Chapter Text
Bismuth was handed her disks- the only material tools a Bismuth would ever need. She had long since forgotten the it’s technical name, but that didn’t stop her from slapping them on the backs of her wrists. Slight vibrations against the light of her form signaled it was scanning her to make sure they had been put on a Gem that was able to withstand the heat.
Bismuth groaned as a ring in the center of the disks began to slowly light up. “Stupid ducking things.” She had been requesting replacement ones for decades, but since she was still adequately able to do her job her applications were consistently denied.
Quiet beeps from one of the devices indicated the circle of light was complete, allowing the disks to melt into a thick dark liquid that crept around her wrists before covering the backs of her hands. The easily manipulated substance would spread and mould to Bismuth’s form as she shifted her hands into whatever tools she needed for construction.
A deep sigh escaped her as the gloves begun to heat up past temperatures most would be able to endure. When the disks were in adequate condition they would heat up near instantly, but these days it took a few minutes- at first she thought the material she was working with had a higher melting point, but even the ones that used to completely melt and bubble at a single touch would only bend.
Bismuth grumbled to herself as she rolled her shoulders and cracked her neck. Time to begin work on the new colony: Earth.
[Earlier that rotation]
The Amethyst’s made on Earth had never been off planet, but despite having no experience outside their own colony they knew how this place was being run was unorthodox. It wasn’t obvious at first- it was only a few small differences here and there. That’s to be expected in a Diamond’s first colony.
It wasn’t odd for a Quartz to write a report, but it was odd for them to be tasked with filing and reorganising reports to be sent out- that was their Agate’s job. Along with managing a unit of Quartzes an Agate had to sort through their reports to make adjustments before she sent them out to her own superiors.
If anything, the only time Quartzes are meant to be involved with Agate reports is if they’re tasked as bodyguards- alongside the pearl’s who were transferring said reports. They were guarding the reports of course, not the pearls- why would a pearl have a guard? The report is what has substance and value, the pearl is just the box it’s delivered in.
The reports were digital- physical documentation had been made obsolete eons ago- but some reports weren’t trusted to be delivered over systems that could be easily hacked. Which seemed to be more of an issue these days, although most didn’t know why and few had the audacity to question it.
“Oh great…”
Both Quartzes that had been tasked with filing these reports were variants of Amethyst. While one of them had been made in this colony only a couple decades ago, the other was a much older Lace Amethyst. Her form had long started to fade, not by defect but by exposure to light. Her chest bore Yellow Diamond’s insignia, which was odd since Yellow Diamond had no role to play in Amethyst production. Maybe she had been promoted. To be transferred to Yellow’s armies was an honour.
“Is something wrong? If there’s an issue with the system we need to repo-“
The Earth Amethyst had been paired with the Lace Amethyst for only a few short months, and Lace had taken a somewhat parental role towards the younger Quartz- not that she knew what that was. She looked out for Amethyst where she could, and made sure she was kept safe. She could do her hands on jobs just fine, but she seemed more sensitive than most Quartzes.
Lace cut her off. “I wished there was somethin’ wrong with the system. Look!” Lace turned her screen, it had placement scheduled displayed- gems were being outsourced from other colonies to Earth since it seemed like there had been delays made to production of other kindergartens.
It was unusual that the colony still only had the Prime Kindergarten, but it wasn’t unheard of. Some planets' resources are harder to mine than others.
“All I see is a Bismuth’s file...” There didn’t seem to be anything negative with the report, if anything it seemed this Gem exceeded expectations with faster working time and sturdier outcomes. “Don’t we need construction gems? I heard we’re short on… well pretty much everything since the Kindergarten has only produced Quartzes.”
Lace rolled her eyes, but Amethyst got the feeling it wasn’t directed at her. “Yeah we need them, a colony can’t be made with just us Quartzes- but why does it have to be her?” She dragged out ‘her’ with a groan. “Out of all the Bismuths, why her? Why here?”
