Moon-Business as Usual (C:7XB) -Fin-

[7XB]

The little gem seemed a little dejected as 7XB shook their head, but the Quartz spoke  without anger or frustration, though weather or not this was forced is hard to tell-7XB was famously guarded when it came to emotion. They had anticipated the mention of fusion, though they had hoped to avoid such an unsavory topic, especially in front of such regal company!

But it was done.

They spoke crisply now, though it was quite clear they were somewhat adverse to the topic. "Fusion is..can be a useful tool," began the quartz with a certain sternness. " But it requires very certain circumstances to be possible." They dreaded talk of fusion, truly. Detested the idea of it, but as their rubies had (and likely would again) done it in the course of duty their duty it was worth getting it out of the way. "For example, you may be in a squad of rubies now, but what if your in a squad with a Topaz? Or by yourself? It's not possible." A moment was taken to clear their throat of obstruction, though they were still keenly aware of their observing. "In a squad like you, Rubies, your greatest asset is the gem beside you." While they, of course, each had their own skills and knowledge, that was, in fact, what made them them more useful to their comrades. It was, in truth, not the easiest train of thought to follow, especially for them. "When they falter, you succeed. When you slip, they are there to catch you. Does that make sense to you all?"

Silence. Of understanding, hopefully.

"Together, you form an unbreakable phanyx..er..wall." didn't want to go over their heads. " You work together in such a way as to negate your flaws."

[Paddy]

Padparadscha let the faint hint of a smile show on her lips as she listened to the Quartz. She brought a contemplative finger to her chin. Ruby bodyguards could certainly make use of fusion, but as she suspected, there was something more that the commander wanted to drive into their heads-- duty toward each other, teamwork. She'd suspected that the rubies would need more guidance, but this only meant a deeper look into their leader's own style of command. 

Despite the aura of discomfort that surrounded 7XB as they ironed out the ruby's superficial mistake, they remained a logical assessor, while keeping in mind the peculiarities of leading this particular cut of gem. Adaptive, patient, dutiful. Padparadscha made mental note with the nod of her head as the Quartz finished speaking to the rubies.

She wondered what was going through their mind, specifically. Though she could make a few guesses based on her analytical senses, she couldn't know for sure how 7XB was feeling with judgment upon them. Padparadscha had spent her life preceded by her image, and knew its importance-- reputations were fittings to the facets of homeworld gems, and each one was fitted into their niche with absolution. Yet, the ligament of place could sometimes become weak, that she knew from years of working in the legal system. She had sentenced gems who had at one time seemed dignified, even as they stood under the bench of the court.

This Clear Quartz seemed to have no glaring weak ligament, but as Padparadscha knew from her experience, every gem has its smudges-- especially those who held fast to their facades. 

(ooc: sorry if this ends up not making a lot of sense, it's really late/early here but I was trying to inject a little more introspection, will probably edit it again when I wake up lolol)

[7XB]

It was impossible for the Quartz to know just how closely they were being scrutinized by the sapphire gem, so they rationed to not distract themselves with worry as they already had something to focus their attention upon. Besides, it would be out it place to question Padparadscha's methods and motives.

"And, yes," 7XB admitted with some reservations, "this all applies to fusion as well. A good, solid trust between all parties involved will help keep you from unfusing before the end of the battle." Their opinion on fusion and it's uses was clear to see by the way the Quartz​spoke of it: it was only even meant to be temporary, a tool to allow the relatively-weak rubies to become a powerful war machine. "But I trust you know that fusion was never meant to last forever. To do so is dangerous. And not to mention forbidden." No more on that, though. " Now, straighten up, Rubies." They commanded clearly, "pairs of two, you know the drill."

[Paddy]

The sapphire shifted in her seat, twirling a strand of hair around her finger as she anticipated the post pep-talk practice. Combat wasn't her forte, but she could recognize the dexterity of others based on her prior experiences. She had drilled often with her mentor as a young gem, and knew the basics of an effective attack or defense. In the past she had ended up in situations where it was necessary to employ those tactics, and knew the importance of good footwork. Rubies relied on brute force, but technique and teamwork could mean the difference between victory and failure in high-stakes missions. 

Padparadscha's mind began to wander more as the rubies paired off and prepared for their drill. 7XB was more relaxed now that their uncomfortable discussion had ended, but it was apparent that they, like (more or less) all Homeworld gems, had disdain for the practice of fusion. Even when necessary, fusion gems had to maintain focus and duty to avoid treading near the obscene. Padpara wondered if their discomfort stemmed from a conventional distaste for the practice, the fact that they were being judged presently-- or if there was some deeper conflict fluttering within their inner workings. The inner mind of the Quartz was hidden, but the sapphire couldn't help herself from trying to piece that psyche together.  

