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It was nighttime in Vinyl City again. The stars were shining down on Nova and J as they sat down together. They had just gotten home from an event Bunk Bed Junction had planned on the first anniversary of the reformation of Homeworld. It was strange, how much they managed to change this much in such a short time.
They were both exhausted in the best way possible, but not tired enough to rest. So here they were, stargazing while cuddled up together, J was on Nova’s lap while they both held hands. They were drifting into a state of comfortable silence until J spoke up.
“Nova, Starlight, do you think we knew each other before?” As he said that, there was a tinge of both anxiety and curiosity.
Nova was confused. “Before what?”
“Before… we got rejuvenated.”
Recording start. “Log date: 5 29 1. Skies are clear. Will carry on with observation assignment. Currently colony 250820 is deemed to be highly useful for…What are you doing here in a Galaxite’s research quarters?”
“You look lonely.”
“I was just doing my assignment before YOU strayed me off. Go back to your quarters, Paraiba Tourmaline.”
“I never see you hanging out with your gem type.”
“They are below me. Not worth the time.”
“Typical.”
“What.”
“Yeah, I talked to those snobs for you. Really wanted to know you.”
“Why?”
“Cause you seem cool to hang around with…aaand cause you’re really cute.”
“…Leave me alone.”
“Never!” Recording stopped.
Recording start. “Log date: 1 31 1. Observations for the new colony are complete. Will now commence assessment of planet’s geode.…Not again.”
“Hi Starlight.”
“Are you sane?”
“A lot more than all those other Tourmalines. They’re so jerky! Like, when they fight quartzes, one of them made the poor quartz try to solve math problems before attacking! Imagine that! You pick a fight with these ‘meek’ gems, and they abruptly ask you what 26 times by 21 is. When you stop, because gem minds aren’t made for multitasking, they poof you! So unjust! So, so wrong! Maybe if I were stronger, better at leading them, I can make rules to stop that. ‘No spitting out math problems to gems while they are fighting.’”
“You talk a lot.”
“I know. The other Tourmalines are far worse, though. Those pebbles only speak to brag!”
“What is the point of your arrival now? I sent you my gem files. Now you should know exactly what and who I am.”
“I memorized your gem number and everything on that glorious list, but what’s the point in knowing those statistics when I can’t know the actual you, Galaxite?”
“…I don’t get it.”
Laughter.
“Like, as much as you seem like a total nerd, there’s gotta be some reason why I’m so interested in you. So, I need to study my research assignment. Observe it directly, you know.”
“… Leave. Just leave this quarter. I believe that your superiors will not be amused when they hear that there’s a Tourmaline messing with my research.”
“You have a point. See ya later.” Recording stopped.
Recording start. “Log date: 2 34 1. Geodes for colony 250820 are being analyzed. As I had expected, this planet could be extremely worth all of the additional efforts. The soil is rich in minerals, perfect for gem production of all types.”
“I’m pretty sure they can’t make gems as beautiful as you, Starlight.”
A surprised shirk.
“What! …It’s you again. Now what? Is the purpose of your visits to humiliate me? My superiors, they constantly mock me, make sour remarks behind my back, and what is more, think that they should abandon this colony! Why can’t you follow the rules?”
“I don’t want to. Besides, I think they looked down on you even before I started coming here.”
“…Leave. NOW.” Recording stopped.
Recording start. “Log date: 2 35 1. Analysis of geode for colony 250820 is complete. Currently, we are now planning on which gem to incubate. The incubation process would take several centuries, so it would be a while before the mission is complete.” A sigh. “What now?”
“I’m sorry for what happened last time. Wasn’t aware of how hurt you were with the whole ‘being looked down on’ thing. I thought it was totally normal, since no one listens to me either. I was stupid enough to think that all gems think the same. Sorry. …I should leave you alone, since you look busy and all.”
Footsteps leaving the quarter.
“…Wait. Remember that story with the quartzes and math problems? …Honestly that story was quite entertaining. Do you have other stories?”
Footsteps approaching the quarter again.
“You don’t think I’m annoying?”
“You are not as pathetic as my superiors, to be honest.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
“…Thank you. Okay, I got one prepared. You know how Lapis Lazulis can fly with their delicate water wings, right? I found out that their wings can also turn into fists, or sharp weapons.”
“I never knew that. How did you end up finding out?”
“The hard way. A Lapis struck me in the back with their water fists after I wooed their freckles and hairstyle. They chased me down the catacombs while I saw their wings turn into mighty arms holding swords and knives. I got poofed.”
“Why did you choose to flirt with a Lapis Lazuli in the first place? They aren’t usually interested in other gems.”
“I lost a dare.”
“…Tell me more.” Recording stopped.