Amethyst was intrigued- clearly there was some gossip to be shared. Maybe they had a history? A night sneaking out past curfew gone wrong perhaps… Lace seemed to have a lot of stories like that, whether they were true or not was up to interpretation. “Spill.”
“Nothin’ much to spill, she’s just a massive cu-“ Lace didn’t get the chance to finish her profanity.
“I thought I assigned you to this task for it to be completed, not to encourage Quartz gossip.” The report screens Amethyst had been correcting dissipated from view as she turned to face the voice. Her posture stiffened as she presented a Diamond salute to the Agate, outlining the pink insignia on her chest.
It was a Red Snakeskin Agate. She was Lace’s permanent Agate, but was only Amethyst’s acting Agate Superior since Pink hadn’t produced any yet.
Lace didn’t budge, her expression and posture didn’t change at all, and somehow Snakeskin Agate seemed unphased by the blatant disrespect. Lace seemed to get away with a lot of behaviour when Amethyst was the only other Gem in their presence. She didn’t get told off if she missed a salute, was met with only passive disapproval if she didn’t address her as Agate or some other respect to her rank, Lace was never punished for speaking with her back to her or even if she spoke back at her.
The Agate even knew Lace’s cut from memory- that was rare.
“Don’t worry, we’re doing the work- but look at this bullshit.” Lace turned the screen so the Agate could see, causing her to scowl and snatch the screen from her hands. She raised an eyebrow as she skimmed through the placement information.
Snakeskin pulled up her own screen, a scoff quickly turned into mean laughter. “You’re stationed with her for the entirety of the next shift cycle.”
“FUCK. That’s seven rotations of this star. Actually get fucked, I swear to the Diamonds.” To swear in front of an Agate could result in hit to your gem alone, but to swear at something an Agate had told you would result in a crack of a whip, not to mention swearing on the name of the Diamonds has resulted in a court case before. None of those things happened.
“Maybe this could serve as a punishment for...” The Agate’s eyes quickly glanced at Amethyst before she stared down Lace again “existing, really.” Her voice sounded harsh, but Amethyst couldn’t detect her usual hint of malice.
“Aren’t you going to be there too?” Amethyst felt Lace’s hand’s slap her forearm- her arms were still crossed in the salute. “Oh don’t bother with holding it for so long, she’s just an Agate.”
Lace can get away with a lot, but there is still a limit. She found herself being grabbed by the waist and pushed against the wall. The impact was enough for the air to leave her form. Amethyst jumped back and covered her mouth to stop the scream that wanted to leave her form.
“Listen here you rancid little rough-rock. I’m not ‘just an Agate’, I’m your Agate. When I tell you to work, you work. I’m not going to put up with you forgetting your place and telling others to disrespect me.”
Amethyst expected Lace to look as scared as she was, but the smile on Lace’s face felt playful and evil. “Then dissipate me.”
Snakeskin’s jaw was clenched so hard it looked like she could dissipate from the pressure on her form. It took everything she had to restrain herself- a kindness most others wouldn’t get from her. “That’s just a waste of energy and resources. You’re of more use to the Authority when I can delegate my task work to you.” She shoved Lace harder against the wall by the gem on her navel. “Now get back to work.”
Lace hunched over as she groaned. “Oh yes, I’m sure the Authority will be quite pleased.”
The Agate didn’t look back as she turned to exit the room. “Enjoy your next station. I can’t wait to read your report on the matter.” Lace’s smile dropped as the door closed.
“Fuck- forgot for a moment.”
It took a few moments for Amethyst’s form to feel like it wasn’t vibrating. How was Lace in once piece, let alone fine? “I don’t understand how you haven’t been shattered by now.”
“Yeah it’s a fucking miracle-“ She began to chuckle as she went back to sorting through her files “-just don’t pull any of that yourself.”
