Mysterious Hierarchies ((Paddy))

[Mad Azurite]

The frown on Chevron’s face turned into a glower at the gem as she spoke, she was far too young at the moment to fully understand all of her programming, though there was strangely a lack of inert knowledge about her own empire instilled within it. Azurite saw the look of retaliation spark in the violet gems eyes and managed to make it up the stairs fast enough to place a hand on her shoulder—which seemed to thwart her next move instinctively, “She’s right you know, you gotta remember your position here, Chevy.” The look on the chevron’s face was something of a mix of confusion and worry, “But z’eh small one, she abuses her po’seetion!” Which Azurite shook the gem’s shoulders at these, words, “Chevy, c’mon! Stop being a feather-head!” She shot a venomous look at Azurite which then instantly shifted to the noble, she muttered something under her breath, “Petite sotte.” Before getting ready to turn on a heel with the pearl in hers arms, but reverberating noise of massive automated door instantly caught her attention, and her head, along with Azurite who watched the door to Beady’s quarters light up, watched as if simply being mentioned summoned the gem.

The doors swung open, and the tall, willowy figure stepped out, arms crossed behind her back nobly, and her appearance as calm and collective as ever. Her expression seemed a comingling of deep thought, curiosity and expectation, but nonetheless it was there. The inner chambers she walked from was unsettlingly dark, either that or the light difference between the two rooms gave off the impression it was practically pitch dark in there, but as she stepped out, her gaze fell on all the gems, sweeping through them until her eyes caught sight of cocoa in the arms of the chevron. 

“Seems my assistant has befallen some kind of ailment?” She questioned and then stared into the eyes of each of them, Azurite making careful gestures that it certainly wasn’t her fault this had happened, and kept looking at the sapphire as if thought she was about to get the punishment of a lifetime, “What happened, I know she can be … protective, but she is honestly quite harmless. Or has she been misusing her powers on herself again?” Being able to elevate moods and instill intense amounts of pleasure into an individual sounded harmless, but there was a level where one could go too far and this certainly reminded her of the residual effects of that.

[Paddy]

The sapphire had said her piece, and furrowed her brows at Chevron's continued dissent, confused as to why this prototype was still speaking on the subject. Had Serendibite created this gem to be so out of her own place? "Hmph," She allowed Azurite to try to talk sense into the gem, keeping herself poised for the moment that Serendibite would show herself again. The sight of this gem sparked another wave of displeasure within Padparadscha, still sore about the loss of her data, and the general manner of treatment she had been given at the hands of this Yellow Court facility. Her list of complaints was too long, her patience worn thin; if the tall, elegant gem who finally appeared before her once again had complaints, she would surely raise her own-- such was the world of expedient maneuvers. 

"Your servant was presented with discourse," She stated as a matter of fact, her brows floating high on her expression while the rest stayed rather neutral. It was difficult to look straight into Serendibite's expression due to how much shorter she was, but nonetheless she would attempt to read the gem's cues, to boil down to the point of things as was the sapphire's modus operandi. Her voice was sharp, alluding to the irritation coursing through her tense, light frame. But she remained professional, speaking in her brisk manner,"I first examined her background knowledge, and ideological construction of an abstruse, conceptual notion that I have come across in prior investigations; love. In my discourse with this pearl, I sought to ground her abstraction within my hypothesis by seeking the material connection she has developed in conjunction with this aforementioned abstraction. In short, I asked her if she loved you," As she finished speaking, her lips shut tight. There was obviously more to what happened; a simple question wasn't necessarily what had incapacitated the pearl, and that is what Padparadscha found so positively fascinating about what she had seen,"I believe her internalized conceptions have manifested in some more corporeal way, though to be honest, I haven't enough trial data to make a clear correlation." On top of that, what she could surmise was based off of observations she wouldn't dare discuss with these gems, "I'll perhaps need more subjects, more time, to truly explain to you what has actually happened in this instance," 

6UE stood by, letting herself fall out of attention while the sapphire presented her case to Serendibite. She squinted her eyes a bit, realizing that Padparadscha was using the same tone and manner she had many times back on the moonbase, in the court room, while making cases to their shared Diamond, or the manager of the base. It was a courtly defense, despite Padparadscha's callous handling of the event. Amethyst just hoped that it would be enough to prevent Serendibite from tossing her and the sapphire into a black hole after this; her nerves prickled, it was hard to decide what this huge gem would do. 

