Unity City: The Hub
The Hub was a heptagonal building meant to represent the seven continents of the world. Said building was on the West Coast of North America, within Unity City. An older Kellan sat behind the desk as she had risen to the position of Leader. Her red hair had gray streaks and there were wrinkles; however, she commanded no less of a presence, even in a normal black suit.
Tye stood before her, sporting a blue army style suit with a yellow cape. "Leader Kellan, I am here with the compiled reports from Super Soldier. Jason West and a request I be allowed to visit the Crystal Gems, officially, on behalf of the World Government."
Kellan nodded. "Proceed, Commander West."
"Right." Tye nodded. "To recap, Jason West was sent to Beach City, Delmarva under the assumption he was to report in on the Crystal Gems. Since then, he has lived with them subduing corrupted gems, securing gem tech, and visiting sights associated with the war.
That is not all his time with them has given us. We now know Homeworld is showing renewed interest in Earth, and there is a group known as Humanity's Defense who have branded themselves enemies of the World Government and gem kind.
In my opinion, an alliance with the Crystal Gems is our best bet at survival. They have three gem warriors who have strived to defend this planet while their former leader gave birth to a hybrid with immense potential."
Kellan leaned back in her seat as she knew this meeting was but a formality to satisfy the council. The truth is that an alliance with the Crystal Gems has been in the makings since the day Tye brought those two gems to everyone's attention.
It's the reason these past 20 years have been spent getting those wholly against such a notion out of power. The fact of the matter is, for as small a group as the Crystal Gems were, they were still gems with invaluable experience and knowledge.
"Your request is granted." Kellan leaned forward. "Visit the Crystal Gems and arrange an alliance, within reason. I am entrusting you to know said limits."
"Understood ma'am." Tye saluted.
Past Days…
Everyone felt a lot better after the Rose situation was sorted. When they got back, Pearl apologized to the other gems for her actions, and they forgave her. Connie and Steven then ended up getting into a conversation about how the book series they liked ended.
Steven ended up liking it while Connie was less than enthused, but the boy hid his true feelings. They ultimately entered Rose's Room to construct a better ending, but it resulted in a fake Connie who ended up going rogue when Steven made the wrong word choice.
It ultimately resolved with Steven coming clean about the book. Greg was starting a side thing in teaching people how to play the guitar, and Steven was determined to help by creating posters. Buck Dewey ended up getting involved, and they created T-Shirts.
It resulted in Steven's art being used in a way he didn't agree with. The Gems gave him the idea of giving Buck a taste of his own medicine. In the end, Buck came around and apologized before taking some lessons. Jason resolved to ask when things were less hectic.
Jason's New Home
The gems, Steven, Connie, and Greg had arrived with Jason at his new home.
"This is it everyone." Jason declared. "My new home was built to withstand heavy duty weaponry and small-scale explosions. Besides the two stories you see here, there's a massive complex underneath with a gym and pool separated from my vehicles and work space."
"Sounds impressive." Greg stated.
"The World Army has access to some of the best construction workers around and top of the line Earth tech to make it happen." Jason informed.
"Are you sure of the structural integrity of your home?" Pearl asked.
"That is a good point." Greg asked. "I don't want this place collapsing on my son."
"Don't worry about it." Jason stated. "Before construction began, the World Army was out here reinforcing the entire cliff with natural materials. They wouldn't have even let construction begin until they were certain it was safe to do so."
He looked at his place with a smile. "All together, this place has everything I need. Comfort, research and development, training, crafting, outfitting, testing, and storage. There's even a hidden elevator within to take me down to the complex. There's only one thing left to do."
"What's that?" Steven asked.
"Head inside." Jason declared. "Did you guys think I would just invite you to come have a look, and that'd be it?" He shook his head. "Nah, I want this to serve as a reminder. Even though I'm moving out of the beach house, you're all welcome here any time."
"That's nice of you Jason." Pearl stated. "Naturally, you'll always be welcome at the beach house and temple as well."
"Yeah!" Steven exclaimed. "I can come sleep here, and you can come sleep at the beach house!"
"Of course." Jason smiled. "I had rooms installed just in case any of you ever want to stay over." He then walked up and used his keys to open the front door. "Now, let's head on in and breathe a little life into this place."
Later…
Steven and Connie really liked the patio while the gems were having a look around. Jason was on the couch with Greg as the two of them enjoyed a soda together. All said, this was an enjoyable time after everything that's been happening.
Suddenly, there was someone knocking at the door, which got everyone to look at each other before Jason answered it. "Dad!" The soldier hugged his father. "What are you doing here?"