“Stars, I wouldn’t dream of it-“ Amethyst sounded almost defensive at the suggestion “-still pretty funny to watch.” Lace laughed, her eyes not moving from the screens in front of her. They went back to their files. Amethyst was going through and fixing errors, occasionally asking Lace if the report was using the correct layout, but mostly they went back to being silent. Quartzes don’t like silence. “You know, I’m basically a fresh-cut. I haven’t even gone off world and haven’t met many non-Quartzes. What are Bismuths like?”
Lace smiled as she clicked on a few new tabs and opened up more screens. “Oh, Bismuths? They’re great. We give them the materials from the ground, and they create fantastic structures. Remarkable craftsmanship- essential to the establishment of colonies. They like their banter just like we do, although I must admit they don’t get as carried away with it. Bismuths and Quartzes tend to get on pretty well anyways.”
“Then what’s the matter with this one?” She frowned as she corrected the spelling mistakes in the report. She had never seen a report so riddled with them- it was ridiculous, like a Ruby had written it instead of a Quartz.
Lace grunted. “I hate her. She doesn’t get on with others- doesn’t bother to remember a cut and makes it very clear has no intention on caring to try. She just doesn’t give a shit about anyone.”
“Does sound pretty Agate of her.”
…
The shift change had been put forward two rotations, which meant later that day Lace and Amethyst found themselves meeting their mismatched unit. Amongst these transferred Gems were a few Bismuths, along with different Quartzes- right, because Quartzes were what they were lacking in. It’s not like the entire colony were all Quartzes.
There only seemed to be Gem’s who could be used for manual labour transferred to their quadrant, which was the only thing they weren’t lacking in. It seemed counterproductive, an inconvenience even- but if that’s what Pink Diamond thought was needed, then who were they to question it?
Amethyst recognised the Bismuth from Lace’s file as she stepped off the warp pad and stretched. Her back and arms were completely exposed, although it somehow didn’t seem like she was showing off her form. She ran a hand through her hair, pushing it out of the way before she took a deep breath in and put her hands on her hips.
Bismuth slowly began to breathe out as she looked around the area. Analysing her new project. Studying what buildings had already been established- it was like she was searching for something, something she knew was supposed to be there. She didn’t seem to find it.
She raised an eyebrow. “This is it?” Her words weren’t directed to anyone in particular. “They should have listed this as a scratch mission- oh well I guess.” Her words felt like they were meant to be bitter, but if anything she just sounded tired.
Maybe Lace was wrong about this Bismuth, maybe she got her confused with another. Amethyst decided to walk up to her- it was going to be a little before they were all organised and ready to start their jobs, this may be the best moment to try and strike up a conversation. To make a friend.
“Heyyy.” Amethyst pointed both index fingers at Bismuth. Bismuth looked down at the gem on thigh, before looking away again. Maybe she didn’t hear her. “So, you’re new here? Must be nice starting work at a new colony- like a new slate.” Bismuth had only looked at Amethyst out of the corner of her eye, but she wasn’t even giving her that much attention anymore. “...I hear it’s nice meeting Gems in different colonies.”
Bismuth finally groaned and turned to the shorter Gem. “I came here to do a job.” She looked the Amethyst up and down. “I don’t have time for Gems who are still in the absorption phase.”
“Wh- what?”
Amethyst felt a gentle hand on her back. “Come on, don’t bother wasting your sweetness on her.” Lace shot Bismuth a dirty look. “She won’t put in the effort.”
Bismuth scoffed. “Have we met?”
Lace spoke through gritted teeth. “My unit has worked alongside you many times. More notably on the-“ Bismuth quickly cut her off.
“You seriously expect me to remember everything I’ve built, and every Gem I’ve worked with? I don’t know about you, but I actually pull my weight- which means I do more than a job or two once every hundred cycles.”
Lace rolled her eyes as she sighed. “Maybe not, but I expect you to at least-“ Lace pushed Amethyst to the side and took a cautionary step back as Bismuth stepped towards her. It wasn’t long before Bismuth had lifted her a foot off the ground by the strap of her uniform, pulling her close enough their noses almost touched.