[7XB]

Turning to reposition themselves upon what could be considered the 'side-lines' of the gravel-filled pit, momentarily making eye contact with the observing Sapphire, giving a respectful nod of their head. Arms crossed now over their chest as attention focused again upon their Corridium squad. "Weapons at the ready!" Passed the clear command from their lips, a moment of hesitation as weapons of various kinds were materialized from red hardlight, each ruby preparing to rush forward with all the fury and energy of a battle. They did this often, the sparring, often until one or the other felt too weary to carry on or was forced to retreat into their gem. 

It was harsh, yes, but 7XB found it necessary. It would do no good to stage mock battles when the enemies they would be battling out there in the wider universe were quite real. They had gone over quite alot in their previous drills, the Quartz just hoped their retained some of it. 

"Begin."

[Paddy]

When 7XB turned their stone gaze up to her, she returned a nod and a smile that hinted at her excitement. She glanced back up to where the Rubies stood in line, ready to face the foe at hand. As 7XB gave the order for the Rubies to draw their weapons, Padparadscha's brows drifted up with a jolt of surprise. Years ago, her mentor had faced her with non-sentient holograms for weapon training, never with a live gem. Against a gem, she was given holographic weapons. On further thought, she decided it wasn't out of place for this drill in particular-- these gems were clearly more combat ready that she had been then, and were likely more battled hardened than she'd ever been. 

Padparadscha's gaze settled on the Quartz, who surveyed their troops with a hard glare-- the eyes of a gem who had seen things far more grim than a punitive training exercise. The order was given, and she awaited the coming violence with an expression more solemn than before. 


   

[7XB]

7XB was well aware of how glaringly unorthodox their methods were: they too had done much of their earliest training with holographic opponents and weapons, though only for mere days before being tossed out into active duty in the wider, still gleaming with what older gems used to call the 'Kindergarden Fresh' point of view. But that was a long time ago, and it didn't take long for them to decide that most of the hologram simulations, even more recent ones, were woefully inadequate.

They wore a mask of impassiveness as three out of the four gems charged each other- save for one. Diminutive glaive in hand, 2FG nonetheless remained as frozen as a deer in headlights as their partner, 3XA, rushed forward lustily to face their opponents. 

Both of them. Alone.

TheQuartz could have sighed with exasperation, but held fast. The other two, at least, seemed to have at least some notion of teamwork, though it was just as likely they just happened to rush forward simultaneously. Would they ever learn, 7XB wondered? On today of all days the commander had hoped their lessons would sink in.

[Paddy]

Padparadscha sensed a rise of tension in the room when two of the rubies seemed to disregard the advice they were given by 7XB. The fear in 2FG's eyes was palpable, any gem could have seen her discomfort while her partner dashed ahead. Perhaps these rubies weren't as battle ready as she'd assumed, or perhaps there was something else stopping them up. She hoped it wasn't her presence of all things that made the little gem choke, while the others went at each other without regard for the gem who was left behind. Should I say something? She wonder to herself, Perhaps some encouragement? She glanced back to 7XB, whose tension was more controlled and hidden, but nonetheless there. It grated at her to see the poor ruby standing there, looking flummoxed. She couldn't stand to sit and cringe in silence. 

"You can do it, ruby! Your partner needs you!" Padparadscha spoke up, hoping that she hadn't crossed a line. She wasn't sure how this drill was normally run without her there, but it was safe to say this wasn't normal circumstances. If 2FG had choked because of her, then it was only right for the sapphire to offer her support.        

[7XB]

As engrossed as they were in their usual drilling routine, the interjection of the Padparadscha Sapphire's encouraging words surprised 7XB, an almost startled look passing over their steely, granite eyes. They had hardly expected a noble gem to take much real interest in a simple training drill outside of what was polite. Astonishing.

For 2FG, though, the clearing voice of kind encouragement was enough to spurn them into action, giving a shake of their head as they rushed forward to join their partner in combat, much to their relief, as they had begun to find themselves overwhelmed by the situation. Now, the situation was more evenly matched, their glaive sparing​ a blow that may well have destroyed their opponents physical form.

Finally. The Quartz's eyes were alight with something closer to solemn amusement now, glancing towards the sapphire occasionally. Odd one.

[Paddy]

Now the fight was really on-- the sapphire was on the edge of her seat when the ruby slid between her comrade and a decisive swing. "Yes!" Padparadscha exclaimed, with the urge to stand up in applause. She kept herself contained, and let a wide smile bloom into her expression instead. Though she'd never even spoken with this ruby, warm pride welled up in her. But this round wasn't over yet, the rubies had to prove they could work in tandem, and they were only seconds into their assault. 

Padparadscha was so focused on the rubies that she hardly noticed the quartz. Her eyes flickered up from the action for a moment, and she caught the quietly amused glance of 7XB. In a short moment, her face was hot when she realized she had treated this drill like it was an arena event, in front of a gem who probably saw more excitement than this on routine. She shrugged, and owned her naiveté in this realm with a small smirk as her eyes flicked back up to the fight. 