"Hey there, Jason!" Tye hugged him back. "I wish I could say it was strictly to come see you, my boy." He pulled back. "I was on my way to the temple when I thought to come check here upon remembering your new place had been reported as finished."
Jason nodded in understanding, knowing it was that time. "Well, come in and meet everyone."
Tye stepped on in. "Ah, I recognize all of you from my son's reports." He nodded with a smile and addressed everyone by name. "You must be Garnet, Pearl, and Amethyst, it's a pleasure to meet all of you. Greg Universe, you have my thanks for looking out for my son."
"Oh." Greg rubbed the back of his head and stood. "No problem, sir."
Tye chuckled good naturedly. "Please, after how all of you have looked after Jason, there is no need for formalities." He continued to address everyone. "The girl must be Connie Maheswaran. Of course, Steven Universe. My son speaks highly of you and your potential."
Steven rubbed the back of his head. "Thanks."
"For those of you who may not know me, my name is Tye West, and I am the commander of the World Army." Tye stated. "We have been watching the Crystal Gems for some time now, and I must say I am quite impressed with how you've been operating."
"If you're that impressed, how come you've never made contact before?" Pearl asked wearily.
"I believe my son has told you, but if you want to hear it from me…" Tye began. "The World Government was divided before the love of my life and her sister gem appeared. You must understand, governments have crumbled in the past for one reason or another.
Roughly in the 20th century, the World Government rose to power and immediately knew of your exitance from what records we scavenged from former governments. Until we could firmly decide our stance, we operated around the activities of Crystal Gems and under your radars.
What began to shift the division was the existence of Blue and Yellow Emerald. Jason only accentuated that by being our third super soldier. We only sent him to you because that was the time in which the World Government and Army were officially pro Crystal Gem."
"What about the shattering of gems?" Amethyst asked.
"We had no effective ways of containing them." Tye stated. "Anything we have isn't a permanent way to keep them, and I've already explained why we couldn't come to you. Doing so could have led to attempted shattering.
Politics aren't as simple as the leader declaring something and it being done. We had no option but to defend ourselves as we saw fit. If you're looking for an apology, that is something I will not give. I will not apologize for protecting people.
Especially those who have fallen under my command. We may be army people, but that's no excuse for holding hostiles. Yes, we are aware they weren't always hostile; however, there is a difference between weren't always and currently are."
"What are you plans now?" Garnet asked.
"I came here to see if any sort of an alliance could be made." Tye shrugged. "If it can't, I suppose that's too bad. It won't stop us from fighting for the Earth, just as you do. As much as this has become your home, it has always been that to humanity.
If we can come to an agreement to at least work together, we'll send any reports of corrupted gems your way for containment. That would stop the shattering and keep the people safe. Additionally, there is much we could do for Steven.
Given his unique circumstances, I would assume he has not had a normal childhood." He held up his hand before they could interrupt him. "I never said abnormal was wrong; however, Steven Universe currently doesn't exist within the world, as far as paper is concerned.
He was born of the grid, but we are prepared to get all his documentation sorted. He can also be put through online schooling, just like Jason, and be issued an official High School diploma upon completion. There would be no dead line, and he could even finish sooner like Jason.
We also have many opportunities that are not currently available to him. Again, our records indicate no Steven Universe in any hospital around the world. We have doctors who took care of Jason. Not to mention the therapist who has always been there for him.
After all, he was a developing youth himself, and what we put him through could be traumatic. Trauma buried in these crucial stages can lead to trouble down the line. We'd also be willing to give you access to all gem tech we've acquired.
Quite frankly, despite what you all may think, the World Government are humans who want to fight for our world, just as you've all done. We're not asking you to join or serve us. We merely want to work with you to defend this planet we all call home."
Despite how Pearl and Amethyst felt about this situation, they still looked at each other in clear contemplation. Even Garnet seemed deep in thought.
Steven approached the commander. "Do I really not exist on paper?"
"You don't." Tye got on one knee before the boy. "Even if they don't agree, I'll still rectify that. Let me tell you, they have done a great job raising you even without that. Don't blame them. They made the right calls given the situation.
Honestly, love is more valuable than therapist, doctors, and generally existing on paper." Tye stated sincerely. "They've given that to you in spades. What I'm offering pales in comparison. My only hope is this begins to show our intentions."
"I think we can trust him." Steven smiled as he turned to everyone. "From what I see, he's Jason's father alright."
"Despite how conflicted I was with him; I trust my father now." Jason informed. "With the potential threats of Homeworld and Humanity's Defense, what do we have to lose? I especially want you to consider this.