[Mad Azurite]

The expression on the larger gem’s face didn’t change, there wasn’t really much of a reaction from her actually as the sapphire went on, taking a rather judicial approach with her explanation as if she was trying to clear a her own name in this situation. For whatever reason, Serendibite surmised. But eventually, she’d make a slow blink at the group below before staring at her assistant in particular, “I see.” She’d simply say, and then kneeling over, extend a hand to chevron whom withdrew from this gem, “May I have her please?” She’d ask, and Chevron, despite her protective nature, found it within herself to oblige with this daunting figure, “Y-yes, madam.” She’d say before lowering the pearl into the palm of her creator. With that, the gem lifted herself up staring down at the smaller gem before, her expression growing into a more reminiscent, and smiled even if it was light and stoically faint.

She began to tap the pearl’s cheek, a coy look on her face, until she heard something of a small shutter, and the pearl began to come to life, seemingly dazed at first but then instantly went to alert. Throwing shocked glances here and there, her eyes eventually rounded up nervously to the looming figure above her. The look of shock and confusion on Cocoa’s face intensified, wondering how she even got to this point or position, but a gentle caressing of her chin from the large index finger before her managed to soften her expression and she peered up at her mistress with some confusion. “Are you okay, my dear?” Beady would ask in a light voice, and the pearl’s cheeks lit up at these words, “Oh—m-my mistress-I,” she managed to straighten herself out enough to respond kindly, “Yes, I’m fine.” She would say.

The larger gem began to stroke the smaller one’s hair almost like handling a small pet, holding her affectionately close to her chest as she did, “Good.” Was all she managed to say, the pearl almost went to protest as her master was quite literally fawning over her right in front of guests. But the love she felt emulating from this gem managed to silence her and she practically melting against the beating heart pulsating against her.

Azurite immediately gave a stumped look as she recalled seeing this in a movie, embracing? It was certainly similar, it was just weird considering the size difference. Chevron’s eyes lit up at this, and there was this sudden feeling as her gut started to wrench, but—what was this? She even seemed to show a pained expression—something in her certainly wanted that—that closeness she saw, but then why was she angry? The gem’s face showed an obvious distraught as she tried to understand a feeling she didn’t want to feel.

Serendibite began to walk past the group, her tone returning to normal as she continued, “Follow me please, the templater is this way.”

[Paddy]

Padparadscha's hand went over her mouth as her brows shot up. This kind of behavior, from someone with such prestige? Never had she seen a member of any loyalist court act so affectionately toward a gem who served them; except for, well, herself. The sapphire was frozen for a moment, unable to decide how best to act in a situation like this. What shocked her most of all were the connections that could be made after witnessing such a thing, about her study of this phenomenon called love. It reminded her of past investigations, her own guilt about things she'd said and done. Her eyes tore away from Serendibite and Cocoa as she tried to reign her reaction down and get back on guard, instead searching the dark room behind them, the walls, the garden; she would look at anything but what she thought of as a private moment between this designer and her pearl. 

The amethyst bodyguard had to try hard to stifle the befuddled expression on her face, she wasn't quite sure what was going on. She cast a glance toward Azurite, who seemed as confused as she was, and Chevron who looked like she was trying to hold something back, or else thinking very actively about something. Then, her eyes flicked over to her patron, trying to figure out what was going on with her. This wasn't the first time she'd caught her patron acting weird, but it seemed like everyone was acting a bit strange at the moment; including herself, as she stood still, eyes darting to each gem.  

