The Hub:Meeting Room

Tye entered the room where footage captured from 'The Return' was wrapping up. While other instances have been linked to gemkind's renewed interest in Earth, these were extraterrestrials landing on Earth. This event covered the hand ship appearing to Jasper being driven off.

She, like Peridot, remained at large despite efforts to find both. Kellan was in this room along with two others. The youngest of this group was 25 years old with heterochromatic black and white eyes underneath the spectacles. He had white hair with a black streak down the middle.

His attire consisted of a white suit with black accents. It's theorized he has gem heritage. Considering the three confirmed gem hybrids of this age, it wasn't out of the question. The other was a woman of middle age with wrinkles only starting to come in.

She has brown eyes and matching, long hair. Her attire was a navy-blue pan suit. Their names were Chrome Weathers and Susan Felt, respectively. While Kellan was the leader of the world, absolute power corrupted absolutely.

Many records from past governments showed they failed for that reason. If not that, it came from stretching themselves too thin. Talks were even in place to expand their council, but that was not today as Tye took his seat upon the video ending.

"Now that we are all on the same page with what happened, it's time to discuss moving forward." Kellan voiced.

"What can we do to compete with such advanced technology?" Susan questioned.

"According to my son, laser weaponry, except perhaps what they can create today, won't get us far." Tye crossed his arms. "I already have our scientist hard at work enhancing our ballistic and explosive weaponry."

"It makes sense given what we do know of gems." Chrome voiced. "Even six thousand years ago, their technology denotes lasers over what we've developed. By combining their tech with ours, we can push that to new heights."

"Additionally, the Crystal Gems allowed my son to send us broken gem destabilizers." Tye added. "While we can't piece them together, it has led to advancements in electrical weapons which we theorize can still harm a gem's form more than standard bullets."

"Perhaps in time they'd trust us with some of the intact ones they managed to salvage, but it is understandable they'd want to keep them." Kellan stated. "Our alliance is tentatively new at this point."

"I'm unsure how you feel, but I'm more than content to leave them with my son." Tye added. "In the meantime, we have also been scouting known gem locations with the best salvage."

"What of the Lapis Lazuli?" Chrome asked.

"She is a gem, and all gems are to be dealt with as the Crystal Gems see fit." Kellan informed. "Even if we wanted to take her in for stealing the water and leading the gems here, we are incapable of containing her."

"Let us not forget she was a prisoner on this planet already." Tye reminded. "If I were her, I'd have stolen the ocean in an attempt to get home, and it has been confirmed she told Homeworld nothing of Earth."

"Confirmed by her to the Crystal Gems." Chrome retorted.

"Careful Chrome." Tye stated. "War is never easy. No matter what you believe, the fact is she was found in a mirror. Gems have been used to power other things. The difference lies in the fact she was sentient and is here now."

"There's also nothing we could do at this time even if we wanted to." Susan stated. "That gem was powerful enough to steal the ocean and match the Crystal Gems with a broken gem. I say let her stay with the Crystal Gems."

"Very well." Chrome sighed. "I'll relent on that point, but what of Jasper and Peridot?"

"Law enforcement and military alike will be on the lookout." Tye informed. "If I know the Crystal Gems, they'll be keeping an eye out as well."

"Now, if no one has anything more to say on these matters, there is one last thing I'd like to brin up." No one said anything, so Kellan pressed a button on the desk.

Michael appeared on the screen. "People of this esteemed council, thank you for giving me your time. Today, I come to you with the final solution should all other means prove ineffective. As you've likely discussed, Homeworld has showed renewed interest in Earth

While new circumstances will be the spark for exponential growth, it may very well not be enough. Even with everything we will prepare, there may be nothing we can do to fight Homeworld. That is why, in the event we can't win, I feel humanity should live.

I will offer my private land to construct arcs which can ferry humans off Earth. We can then use information from my late wife's ship to chart a course to a new world. In the worst-case scenario, Earth doesn't have to be the end of humanity.

"Such words doesn't sit right with me." Susan stated.

"I disagree as there's an old saying I lend credence to." Kellan stated. "'Hope for the best, yet plan for the worst.'"

"Yeah, but it sounds like we're already giving up on Earth if we agree." Susan voiced.

"I am all for protecting Earth with everything we have; however, there may come a time when that just isn't enough." Michael stated. "As things stand, based on what I've been told, Homeworld has the numbers, technology, and powers.

If everything gets thrown at the opposition, and they make it out with enough to keep up the attack, then we need a contingency plan. That's where the arcs come in. A last-ditch effort to save humanity."