Bismuth looked like she wanted to rip her to shreds.
“Alright, listen here.” Bismuth shouted into the Gem’s face. “I’m here to work. What I’m not here for is to entertain some low level rock haulers. Unlike you Quartzes, I actually know how to do my job without fucking around. So do your deliveries, and leave me alone so I can get my job done.” She dropped the Quartz.
Bismuth shoved past Amethyst to jump onto the nearest transportation craft- she would rather cling onto the side of a moving vehicle transporting resources to her new build site, than walk with the rest of the gems she had been assigned with.
Lace had already lifted herself off the ground and was patting Amethyst’s back, soon slinging an arm around her shoulder. “Don’t take it personally- she says some variant of that shit every time. I’m surprised she didn’t pull the whole ‘I’m here to build shit for important thingos to thingo in’ spiel. Told ya she’s no good to be around.”
“I just thought- I thought she might want a friend. Even if it’s not our purpose, everyone can use a friend.”
Lace sighed and pulled Amethyst tighter into her. This poor gem was still so pure- part of Lace hoped she stayed this way, another part worried it could get her shattered in the future. “Eh, just stick with me. Gems like her don’t change.”
Bismuth’s form was made of light, but it was still the clang of metal against metal. Heat radiated through her form so she could warp the materials into shape, so she could change herself to be the most fitting for the job and create the building where Gems worth more than she ever would can contribute in ways she wasn’t made to comprehend.
She was part of the process, and her part was hot, loud, and messy. It was therapeutic- it had to be. There’s nothing else to her life, without building she’s nothing. That didn’t matter, she wasn’t made to be for anything else.
Working was the only thing that made her feel something- it was better that way, she doesn’t get distracted by ‘socialising’ anymore. The vibrations running through her form and spreading around her core. The way they jolt through the different layers and sections of her gem. The heat spreading from the gloves, traveling though her hands to heat up the materials of her craft- metal turned as malleable as her form.
When the sun went out, her gloves went cold. Her heat source was gone. Even if the gloves could work without light, a Bismuth can’t. Their gemstones can light up but not enough to work as a torch- a slightly more developed colony, a better planned out colony, would have light sources set up so that the work could be done without break.
Bismuth rolled her eyes. What should she expect? She wasn’t working on one of Yellow Diamond’s colonies. She preferred to work on those- they always seemed more thought out. Like Yellow Diamond actually cared about the job being done properly. Every other colony just felt like an extension- the passion wasn’t there.
Plus, it was Pink Diamond’s colony. Her first one. She wasn’t going to think about setting up light sources. So many of Quartzes were fresh cuts, work ethics much lower than they should be- they cared too much about social relationships. Quartzes are terrible for that. They hadn’t been properly disciplined enough to be truly useful to the Authority. Just give it time.
How Bismuth longed to work with Gems who would shut up and keep their heads down. She was so sick of working with everyone else. Some days she would wish she could just work alone, but that was never going to happen. You need more than one Bismuth to build a colony, and a Bismuth wasn’t going to go out and collect her own materials- it’s not allowed, so she doesn’t entertain the idea anymore.
She was so tired.
This colony was being so poorly executed. It was like Pink Diamond didn’t want off-world gems to be here. Bismuth didn’t even have a makeshift cubby to stay in, and since she came by warp there isn’t a ship for her to stay in either. She’ll just have to find somewhere on-base to sit down and wait for the dark cycle to be over.
Quartzes are all so loud. Bismuth grunted to herself as she walked through the unit. She felt someone bump into her shoulder. She turned around and grabbed the Amethyst by the back of her uniform and spun her around, only to shove her to the ground. “Watch where you’re going, simulant.”
“Hey!” The Quartz quickly jumped to her feet and pointed a finger at Bismuth’s gem. “You weren’t watching where you were going either!”
She slapped the hand away and stood tall. “So?”