The sapphire, deep in rumination, took a moment to respond as Serendibite moved passed them, pearl in hand. Padpara determined that it would be a risk to follow, but decided to at any rate. Her hands fell to her sides, then clasped behind her as her feet tapped against the path. Her eyes narrowed on the back of Serendibite as she lead them through the facility; this enigmatic Yellow Court lapidary was difficult to get a read on. Padpara motioned for her bodyguard to follow, and 6UE stepped over with a bit of haste to catch up.


The undercurrent of guilt about her treatment of Cocoa still nagged at the back of her mind, and she wasn't sure what Serendibite truly felt about the debacle. But it would be uncouth, and not in her favor, to push the subject. She decided instead to focus on the templater. "She informed me about the technology. I have to say it sounds incredible, I'm eager for this chance to see it for myself," She said, maintaining a professional tone in an attempt to continue smoothing things over. Shock continued bubbling beneath the surface, it mingled with the guilt to give her a discomfort that crept over her shoulders, tension holding in every step Padparadscha took. 

[Mad Azurite]

The group would reenter the massive labyrinthine corridors of the main factory, which one would note a slight shift in aura from the massive planetary view above, it seemed the ship’s orbit or yaw if one would, had tipped enough to show off the earth below through the only skyport within the facility. The ground floor had come to life again, Jet’s had climbed from the shadows once more to continue their daily work, they would shift their glances toward the group with their odd deformed heads tilting, a few seemingly still a little afraid of the sapphire as they made a clear choice to immediately remove themselves from her view.

“I hope, with its instrumentation and addition, that the current stresses of various lapidaries other than myself may be somewhat alleviated.” She would say as she made a sharp turn to another sector of the facility, “We get high fluctuations of constant and near endless request that with our own personal time, would be impossible to fulfill without the help of assistants. And even then we barely make it by. Especially as some orders are obviously more important than others.”

As they made their way, something of a massive construction came into view, various mechanical arms lay at rest, with a large holo-panel blinking at the center where an even larger panel seemed to await interaction above it. Azurite’s eyes managed to widen as she saw the machine, its coiling power systems practically sprawled about as if there was no room elsewhere, it was complicated, it looked like plasma-cutters, and various gem tools were aligned in a way that could access a central glass bubble. The violet gem behind her, who still showed a rather uncomfortable and hurt express managed to look up from her inner turmoil at the strange emotions she felt, to see this device which only elicited narrowed gaze from the gem.

“Project Templater, Start Protocol: Test Sequence, A-0.” Beady would say as she and her pearl would watch with a smile as the massive machinery would come to life, the viewport opening showing off something of a typical ruby body in silhouette, with various categorical stems pointing to various area’s and a typical gemstone in place. The panel would also light up, various access points lighting up as well: Underlying consciousness, figure, physical metal restrictions, the various components that make up a gem, right in front of you—ready if one had the knowledge to use it.

[Paddy]

She walked in the same brisk manner she spoke, glazing passed the scenery that went by. The sapphire made attempt to calm her nerves, internally talking herself down in the same manner she had to Chevron. There was no place for her to act in the manner she had, yet she did. The short gem stewed as she walked, but listened to Serendibite. The gem was rather open, and Padparadscha wondered if there was a reason for her not to be. From the beginning she had pinned the lapidary as an opponent of sorts; not a rebel, but an ideological combatant-- especially considering the behavior of her creations. She had to remind herself that this gem was not in fact a true enemy, but remained someone to be careful of.


There was something wonderful and fantastical about the idea of creating a gem with ones own hands or with a machine by proxy. The sapphire had been unable to truly imagine what a thing such as the templator would turn out to be. When her eyes settled onto the object that had be lauded by the pearl and her creator, they widened, and swept across its entirety, picking out individual mechanisms, edges, lights and surfaces that would illumine the function of this device. She surmised that it was true that this machine could create a gem template, as neither yellow court gem had lied to her, but what exactly was a gem template? Her brows furrowed as she tried to determine this on her own; it seemed no true answer could be arrived upon until she saw for herself. 