Homeworld can make use of their technology, and Humanity's Defense can take any of it they want." Jason added. "With those two around, even if you think me biased, I'd rather have the army help us keep everything safe."
"I think what they're offering sounds pretty nice for Steven." Greg added.
It didn't sound suffocating, like how he felt growing up with his family.
"Plus, we know Jason." Connie decided to finish. "Sure, you can think him biased, but I've only seen him as a loyal Crystal Gem. He loves Steven like a brother, so I'm certain he wouldn't agree with this if it meant Steven would be harmed."
"Tye West." Garnet stepped forward. "We will work with the World Army on the condition you understand completely that you do not control us."
Tye nodded. "We will work as equals."
"With that out of the way, let's really get to know each other." Jason stated.
Beach City: Night…
Everyone got to know Tye West before having to take off. Steven went off with his dad, the gems returned to the temple, and Connie had to go home. With just Jason and his dad, the former decided to drive him around Beach City.
"…I've pretty much been all over the city, and I can't say it was exactly my choice." Jason informed. "Though, everything that goes on here sure made it an interesting way to see the city."
"I'll bet." Tye nodded. "The people you've associated with have really helped you change." He looked out the window of the SUV wistfully. "You're certainly more emotional than I remember."
"It's not like I was emotionless back at base." Jason countered.
"No, that's not what I meant." Tye smiled. "I'm honestly happy being out here has given you so much. I just wish I could have given you a life like this rather than what you got."
"I'm not." Jason had parked his SUV near the beach house. "I don't know what my life could have been, but even factoring in the danger I've experienced, the only thing I'd want in this life is to meet my moms, outside of what they left for me.
Other than that, I'm content with where I am. I have a great dad, an amazing little brother figure, I'm part of an awesome team, and I've met a lot of people. My life isn't normal, but I wouldn't know what to do with normal."
"You've certainly matured more than you already were." Tye laughed good naturedly, as the father/son pair left the vehicle.
"Maybe I have." Jason agreed.
Before their conversation could continue, the pair heard music. The super soldier looked and saw it was coming from Steven, who was with Greg in the van.
She was trapped in a mirror
And it couldn't be clearer
She wanted to leave this place
And get herself back in space
And dad you might think she's a criminal
But her friendship comes through subliminal
Lapis Lazuli, you fled with my friend
Lapis Lazuli, you were so mad, but then you started to mend
Jason sighed and looked away. "I hope you're okay out there, Lapis."
Tye recognized in his son something he once saw in himself years ago. At that moment, something screeched cutting through the air, and it was coming from the temple.
"Dad, I got to go." Jason ran off at the same time as Steven. "Go hang with Mr. Universe or head on up to my house! I'll inform you what this is later!"
"Alright!" Tye shouted back.
Beach House
"What's happening!?" Steven yelled as the hybrids ran into the house.
"It's the wailing stone!" Pearl answered.
Everyone was forced to cover their ears because of the sound.
"Make it stop!" Amethyst cried.
"It just activated on its own!" Pearl informed.
"It won't shut up!" Amethyst whined.
Garnet walked up and slammed her gauntlet down on top of it, hitting the button that shut it down. Upon removing her gauntlet, the stone continued screeching.
"Stand back!" Pearl bubbled the thing, deafening the noise to near nothing. "Ha, it worked. Now, we can…"
The bubble grew bigger and bigger until it popped, continuing the noise again. Steven ran up to the stone and stuck his arm through the hole. At first, it was silent, but then he opened his mouth causing the sound to come from him.
Jason ran up to the kid and pulled him away before Garnet stuffed one of the couch cushions into the hole, significantly muffling the noise. She grabbed the rest of the cushions from the couch and placed them all around the wailing stone, quieting things down to near silence.
For some reason, she also grabbed Steven. "I don't understand. That thing has laid dormant since we found it."
"I haven't heard a wailing stone activate since we used them for the rebellion, and I've never heard it sound like that." Pearl informed.
"They're used to communicate, right?" Jason asked, receiving a nod in return.
"Someone is trying to send us a message." Garnet confirmed.
"To us specifically, or is it a wide range signal for anyone?" Jason asked no one in particular.
"We wouldn't know?" Pearl replied worriedly. "We've rounded up all the wailing stones on Earth, and we're not sending this message to ourselves…unless." She looked annoyed at the purple gem. "Amethyst, is this a prank?"
"No way!" Amethyst cried. "I want it to stop! I don't like it!"
"If it's not from Earth, then a gem must be sending this message from space." Garnet informed.
"Is that what some gems sound like?" Steven asked as he walked up to them.
"No, we should be hearing a voice." Pearl replied. "Maybe this signal is too advanced for the wailing stone to process. That would explain the distorted audio."
