Chapter Text
"Certainly, my Diamond," Pearl smiled, happy for the subject change. She placed her hand to the console in front of her Diamond, and projected her own interface, prepared to list off the colony's agenda. "The highest priority is currently the Prime Kindergarten. The Peridots would like to know what you wish to incubate first, adding that they want you to know that the ground is perfect for growing varieties of Beryls."
He hangs on his Pearl's every word, not truly knowing what the different types of Beryls were. He knows this is something pre-programmed into every Diamond, and he can't exactly ask, but... Oh.
He swipes his hand up, and for once, without the use of his limb enhancers, numerous pink screens appear directly in front of him. It felt so... natural, compared to the enhancers. Perhaps White had enlightened his other abilities with the absence of others? It didn't matter. His eyes scanned over the screens. Each one was littered with different information, with most of them being about this new colony. Eclipse. He was able to see the magnitude of the requests and work he would have to do in order to maintain it. For the first time since he got here, he was able to understand just how daunting this task really was. Being Pink Diamond, one of the universe's great emperors, with White Diamond watching his every move? Well. He... has enjoyed it thus far - albeit it might be White's fault - but he never realized how... overwhelming it really was.
He waves the thought away, and focuses on why he opened these screens to begin with. Gems. There was a database of all available and manufactured gems, and upon opening them, he immediately thanked whatever sorry gem had to make the system. They were listed in occupational categories. Maybe this is what the Peridots used for selecting what to make? Maybe. This doesn't really help with where certain castes rather than occupations are, but it's enough to get started.
He clicked on the aristocrat category and happened to get lucky. He clicked the beryl subcategory, and the screen exploded with information regarding each cut. It was overwhelming, and perhaps that showed on his face, because his Pearl - stars, he forgot she was right there, looking at him the whole time, waiting on his response - stepped forward slightly. "My Diamond? If you wish, I can delay this decision until you consult with your council."
My council? Since when did the Diamonds have a council? Was this... a standard part of a court? He took a second to process. It... was a good idea, all things considered, but he decided that he should probably read up on the types of gems he would be discussing. As far as he could tell, beryls had many different jobs and types, and randomly choosing one wasn't the way to go. He needed White Diamond off his back, and he needed the other diamonds to truly trust him with his decisions and colonies. Maybe then I can... I don't know, have someone look into body swapping? Especially if I don't have astral projection.
He shook his head. "Have my council prepared when we arrive. Give me a few minutes and we can discuss further colony updates." He needed to choose a few prime candidates for implants anyway.
Pearl nodded and stepped back. "Certainly, my Diamond."
He turned back to his screens. Morganite, Bixbite, Emerald, Aquamarine... Stars. He supposes Aquamarines would be a useful addition, but his time with the one he's met before sort of spoiled the caste. He shouldn't feel this way, he knew, but he wanted to find her specifically and shatter her. She tried to kill his Dad. He could hardly remember who his Dad really was, truthfully, but he knows Dad was important to him. And anyone important to a Diamond should be treated with the utmost respect, really. He had complicated feelings on it.
He moved on. The Bixbites would be useful for keeping his colony in check, and the Morganites are wonderful creators. He has no need for Emeralds at this time, and the Aquamarines aren't his favourite. Perhaps he should talk to his 'council' about these two. Even if his council is probably a glorified court session, he can pass off learning about these gem types if they discuss them.
His mind wanders. His council should be the top gems in his court. What would their positions be, if this was the case? Maybe they would be colony managers, only rallying when he has a need for them. Maybe there's a database entry for the councils, too. Obviously.
Despite knowing he was keeping his Pearl waiting, he searches for it. There, with only a few paragraphs of information, was an article on the Diamonds' councils. He was greedy for knowledge. He skims to the section for Pink Diamond, and finds only two sentences: "Pink Diamond's Council is certainly the second most selective out of the four available. For gems looking to enter, let it be known that few non-Pyropes have made a seat."