It was this exact moment that Padparadscha froze at the implications of such a device. "Lapidary..." She mused, arms close to her sides as she began to circle, pacing around the device, at a distance with long strides,"This...just-- simply...astounding," She managed through her climbing shock in realization, her brows high over her face as if she were completely bewildered,"Something like this...could shift our entire society," She slowed to a stop, the final tap of her foot sent over the room as she swiveled her gaze back to Serendibite,"At the very foundations...it's revolutionary..." That was to say, rebellious. She brought a hand to her chin. Much of gemkind's tasks were outsourced to technologies like this one, but this presented an opportunity for gems who weren't designers, to design. What would become of the injection process once this templator had proven itself to the Diamonds? What would become of the standard, orderly fashion of things? What sort of gems would the next generation be in light of such an advancement? 

6UE had noticed Chevron's continued agitation, her eyes flicking from the machine, to the hand-crafted gem nearby. Was it okay to ask what was bothering her? Was it something Amethyst, born from standardized injectors from the Earth's crust, could hope to understand? Before even knowing what it was, the soldier was prepared to offer whatever she could to the young gem. "Something on your mind, Chev?" The quartz spoke quietly, indigo eyes lingering on her junior soldier, and momentarily flicked to her senior guardian.  

[Mad Azurite]

“True, I imagine this will be reserved mostly for high-class gems such as ourselves, but in the midst of it all, it will still transform the way gem creation will be seen.” She would state, though there was something of a bit of hesitation in her eyes. “The template doesn’t just design gems, in essence it designs an entire sub-species of our own kind, from the template made, and one could take its source— much like how you could continuously develop a line of rubies, and from it spawn various forms of gems under the same general template.” As she said this, she leaned over to set her pearl on the ground below her. The look on the pearls’ face had changed from the previous almost broken anger she had before—there was something of an elated airy look in her eyes as if she was staring into the stars, a dreamy detached look in her eyes as if no one else in the room existed except her and her dearest.

“Hopefully, it will teach some gems the responsibilities of a creator.” Serendibite would say and then shifted her weight as she motioned to her pearl to do her thing. Cocoa would make a quick nod of her head as she would turn to the panel and begin to make preparations necessary for post-production standards. She began to operate here in there on the machinery and specific functions like its mechanical arms and the mineral intakes systems seem to hum in response, as if getting ready. Cocoa would then turn to the sapphire in question, gesturing first in rather noble way, “If you will.” She motioned and then pointed to various sectors of the various categories and functions of the apparatus and what they controlled, “The templater acts as a veritable interactive system meant to emulate the technique of a Lapidary while simplifying it into an easy to use system.” she pointed to several aspects in front of them, “Gemshape, and appearance are defined in one section, while personality attributes, base underlying abilities and more are produced on the other.” She would gesture to the odd split design in a way that was a lot like composition of the brain, “It should go without saying, which certain attributes will conflict with each other—however, they will not keep you from making the gem template in question.”

Chevron watched them carefully, her eyes burning into Cocoa whom despite her respect for, she felt that burning anger towards as she watched the gem seem almost imbued with something after having been embraced in such a way. The look on chevron’s face intensified as she seemed to narrow her gaze on her—what was it, what did it do to her? There was an inkling of want beneath her own desperate need to understand, something inside her coveted it, but she was unsure what exactly. When a voice hit the gem, she almost found it hard to bounce back to her original self, turning her head to 6UE with something of a scowl at first, but then face started to lighten up soon enough, she seemed to be thinking of what to say next. “Have you …” She started, before looking away embarrassingly, “Have you eve’rre held someone like z’at?” she motioned to when Beady held the smaller gem close.

Azurite herself was staring at this machine with crossed arms, and something in her was screaming about how odd this was, revolutionary was an easy way of explaining it, how would this change the vast outlook many gems had on the entirety of Homeworld’s current structure? She frowned a bit, not saying anything but simply watching.

