Mysterious Hierarchies ((Paddy))

[Mad Azurite]

There’s a certain complexity in the workings of the Moonbase facility that could be observed as simple, refined, a considerable amount of effort impart of their illustrious Pink Diamond. It was odd to Cocoa as she traversed the halls alongside a tall, cloaked figure, what it was like from a visitor’s perspective. She had no idea what any of these random bumbling gems were doing, issuing their orders, actively conversing about statistics and more. All forgotten really, she’d surrendered most of her attention to her mistress and had now truly forgotten the established roles and functions here. It was an odd sense of indifference, but then again, this is far from where she belonged—within the halls of her dearest.

Her heterochromic eyes shifted to the honor guard beside her—droning out the others as she talked in a low careful voice. “So, let me be fair, I understand that your position has given you some pride as a warrior—especially since you can march the halls of our exalted White Diamond. But,”

Her gaze became somewhat piercing, “Ignoring our request for you to visit us for the past eight decades has left Beady somewhat hurt, love.”

The shawled hooded face of the tall gem seemed to crinkle as she looked down on the pearl with an unsettling machine-like motion, almost as if she was in pain. Every step she took raddled with a heavy metal thunk, a massive contraption on her back sheathing - possibly repowering - a folded, bladed monstrosity, “Pfft, what’s the giant lod’ doing with her time lately, aye? Completely Ignorin’ ya question by the way. Subject wasn’t interestin' enough for me to care about.” The pearl made a knowing glare as the azurite spoke, her more bashful side showing.

“She had nothing to do with this experiment, this is Yellow Diamonds request, Azurite. She feels you blame her for what happened.”

“And … why are you talking like that?” Cocoa managed to get out with odd backward glances toward the Azurite. Azzy hunched her shoulders, “Been watching human movies from different languages of their subspecies. And ho! Let me tell you is it funny.” The gem’s excitement started peaking and the pearl’s face became a concoction of embarrassment and anger as azurite’s tangent continued, its tone growing louder by the second, “so I was like, ‘I should pull off some of these accent things,’ and now, I can be like, ‘geet in the choppa!” she shouted, and the pearl immediately hid her face from the world, and seethed with embarrassment. There was no stopping this fool of a gem, the implants made her wild and unpredictable. “But then, it got me thinking, wouldn’t it be cool if gem’s made movies, yo? I can be like, “geet in the spawsheep!”

She cupped her hands enough to see every gem in the hall staring at them and immediately covered her face again. “Azurite.” She sighed before continuing, “I keep telling you that human music, and these … ‘movies’ are dangerous, who knows what odd concepts and mind-altering junk they have hidden in those things.” The hood figures head feel, “Awwh… No one ever gets my genius.”

“Genius would be putting it quite too fondly. Azurite, are you briefed?” The tall gem looked over, “Sure,”

“Well, I’ll refresh you anyways,” the pearl cleared her throat, “One of Beady’s experimental fusion prototypes has been discovered by a certain Pink Sapphire.” The azurite looked over, a whistle of pity leaving her lips, “bet that didn’t do too well with the court.”

“Luckily it hasn’t reached that point yet, my mistresses had considered Project Hematoid Quartz lost or destroyed, but her halo-drones have caught sightings of her again, unfortunately at the sudden run in with the sapphire in question.” She seemed to fume a little, she was growing tired of the outside entities influencing and disrupting her mistress’ work.

“I personally dislike this gem, she impeded on putting her nose in places she shouldn’t be.” The pearl’s gaze is getting narrower, “Serendibite cunningly asked Pinked Diamond if you, our honor guard, accompany this sapphire on a mission. Keeping tabs on her mostly, understanding her motives. But, Azurite, treat this as a way of warning as well. If she shows too much intent in the matter, warn her this has nothing do with that experiment, it is out of her jurisdiction and that she keep her nose out of things. Serendibite, somehow, isn’t angry at the sapphire, simply curious. I for one think she needs to be properly dismissed back to her aristocratic duties.” She could care less what rank this gem held, none would hold up to the genius of machinations that was her master.

“We’ll be meeting her in a meeting space I requested about an hour ago. Where I will deliver her briefings from her diamond.”

“Understood.” Azurite mumbled as the two walked into a long hall leading to what seemed to be halo-passage to quiet separated installment of the facilities. The Azurite was partially worried this Sapphire would be a drag. She dreadfully hoped for some kind spunk to keep her from getting bored today.

[Paddy]

The sapphire's light feet clicked down the hall as she neared the room she would be meeting the gems mentioned in her dossier. Behind her, the shuffling step of Pink Pearl, and the thump of Amethyst's weight against the tile. Padparadscha's lips were pressed, tension in her brow as she mentally flipped over that request that she'd been shown; a very slim pamphlet of information she hoped would be supported by whatever these gems had to say in this meeting room. They must've been other special task operatives, and so far she could only conclude one thing-- this assignment would be of a very highly classified manner.