This intrigued him. This was seemingly written by another gem. Maybe in the 'rest cycles' gems have, they could freely access the gem internet? If so, how much was it regulated? Perhaps it was one of those things that only aristocrats, Pearls, and technicians could access, as he can't imagine a Rose Quartz using a laptop for this. Maybe this was so gems could find information regarding new positions? What if there are chatrooms? Would there be forums? What about a gem dark web?
He stops that line of thought. He wants to be productive. This was a waste of time at the moment. That about wraps it up for now. He can access the database at any time, right? Now he has something to do when he's bored.
He swipes up, and the screens disappear. He readjusts in his seat. It has likely been an hour of just searching the database for pre-emptive information, and he can only imagine how much time he has left on board. "Pearl, what are the other..." He struggles to find the right word. How much would be requested of him at first? He expected the gem planting, but right now he was taking a shot in the dark.
Pearl seems to take initiative. Her lips curl up into a small smile. "Besides the incubations, the next thing on the list aims to convert the colony from a resource-based planet. My Diamond, the Bismuths are asking for permission to begin building formal establishments around the docks. I believe they plan on extending the surrounding area into a city."
What use would a city be? I thought this planet was for resources and growing my... army and court. He blinks down at his Pearl. "Did they say why?"
Pearl looks back down to her console screens, taking a few seconds to look over the information again. "I... they want to make the colony a permanent institution. The Bismuth who submitted the request wants to build research facilities in one sector, refineries and blacksmiths in another, a creative district nearby, and..." Pearl pauses, and he nearly gets impatient with her. "And you'll love this next one, My Diamond! She, along with fellow court members, have plans to build temples and a palace in your name. The palace would be a lovely place for you to stay while on-planet, and according to the Morganite in charge, it is based on gothic architecture rather than the modern version. Very primitive, I must say, but exciting!"
Pearl nearly jumps with glee, it seems. He can't help but smile at her. She doesn't apologize for her behaviour, either. Some part of me wants to punish her for having an opinion, but the rest is happy she's happy. Who knew Pearls could be architecture nerds?
He ponders the idea of a palace on Eclipse. From what he remembers of architecture in general - which is very little - gothic was the style he thought of whenever Connie (he... doesn't remember much of who she was, but he knows she wanted to 'minor' in architecture) brought up Europe. The idea seemed wonderful. He wouldn't have to be on Homeworld, and he had much easier access to the colony he was working on. Did Diamonds stay on-planet often? Maybe this is why he was seen as kind.
The other buildings, though... He wanted to review each of them individually, but he didn't think he had time for that. The creative district is definitely approved, but for the research facilities, he wanted to know what they were planning to do. What's the point of making them if there isn't anything concrete to work on? He suspected the plans were there just in case he wanted them, and the planet's Peridots were off working on the kindergartens right now, so it hardly mattered.
Speaking of, he should probably have facilities developed first, shouldn't he? Aesthetics aren't top priority - the galaxy warp is, now that he thinks about it - but they sure are nice. Maybe he can look at the plans and decide on a case-by-case basis? "Pearl, forward the request to me."
"At once, My Diamond."
He opened his pink screens and the plans popped up immediately. He thanked the stars for fast gem-internet, and got to work - the palace was an immediate yes, but the galaxy warp came before that. Maybe he should have them work on both simultaneously? His ship was wonderful for transportation - and the longer he was on-ship, the more time he had to look around gem castes - but the galaxy warp allowed him to leave at a moment's notice. The palace... It had a wonderful throne room and council chamber, and it could be rushed and finished within a year.
Perhaps that's what he'll request first.