Recording start. “Log date: 3 38 1. We are now implementing the injectors to the colony 250820. I was left out on the important process of activating the first injector, so instead I decided to work on a new project. As you see, Galaxites have high gravity controlling capabilities. The problem is that they seem too high, and it leads to issues as sometimes they end up hauling boulders towards unknowing gems. So, I thought ‘Why don’t we make a device that allows us to control our gravity powers?’”
Something heavy is dragged.
“Behold, the turntable! By turning its disc, you ‘turn’ the gravity around you, and transmit our gravity powers more efficiently. It is still in the concept stages, but I will build it. Maybe my superiors will finally notice the brilliance of my gem.…Why isn’t Paraiba here today?” Recording stopped.
Recording start. “Log date: 5 40 1. Here it is. The turntable, finally complete. I must show it to my superiors, so I will stop recording for now.” Recording stopped.
Recording start. “Log date: 5 40 1’. She denied it, saying that it is ‘So large, so archaic, so impractical that I am ashamed my gem type made it.’ Why deny such an ambitious project? Those pebbles…how dare they not see the brilliance of my gem! It should have finally allowed me to be noticed by them! Why?”
Sound of a cloth hiding something.
“I will hide this machine in case I get to present it again. Until then, I must finish all of my other assignments.”
A sigh.
“After all, the accident cases involving our gravity powers are at an all time high. Just last star cycle I heard that a Paraiba Tourmaline got badly cracked due to a boulder, lifted up by a Galaxite, hit their gem. …Oh stars. Is he alright?”
Clears throat.
“Anyways. I must improve this device so that it is more sleek, more useful, more practical!”
Footsteps.
“Hey starlight, the mission took way too long last time, sorry I didn’t come. …You look upset. Did something happen?”
Footsteps rushing towards the second voice.
“You clod! Why didn’t you tell me or give me a message! I was worried sick about you, since I heard that…”
“That accident? Yeah Mari thought that she could get lifted up if she clung on to one of the rocks. She’s mostly fine though.”
“Good.”
“…You look upset. Did something happen?”
“…It’s none of your business.”
“Let me guess… did you nearly get crushed by a rock?”
“No.”
“Your bosses let you down?”
“Getting close, but not quite.”
“Does it have something to do with that big machine behind the tarp?”
“Getting even closer.”
“Okay! I figured it out! You made the machine with all your free time, but your bosses said no to the plan, right?”
“Yes.”
“I’m intrested. Tell me more about the machine.”
“Why?”
“It’s made by the cutest and smartest gem that I know. Clearly it isn’t worthless junk.”
“…Well, the turntable allows gems to transmit their gravity powers in a safer, more efficient way. That is the plan.”
“…Can you use it?”
“Although I have plenty of work as my workload, I could waste some of my precious time for you.”
“Thanks!”
A hug.
A surprised gasp. Recording stopped.
Recording start. “Log date: 5 41 1. We are currently beginning to incubate a small batch of gems, new gems, called Zincite. This gem would be as powerful as a quartz and agile as a Tourmaline, a huge asset to the empire. …They say, but they seem to be taking too many resources even though they take up only a minor area of the Kindergarten. I am concerned.”
“Starlight!”
“You’re back.''
“The last mission was amazing, got to travel to that new Kindergarten for patrols. It’s realllly cool. I got to see the new injectors, and a bunch of other Galaxites working there.”
Anxious laughter.
“I was definitely interested in the kindergarten itself, I swear.”
“Do you want to see…the turntable?”
“Of course.”
Removing the cloth.
“So by scratching the disc,”
A scratch.
“you can make the gravity around you spin.”
Something crashes to the ground.
“For example, if I ‘turn’ the box that just fell down ,”
A scratch.
“You can make it move faster than I usually could make it.”
Something swooshes.
“Woah, careful dude! That nearly cut through my gem!”
“Sorry. I haven’t got to use it much.”
“…I’m totally content with you poofing me.”
“What?“
“Nothing!”
“That sound is super cool, by the way.”
“You really think so?”
“Yeah! Maybe I can practice some battle choreography to that sound.”
“You want to dance like a pearl?”
“So what?”
“You really are strange.”
“I take that as a compliment. Now, shall we begin?”
“…Wait. I want to make a wish.”
“What is it?”
“I wish that this sound that I am making could be heard all across the universe.”
“…Then I wish to dance to all my heart’s content.”
“Cool wish.”
“Thank you.” Recording stopped.
Recording start. “Log date: 5 41 1’. Oh stars. What have we done!”
A deep breath.
“As we were both working on our ‘personal projects’, Paraiba asked me to dance with him. I was still making some beautiful sounds with that turntable so I rejected at first, but he insisted. I left the machine on autopilot, and made it churn out some random beats. He taught me how to dance, and soon I was dancing to the beat too. Both our gems started to glow, and suddenly we were sharing a body? It was a strange experience. We both split apart moments later, and Paraiba looked…shocked.”
“He left without saying goodbye.” Recording stopped.