"Audio." Steven gasped. "My daddy-o knows audio!"
"Uh, you mean Greg?" Amethyst asked uneasily.
"Yeah!"
"I don't know…" Pearl stated unsure.
"Well, Greg is the musician of our group." Jason voiced. "He deals with music, audio, and acoustics in general. He may not be a gem, but he can probably still help. Besides, you got a better idea?"
"Uhhh…" Pearl tried.
"Don't whine." Garnet declared. "Let's try it."
Beach
"I can't believe it! You need help with sound stuff?" Greg happily declared while the Crystal Gems and Tye sat on cushions. "You've come to the right guy! Ah ha! The Lubitz Cardioid Condenser 680!" He pulled out a foam microphone. "It's got warm tone without much top end."
"Uh, plus it's got a big honking sponge thing." Amethyst pointed out.
"I know! Isn't it awesome?" Greg quickly swapped out the cushions for the microphone before using his soundboard. "Now, I'm going to add some reverb and low octave effects. I'm also adding some fuzz 'cause who couldn't use more fuzz? Now, if I directly input the wailing Stone and put it through a flange, we might get what you're looking for."
The others looked at Tye, who decided to keep it simple. "The man knows what he's talking about and better than I ever could."
"Flangers aside, do you really think a signal like this is compatible with your analog devices?" Pearl questioned.
"Don't worry dad, it'll work!" Steven used a microphone to distort his voice.
"Advanced technology aside, music and sound are all a form of noise." Tye informed. "No matter how advanced the equipment, you can't change the base composition of sound."
"Exactly, my man." Greg finished tuning. "Now, here goes nothing."
The sound came back only it was louder than before.
"This is even worse!" Amethyst yelled out over the deafening noise.
"I'm sorry!" Greg apologized before working on his board to fix it, causing the noise to fluctuate.
"It sounds like music." Steven stated.
"Yeah, that's really nice." Greg muttered, the noise taking on a more musical tone. "Yes, yes. Woo hoo!"
"But, it's not supposed to be music." Pearl declared. "It's supposed to be a message."
"Hold on, I got this." Greg started fiddled with the noise, making it fluctuate again. "It's changing!"
"It almost sounds like a voice." Steven stated.
"Almost got it!" The noise got a bit clearer until everything went silent. "Great…"
"What's happening?" Pearl asked. "Where's the signal?"
"Looks like the battery couldn't handle everything he needed, and I don't think a bigger battery would help either." Tye deduced.
"I had a feeling this wouldn't work," Pearl stood up and stalked around frustrated. "There's just no way Greg's equipment can interface with our ancient, gem technology."
Tye approached the equipment and began looking at it.
"Ah, come on Pearl." Steven tried. "You can't be ready to give up yet."
"Look, we just got to keep trying." Greg declared. "Sure, we don't have the latest and greatest gem tech, but…"
Garnet moved to get the condenser out.
"Wait a minute." Tye turned around suddenly, stopping everyone before he looked to the man. "What did you just say?"
"That we don't have the latest and greatest gem tech, but…" Greg replied confused.
"Pearl?" Tye looked at her. "I was informed these were sent messages audibly back during the rebellion six thousand years ago, correct?" She nodded. "Six thousand years is an absurdly long time; however, this waling stone should still be able to give us something unless it's not audio."
"If it's not audio, then it must be video!" Steven understood what he was getting at.
"Bingo." Tye declared. "Gem tech is six thousand years more advanced, so it stands to reason they'd have discarded common audio for visual media. Greg, if I provide the power, can you work your skills to get us the message?"
"I sure can give it a shot." Greg stated.
"All we need is the gem's approval." Tye stated.
The gems looks at each other in silent contemplation.
"Come on you three." Jason spoke up. "What do we have to lose? My dad has science know how while Greg is the media expert. Besides, I'm not certain how long it'd take me to find a solution through gem technology."
The gems ended up nodding in agreement. Tye got the jeep he arrived in before hooking it up to Greg's van and allowing it to siphon power.
"Alright, all systems are a go." Tye ran around to Greg. "Let's see what you can do, Greg."
"The wailing stone is ready." Jason confirmed.
"Ready with the video cord, Steven?" Greg asked.
"Ready." Steven then plugged it into the TV.
"Is that it?" Pearl asked as they were staring at static.
"No, it's just static when something is having trouble trying to connect to the TV." Jason informed. "We need a clearer picture."
"Just a second because I got this." Greg began fiddling with his controls.
The noise was more manageable and sounded slightly better as the screen fluctuated, trying to right the image.
