Deep beneath the surface of the Earth, the sound of gears could be heard, accompanied by ominous neon green lighting, illuminating the underground city. This city was not inhabited by Humans, Faunus, Mobians or even Fallen.
This city was home to pure machines.
The Drones walked in unison, clanking footsteps, soft purring of their machinations, each of them one metal piece fused with many others. Their slick black bodies mixed with their green illuminations emit an unearthly air of emptiness, their soulless metal forms make their intent clear and yet so much more frightening. All of them looking forward, hard metal clanking and stomping, the welders a high pitch hissing, the engines of various innumerable vehicle a soft purr. Their arachnid markings and visor a glow that give any that breathes a sense of fear and emptiness.
They were still like a tomb of statues aligned together in the perfect shape of a square.
They were truly amazing.
If one was destroyed they would be repaired or replaced with another drone stronger.
Their goal was their life, if one calls machinery life.
They struck fear into many races, from the Gems and Cybertronians, to their own creators.
"Our creators, the Accelerons made us for one purpose: to race. That was our first purpose but then we were reprogrammed to fight against an enemy that forcefully colonized any world they could find. What they did not anticipate was that our programming directed us to win at any cost: even it means destroying everything in our path. Our creators became afraid of us and tried to destroy us.
They fled back to their realm while we waited deep in the Earth, waiting for the species here to find the relics the Accelerons left them. We studied, grew and prepared for the day when the relics would be found and with them the door to the Accelerons waiting to be opened. On this planet we watched the species the Accelerons wanted to protect. We watched their struggle, their power and their determination to live despite the odds against them.
The Gems. The Grimm. The Plutarkians. And the masters of the Grimm: the Fallen. We watched and studied, even learning how we might take the powers they wield and use it for ourselves." A woman sat on a dark throne, staring down at three cryogenic tubes. "The power of Aura, said to be created by what the organics refer to as the Soul. It gave them great power that takes many forms. It's what has allowed them to survive for so long. Now, can you imagine a being that combines the strength of a machine programmed to win at all costs with the abilities of an organic's essence?
"A new form of machine, combining the strengths of both worlds. The superior calculating intellect of the machine and the reflexes, drive and the Aura of an organic." Gelorum grinned. "A very intriguing idea isn't it?"
Inside the pods were five organics, all of them unconscious, all of them dying and all them about to changed forever.
"After all, isn't the chance to live forever secretly the dream of every organic?"
It had taken so long but time was irrelevant to a machine.
"Status."
"AURA TRANSFER MACHINE ONLINE AND READY. MEMORY FILES WILL BE DOWNLOADED AND SEALED. SHELL PERSONALITY PROGRAMS DOWNLOADED AND INSTALLED."
"Good. Begin."
"AT ONCE."
"And thus, a new age for machines begins."
Xxx
"You brought the Elementals here?!"
Blue Diamond was completely speechless in light of the news she had just heard but Yellow had no trouble voicing their mutual shock. Both had good reason to be surprised for they remembered what had happened on the planet that had been given to their beloved Pink and what had happened to her as a result.
White Diamond herself seemed more amused at their reaction. "Indeed I have however there are only three of them for now. These organics displayed greater power than any we have seen before. I decided to experiment a bit, taking what we learned during Pink's colonization and what was needed to ensure the organics in the Special Zone remained obedient to see if the Elementals themselves could made to be useful to us."
"The Elementals were the worst of what we faced on that planet!" Yellow Diamond exclaimed before suddenly remembering who she was talking about and tried to calm herself. "They are too dangerous to simply be allowed to set foot on Homeworld or even in the Special Zone. They should be contained and even restrained."
"Oh, Yellow." White brought a hand to her cheek. "It does me good to hear how protective you are of our world but worry not. The Elementals, or should I say the new ones do not have the powers of their previous versions. They are at the stage they can be properly convinced into serving Homeworld's needs."
"And what needs are those?" Blue slowly asked.
White's smile widened. "The power to allow us to create new Gems as powerful as Era 1 or perhaps even more powerful. At full power the four Elementals can affect and alter matter on a cosmic scale. Now imagine if that power was made to serve us."
Blue and Yellow shared glances, not entirely sure of what to make of White's plan.
"You are hesitant. You worry that the Elementals cannot be controlled." White spoke as if she was reading their minds. "Do not fear for they were not alone when they came here. There is a new batch of organics in the Special Zone that are close with them. They would not resist if they believe the ones they came with are in danger."
