him. "I gotta go to the bathroom."
"Now?" Kameron asked, receiving a nod from his little brother.
"Me too." Connie said.
"Okay, follow me." Kameron replied and walked off.
The group followed him through the garage and located a restroom ahead of them.
"I gotta go too." Kameron said to everyone. He then looked over to Lapis, "Can you watch Peridot?"
Lapis raised an eyebrow at his question and turned to look at the technician. An unhappy expression soon developed on her face. Bad enough to deal with her, but to watch her was...really the last thing she wanted to do.
"Do I have to?" Lapis asked.
"Please? If she gets away or is up to something you can poof her." Kameron replied.
"WHAT!?" Peridot screamed.
"Kameron, that's too violent." Steven said.
"Don't care." Kameron replied before he and Steven when into their respected area.
"You two behave yourselves." Connie said just as she went into her area.
Glancing at one another Lapis crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes at Peridot. Peridot herself copied Lapis' body language and swiftly turned away. An aura of silence engulfed the two of them, further increasing the hostility between the two. They both shot glances at each other and various people leaving the restrooms.
"I hate this." Peridot said, breaking the silence.
"Get use to it." Lapis replied firmly.
"Answer me this, Lazuli. How are you willing to just betray our kind, side with the renegades, and just abandon the Cause?" Peridot asked.
Lapis rapidly turned to her with wide eyes, "Are you kidding me? After everything I've been through, do you really expect to just accept it and to colonizing planets? I'm never following Home-World's ways again."
"Our home is nearly entering extinction!" Peridot yelled. "We don't have a choice. It's either colonization or we all die."
"I'd rather be a Rainbow Gem." Lapis said firmly.
Soon both girls came close to each other, touching each other's noses. Snarls and growls left their mouths with furious glares emitting from their eyes. Each of their eyes started to glow alongside their Gemstones. Just when they each attempted an action a loud gasp entered their ears. Looking over they both saw Kameron and Steven coming out with...Ronaldo at their side.
"Oh my gosh! I can't believe this is actually happening right now!" Ronaldo said gleefully. He quickly approached Peridot while looking at her from head to toe, "What's your name?"
Peridot blinked at him. "Uh...Peridot?"
"Hold still." Ronaldo said while pulling out his phone. He then started clicking his phone several times while circling around Peridot. He soon stopped and smiled at her, "I have so many questions to ask."
Peridot looked over at Kameron, "Who is this human?"
"This is Ronaldo. He's one of my best friends and has an interest in the unknown, strange, and weird." Kameron explained.
"He also wants to come with us." Steven added. "We told him no, but he convinced us and we've allowed it."
Peridot suddenly felt a very, very weird sensation coursing through her mind at the moment. Ronaldo was a very...strange human for her to witness before her eyes. His reasoning for coming along was foolish and pointless, with the addition of the added attention he was giving her. But...these were just first impressions.
"Ronaldo." Kameron called, making his friend freeze in place. "Behave yourself."
"Sorry, but I can't help it." Ronaldo replied. "This is literally the best day of my life."
Connie soon came out of the bathroom and with everyone together they went off to Kameron's second place.
End Of Episode 55.
Hope you all enjoyed the beginning of the Cluster Arc.
Next Time:
Synchronization