"I'm convinced." Chrome stated. "All things considered, giving humanity a second shot in the worst-case scenario doesn't sound that bad."

"Provided they are only used in the worst-case scenario, I'll agree as well, and move men into this endeavor." Tye stated.

Everyone looked at Susan as she was now the only holdout. "I suppose I can see the value; however, I want everyone's word that everything will be done to the best of your abilities. If these arcs are going to be used, I don't want it to be because we failed in other areas."

"You have out our word." Everyone declared.

"Then, I agree." Susan stated.

"It's official." Kellan stated. "The Arc Plan will be put in motion effective immediately."

Past Days…

Aside from Peridot and Jasper joining the growing list of potential threats on Earth, things were still looking up. The army even contacted Jason and informed him of an escape pod just outside the city. When he brought it back, Steven, Amethyst, and Pearl confirmed it was Peridot's.

Jason took it to his complex. Without a confirmed time when they could expect more Homeworld gems, of which Jason was certain more would come, his training, research, and development would still be paramount. As the days passed, Garnet gained an admirer.

Flashback

"Whoa, back up!" Jason exclaimed in shock. "Tell me what you just said again?"

"Jaime is in love with Garnet!" Steven exclaimed.

"Now, we need to figure out a way to let him down easily, so he doesn't get hurt!" Connie added.

Jason stared at the kids as he tried to comprehend what he was being told. "Jaime…the mailman…is in love with Garnet?" They nodded. "In love…with Garnet?" He looked to the side. "That gem right there."

The two of them looked where he pointed. "Yes!"

Look, Jason was all for the gems finding a partner if that's what they wanted, but the thought of Garnet, a gem comprised of two gems who seemed enamored with each other, was a foreign idea. In the end, Garnet was able to let him down easily and things returned to normal.

Past Days…

After the Jaime situation was figured out, Garnet, Amethyst, and Steven ended up having quite the adventure within the temple chasing a slinker. From what the soldier could gather, Amethyst kept getting poofed and coming back with forms that left something to be desired.

By the end of it, the right words seemed to have been said because the purple gem ended up reforming more like she once was, except with only a black tank top. While the slinker had been at large, Jason slipped into the temple later with Garnet to take it out.

Jason & Lapis' Home

With the passing days, Jason informed Lapis about Earth. While that included a lot of cool things about it, chief among the information was on potential threats. like Humanity's Defense. The last thing he wanted was for them to get the jump on her.

Currently, he had her helping him clean his various weapons as he explained this fact. "Even though you're a gem, a powerful one at that, Humanity's Defense has some surprisingly strong people."

"Even before I left Earth, you were dealing with something, huh?" Lapis questioned.

"Yeah, and I won't lie about it either." Jason informed. "The only time I ever escaped without lucking out or back up was a warehouse they ended up bringing me to. That's because none of the people I think are their heavy hitters were there.

Still, if they ever end up coming for you, we've already determined you're able to pull from the water nearby. Though, I still wouldn't underestimate them. Three times now they've underestimated me, but I don't think they'll end up doing that again."

"I don't know if I like what you've just said." Lapis looked at Jason worriedly. "Wouldn't that mean the next time they come after you, they'll have a better chance of taking you?"

"Don't worry Lapis." Jason smiled. "I've been getting better with my water and electricity. It's gotten to the point I've started working on combining them like I did against Jasper. Eventually, there won't be a kick back. With no kick back…well, you saw how strong I was."

"Maybe." Lapis sighed. "Jason, I know it wasn't an enemy that did it to you, but you still almost died on me. Even if those people want to catch you or the gems want to bring you in, I fear they'll just dispose of you once they're done. I-I don't want to lose you."

"After getting you back, I don't want to lose you either." Jason assured her. "In the end, Earth is my home. Hey, you have the right to choose to do whatever you want with your powers, and I'll fight for that; however, that's also the key thing about this.

I fight to protect the people who decide that fighting isn't for them, and those who can't fight to begin with. What I can say is, you're a very compelling reason for me to become stronger." Lapis blushed lightly at that. "I'll even make you a promise right here and now."

"What is that?" Lapis asked.

Jason smiled as he grabbed her hands and brought the water gem up. "Lapis, no matter what I face, I promise to put my whole existence into coming back just to see you again. I'll do whatever I can to make that happen. How is that?"

"It does actually put my mind at ease." Lapis kissed him on the cheek this time. "Thank you."

"You know, there is something else you could do to help me." Jason stated. "I know you've been on the fence about fighting yourself, which is fine, but you could always help me prepare. As I've said before, your water clones were amazing. I could use them for training."