She might have declined, if Pink Diamond hadn't been the one to send her the slip in the first place. The last time she'd been dragged to a mysterious room in the moonbase, it had been to be subject to an insulting White Court interrogation, where her loyalty and her usefulness were put under scrutiny. Due to what little information had been provided, it was easy to assume that this was again White Court affairs, as gems from that court seemed to conduct themselves with a certain obscure air about them. It didn't sit well with her, but she couldn't refuse her Diamond.


The click of her feet against the floor slowed as she caught up behind two rather tall gems, seeming to go in the same direction as her, while embroiled in conversation. She reeled a bit, brows pulling together as the cloaked gem suddenly raised her voice, hollering what amounted to gibberish without any sort of context. Pink Pearl jumped, wide eyed as she swiveled her head to look at her patron sapphire, who held a restrained expression, brows slanted and the corner of her lip pulled back. Amethyst had to stifle her own expression, the corners of her lips fighting back a laugh until she snorted and bit her cheek.  

Padparadscha slowed her step even further, an attempt to put distance between her party and these strange gems in front of her.
Though, as she kept walking, there was less bustle, the hall became quieter. Despite the bit of distance, she picked up small tidbits of the conversation in front of her.
out of her jurisdiction and...isn’t angry at the sapphire, simply curious... dismissed back to her aristocratic duties...her briefings from her diamond...Naturally interested, her eyes narrowed as she listened. Though, as she kept walking, she spotted the room she was suppose to be in at this time, and with a quick gesture, instructed Pink Pearl to get the door. The servant whisked ahead of the party, aiming for the door's panel, but kept a wide distance from the gems in front of them. Meanwhile, Padparadscha tapped her bracelet to bring up her holoscreen as she continued her stride. She was exactly on time, and wondered if the gems she were to meet had already arrived-- or she hoped, at least. 

[Mad Azurite]

Cocoa was almost ready to speak again, but her expression became somewhat alarmed as a flash of pink bobbed across her sight, her vision would shift to meet eyes with another pearl- who activated the door-mechanisms leading to the ‘secondary’ conference hall. The room was empty, excluding a circular table that could fit maybe ten or so gems, and room enough for halo displays and reference panels. Cocoa’s eyes would grow cold, a certain fuming presence behind her gaze as they would shift slightly enough to catch the padparadscha next, following her a guard- an amethyst.

She’d lean towards the door, again taking a rather cold and stoic stance as she would be the first to march inside. “Thank you.” She'd express with an underlying grit to her tone, the Azurite following after her. “Good lookin’, pink noodle.” Cocoa, right when she thought this Azurite couldn’t prove her theory on infinite stupidity any further, heard the words that left her mouth and was shocked. Enough so to make her spin around baffled. She managed to shove back a venomous yell as the honor guard would stand beside the door on its left, her best vantage point.

Since it seemed too odd to stare at her soon-to-be comrade sapphire like a looming tree as she would enter the room, she did. Because that is exactly how you should stare at people when they enter a room, except … her face was completely hidden. Might look just a little creepy. Sapphire’s were just adorable, this one was one of the more mature looking ones, but that still didn’t stop Azzy from wanting to sweep her up and throw em’ into the air … and possibly catch her. Maybe. She always loved watching things just belly flop against hard-surfaces. The Azurite’s head would cant at that thought. Sounded just a bit weird.

Cocoa would wait for everyone to enter the room and get comfortable before continuing. “Greetings, your … excellency …” She seemed to swallow some distaste as she said this. “I am designation RA188-cut-OQD, referred to also as Chocolate Pearl.” She would bow her head, summoning her halo panel system in the process as a black orb would coalesce into existence and then spread like ink, the strange substance would then come to life in a deep purples, becoming a large display screen, and light up with various visuals. “And I’ve come to act as your briefer, at behest of your diamond, for a classified mission.”

[Paddy]

Pink Pearl's face drained into a paler hue as she realized she'd just opened the door for this strange, shrouded gem who was too loud for her liking, and a pearl accompaniment. She blinked, it was strange to be acknowledged for something as routine as managing the door, and squirmed a bit as she was referred to as a noodle, something she couldn't quite fathom the meaning of. She quickly analyzed the other pearl, this one seemed to have a strong presence to her.

Padparadscha's brows went up as she too realized that these were the gems she was to meet, but she quickened her step to get into the room before too long, with Amethyst following closely behind her. As the sapphire strode into the room, a tingle at her nape caused her to swivel her head into the cloaked gem's direction. She felt the eyes of this gem burning into her despite being unable to see her face, her discomfort mounted into her tense shoulders. The sapphire tried to suppress her expression, but the gem's shadow caused her skin to prickle with tension-- the fact that this gem hid her face would mean it would be more difficult to gather data from her.

Amethyst went to take her position, though started a bit when she found the mystery gem standing in the spot she normally would've chosen herself. The guard scratched her neck and gave an awkward grin before teetering over to the right side of the door. As Pink Pearl and Padparadscha hurried to the meeting desk, Amethyst shot curious glances toward the gem who'd decided to stand by the door-- was she a soldier too, some kind of fancy one at that? 