Blue flinched. "White, organics or not they come from Pink's world. Surely you would not resort to harming them."
White chuckled. "Now, now Blue I do not have to. The Elementals will not try to escape as long as their counterparts are kept in the zone. That will be enough to ensure their cooperation and I will expect you two to cooperate as well, teaching them about Homeworld and training them to hone their powers. In the meantime there is one more Elemental that must be retrieved and in the memory of Pink more specimens will be retrieved to ensure Earth's organics are preserved after the Cluster emerges." She waved her hand and her Pearl appeared before the thrones. "Pearl, contact Commander Emerald and inform her of our new target: the Fire Elemental. The Aquamarine and the Topaz that brought us the previous Elementals will return with her to Earth and retrieve the final target."
"Yes, My Diamond." The Pearl said robotically with a smile matching her Diamond's before disappearing into a white bubble that disappeared from the room.
"And now, onto the matter of the ones that are here." White Diamond continued. "They will be allowed to leave and enter the Special Zone under supervision from their Pearls. During that time, Yellow will supervise their training to harness their powers and Blue will teach them about the laws of Homeworld and ensure they learn to respect it and us. Am I clear?"
Both Blue and Yellow nodded, knowing better than to argue with White.
"Good." With a smile White Diamond suddenly vanished from her throne, shocking both Diamonds.
White Diamond had never truly been there. Instead they had been speaking with a hologram projection of her all along.
Xxx
The tour of the city was halted as the group stopped by a large building that actually looked like some kind of high-tech school. The building was pure white with a beautiful courtyard, pink tinted pavement, green grass and trees and a dozen gardens with dozens of flowers.
"This is the main Learning Center in the Special Zone. Once we are at proper age this is where we are sent and sorted based on physical and mental status." Wy-Six explained, bring them to the entrance. "The divisions are based on the courts of the Diamonds. Yellow Diamond leads the military and thus the divisions modeled after her court train law givers, transportation, and gladiator divisions. Blue Diamond is focused on enforcement of diplomacy and thus the divisions modeled after her court run art, construction, agriculture and entertainment. Jay-Six and I belong to this division and we were appointed as the lead organizers for the city."
"And the divisions modeled after White Diamond's court?" Bonnibel asked as they walked inside.
The halls were white just like the outside and yet resembled what one would possibly see in perhaps a famous university.
Wy-Six cleared his throat. "Well, that is hard to say. Did you see the crystal palace in the center of the city?"
"Yes."
"Only a select few have been allowed to go there and they were all part of previous divisions but were transferred there by orders of White Diamond's Pearl." Jay-Ten explained.
"What's so special about them?" Eddy asked.
"It is hard to say. It is said that White Diamond herself shaped Gem society and that she chose the role for each type of Gem." Wy-Six explained, stopping at a pair of doors. "Ah, here we are. U-Twelve should be here."
"U-Twelve?" Half the group asked.
Jay-Ten nodded. "U-Twelve is the appointed Director of Divisions in the Special Zone. When new ones are brought here and tested she determines the division they would be most suited for and has been very successful. Though that has been for those born here and not brought here from Earth. She is the member of the division modeled after White Diamond's court that we see."
"Does she know?" Monty asked.
"She knows enough." Wy-Six said as the doors opened.
Inside was a woman sitting at a large desk with dark skin and black short hair and she wore a white version of the clothing Jay-Ten and Wy-Six wore.
"U-Twelve." Jay-Ten and Wy-Six bowed politely. "We have new ones, brought here from Earth."
The woman frowned as she stood up, walking around her desk and approached the group. "I am well aware of our new arrivals. Holly Blue Agate sent a record of the new arrivals to me over a cycle ago. You took your time bringing them to me."
"Apologies, U-Twelve. They were understandably confused and frightened." Jay-Ten said as U-Twelve looked over the group.
The stare she gave made them feel uneasy as she looked over each and every one of them.
"Three of the Elementals, four new ones, an elder and an…" U-Twelve stopped at Bonnibel. "Abnormal. I have never seen an organic like you before. You are from Earth?"
"I am." Bonnibel answered evenly.
U-Twelve stared a bit longer and then stepped back. "I was expecting the new ones immediately after the other was brought here. He was already processed by White Diamond's Pearl herself."