"I think that could be arranged." Lapis stated. "Honestly, I have enjoyed seeing you train on the beach the times I've stepped out to look around. I wouldn't mind getting to see it up close."

"It's settled, but we'll get on it later." Jason stated. "For now, I think we're done with the weapons. Let's head on up and take it easy."

Beach House: Next Day…

Jason had come down to the beach house hoping to hang with Steven but had noticed him atop a hand of the temple statue with Connie as he drove in. In the end, he still decided to come in and see about checking in with the gems.

Upon entering, he found the pale white gem. "Hey Pearl."

"Oh, hello Jason." Pearl returned. "I did not expect you to come around today."

"That's understandable." Jason chuckled. "Ever since I moved into my new place, I've only really shown up for emergencies. Still, I am welcome here, right?"

"Of course, you are." Pearl stated with a smile before it dropped into a worried frown. "How are things with Lapis?"

"Pretty good." Jason nodded. "She picked out a room and decorated it with a sea them. We've been spending a lot of time in my complex going over vehicles and weapons together. We've even been flying a couple of times as well."

"I see…" Pearl stated.

"Pearl, if this is about how she reacted to you three, she was stuck in that mirror for thousands of years." Jason stated. "While I think the war was justified, it was said war that resulted in that. She even said a Crystal Gem with rainbow hair was the one who poofed her."

"A rainbow haired crystal gem?" Pearl questioned.

"Yeah, did you know her?" Jason asked.

"I knew a gem with rainbow hair." Pearl admitted. "Her name was Bismuth; however, it was unknown what happened to her. She could be a corrupted gem, captured, or shattered." She opened her eyes wide. "You've never shattered a corrupted rainbow gem, have you?"

"No, I'd remembered shattering a colorful gem like that, even with the fact I lost track of the number." Jason stated. "Though, haven't I seen a colorful gem before?" He shook his head. "I'm not going to force a bond, but I will say I'd like it if you could all give each other a chance.

Lapis likes Steven and I, we both like her, and we both like you three. The missing link in these connections is you three and Lapis. Even if you never hang out, I'd personally like it if both sides could at least give each other the benefit of the doubt."

"You raise some good points." Pearl admitted. "Very well, I'll believe she's genuine in her interactions with you. I hear humans say innocent until proven guilty these days."

"Thank you, Pearl." Jason stated gratefully.

Suddenly, Steven and Connie appeared on the warp pad, with the former smiling. "Perfect, you two are both here. I had a feeling when I spotted your SUV Jason."

"Well, you two certainly seem eager." Jason smiled. "What's got your guys excited?"

"I want you two to teach Connie how to fight with a sword." Steven declared. "She's already so good."

Connie blushed from embarrassment. "Steven!"

"You are." Steven stated. "You helped me fight off that robot, you took down that clone of yourself, and you managed to scare off those mean seagulls just now."

"I don't know." Pearl stated. "She's a little young to be starting something like this."

"Nonsense Pearl." Jason smiled as he crossed his arms. "While I am an exception, in that most young ones wouldn't be sent out, boys and girls around their age start training back at base. Far as I know, it's a common practice among soldier families."

"Please, I want to learn." Connie spoke up. "I don't know what will happen in the future, but if something dangerous comes along, I don't want to be a burden. I'd like to help. I want to be there with Steven, fighting by his side. The Earth is my home to, so can't I help protect it?"

Pearl was tearing up at her passion. "Since you feel that way, I accept."

"Yeah, we can train you two together." Jason knelt before them. "Right now, you two are worth about two quarts each. Connie has no training, and Steven just unlocked his shield. Put you together, and we can make a full gallon. The sword and shield."

"Well, I don't know about that…" Pearl began.

"Pearl, Connie's a human." Jason stood. "Unlike me, she's not going to unlock more durability. Unlike a gem, she won't reform. Just think if they ever get into an engagement with a fusion like Sugilite or gem like Jasper. Connie will need immense training, or Steven by her side."

Pearl took a second look at Connie. "That is a fair a point."

"Plus, I like what Jason is suggesting because it lines up with what Connie said." Steven smiled. "Someday soon, we'll likely fight some bad people or more gems. When that day comes, I want to fight alongside Connie and all of you. Together. Crystal Gems!"

Pearl was tearing up once more. "I see now." She took a deep breath. "Alright, Jason and I will train you both. There's no better time to get started then now."

Sky Arena

The four of them appeared on the warp pad with Connie face planting, but it wasn't like Steven hadn't had some rather shaky landings when he first started. Pearl was currently carrying a blade for Connie to use.

"You okay?" Steven asked as he helped Connie up, who seemed rather ecstatic. "It can take some getting used to."