"I hear something." Steven declared.
"Come on!" Greg groaned, desperately trying to find the right frequency.
Then, Lapis appeared on screen.
"Jason! Steven!" Lapis declared.
"Lapis!" Steven/Jason exclaimed.
"I did it!" Greg announced ecstatically.
"I can't believe my eyes!" Pearl exclaimed.
"Everyone, listen up." Garnet commanded.
"I hope you're able to hear this." Lapis stated. "There's a gem looking for you two, and she even knew your names. I don't know how. I didn't tell her, I swear! She's on her way to Earth, and she's not alone."
"Lapis sounds so scared." Jason thought worriedly.
"Homeworld is not the way it used to be." Lapis continued. "Everything here is so advanced. I can't even understand it. There's no way anything on Earth could stand up to it. Please, don't put up a fight. It'll only lead to devastation."
"She sounded sincere." Tye commented shocked. "Six thousand years is a long time, but to hear how frantic that gem was over it…"
"It's Peridot." Pearl stated somberly. "She must be talking about Peridot."
"She's coming for us!" Amethyst yelped, grabbing her head in fear.
"Lapis, she sounds so unhappy…" Steven stated.
"She really does." Jason hung his head. "I should have just asked her to stay."
"Woo." Garnet piped up.
"Huh?" The others stated in confusion.
"We did it." Garnet responded. "We got the message."
"But…" Amethyst tried.
"It's got!" Garnet stated firmly before walking up to the two humans and holding out a hand to each of them. "Thank you, Greg and Tye. We would not have received this message without your help."
"You… you're welcome." Greg was tearing up as he shook her hand.
Tye shook it without any words.
"My dad is…the best!" Steven got everyone's attention by using that auto tuning voice box.
"Oh my gosh, Steven's a robot! Help, I can't relate to my robot son!" Greg cried out jokingly.
"My mind is the internet." Steven declared. "I know every continuity mistake ever made on television."
Neither of them saw it, but Jason did. The gems and his own father were uncertain about the future. Even a little terrified.
Jason approached the maroon gem and leaned in so no one else would hear. "Hey Garnet, nice job."
"I don't know…"
"You forget who I am." Jason interrupted.
She stared at him for a few seconds before nodding. "I guess I did for a moment there."
"I should get started…shouldn't I?" Jason asked.
"You should." Garnet replied. "Could you get the wailing stone?"
"Sure." Jason stated.
The gems then left for the beach house.
"Hey Jason and Tye." Greg called out. "My son and I are going to go get a bite to eat before turning in. You two want to come?"
"We'll put a pin in that." Tye put on a smile for him. "My son and I are going to clean up before turning in at his place."
"Oh, let us help." Steven offered.
"Nah." Jason waved him off. "You've been doing really well as a Crystal Gem, and my dad only helped yours get us that message." He nodded. "Let us do this for you and consider this your guy's time to have a little celebration."
"You sure?" Steven asked.
"Positive." Jason smiled. "Get going you two."
"Well, alright then." Greg held out his hand to Tye. "Thanks for helping."
Tye shook the hand. "No problem."
"Yay, fry bits!" Steven cried happily, running to the boardwalk.
"Hey, wait for me!" Greg called out to his son, chasing after him.
"They'll come looking for all five of us Crystal Gems." Jason voiced to his dad.
"Yeah." Tye nodded. "I'll return to base tomorrow and get men down here at once to aid with evacuation when the time calls for it. I'll even…"
"No, that first thing you mentioned will be enough." Jason stated. "The Crystal Gems will be the front line. The World Army can be there in case we fail to stop whatever comes or as a place to retreat to. Either way, humanity might need you in the end."
"Alright." Tye took a deep breath. "Once this crisis passes, I'll have a base constructed closer to Beach City. For now, everyone will be relying on you five."
Before anything more could be said between them, the TV turned on again to display Lapis. "Jason…" The soldier immediately turned his attention to her. "Please, be careful. You didn't give up when you were helping me, but I don't want you to be hurt.
I don't want to lose you. I can't lose you!" She looked so freaked out and scared. "Not after you helped me when I was so vulnerable. Please…" She's begging. "Don't fight. I just…I want you to be safe."
The video cut off again, leaving only the white noise.
"Lapis…" Jason put his hand on the screen before clenching his fist. "Please be okay."
Tye put a hand on his son's back in comfort and said nothing. In this moment, he was merely here when his son needed it, and Jason appreciated that more than his dad would know.
dindagangleader14: Yeah, usually Jason and Pearl do get along. Especially as their friendship has come quite a long way from that rocky beginning, they had, what with the shattered corrupted.