The sapphire had her own curiosity piqued as she eyed the two gems-- she'd taken the hidden gem for the one of higher rank, but this gem had decided to post up next to the door rather than taking a seat at the briefing. Instead, and much to her surprise, the pearl gave her introduction and conjured a strange technology Padparadscha had never set eyes onto before. The gem seemed to have a sense for her etiquette much to the sapphire's relief, but there was a tinge of something in this pearl's tone which she decided mull over at a more opportune moment.

Before she sat down, her heels tapped together and she articulated a perfect Diamond salute,"Padparadscha 10C8A 8QE, Pink Court judicial affairs and special task operative. I'm sure you've seen my profiles and reports," Then she slipped into the seat across from this Chocolate Pearl, and gave her a warm smile before clasping her hands into her lap. It was as she had guessed; a classified endeavor. "Feel free to begin whenever you're prepared," She qualified, knowing many lower rank gems would need an extra push in situations like these. 

[Mad Azurite]

The chocolate pearl managed stifle a scowl as the sapphire declared her name and status, including her rank. It took all of her willpower to maintain her composure and fake as much of a warm and generous smile any pearl can give, remembering; that persona of a wonderful ‘accessory’ to most other gems.
“Of course, madam.” She’d gesture with her hand and a sudden wand-like halo-pen extended from her grasp as she would walk across the panel, which would display something akin to an emblem for their S.S. Unit. “Our illustrious Pink Diamond has been requested by an anonymous source to request your support in a critical S class mission.”

The panel would switch to an image displaying essentially a Homeworld equivalent of 3D mug shots of several gems, their classes, archetypes. And … some more alarming than that, designations that matched combat modules, specially ‘constructed prototypes,’ and various other forms of strange unorthodox gem types. Chocolates’ gaze set on the gem and her entourage as she watched them carefully looking for something of interest; their emotional response if anything, “23 hours ago, a prototype gem experiment, referred to as Nephrite mutinied against her own core, the subsequent release of various other prototypes and the alarming dangerous nature of the gem has earned her the title of ‘Renegade Jade, she escaped to earth and so we sent in our halo-drones, tracking her to an abandoned battlefield strewn with first generation ship-sites. We believe several other escaped prototypes are there as well, though should not be a threat."

The azurite loved these kind of meetings, she’d imagine the faces in the room with all kind of funny distortions, her obviously twisted imagination conjuring up things like buck-teeth and other horrible things. But, despite those bad choice, nothing was funnier than that pink pearl in sheriff mustache, but even better, a pink sheriff mustache. But the sapphire, she kept imagining her head was upside down, but her face was also vertically inverted. It was so disturbing, but so great. She had to stifle her laughter, this is way too much for her, especially as Cocoa announced the target of the mission. No wonder they called her in, that one’s gonna be monster to deal with.

But, she also realized what was going on here, why Beady would drag Cocoa all the way to Moonbase just to deliver a message to this gem, she’s analyzing them, does this gem have something that interest Beady? Or is it something else?

She’d almost forgotten the sapphire beside her, her eyes shifting enough to barely see the gem staring at her. This is why she loved this get-up, no one knew a damn thing going on behind the veil. Wonderful!

[Paddy]

Padparadscha was not an easy gem to fool where it came to the truth behind one's expressions. But, she kept her own cheerful as she patiently listened to the pearl's briefing, thinking carefully about the words chosen, as well as the nature of this situation. She kept her eyes on Cocoa, but it was difficult to keep herself from glancing toward the door, or more specifically toward the hidden figure. The more she sat in the room with this unknown gem, the more discomfort grew in her. She wanted to tell the gem to reveal themselves, and she wondered if it had been a deliberate choice, with her abilities in mind.


She tried to get her mind off that as she leaned forward to get a closer look at the images appearing across the pearl's interface. The sigil was one she hadn't seen before herself, nor were the gems on the screen. She memorized their visages as best she could, though she was sure she would get a copy of some of this information for the mission. Her lips pressed together as she
listened to the story, and nodded slowly. She brought her finger to her chin, questions like 'how did this happen' popping up in her mind. Though, she was well aware of how cagey certain units could be about the happenstances behind the classified endeavors that were handed to her, it was often better to keep questions like that to herself, despite her curiosity. 

Pink Pearl also kept an eye on the documentation, scanning quickly across and processing the information. Little of it would be of immediate concern to her in the field; her job would likely be to guard the ship, as always. But, she wanted to be there for her patron just in case, and with sincere gusto, she joined in the memorization and analyzation of the data Cocoa presented for them from where she stood behind her sapphire. Her eyes moved to the chocolate pearl herself for a moment. Quietly, she admired how strong this pearl seemed. 

Meanwhile, Amethyst's gaze wandered vacantly around the room, arms crossed over her chest. She wasn't paying attention at all to what was going on over at the briefing table-- honestly, she'd figure out what she was suppose to do when she got there, and it wasn't like her job would be anything more than punching the enemy in the face at any rate. Though, her eyes kept getting pulled over to the gem she assumed was another soldier. Remembering the outburst she'd heard in the hall, she smirked, and wondered what other interesting things this gem had to say, but knew she'd be reprimanded by her sapphire if she interrupted the meeting to ask.  