[Paddy]

The sapphire's eyes passed over Cocoa as Serendibite spoke, and continued to theorize beneath the surface. Ultimately, her questions about the templator harnessed the majority of her attention; what exactly the nature of the responsibility that the lapidary meant to teach her might entail, as well as the fact that she couldn't help thinking that this idea of love were somehow intertwined with what Serendibite was saying. "How peculiar to think, a gem could be created to be contradictory by nature," She murmured as Cocoa's explanation came to a close. The sapphire stepped up to the machine, starting to feel more overwhelmed than she had all day as her eyes flickered over everything. Giddiness washed over her; the recent revelation she'd had, and that Beady had given her own perspective on, almost seemed to halt her thin musculature, as if it were far too great an endeavor to embark upon.   

Technology had never been her favorite thing, she had trouble even with her own interface at times. But, if this was meant to be intuitive to use, then she decided she was the perfect beta subject. What truly frightened her, was the prospect of failing; failing to use the equipment correctly, failing to understand or find what was significantly true here, failing to create a template that would be functional. At that thought, memories of her early days flooded back to her. She stood, looking rather vacant for a moment before her eyes traveled to the nearby pearl,"Do forgive me if this is an ignorant question, but...is the template...sentient?" She asked softly as she looked over the controls, trying to break it down into something manageable, and get a feel for it, in her heightened anxious state. 



6UE's brows slowly rose as she tried to process what Chevron had asked her. Despite the fact that the gem had gestured to Serendibite, the indigo gaze snapped over to Padparadscha, who had begun preparing to use the templator. "H-huh?" She uttered, eyes flicking back to the young amethyst trying to hide her bashful expression,"Held someone? Like that?" Her brows furrowed, and she scratched her neck,"Erm...you know, I don't even know why I might do something like that," Not only had it been a bizarre sight for her in the first place, she was use to rough housing in a show of affection; razzing and banter, a playful fight, could be energizing for her. But holding someone, without suplexing them, was hard to imagine-- especially since she could barely stand her personal space being invaded in most contexts. 

After a moment's thought, she supposed she had played a part in getting her sapphire patron from point A to B in the past, but never had she been so tender with another gem. Her eyes lingered in the direction of perhaps the only gem she'd held without tossing; it wasn't as if there would be many more chances to experience such a thing, after her recent rejection, and the bitter emotions that still coiled around the memory of that day, and that gem, another quartz, seemed to have caused it all. As she had told herself before, it was futile to keep dwelling on that. She swallowed those feelings, and peered down at Chevron with a renewed curiosity,"...why do you ask?" 

[Mad Azurite]

“You’d be surprised.” Seren would say mostly to herself as if in deep contemplation of what was about to happen, the orbs about her would do something rather dazzlingly in display as it became a stool through a small “woosh” of energy and seemed to exhale some as if though she was either tired or nervous about something. Cocoa, whose entire tone and character almost seemed to flip after getting the love and attention she needed, smiled probably one of her most genuine and warm smile she could give the sapphire, “Far from ignorant, my dear noble, an intelligible question indeed. You, today, will be creating both a sentient being and a template of which contains ‘its,’ aspects and various ideals, and nature—which, under orders can be used to recreate multiple facets of the same gem-template.” She would gesture as she spoke, to one side of massive machine which seemed to be a small pod of which the gem they were about to create would walk from, and then another which seemed to be ready to produce something else. “But,” she recalled, needed one more small … safety measure just in case, she look to the darkness almost expectantly as a pair of odd gems that hadn’t been seen yet marched out, led by none other than Nephrite herself. 

The gems marching in unison behind her were not a cold black jet, but a complete opposite, a pearly white that was abstractedly bright despite its colors, they wore a mask, or were they some kind of combat visor— an intimidating glare narrowing in the direction of the opposite portions of the ‘gem-creation’ in question, as Cocoa would step in front of them arms behind her back, “There is a chance that the gem you may design may exhibit violent tendencies—if that is the case they will be apprehended by Jade, and the Snow Agate’s behind her.” The snow agates were an odd looking bunch, despite their glowing forms, they were covered in long caps which seemed to hide much of the gem’s body but they had a strange composition, and … it was very cold suddenly, at least from what Chevron could feel as they passed by.