"He…Kevin!" Nazz's eyes widened as she remembered the jock from Peach Creek who had been captured with him. "Where is he?!"
"With the Central Division in the center of the city. No one outside is allowed there." U-Twelve answered stoically. "Earth female: quick to react, highly emotional and speaks without being spoken to. Possible aggression would suggest placement in the Yellow Division."
"U-Twelve," Wy-Six cut in before Nazz could say anything else. "They are only concerned for their missing companion. Surely you can calm their worries."
"Their worries are irrelevant if they cause disruption, especially with the Elementals being here." U-Twelve turned back to her desk. "If disruption happens and White Diamond hears of it there could be great consequences for us and them. Their missing counterpart was already sorted into the Central Division without needing to see me."
"What makes shovel chin so special?" Eddy grumbled.
U-Twelve raised an eyebrow as she turned around, hands behind her back. "Another quick to speak and shows possible disrespect for authority. To answer your question I believe the one you speak was converted as an informant during the retrieval mission which White Diamond's Pearl was appointed the leader of. Due to his usefulness he was processed to the Central Division."
"And what is the Central Division? What does it do?" Monty asked.
"Hm. Your voice speaks with maturity and courtesy unlike most of your company." U-Twelve said, raising an intrigued eyebrow as she looked at Monty. "The Central Division monitors the growth and harmony of the Special Zone, rewarding those that contribute and punishes those that disrupt."
"Gee, why don't I like sound of that?" Abby asked sarcastically.
"Your false approval would be irrelevant, Candy Elemental." U-Twelve replied calmly. "Though it is possible the Elementals would be granted access to the Central Division."
"Really? Why?" Nigel could not help but ask.
"White Diamond's Pearl left instructions on the ranking of the Elementals. You are listed as part of White Diamond's court and thus are granted the privilege of entering or leaving the zone under supervised access to any and all locations." U-Twelve projected a holo-screen of the three Elementals and fourth empty slot. "Ice, Candy and Slime with the same instructions to be given to Fire upon their arrival."
"So we can go and see our friend?" Ed asked.
"Just the three of you and your Pearls." U-Twelve said, dismissing the screen.
"And us?" Nazz asked.
"If you attempt to force you way into the Central Division's base you would be detained for disruption." U-Twelve answered.
Nazz scowled but remained silent as Wy-Six spoke. "We thank you for your honesty, U-Twelve. Follow through with the sorting and we will leave in peace."
"Wy-Six." U-Twelve said, looking directly at Wy-Six. "I urge caution for you along with your charges. Hiding your radical tendencies is one thing but if you go too far then the consequences could be great for all of us." She held out up a holo-screen.
"The Earth female shows aggression along with a possible command type persona matching that of an Emerald." An image of Nazz appeared on the screen. "Yellow Division."
Next to appear was an image of Rolf. "Personality scans suggest agriculture. Blue Division."
Next was Jonny. "Wood manipulation Semblance. Blue Division."
Eddy was next. "Personality scan suggest you to be one for commanding others like an Agate. Blue Division."
"They sure got you down, huh Eddy?" Jonny snickered.
"Shut up." Eddy grumbled.
Monty's image appeared next. "…Given your age, sir it would be cruel of me to assign you a heavy duty assignment."
Monty chuckled warmly. "Well, I would like to avoid possibly hurting my back. I am not quite as spry as I used to be."
Nigel and Abby rolled their eyes at Monty's little show.
U-Twelve simply raised an eyebrow. "Blue Division. You scan shows you have a great deal of intelligence that you can share with the new ones as they begin their learning."
"You are offering me a teacher's job?" Monty tapped his chin. "Well, it is a very tempting offer. I would like to see what you have in the way of music."
"Oh no." Nigel and Abby shared worried looks now.
"It will be considered." U-Twelve settled her gaze on the last one: Bonnibel. "You are unique but you scan shows you to be most intelligent out of everyone here. In fact it matches the radical who appeared here over thirty stellar cycles ago."
"I was widely known in my home for my intelligence." Bonnibel smirked.
"No doubt. You would do well in Blue Division but for all our sakes if you follow the previous radical's ways and are discovered I will be of no assistance." U-Twelve said, finishing her sorting.
"So you will not report us?" Nigel asked.