"I see, it seems that Nephrite needs to be brought back to holding," It sounded a lot like her usual assignments, the only difference being that these rebels were experiments rather than standard class gems-- thus, she would have to be careful. Other experimental gems came to mind as she looked across these, particularly a certain fusion. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she remembered the story that Hematite had given for her origins.

Before she'd considered that this could be White Court-- but clearly this pearl was of Yellow Diamond's. Hearing of what the mission itself would be, it became clearer why Yellow Diamond might want to enlist the help of Earth-stationed operatives like Padparadscha, it came as a relief that this didn't yet appear to be a secret interrogation.
"In any case, knowing her capabilities will be a useful asset in a mission such as this. It's within my programming to get a job done as thoroughly as possible; if I come across these other prototypes I will consider their capture, once my main objective is achieved. I would also like to put together a task force, though it's been hinted in my dossier that the Diamond's have suggestions for my retinue on this assignment?" She looked expectantly at the chocolate pearl.

[Mad Azurite]

The register depicting the several renegade gem photo’s began to automatically scroll through their functions until the image of a strange looking gem plastered the screen. The pearl bowed her head slightly as a form of respect to the sapphire as she spoke, though she made sure to keep her face within her vision and careful eye on their expressions. Cocoa feared this gem could put a notch in what has been the fascinating and revolutionary experiment her master has performed, all of these gems were of her creation of course. But the sapphire seemed unsurprised, maybe she had been told little of what transpired with her creators and the rebellion of one her creation’s getting free along with many others, or the misunderstanding of her selected fusion project. With the gem on the halo-panel, her entire visage cried greens, dark greens deeply hewn with spiraling stones surrounding her body in a kind armored overcoat.

Something was intensely spectacular about this odd Jades’ body, the portions of her ‘flesh’ were somewhat translucent and the stones drifted around it ever slowly, melting into each other, some of the stones even spouted what seemed like dragonfly’s wings from her back. Her eyes were piercing and resolute—it did not take words to see the warrior’s fury seething in the cold stoic eyes of this gem.

“Yes, allow me to give you what can be spared of this gem’s information, my lady.” A prompt waved open as she flicked the wand and a series of descriptors listing key information on the gem in question. “Nephrite is a prototype S-Class Combat variant commissioned for construction by Yellow Diamond as a weapon with devastating effect. Its developer, who will stay anonymous, had proved their genius and constructed one of the most revolutionary gem templates that time had seen.” She had to withhold herself from serenading her master’s endeavors, but knew it would be keen to remain on topic.

The panel would zoom in on the culprit’s face and begin to pan across the strong dexterous body she possessed, and the strange liquid-phasing stone around her. Cocoa pointing to the gems’ figure. “The most difficult aspect of the gems’ combative traits to tackle is the ‘double-body,’ ability she possesses consisting of her elemental and light-body. Her creator tuned her gemstone to construct its form in a different frequency of hard-light unlike our own bodies do. This lower frequency allows her take on an etheric form, weaponry that cannot match the frequency of light she emits pass right through her, rendering her practically invulnerable to all but a few things.”

She would smile at the sapphire, “Your skills are in fact one of those things, your highness. And, of course why you have been chosen as a member for this mission. Intense energy like plasma should be able to disrupt even her light-body. We’d spare you technology, but we fear that the possible result of failure will entitle hi-tech gem weaponry falling into the hands of rebels.” She then pointed to the outer layer of stone surrounding the gems body. “The second, or outerbody she possesses is also a difficult and dangerous combat trait designated to this gem. The stones that encompass her body are under the full control of Nephrites’ synapsis and thoughts. They can liquefy and harden to an extraordinarily durable substance in the matter of milliseconds. And to add even more issue to this, can emit energy-powered beams that can modulated as she pleases and are very dangerous. The stones can withstand high-energy weaponry, even plasma which is why …” Her head would shift to the tall cloaked gem in the corner who was trying her hardest not to bust out laughing imagining the amethyst’s face swelling up and growing larger by the second.

“Our ... esteemed honor guard … Azurite, will also be accompanying you.” Her perky sultry voice immediately descended into as dry, an unamused tone you could imagine; Cocoa realized she was about to introduce this ‘fool,’ Azurite bobbed left and right, she was so busy trying to hold back her giggling, she didn’t even keep in mind what was happening. “Azurite …” Cocoa said, to get the gem out of her trance and the hooded figure narrowed on the pearl, “Wut’chu’ need, chocolate bead?” she hummed with melodic vibrance, it was … obvious this came out in a casual tone, or was obviously intended to be, but that didn’t stop Cocoa from going almost catatonic from embarrassment. “Oh, introductions! Got you, you gotta speak up, gurl?” the cloaked gem would weave around the paralyzed Cocoa who was trying to reel-back from the sudden comment. The Azurite would take odd steps and bow vigorously low and then strike an almost flawless diamond salute, “With honor your highness, I am Honor Guard Azurite Facet L580-Cut-XJ46 SP reporting for duty, mayham…” there was a moment of silence, before she thought back on what she said … “Oops, I mean, madam. Not mayham, that’d be bad in a small space like this … carnage belongs in the open, in the wilds where it can remain free an- …” Azurite cut herself off and twitched lightly, was she going on a tangent?