Freshly emerged Quartzes were so quick to argue. Well, any Quartz was, but at least the older ones knew how to bite their tongue from time to time. “If you were looking where you were going it wouldn’t have happened. Maybe you shouldn’t try to push through a group of gems. You have no right to boss us around, you’re not an Agate.”
She scoffed. “What makes you think I don’t have the right? You just bring me shit, I’m the one actually contributing to building the colony. You need to stay out of my way so I can do my job.”
“Why are you such a prick?!” A different Quartz this time. Her form was paler- she was older... she should really know better.
Bismuth gave a tired laugh before she scowled. “I wasn’t made to care about others- my gem is hollow for a reason.”
“Has anyone told you you’re horrible to work with? Why can’t you be like the other Bismuths?”
She scoffed at the question. “I don’t owe you anything. I don’t care if you hate me, or working with me. I’m more concerned with doing my job. You should be too. Quartzes are much more expendable than Bismuths.”
The gem frowned. “What are you implying?”
Bismuth pushed her form forward, stopping bare millimetres away from the Quartz’s face causing her to flinch. “Leave me alone, or get used to watching your gem.”
Bismuth walked away before she could get a response out. She looked around- there wasn’t much set up at the base yet. A communications building, some Quartz cubbies, and a large building clearly transported from another colony- Bismuth assumed it was to do with analysing the resources of this planet.
Ironically, the communications building was the quietest one available. She walked behind it as the moon began its journey across the sky. She crossed her arms in a huff and leant against the building, before slowing sliding to the floor. She wasn’t sure how much time had passed, but it was too soon before she heard footsteps getting louder. Closer. She could hear a sharp inhale of a Gem- she had been spotted.
Bismuth just wanted to be left alone.
“Hey, it’s you.” Bismuth looked up from where she was sitting- it was the Earth Amethyst who had tried to make light conversation with her when she first warped here. Didn’t she remember their encounter?
Bismuth scoffed. “You lot don’t know how to leave a Gem alone, do you?”
“Did you hear the rumours?” This Gem was thicker than she looked.
Bismuth has been around for too long to be in the mood to entertain the new Gems through conversation. She didn’t even want to talk to the Gems she had known since emerging. “Have I not made it clear enough that I’m not up for a chat? I don’t know about Quartz gossip, and I don’t care. Leave me alone.”
Amethyst decided that Bismuth sounded more tired than angry, so she didn’t listen. “There’s rumours of an uprising.”
“So?”
“On this colony.”
Bismuth rolled her eyes and stretched her legs out to get more comfortable. “As long as it doesn’t get in the way of productivity, I couldn’t care less. You can leave now.”
“You should though...” Amethyst hesitated for a moment. “They’re fighting for Gems.”
“Isn’t that what all armies do?” Why was Bismuth still even talking to this Gem? This conversation was pointless, and she was tired.
“No- I mean. They’re fighting for us Gems, not for the Diamonds.”
Bismuth looked up at the Quartz and laughed. “This is a joke, right? There’s no such thing. We are made to serve the Diamonds- everything we do is for them. Anything else is ridiculous.”
“What if there’s more to life than colonies?”
“If you think this way, you don’t deserve to serve the Authority... go join this imaginary uprising and get shattered for insubordination. One less Quartz to get in my way.”
Amethyst sighed as she looked up to the sky and shook her head. “You’re unbelievable.”
Bismuth let out a huff of air, before she closed her eyes and locked her fingers behind her head. This Amethyst wasn’t the first Gem to come up to her and make some spiel about a Gem being more than what they were programmed to do- or about how they wanted to do other things instead. The uprising idea was new though.
Conversations like this was something she was supposed to report, but for some reason, she never did. Maybe it was because then she’d have to deal with Agates, and Agates were just Quartzes with a higher sense of self importance. More annoying- plus, while they weren’t her superiors, they technically outranked her.