Jason smiled. "Alright you two, come along."

He walked with Pearl, prompting the kids to run after them. They all then ended up in the main arena, where Jason and Pearl have trained so many times prior now.

"This is the ancient sky arena, Connie." Pearl informed. "This is where some of the first battles for Earth took place. It was here I became familiar with the human concept of being a knight. Completely dedicated to a person and cause."

"Pearl…" Jason warned a little firmly, which seemed to reel the gem in a touch. "Being a knight is fine, it's even great to be dedicated to a cause, but there is one thing I want to stress. If you want to dedicate yourself to one person, that's your business.

I can't decide for you if that's right or wrong. Personally, I just don't know, but I can tell you how I feel about the subject. I don't like it. Despite what you may think about me, I don't want to die. Sure, I'll accept it if it comes, but I'd rather live for everyone.

My dad, the World Army that helped raise me, you two, the Crystal Gems, and Lapis. I dedicate myself to people and fight because I want to protect the innocent. Let me say, what you fight for can become quite messy, but I don't regret it.

It's up to you to decide what you fight for." Steven and Connie looked at the soldier with stars in their eyes while Pearl seemed rather thoughtful. "Regardless, all of this is just training and how you develop your ideals doesn't need to be instantaneous. Pearl, if you'd please?"

"Right." Pearl summoned two Holo-Pearls, which freaked out Steven. "To begin with, these Holo-Pearls will be your opponents."

"Don't worry Steven." Jason crossed his arms. "Pearl has made plenty of adjustments since that night she first showed them off. Believe me, I wouldn't let either of you near them if I didn't think it was alright."

"Yeah." Steven took a deep breath. "You wouldn't." He summoned his shield while Pearl gave Connie the sword. "I'm ready for this."

"Alright, it all begins with your stance…" Pearl began.

She helped Connie get into a proper stance while Jason managed to help Steven. Even if the super soldier was by no means a master shield user, he was still qualified enough with them to teach the boy.

Jason: Remember, you do it for each other

Pearl: And you would do it again

Both: You do it for each other

(They helped the kids get used to moving with their weapons.)

Both (PJ): Keep your stance wide

Pearl/Jason: Keep your body lowered/Keep your guard higher

Both (PJ): As you're moving forward

Balance is the key

(They now worked to refine the pair's stances. Eventually, time began to pass with Jason preparing the pair drinks to help with their performance.)

Both (PJ): Right foot, left foot

Now go even faster

And as you're moving backwards

Keep your eyes on me

(Pearl and Jason were taking a hands-on approach. The former showed Connie how to move while the latter did the same for Steven.)

Both (CS): Keep our stance wide (good)

Connie/Steven: Keep my body lowered/Keep my guard higher (right)

As we're moving forward (concentrate!)

(The pair were battling Holo-Pearls again with Steven blocking while Connie moved into attack. They eventually presented an opening, which the holograms took to push them back.)

Jason: Remember, you're two fighters, but you must work as one.

Both (CS): Right foot, left foot

(They pressed the attack to their advantage.)

Pearl: That's it, put your whole body into it!

Deep down you know

You weren't built for fighting

But that doesn't mean

You're not prepared to try

(Connie's sword hand had welts while Steven had received a cut to the cheek. Pearl tended to the latter while Jason tended to the former.)

Both (CS): Deep down, we know

That we're not fighters (That's right)

(Connie now wore sleeveless attire while Steven stuck with his usual clothes.)

Both (CS): But we know that we can draw our weapons and fight

(They charged the Holo-Pearls with Steven blocking and pushing them back before Connie came in with the pressure.

Both (CS): We can make a difference (Excellent you two!)

We can be there for each other

(Steven expanded his shield, blocking the strikes from the Holo-Pearls and knocking them on their backs before Connie came in to finish them off.)

(All): We can fight for our home

We can do it for each other

(Instructors and students all possessed with their weapons together. Pearl and Jason both held weapons like their students; however, Jason's shield was obviously unlike Steven's in that it wasn't a gem weapon.)

Jason: Alright, let's move through it again (Right, sir)

Pear: You do it together, and now you say

Both (CS): We do it for each other

Sky Arena: Weeks Later, Evening…

Steven and Connie had taken off once training was done for the day; however, Jason noticed Pearl was sitting at the edge of the arena looking off into the distance. As such, he decided to talk with his fellow instructor.

When the soldier plopped himself down next to her, the white gem spoke up. "You know, I took a lot of pride in risking my destruction for Rose. I put her over everything. Logic, consequence, and even my own life."