[Paddy]

She had seen many experiments in her not so long days, though this gem who now dominated the screen was something she was truly perplexed by, even as Cocoa went on to elaborate. She leaned closer, brows furrowed as she analyzed the data moving across the screen. A multifaceted technology, much like herself, yet with different energy manipulation properties-- and as much as she hoped it didn't, it seemed to out-mod her in several of its facets. But as had been determined by her Diamond, perhaps she would be able to best this prototype with her talent for ion conduction.


The sapphire's eyes passed over the Yellow Diamond sigil on this pearl's uniform as she continue to speak, before looking back up to the screen. Padpara focused most of her attention on what was said, but found herself preoccupied by her thoughts with the Homeworld military leader, and the shadowy contractor who had sent this pearl to speak to her.
Her lips pressed together as she began connecting this event to some other events she had been a part of; this penchant of Yellow Diamond's, to construct weapons who would subsequently be released in one manner or another onto Pink Diamond's colony, all very convenient alongside the phenomenon of corruption, and the rebellion itself. Many gems who passed through her doors, whether in the interrogation chamber or the court hall, were connected in some way to these mass experimentation projects, scattered and frustratingly difficult track. 

A brow quirked at mention of a possible failure on her end; whoever this anonymous contractor was, they were shrewd, but it gave her a twinge to think that this gem already anticipated failure from her. She brushed it off-- she had all the technology she needed at any rate, and she tried to tell herself it was a practical concern. After all, this would be her first contract with this gem, presumably a Yellow Court adjunct...who might have more information that Padparadscha could take advantage of, if she played her cards right. 

Then, as Cocoa turned toward the gem who had the sapphire's curiosity burning at this point, Padpara swiveled her head to regard the gem. She'd always considered herself an odd gem, for an aristocrat, though it seemed there were gems who were even more odd, to a degree that she couldn't quite wrap her head around it, and she easily noticed the difficulty Cocoa had with this Honor Guard-- the sapphire silently hoped to the stars and back that this team would be cohesive. Nonetheless, she gave Azurite a pearly smile and returned her salute. 

She gave a small smirk as her hands fell back together, clasping over the desk,"You'd be correct, Guardian Azurite; It would be mayhem that I suppose we'll be out to quell on the field, shortly. A pleasure to meet you, an honor to be working with you on this endeavor," She then turned her attention toward the pearl again,"Typically my full time entourage accompanies me to the field and back. Since they've already been present for the briefing, they shall in the usual fashion be deployed alongside Guardian Azurite and myself; I believe there shouldn't be issue with this?" Without waiting for an answer, or rather assuming she already knew it, she moved on. It would be a difficult circumstance to be alone with an Honor Guard of shrouded origin and station, so she would strong-arm that position if she had to. By the nature of this meeting, she wondered if there was more to this than had been let onto, as was often the case with these highly classified assignments,"The target will be difficult to deal with but certainly not impossible. My Diamond, and the contractor, have made good consideration here, I'm certain this team will be successful," She spoke with a matter-of-fact tone as she began to interface with her holotech,"Now, any coordinates or data you could provide in a dossier transfer would be imperative to have before we begin this dispatch,"  

[Mad Azurite]

The Azurite wasn’t actually sure how to take the response the sapphire so courteously gave the honor guard. She had half expected to ruin her greeting, as at the moment articulating words wasn’t the gems' strongest asset. The experiment had caused a strange sensation in the gem that was not unlike her thoughts being able to vocalize themselves without her will. It made for an interesting dilemma, “Righto! Let’s knock em’ dead!” She bowed her head once again, looked back at Chocolate, who had dug her face back into her palms trying to refine her composure. “Yo, Chocolator. You’re up!" she’d tap the chocolate pearl on the back as she’d swoop around her. Cocoa, who’d reel and squeak from the unwelcome touch and then jerk to stare the azurite down with a death stare. If she wasn’t such an adorable pearl, it might have looked threatening to the azurite, but she only laughed and waved it off.

Cocoa would take a moment to collect herself as the Azurite would slink back into her ‘spot,’ near the door. She’d make a brief glare toward the Amethyst as she felt her emotions’ trembling underneath this humiliating facade she had to endure while briefing this sapphire, if she wasn’t so dedicated to her master’s vision and safety she would have put this scrawny pink little oaf and her degenerate group of fools back in their place. She wanted nothing more than to hide herself in the confounds of their personal hold and drink tea with her most beloved. Not around these ‘ingrates’ and this meaningless cacophony of social quirks and irks.

She rotated on a heel to meet the sapphire’s words in open regard, fighting back the urge to scowl at the pomposity this gem was showing her. Her smile came back, though not so softly however, “we would be hard-pressed to take your assets from you, your highness. Utilize whatever you wish to ensure the missions’ success.” She motioned back to the honor guard, “Azurite is a member of an old corps that has long since disbanded, recent physical upgrades and more has allowed her to become quite triumphant in her exploits. As an honor guard, she has offered protection on several levels, in terms of importance: She has taken roles within White Diamonds’ Elite Corps alongside others and is noted for her cooperation and synchronicity to a team. We feel she and you my highness will be more than adequate for the mission."