[7XB]

The presence of another gem, one in no way under their command, was turning out to be quite a bit more interesting than 7XB could have possibly anticipated. She was a rather unexpected voice of encouragement and warmth, something that seemed to have pulled one of their more troubled troops out of their stupor, something the Quartz had trouble with. Admittedly. 

"Watch your form," they called clearly, keen eyes catching like a hook upon any and all sloppy actions, even as the furious fighting escalated into a whirlwind of blades. "It only takes a single chink in your armor for an opponent to-" A sudden, bright flash of red light gave them pause. Two of the rubies, drunk on battle and wanting to seal what they saw as an easy victory, had fused! The now-larger ruby hefted their new greatsword over their head, preparing for a final, sweeping strike against 2FG and her partner.

[Paddy]

Good! Padparadscha thought as her eyes bounced from ruby to ruby. They were holding their own against one another, and she could finally see the culmination of their experience in combat. She nodded as 7XB called out to their squad-- her hands clasped when red light flashed across the arena, her eyes wide when the fused ruby stood over their opponents. She wasn't expecting them to pull off fusion, especially not with such a small opening in this close quartered combat. Whether they could maintain and properly use the form was now the question. However, 2FG and 3XA were now at a stark disadvantage as the huge ruby reeled up for a devastating attack. The sapphire leaned forward, watching closely so she wouldn't miss how these rubies would deal with this-- would they sink in the undertow, or would they find a way to create an opportunity from this dangerous situation? 

Though she wanted to see them all succeed, that wasn't possible in this situation. What she really wanted to see was how adept each ruby was, and whether they could be considered for risky missions. For this reason, she rooted for the underdogs-- if they could heave themselves out of the disadvantage, she would no longer be able to question their skill. This time, her excitement blazed in her eyes as she watched for the next decisive move. 

[7XB]

Unbeknownst to either of them, it seemed that both Padparadscha and 7XB shared a similar outlook on the situation. While they would have liked each and every member of their platoon to rise to the occasion, such a thing was not possible- there could only be a single winner. However, that was not to say that they could not all excel past their previous accomplishments, win or lose. The quartz was a firm believer in the educational value of a good, sound defeat.

For their part, the Rubies were performing admirably in the face of their Titanic, if slightly unstable, opponent. Having fused so fast (and 7XB could attest to them having little to no practice) they were rather unstable, the inability of the two gems within the fusion to coordinate turning what should have been a decisive victory into an unacceptable opening. 

Sloppy.

Fortunately, 2FG was alert enough to recognize their hesitation, leading their partner in a sudden strike, both their blades piercing the red hardlight that was the fusion Ruby's body. Had it been an organic opponent, it may have been grizzly, but being a gem fusion, and a rather unstable one at that, it simply caused them to separate, the diminutive gems reforming their individual bodies mere moments before they fell upon the rather unforgiving gravel.

"Enough."

[Paddy]

The sapphire had never experienced it, she never had to (besides, it would be uncouth), but she knew from the tangent experiences of others that fusion was a sometimes fickle tool. This was a strength that could also ultimately become a weakness, as was the case for these rubies. She gripped her knuckles as the pair faced the fused giant, and seized an opportunity to strike united against their foe-- the huge ruby dissipated and its components laid strewn across the arena floor. Padparadscha was brimming as the Clear Quartz's order rang out across the room. She clapped, releasing all of the excitement that lead to this point in the drill.

She played through the events that she had seen--it was clear from what she had seen that these were indeed capable little gems. She admired their tenacity, and though they weren't as well polished as they could be, she saw a lot of potential in them. Her eyes gleamed as she looked on the group as the recovered from their bout. Quick thinking rubies were an asset, to be sure. She imagined that it had been tough for them to make it to this point. 

"Excellent!" She exclaimed, though she didn't want to be too overt with her praise as not to overshadow the commander, who would no-doubt have some things to say to their entourage. 

[7XB]

Weapons vanished in a flash of light as the Rubies scrambled to gather themselves, again forming up into a tight row, the Diamond salute across their chests; That had certainly proved to be a much more interesting, and hopefully productive, training session that 7XB had imagined when they decided upon the itinerary for the day. Truthfully, they were relieved to get some excitement: days spent upon the base, grand as it was, were fairly lackluster compared to time spent in the field. But they couldn't tell if having the aristocratic Sapphire witness to it all was good or not- only time would tell.

Either way, there was a certain pride welling up in their chest at how well the pair, especially 2FG, had performed in the face of adversity, especially after such a rocky start. They turned to face the Padparadscha for now, crossing their arms in a brief salute across their broad chest. "Thank you, Your Clarity. It seems I have you to thank for 2FG's success."