"Yeah, I was getting that before; however, you seem to have changed your mind." Jason voiced.

"When I look at them, the way they fight together, I start to think of why Rose and I never fought like they did." Pearl stated. "That led me to think more on all the times we've talked about it." Tears came to her eyes. "Reflecting on it, I was infatuated with Rose.

Pearls are designed to take orders, but with her, she made me feel like I was everything. Those two showed me what a true connection is. For as great as Rose was…she wasn't perfect. She was fine letting me do what I did. She never addressed this with me."

"Well, everyone has their flaws." Jason stated. "Weather their intentional or not doesn't matter. In the end, despite what you've discovered, Rose did give you one heck of a gift."

"She did." Pearl wiped her eyes before smiling. "She's not the only one. Even with Rose gone, I'm lucky enough to have those kids, you, Garnet, and Amethyst in my life. I always fought because it's what Rose would have wanted, but now I can fight to help all of you stay happy."

"Fighting to protect the happiness of those who matter to you." Jason nodded. "That's a great thing to strive for Pearl."

Jason's SUV, Evening…

Jason got into his vehicle only for his father to call, so he answered it. "Hey dad, what's up?"

"I'm calling to inform you Councilor Wissen will be paying a visit to Beach City." Tye replied. "You've been operating in a gray area as a soldier, so I'd like for you to get a checkup. I'd also like Steven to see her. Nothing must come from it, but it'd be good to assess him."

"No problem." Jason retorted. "I've missed my mental checkups with her and maybe Steven could get something out of it. Just have her call me a day out, and I'll discuss it with the gems."

"Will do." Tye stated.

Beach: Next Day…

Jason was fighting a water clone of himself while Lapis sat in the sand nearby observing him. Even though the soldier assured her she didn't need to watch him, the water gem found herself wanting to be here with him.

There was something different about the way Jason fought, and when she brought it up with him, he seemed to think she liked his passion. As he explained it, it seemed to be the case. The way Jason moved and fought with such ease was captivating.

He returned the compliment by saying he liked how passionate she seemed to be about learning something new. While initially she was uneasy about all of this, the water gem had to admit Earth was something else.

"Hey Lapis!" Steven yelled happily as he ran over to her. "I thought I spotted you."

"Oh, hey Steven." Lapis smiled. "It's good to see you again."

Jason broke through his clone's opening and cut him in half. Rather than reform or split into two, the water clone simply splattered.

The soldier then turned around with a smile as he returned the sword he'd been using. "I thought I heard you, Steven." He joined the pair. "Did you just come to say hi to Lapis?"

"It wasn't just that." Steven stated. "Now that enough time has passed, I actually wanted to suggest something to her."

"Oh, and what would that be Steven?" Lapis asked.

"I was hoping you'd give the gems a chance." Steven replied.

"What are you talking about?" Lapis questioned, caught off-guard.

"Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl." Steven stated. "I want you to give them a chance."

Despite spending weeks around Beach City, Lapis had avoided the Crystal Gems. She no longer possessed any animosity towards them, thanks to her closeness with Jason and Steven; however, her imprisonment within that mirror made her uncomfortable around them.

"Steven, I don't think that's a good idea." Lapis responded morosely.

"Well, you'll never know unless you try." Steven stated. "How about you spend just twelve hours, four hours per gem, with them?"

"I don't know…" Lapis stated.

"Lapis, I think you should do whatever makes you comfortable and what I'm about to say is in no way meant to coerce you into Steven's idea." Jason stated sincerely. "I'd just personally like it if you gave them a chance. Hopefully, it'll allow you to be in the gem's presence at least."

"Yeah, neither of us are saying you got to become a Crystal Gem, but the two of us would like it if all our favorite people could at least be in the same room as each other."

Lapis looked between them as she weighed their words against her own desires. On the one hand, a day with those three did not sound like an easy feat. On the other hand, she recognized these two did value those gems. Plus, she has become open to new experiences.

"Very well." Ultimately, the water gem nodded. "I'll spend tomorrow with each of the gems. We will start at eight a.m. and end at eight p.m."

"Alright!" Steven smiled. "I'll go tell the gems and get them on board."

Once the boy had run off, Jason put a hand on her shoulder. "Just be honest with Steven and I by the end of it. If you really can't stand the gems, we'll understand. Steven might be a little sad over it, but I assure you he'll understand."

"Thank you, Jason." Lapis stated sincerely.


dindagangleader14: It's just how things would have progressed since I feel Lapis would have still been on the fence about things. At the same time, in this universe, she doesn't have that experiance of being fused with Jasper, so it was a bit lighter than canon.