“It’s crazy to think about if it’s true, though.” Bismuth didn’t respond. “That a Gem made right here in the same kindergarten as me, is capable of starting an uprising. Rose Quartzes have been here for even less time than I have, and she’s already started an uprising to fight against the matriarch.”
Bismuth opened her eyes and laughed again- forced and mocking. “Oh! I get it. This is just some Quartz game. Making up some stupid story to entertain yourselves instead of doing your fucking jobs. You lot will seriously do anything to avoid contributing.”
“This isn’t some game! Games are fun, this isn’t fun! Haven’t you noticed how different this colony is being run? There’s something we’re not being told, and I believe these rumours. Why else would Pink Diamond be treating this colony in such an unorthodox way? It’s because there’s an uprising, and she doesn’t want us to know- because the more Gems who know, the more will join.”
Bismuth grunted as she pushed herself to her feet. She grabbed the Amethyst by the shoulders, gently but sternly. “Listen, cause I’m only saying this once. You’re new, you’re dumb. They don’t talk about it, but there’s blips in your programming that take a few years to fall into place. You’ll have weird thoughts for the first few years, but you need to shove them down. You ‘think’ this colony is weird- shut up and remember that it’s a Diamond’s first colony. A Diamond may not have our flaws, but that doesn’t mean they get everything right the first time. It’s up to us to get the job done with what they give us- it is not our place to question how they run things.”
“I know, I just...” Amethyst looked away, the words fell off as her thoughts got jumbled in her gem.
“Get it through your gem. Things are the way they are, and they’ll never change. I’ve never heard of an uprising happening, and even if this bullshit is true, they’ll just get shattered and it’ll be over with. There’s no point in playing with the idea. Just do your job.” She let go of the Amethyst and began to walk away. “AND LEAVE ME ALONE.”
Bismuth wasn’t about to play around with some fresh-cut’s ideology of a life where they don’t have to do hard work. Lazy fuckers.
The next work day was the same as the last; Her disks taking longer to heat up than she wanted them to, Quartzes trying to talk instead of throwing the rocks into the transporters, the warmth spreading through her hands so she can feel the numbness of the work day.
Each clang sent the familiar vibrations through her form. It used to feel different… used to feel more.
Light. Work. Dark.
When darkness creeps over the skies, and her gloves no longer do their jobs, she finds a place to be left alone. Tells the Quartzes to fuck off when they get too close- doesn’t want another conversation with a Quartz who doesn’t know how to shut up. Scowls at the ones who go near. Raising her voice or raising her fists- whichever gets them to leave quicker.
Light. Work. Dark.
Repeat until the building is complete- then move onto the next one. Look at the blueprints someone else designed, and use the materials someone else chose, create what she’s told to.
Light. Work. Dark.
Each new project needed the ground to be cleared and leveled out- Quartz work, but there was no point in Bismuth relying on those. She would shift her hands to scoop the dirt and rocks out of the way for Quartzes to haul it into the transporters. Other gems will determine which rocks can be used for construction or for fuel, and what can’t be used at all.
Light. Work. Dark.
Today’s favour is tomorrow’s expectation.
Light. Work. Dark.
Bismuth frowned at any Agate who complimented her productivity while clearing the ground- only responding to say she had the colony’s best interests at gem, and that she would rather the job done right than by a Quartz. Grunted at every comment about her being a multi-use Gem. Agates weren’t her superior officers. Even if she did have to follow orders if they spat them out at her, she didn’t have to worship them.
Light. Work. Dark.
Another tower. The shape is consistent throughout, save for the point at the top. The entirety of the exterior is to be one material, and the interior another. Very simple. A job she can complete on her own within just a few cycles. Lay the foundation and start to set out the scaffolding and structural frames to work off of tomorrow.
Light. Work. Dark.
Work on the interior before putting up the outer walls. Just simple steps- they don’t even retract. There’s nothing interesting or challenging to this design. No small details to focus on. It’s fine, it means she doesn’t have to work with others as much.
Light.
Work.
Dark.