Recording start. “Log date: 4 45 1. We are now injecting other gems too. Azurmalachites, Cuprites and other Tourmalines. We hope that this wouldn’t take as much resources as the Zincites.”
“Paraiba hasn’t come here since that incident. Is he alright? Clearly he would be, returning with all that ‘Starlight’ rhetoric. Right? He was such a nuisance, always distracting me from my assignments. No matter what it is, I should keep on going, with or without him.”
A ping.
“A direct summons order from my superiors? I must go!” Recording stopped.
Recording start. “Welcome, Galaxite.”
“My superiors ordered me to get on a warp pad, and I was suddenly taken to your place, Kimberlite.”
“So they told you nothing.”
“About what, Kimberlite?”
“I have an offer.”
“As you see, one of the things I abhor is seeing talent get wasted. You and that Paraiba Tourmaline seem to be highly capable, but you’re both being wasted away by both of your …incompetent bosses. I especially adore your turntable, therefore I have directly ordered those to be fully implemented in other colonies too.”
A gasp.
“Really? Thank you Kimberlite. I am incredibly honored to be in your presence.”
“I will also promote both of you to manager and Captain.”
“Thank you!”
“There is a catch though. Ammolite, bring me… the rejuvenator.”
“Certainly.”
“What.”
“Always, always, delete mission logs that are unnecessary, honey.”
“What.”
“Those recordings of both of you gaining individuality was quite intriguing. I can assume you two will start rebelling sooner or later. What is more, I believe that you two are charismatic and competent enough to go through with it. What you did was cross gem fusion, and that makes you a liability to our empire and it harms the reputation of this colony. Fusion creates gems whose functions are unknown, and the combined strength of them makes it dangerous for us to harness.”
Someone hands Kimberlite something.
“…The rejuvenator, Kimberlite.”
“Thank you, Ammolite.”
A sharp sound of a blade activating.
“This new device wipes the memory of gems who stepped out of line. Once the blade slices through, it will leave a blank slate that we can reprogram. In other words, we don’t have to shatter anymore to discipline gems that could be useful for the empire if it were not for their attitude. Use this on that Paraiba Tourmaline, and I will promote both of you once complete. The alternative is the old fashioned way, shattering both of you. Which will you choose? By the way, running away will only cause you two even more suffering, since all of the quartz soldiers are ordered to shatter you two on sight.”
“…The rejuvenator, then.”
A sound of someone firming their grip on an object.
Recording stopped.
Recording start. “Log date: 5 45 1. He is coming.”
“You messaged me to come, did something happen?”
“Hi.”
“What’s the matter? You look tense.”
“…I’m going to be promoted to manager.”
“Really! All that hard work finally paid off. I’m so happy for you.”
“Thank you. I’m very anxious if I could go through with all the added responsibilities.”
“You’ll be fine!”
The wirr of a machine.
“Let’s begin.”
Scratching.
“Cool beat as always.”
“Thanks. Your dance moves are sharper than ever.”
“…Really? Thank you! Want to dance with me?”
“Sure.”
A beat with two people shuffling together.
Laughter.
“You’re really good too.”
The sound of a sudden hug.
“Woah, you’re really getting better at showing affection.”
“…I am sorry.”
“What?”
A sound of a blade stabbing through a gem’s light form.
“I just want to make things right.” A deep breath. “Even if it was a short time, I really enjoyed every moment with you.”
A sound of a gem poofing and falling to the ground.
The sound of a gem being bubbled.
“…Sorry Kimberlite, but I will disobey you one last time.”
“I am Galaxite, technician of Homeworld colony 250820. And I will make my music heard all across the universe. Someday. Somehow. With him.”
“See you in the next world, Paraiba.”
A sound of a blade slashing through a gem’s light form.
A clink, then
silence.
Recording was automatically stopped three hours later.
Recording start. “Log date: 7 15 2. I have just finished the discipline report for Peridot 8XG. She must have been out of her mind, saying such a thing to Yellow Diamond. After all, she was one of my brightest, if not the brightest, Peridot under my careful watch. Kimberlite said that she would send me to my next assignment. She also said that this would be a bit ‘special for both of you’. ‘You might find out new things’. Apparently I would be working with a Paraiba Tourmaline. I hope he is not pathetic like the others, since all they do is tell stories of how great they are.”
“Sir! We are preparing for takeoff?”
“5VL, what did I say before? I do not tolerate having my recordings disturbed!”
“I am extremely sorry sir!” Recording stopped.
“I do not remember a thing. Those things always succeed at wiping memories.”
J looked a bit sad, but he immediately lightened up. He looked gorgeous under the stars as always.
“We can always look to the future and make new memories.” That was new, coming from someone who failed at moving on.
“I can’t believe we’ve come so far.” Nova half joked. “Both literally and figuratively.”
A ping. “Looks like Rin and the boys have something prepared for us. After all this is a special night. Let’s go.” They both stand up, and leave the scene.