“That’s me, baby! No ‘I’ in ‘team!’ Jus’ an ‘E!’ stands for err’body!” she laughed, most likely to herself on this one as Cocoa’s expression went blank with inner turmoil as the idiot behind her kept talking. “Yeah, see Cocoa, your highness gets ya! This ain’t even gonna be a challenge, It’s all about workin’ togetha’.” Cocoa’s expression became dull at the words of the azurite, “Yes, let’s continue shall we. In terms of coordinates, this will all be sent to your dossier at the conclusion of the meeting.”

[Paddy]

Amethyst kept an eye on the antics from where she stood, trying with some success to keep her expression serious, though her eyes flicked away from the venomous glance shot in her direction. The moonbase guard wondered at who Azurite and this pearl really served (below their Diamond, of course); the pearl didn't seem to have the power to openly reprimand Azurite, though the guardian didn't seem to have the power to conduct a meeting-- or perhaps she lacked the desire to. Padparadscha too had the same thought; these two had been sent, presumably, by this mysterious contractor who wished to work in junction with Pink Diamond's special operatives. The sapphire had more facility to contemplate this than 6UE did, though kept it to herself. Mostly for the pearl's sake, the sapphire pretended not to notice the diminutive way she was treated by the Honor Guard, head tilting as her eyes flicked between Cocoa's interface and her own, until the gem began to speak again.

Her eyes moved to scan the chocolate pearl, her movements, the idiosyncrasies of her expression. Padpara took the pearl's words, letting the air fall still for a moment before her response as she contemplated. For one reason or another, it seemed this pearl was agitated. Though it was easy to pass it off on the behavior of the other gem, Padpara had seen versions of this contrived smile, the biting look in the eyes, among many gems who might have spited the sapphire for her position, for her connection to Pink Diamond, or for simply being the one who interrogated them. Though, she found it convenient that her impasse with this gem would soon be ending. 

"Very good," She said, pursing her lips slightly. Even if this Azurite was considered among the best defenders in the entire empire, she was from another court-- and from the sounds of things, connected to the very experimentation phenomenon Padparadscha had accumulated a growing fear of. This gem couldn't be entirely trusted, not yet, and it would pay to have gems loyal to Pink Diamond and herself if something went haywire. Then, she turned to look at the gem she'd been mulling about,"Indeed, I'm glad you feel that way Guaridan Azurite-- I hope to find that this team has no weak links. Now," She turned back to look at the yellow court pearl,"I suppose there are the particulars to handle. Nephrite is to be apprehended-- this...gem is dangerous, to be sure, and we will have to operate with care as it is, but I will do what I can to minimize damage to the target if that is your intention," Though, as she knew from passed missions, sometimes damage simply couldn't be helped. There was a lull as she considered the things she'd heard around this meeting table, including the endearing nickname that Azurite seemed to have for this pearl.  

Then, as if she were zapped by electricity, something came together for the sapphire and she froze for a moment, looking as if she'd gone vacant. Hematite's words flashed through her mind... that Pearl that follows her around, I just remember her nickname— Cocoa, or something like that. In those moments, Padparadscha just stared at the chocolate pearl. Dots in her mind began snapping together in a blaze of inspiration, and she found herself nearly shaking as she had the overwhelming urge to tear open her logs to confirm this. Was this the very same Cocoa that the sapphire's now sworn nemesis had mentioned? The power hungry, yellow court inventor's pearl? 

While the sapphire was in this state, Pink Pearl noticed from her periphery, and her thin brows floated up with concern. This had been a recent development in her patron's behavior-- never, until recent events, had she seen the sapphire go into spells of vacancy. She tapped her sapphire's shoulder. Padparadscha's mouth hung slightly open for a moment, before she blinked. Clearing her throat, she continued,"W-well, we could also issue field termination, if trial for this suspect is not in the question. But I presume the suspect, if returned, will be handed to the custody of your benefactor as aligns with my lustrous Diamond's sanctioning?"

[Mad Azurite]

The pearl had just managed to recollect herself when she turned to see the sapphire staring at her as if she had a seen a ghost. The expression in the royal’s face immediately forced her brows to furrow as she tried to understand what exactly was happening at the moment. Was there something said that offended the sapphire? Did she have epiphany about the mission? No, looking back on their words, it wasn’t anything of an insult, it was very unprovoked and unsettling to the pearl, what had caused this sapphire to become so shaken in a second? She even watched as her pearl had to remind the royal where her focus should be, and watched as the sapphire returned to reality.

She had lost the chance to analyze exactly what caused this reaction, nothing she could think back on seemed to allude to whatever had transpired. Instead, she faked as much concern and etiquette she could muster, “Well, my highness. Elimination of the project is out of question for the vendor. Rest assured, releasing the gems’ form and her subsequent capture will be enough. Damage or Destruction of her gemstone will be severely reprimanded, terminating this mission. Nephrite, her unseen abilities, rare facet, and the potential to create a full-line of this combat model are extremely valuable to all parties involved.”