Serendibite seemed to look at the sapphire knowingly, “There is a danger to creating a gem, though I don’t expect you to design a monster,” The gem would tilt her head, and suddenly half of her face would morph, showing off a disfigured scarring that was horrifying enough to make even Azurite shutter a little, it was as if Beady made it a point to remember that wound, even with her own being. The scarred flesh wouldn’t stay as she turned back to the sapphire, she showed a normal stance instead, “But I would remind you to be responsible with the power you are about to be given.” She had a look of something dark in her eyes as she said this. Cocoa seemed to be looking away as if though the scar recalled a terrible memory that she didn’t want to revisit ever again.

Chevron, trying hard not to be distracted with all the interesting stimuli around her, managed to turn her dark eyes back on her Amethyst cousin, who would give her reasons for never trying such a thing, Chevron had to think before continuing, though her cheeks grew a violet color as her thoughts started to go wild, “V-v’ell …” she started to tap her fingers together as she looked away rather embarrassingly. “Ee’t …” She looked away strangely, “Ee’t looks … nice, ee’s all.” She took something of a gulp before taking a step closer to 6UE and look up at the daunting figure, which though wasn’t as tall as Beady—it was obvious the gem thought this would suffice as a supplement for the irking craving she was feeling to know that, “I very much wee’sh to know,” she looked like she was getting more and more flustered and her breathes were practically audible, shaking even, ”Ee’f you ‘vill.” She asked near expectantly. She obviously didn’t know what she was asking.

Azurite managed to give the snow agate’s a cold look as they walked by her, she thought she couldn’t shutter anymore today, but something about these gems, it was like they were sapping all the warmth from the room, it was almost arctic in their presence, and the cold stare they returned gave her the opinion these gems were of some kind of combat class. She’d never seen anything like this before. Azurite’s usually playful nature had receded, there was suddenly a very broody and battle-ready look in her eyes as she eyed the machine and the gems using it.

[Paddy]

Padparadscha's eyes widened at Serendibite's and Cocoa's words. As peculiar as it was that the pearl now seemed to be treating her with more authentic respect, hearing that this template would indeed be sentient caused paralysis to seize the sapphire's whole form. She stared down at the controls, unable to act as her head began to feel markedly more light; an unpleasant sensation mixed with the unease settling in her midriff. Her fear doubled onto itself, growing into a formless creature lurking in the back of her mind while she tried to focus. 

She nearly jumped as the unsettling combat gems marched into the room, their footsteps carrying a unanimous voice as she swiveled to take account of them. The sound was familiar, like the echo of time. Her eyes pulled toward the lapidary as she revealed something beneath the surface. Truths were often hard to hear, or hard to gaze upon, but it was her task to do so. She didn't shy from Serendibite's reveal, but the words she spoke churned up the depths of the sapphire's mind. Padparadscha's eyes trailed back to the machine, the words of Yellow Sapphire's proctor echoing over her perception. Is it sentient? What do we do with it?

"Responsible," She uttered to Serendibite. Would she carry sole responsibility for it, if she were to create a monster, who would be subsequently detained and spend life as a prisoner? Hundreds of years of prison...or would they shatter it? The intrusive voice of the proctor reminded her of what she stood to lose in this exchange. Hundreds shattered. If it weren't for the fact that she were almost imperceptibly shaking, one may have thought the sapphire had frozen as the cold air sapped her skin of heat. "If...if I should be responsible in it's creation, I should surely be responsible for its detainment," Each wavered word was pushed forth with all of the will she could muster,"But I have every intention to make this template as perfect as it can be," Could she do that? Was this machine really so easy to use as these gems wanted her to think, or would some accident thwart her plans? Speaking did something to give a flicker of life to her frigid nerves, so nervously she continued to let words bubble up, sounding like an unhinged ramble in conjunction with her jitters,"Someone with use, someone born with a purpose, surely I can give them that, a purpose, of course..." She refused to create a gem who didn't have a purpose,"A gem whose purpose is..." But she couldn't think of one just yet. Could she even do this? 