"I cannot help you but I will not attempt to hinder you so as long as any radical events you might cause does not endanger the rest of the Special Zone." U-Twelve produced cards for each of the group aside from the Elementals with each card matching the color of the vision the owner had been assigned. "I remember the stranger, I remember what he said and did and though what he taught to the few of us he met was against the Gem ways I did not report him and in return he left in peace. I am assigned to help keep order in this place and I cannot override any orders from the Diamonds, even ones that forcefully relocates others here. I can only offer advice that you play along and wait for your opportunity."
"Thank you for your help, U-Twelve." Jay-Ten said, her and Wy-Six offering a quick bow and ushered the group out of her office.
Once they were gone U-Twelve brought up the scans of Eddy again.
Species: Human
Planet: Earth
Aura: Active
Semblance: Unknown
Warning: Detecting unknown form of DNA. Initial scans determine abnormal DNA matches no form of Human DNA.
"I imagine you will be needing more than help." U-Twelve whispered once they were gone.
Xxx
"I really don't like the way she talked." Nazz grumbled as they left the Learning Center.
"U-Twelve does what she was chosen for and she also works to keep everyone in the Special Zone safe as she can within the letter of the law." Wy-Six said, leading the group passed the gate and back into the city.
"So where are we going now?" Eddy asked.
"Well, now that the sorting is done with I suggest we speak with the tailors about some better clothing." Jay-Ten said, leading them into complex that almost resembled a mall.
"Finally. No more loin cloths."
Xxx
"Well, I can say this is much better."
Nazz had not known what to expect when speaking with the tailors but upon presenting their cards everyone but the Elementals were immediately moved into separate rooms at the very end of the tailor shop. Once inside Nazz asked to place her card in a computer on the wall and the screen showed all her information.
What happened next was so fast Nazz barely had time to even blink.
Blue fingers immediately came out of the walls as the room shifted, a glass cylinder coming out of the floor while the fingers removed her clothing but left her earrings on and the cylinder was filled up with the water for several seconds before being drained. Following that was a blast of air that dried her immediately and then the cylinder lowered back into the ground as the floating fingers went to work, providing her with new clothes and worked on her hair.
This happened in under a moment and left Nazz bewildered as she heard the voice in the earrings. "Sorting complete. Welcome to Yellow Division, NA-ZZ."
Nazz stepped out of the room and spotted a mirror which she quickly walked over to. What she saw immediately took her breath away as she was now wearing a green bodysuit that looked like something out of a sci-fi movie. She also wore a fluffy ruff at the base of her neck and under it were two large yellow diamond symbols with long sleeves and light green, square shaped cuffs and green shoulder pads. Her hair seemed sleeker than she was used to; giving her a rather elegant and refined appearance she never thought was possible for herself.
"Wow." Nazz marveled at her new appearance.
Don't get her wrong: Nazz knew she was trapped on an alien world and planned on escaping as soon as possible but…
Well, she might as well try and look on the bright side and try and keep everyone else calm as they thought of a way to escape.
"Don't we look sharp, huh Plank?"
Nazz turned around, spotting Jonny who was wearing navy blue top, white gloves, royal blue pants and white boots, a blue high collared jacket with a blue diamond symbol on the back.
"Rolf supposes this will have to do." Rolf stepped out of the room next Jonny's, wearing the same outfit.
"Sheesh." Eddy stepped out, wearing the same outfit as well. "Don't I get an opinion?"
"Just be glad you are not wearing a loincloth anymore." Bonnibel said as she stepped out, wearing the same outfit only instead of a jacket she had a blue high collared shawl and a skirt over dark leggings. "Apparently this is the main uniform of the Blue Division."
"Well, that is something to be grateful for." Monty said as he stepped out, wearing the same outfit as the males.
"So if I am in Yellow Division why am I wearing green?" Nazz wondered aloud to herself.
"I believe it is because U-Twelve associated you with Emeralds." Wy-Six said once the group was all out. "Emeralds are primarily commanders of Homeworld's space forces. Perhaps she recognized your personality to be close to that of an Emerald."
"Hm…" Nazz considered what she had been told. "So what now? What happens when we are sorted?"
"Well, new ones are usually sent to the Learning Center to learn Homeworld's laws and cultures as well as their place in it." Jay-Ten answered thoughtfully. "Those in Blue Division would be to learn such things as art, culture, archiving and perhaps even serving as defenders or prosecutors."
"Oh great. We got sorted into law!" Eddy moaned.