Cocoa’s head seemed to cant toward her highness as her attention shifted back to that odd pause the royal slinked into, accompanied with a doll-like smile playing on her lips. “But, before I continue, my liege. Please, is everything alright?” In Cocoa’s eyes was this sincere modest front, attempting to hide her scrutinizing intent. “Did something get you flustered?” she ask intently.

Azurite on the other hand was also a little weirded out by the sudden pause, what exactly had caused it made her wonder, but it was odd and so unlike someone of her rank and stature to just fall into into. But hell, maybe she was a more laid back professional in this industry might had a sudden spoof of inspiration. Azurite sure as hell knew she was. Her head tilted to the amethyst beside her. She served with a few Amethyst and she couldn’t lie, she was up there with some of her favorite kind of gems to hang with, which sucked for this Amethyst, because that meant Azurite had a bias for her which means withholding any moment to mess with her was out of the question.

Wait … Is that right? She looked forward again and contemplated. Amethyst she had a nickname for these lovely squires, something, Purple Pups? Was that it? Whatever it was it wasn’t important enough for her to remember.

[Paddy]

The purple gem had been trying to subtly get a look at Azurite, sizing her up mostly, then gave a start and flicked her eyes away again when the honor guard looked her way. It was clear she'd be working with this soldier, who seemed so carefree compared to her peers in the Yellow Court. The last time she had to put up with a yellow court soldier joining the task force, she'd been humiliated on several fronts. Arms crossed, her finger unconsciously tapped against her bicep while she chewed her cheek. She wondered if it was even possible for her, a young, simple amethyst guard, to perform anywhere near the level of a specialized military weapon like this honor guard. The most likely answer was no, and the thought lit a burn under Amethyst's fists; if she could, then maybe she could snag such an honorable spot herself. They'd call her the best amethyst, maybe. That idea gave her a small smirk, both for its appeal, and it's futility.

"What?" Padparadscha uttered in response to the question, her tone as if she had no clue what the pearl was talking about, and her brow shot up,"Of course, everything is in order," She shifted her shoulder; she knew full well, but with any possibility that this pearl could be connected to that shadowy figure who loomed in the background of her mind since Hematite's mention of her, she would have to be very careful. Pink Pearl stood, peering at the sapphire from the periphery, before her soft pink eyes darted back to the other pearl. "These days, some contractors may have less trust for the rehabilitation of their assets. However, my magnanimous Diamond and I share the view that resources should never be put to waste. I have many clean captures in my records as you've no doubt seen," She recalled the hardship it took to get those clean captures, rebel after rebel she'd encountered on the field and hunted until they were finally apprehended through any means necessary. Though, some more personal missions had been left off the record for now.

Bringing up the subject of whether the project was needed to be returned in full working order or not was important for several reasons, but more in her own interest, it gave her a reason to finagle this exchange to drive her toward her own goals. She had her doubts that this could possibly be that Cocoa, but her mind drifted as her eyes flicked toward the holotech bracelet around her wrist. Her tech had been replaced in the time that had spanned since the monumental failure involving that nefarious fusion, but she still had those logs she'd recorded; it was always good practice to hoard data, in an organized fashion of course.

"But at any rate, you may continue," Her growing urge to double check her suspicions made her less patient, and it came through in her tone as she continued speaking to the pearl. She tried to keep her mind on task, while her personal research reared like an enormous creature over the horizon of her thoughts, grasping for her attention. 

[Mad Azurite]

Listening intently to the sapphires’ words, Cocoa’s gaze never left her for even a moment, she might not have even blinked. The words that met her ear felt off to her, something about the situation suddenly felt fabricated, artificial. Her expression would falter, her giddy persona shifting to a stoic stare as she’d try her hardest to absorb the words she was hearing. But, and even to Azurite’s quiet surprise, Cocoa seemed so in thought on the manner of the sapphire’s response that she didn’t respond aptly. And, just like the royal, this emissary went quiet as ever for a moment as well

There was one thing about Cocoa the Azurite had always found strange—and it was her indifference towards others that had no association with Beady, it was noticeable. She seemed to place herself in a different place than other pearls, which she knew was because of whom she assisted directly. It gave her an odd way of carrying herself, far too strong assertive to be any pearl of the main courts except possibly the more eccentric ones-but she’d certainly be among those types. Beady, with her strange interest in humans, must have tried chocolate and thought the pearl would be best suited with smooth, silky personality.

But, chocolate could be bitter, and there was certainly a very bitter part of her that rung with heavy coalescence in some situations. The azurite visibly narrowed her head on her and then looked over at the amethyst and hunched her shoulders nervously. Cocoa obviously didn’t like something about this situation.

“Well, actually.” The coco colored pearled mentioned, “There actually isn’t much else to be said. Though, a little more info about your target. Nephrite’s elemental stones allow her transform herself quite literally into gem-powered machinations. One of which is a high-powered zero-gravity corvette class ship. She can move at incredible speeds once this is active which is also why we assigned you this honor-guard.”