Then, the plans for the sectors came conveniently on a map of the planet, so he could quite easily see where the kindergartens were in comparison. The city was planned to be around half-way across the colony, and looked very industrialized - the industry and blacksmith district looked to be mainly buildings dedicated to textiles, weapons, and armour. The creative district was mostly for artful pieces for high class society: a shop for new clothing, portraits for high class society, beautiful sculptures. The research facilities were lacking, he thought, as he looked at the three buildings planned. What are they even going to do with those? Maybe it's for developing technology and better ships... Well, carpe diem, I guess. I want gem laptops.
It was... a lot to go through, but he had time right now, he supposed. This trip down to the planet has taken far longer than he initially thought. "Pearl. I'd like the galaxy warps finished first, but tell the Bismuth they have the go to begin foundations for the palace directly after." Then, after another moment, he added, "Additionally, tell her that I will be holding court soon, and she should have each of the prospect owners come and present their building plans then. The research facilities don't have proper plans and that isn't something I'm willing to risk resources on."
That sounded smart. Maybe this whole colony thing was actually fun. He never thought he'd enjoy such... hard work, to put it simply. Plus! He didn't realize this before, but he could talk to his council about the possible city within Eclipse. The Diamonds might find this silly, but he would love having a home-base planet, much like White's Homeworld. Maybe they're more similar than he thought.
Uh oh. That's definitely not a path I should go down. I'm not White Diamond, and I never will be. This colony is simply just... a passion project. Maybe Yellow will make me her new favourite.
"Of course, My Diamond. I'll have a Serpentine sent to the galaxy warp to streamline the process."
"Perfect, Pearl. Is there anything else?"
Pearl seemed to hesitate here. She was clearly not happy with what she was seeing on her screen. "My... My Diamond, White Diamond has requested that you visit The Reef at your earliest convenience. To - to replace the broken Pearl, I presume."
Oh. Oh. That was a lot to take in. He was supposed to replace her? He feels as if this is unfair. He just got her. He doesn't want to go back to The Reef. It's a spitting image of everything he's ever despised, long before he took over Pink's body. Having a gem serve him automatically is... It makes his gem feel nice. He likes the tingly feeling, sure, but he doesn't know how making that gem would feel. Incubating others is different. Now, he'd have to handcraft a living being to serve his every need. And - and Pearl was so kind, but... But he can't defy White Diamond, can he? Last time he got his shapeshifting and astral projection taken away, and that was for telling a Sapphire to call him Steven. It was such a large punishment for a small crime. He can't imagine what she'd do if he didn't listen this time, in which she seemed to be rewarding him. For what, though, he can't imagine - perhaps its because he's adapting into his Diamond role?
He... doesn't want to lose whatever he has left. Maybe this was a good thing. He was a Diamond. He should have nothing but the best, and his Pearl was obviously broken. Maybe this time he can 'make' a Pearl who isn't so literal. If I have to experience another gem breaking themselves for me, I'm done for. It's... disgusting. And horrifying. Maybe a little bit gross, too.
He clears his throat. "We will head there after the palace is fully built. I'm..." He wants to say he's sorry, he does, but he can't bring himself to. Why should he apologize to her? Would White see this as a slight against her? "I will attempt to gift you to another gem so you don't get harvested. It's the best I can do."
Pearl is ready to cry at this news. Her Diamond is going to spare her from The Reef? The Nacre running the facility is not known for being merciful, and with her Diamond's mercy, it is likely she will be gifted to a kind gem. This is the best she could possibly ask for. She could get gifted to a gem who allows her frequent rest periods, or - or takes her to the beautiful clothing boutiques the Bismuths want to make! "Oh, thank you, My Diamond! This - this is so kind of you, your radiance truly knows no bounds, I -"
If her Diamond sees her crying, he doesn't say anything.
"It's alright, Pearl," he interrupts her. He was getting tired of her talking; of this conversation. "Just make sure to do the best you can while I still have you, alright?"
If Pearl responds with more than just a nod, he doesn't see it. He takes to looking towards his screens once more. Stars. All of this is just... I don't know. Maybe I can take a nap after the court session.