"While the ones in the Yellow Division would learn combat training and occasionally train in the gladiator arena. They would also be charged with learning mechanics and engineering." Jay-Ten continued.
"So I pretty much got sorted into boot camp." Nazz remarked dryly and shrugged. "Well, I was already training to be a Huntress so some extra training might help me."
"Our training instructors are Agates from Pink Diamond's court." Wy-Six replied. "The training they provide is very effective."
"Lucky her." Abby muttered and turned around. "So, where to next?"
"I am afraid time is drawing near for sleep period." Jay-Ten remarked, pointing to a nearby window.
Everyone could see the sky turning dark, showing it perhaps nightfall.
"The Special Zone runs on a strict schedule with nightfall showing time for sleep draws near." Jay-Ten explained.
To emphasize her point Jonny let out a yawn. "Actually, I'm pooped now. I could use a nap."
"I can show you all to suitable quarters for the sleep period." Wy-Six offered.
"Do we look we have time for sleep?" Eddy asked just before Jonny let out another yawn.
And then Ed let out a yawn.
Followed by Eddy who was not able to help himself.
Nazz then let out a yawn, followed by Rolf.
Monty chuckled and let out a yawn. "Seems we might all be in need of rest."
Nigel let out a yawn next and despite herself Abby was next. Bonnibel giggled a bit as she let out a yawn like all the others.
"Would you like your tour?" Wy-Six asked again.
Eddy grumbled while Monty kindly answered. "Yes, please."
"That will not be necessary for the Elementals."
The group turned to see the three Pearls that had been made to serve the Elementals.
"The quarters in White Diamond's palace were made for the Elementals during rest period." The Ice Pearl stated.
Abby scowled. "Not interested."
"We cannot disobey an order from White Diamond." The Candy Pearl said as the three stepped forward.
Abby looked ready to fight but to her surprise Monty held out a hand, placing it on her shoulder to calm her down. "Monty?"
"It might be best to play along for now." Monty whispered. "We know they won't hurt you and the others but we don't want to test their patience."
"But Monty-"
"Bedtime!" Ed said loudly, picking Abby and Nigel up. "I must remember to change the newspaper under my new bed!"
Nigel and Abby just stared at Ed, both sporting disturbed looks on their faces as he carried them over to the Pearls. They looked back to Monty who smiled and waved at them. "Get some sleep, chaps. Take your time and learn what you must."
As soon as they were with the Pearls, a giant sphere surrounded them and they vanished, leaving the others to be led to their sleeping quarters.
Xxx
"I don't suppose you have something for me to wear while I sleep?"
Nigel barely even blinked before he found himself back in the room he had awoken in at the start of this whole craziness.
"Sleep wear." Ice Pearl pointed to the crystal on Nigel's tunic that flashed.
A ring of light appeared at his feet and traveled up his body, morphing the formal clothing into a blue robe with blue slippers and the crystal now attached to a necklace that had been formed.
"The crystals assigned to the Elementals are capable of storing an unlimited amount of supplies within a pocket dimension that the crystals are able to access. Before your arrival we made sure to store them with anything an organic might need such as food and clothing."
"That is…wow." Nigel marveled at the crystal's apparent ability before looking back at Ice Pearl. "I don't suppose you need sleep."
"Gems do not sleep but we can do it to feel better if we feel stressed." Ice Pearl responded.
The door opened and in stepped Abby who was now wearing a red sleeping gown and white slippers, followed by Candy Pearl.
"Abby?" Nigel didn't expect to see her again so soon.
"No way am I sleeping alone with a so-called servant watching my every move." Abby grumbled, marching over to large bed. "If we are stuck here I'd rather be with a friend than a servant. At least I am out of that stupid dress."
Nigel looked surprised but chuckled and nodded, knowing Abby would never accept being alone in a strange place without any friends. "I suppose so."
Both climbed into the bed that was large enough to hold over ten humans, lying down with their backs facing each other.
"Abby?"
"Yeah?"
"We'll find a way home. I promise."
Abby shifted a bit. "Thanks, Nigel. You know Jennifer is going to ground us for life when we get back."
Nigel shuddered. "Yeah, I know."
Abby was snickering a bit now. "Well, nice knowing ya."
"You too, Abby."
Both fell asleep not too long after.
Xxx
The introduction for the drones at the beginning before Gelorum's speech was done by Zeroth17.