“I’m unsure if you ever heard of this small unit from the past.” Cocoa turned on a heel her appearance more stoic and firm now and she marched toward the robed azurite and prompted her to step forward, “Azurite was also a member of the Trindigo, a squad of shock troopers who ride massive custom-made very expensive,” And Cocoa’s eyes would become heavily punishing, as if she was trying to shame the azurite, who hunched her shoulders and receded some. It wasn’t long ago that Azurite had actually broken or severely damaged her GD. MII due to some … negligence and recklessness … and the one time she purposely override one’s core to explode in a fiery explosion to secure a mission. “mobile berserker blade, which is small enough to match the speed and maneuverability of Nephrite on a moment’s notice. And can also fit two other occupants.”

Of course she motioned a hand to massive folded weapon enwrapped and tucked in a cleverly made synthetic Homeworld material strong enough and flexible enough carry and restrain this thing to her back.

[Paddy]

For a moment, the two gems had what could've been called a stare-down; Padparadscha kept her keen eyes on Cocoa as she seemed to fall deep into thought-- or was it real time analysis? The sapphire's eyes narrowed slightly, and she wondered if this pearl might have a similar ability to her own, a sharp sense for the motives of others based on social cues. That would certainly make her a formidable opponent, but just as good an ally. Though, it became clear this pearl searched for something, likely the answer to the sapphire's own peculiar behavior, but there could be more at play here. After all, this pearl seemed to hail from the top secret reaches of wherever her master, presumably the inventor, was hidden. Perhaps this experimental model of pearl had more to her than the average lot. 

It wasn't until Amethyst caught Azurite's gaze that she realized something off was going on. Her eyes floated between the two gems; the aristocrat, and the pearl who acted like one, for the tense heartbeat that passed before Cocoa began to speak again. The guard's eyes flicked again between the gems, though soon she found herself nearly drifting back into her own head before the words incredible speeds hit her ears and, as she continued to listen, her brows shot up when she realized the huge thing strapped to the Honor Guard's back doubled as a weapon and a vehicle. Her mouth fell open as she almost exclaimed what she was thinking, Whoa!...but instead let her lips form into a giddy grin. It seemed like this was going to be a very interesting assignment.

Padparadscha was impressed by this revelation, but not in the manner that her guard was. Rather, the sapphire began to wonder if her preferred tactics would be applicable at all to this situation; she would be bringing two soldiers with her, one armed with not only specialized abilities, but multifaceted weaponry, and both of them she guessed would be gunning for a fight-- though she could control Amethyst, she had no idea what this Azurite would be like on the field. Coming to a mutual understanding with rebels wasn't easy, but the small gem found it preferable to battle. With her projections in mind, her expression became more grim.

She had questions about Azurite as her eyes flicked over to the cloaked gem, but she decided to wait. This pearl would no doubt have some answer for those questions, but Padpara decided that asking them of the Honor Guard directly would yield more valuable, raw information. "Right then," The sapphire stood up promptly, and her hands flew up to give a salute to the pearl,"Excellent presentation, pearl. I trust all necessary information will be transferred to my device as previously mentioned. Hopefully a chase will be avoided, but it's good to know that my options are well considered," She initiated her device for transfer as she continued to speak,"My cruiser can take us to the necessary location, unless the contractor has a preference, which is stationed in the general hanger--" She pivoted to face the two soldiers standing at the door, Amethyst straightened her back and stood at attention,"Be prepared to head out post-haste,"

[Mad Azurite]

The chocolate pearl would visibly relax as she realized her chance to catch this sapphire had slipped away, it had irritated her some but whatever, at least she could finally leave this dreadful place. It was time for her to go where she belong, back to her master-the thought was enough to bring a light to her eyes that could have been mistaken for simple joy. Perhaps the contents of this mission would convince this noble to keep her nose out of things that didn’t concern her, she knew their target was dangerous but. “Thank you, my highness. I do not deserve it.” She’d bow her head and then assume a salute. The honor guard would assume her own salute and respond affirmatively, “Yes, ma’am!” and watch as Cocoa turned toward the door, “May your mission go well, everyone. Till’ next time.”

The sliding door mechanism would activate, and as she walked outside, she would look to Azurite, “A moment please.” She’d utter with a light tone and the azurite would follow after her without first rolling her shoulders and make backward look at the rest of the group. They’d walk until she was out of ear’s reach from the others, and the pearl would turn on her heel, azurite watching Cocoa’s fiery side peek for a second. “Remember your expectations, watch her, carefully. And here,” her face would soften as an orb of black would float from her sleeve, the size of not but a marble maybe. The azurite would watch it float just before her face and an eye would open in the center. It’d zoom to hide itself in the darkness of her hood which she’d recede as she felt it nestle on her neck. “Beady, for some reason, has an interest in this …” she watched the pearl’s breathing become unsteady.

It was jealousy, really. At its purest. The expression on her master’s face when she learned the sapphire discovered Project HQ was pursuing her, had the gem amused and interested, a brightness she hadn’t seen in years. That she feared she could no longer coax from her beloved.

“I want …” She snorted, “to know everything about that … arrogant twat.” Azurite receded some, Cocoa was very mad about something, was it the odd pause in there? Was it her jokes, did she go too far? She probably did, but, who cares? “Gotcha, I’ll keep my eye, and creepy unconnected eye on em’.”