Amethyst's lips fell open as the smaller gem approached. She glanced around as if looking for some manner of escape, reflexively her foot slid back, her body positioned defensively, but she halted up with indecision. Many strange things had happened today, but what was Chevron even asking of her? Where was it coming from? Amethyst had no idea what to do-- her desire to help was met with a gut instinct that triggered whenever someone got a little too close. The present situation had entirely immersed 6UE's attention; what went on with the templater across the room was much more distant than the dazzling, winged gem who appeared as a crisp reality in front of her.  

"Uh..." Her eyes flickered around the room,"Uh," Looking down at Chevron's blushing face made her own purple cheeks turn a deep indigo, her arms pinned awkwardly to her sides. The gem was way too close, discomfort prickled Amethyst's whole form. She sighed after a moment of wordless yammering,"Look...I dunno if I can, erm...give you what you're looking for," She managed, her eyes flicking away from the smaller gem,"But--" A feeling twisted in her chest, a tingling nausea; she couldn't stand the thought of letting down another gem, she wouldn't hurt Chevron too; that was powerful enough to block the urge to back away from this space-invasion. "I--...uh...I can...do...something like that m-maybe," She released a huff of air, trying to expel some tension too. Why did she feel like this all of a sudden? Part of her doubted it was just the cold air brought in by these intimidating agates.    

She glanced around, particularly toward Azurite, and Padparadscha, and tried to think of what they would do about this. Then, her eyes cast back to Chevron, she pressed her lips together, and her muscular arm unpinned from her side and stretched toward the shorter gem, the large plain of her palm opened for Chevron to take. 

[Mad Azurite]

Serendibite seemed to cast her eyes away as the sapphire seemed to be collecting herself, her response was actually surprising to the gem, and in some ways it relaxed her as well. It seemed the other noble understood the risk in creating something with a mind a of its own—that or what she said had enlightened the gem enough to understand the responsibility she was being given with such a position. But, as the gem spoke, Serendibite tilted her head curiously at the gem, purpose? She felt it more important to address the first statements of the gem and she should follow with more if she thought it was prudent enough. “You shall, though I won’t press anything against you—this is an experiment after all, I take some responsibility for letting you test such a device, do I not?” but then she knelt forward, supporting herself with her chin, “Is that what you wish, to create a gem with a purpose?" She smiled, warmly as it reminded her once of a certain philosophy she held towards her creation. “Would you not like to make a creature which can define its own purpose?” She asked, more or less to see the gem’s response. “If you over define it, it might lack something important, something you have despite not knowing it, it would seem.” She spoke to the Padparascha, carefully. 

Cocoa looked over at her master as she spoke, and started to wonder—was this why she found an interest in the gem. When she spoke of her the moment they discovered the gem was looking into them, she noted that the gem was given something that most other gems didn’t have. But when she asked her, she could only wonder why. It wasn’t until now that pearl had connected some of the dots to what she was eluding too, purpose. Most gems weren’t seen with high enough status to be ‘reevaluated,’ and eventually they would be repurposed for other means, but not every gem was that lucky, what the gem had been given was, even if in a limited form, freewill, another chance if you will—to define her purpose, even if it was given to her. Cocoa, eyes remained on the two carefully, unsure of what to say in this matter as it was currently her task to guide the sapphire—who may be showing reservations against performing such an experiment. 

Azurite managed to straighten up some as she listened to Beady and Padpara’s conversation intently, she slouched as she wasn’t really understanding what was going on here and the look on her face—a mixture of confusion and irritation managed to bely her obvious unhappiness in this situation, for a moment she had this irking feeling to look behind her, but she ignored it as she kept her eyes forward and on the events unfolding. 

The amethyst discomfited reaction incited a strike of nervous energy in the gem which made her start to shake anxiously, what was she doing—this was simply a matter of understanding! There was no need for her too feel so nervous and yet, triggers and events managed to make the gem’s heart practically explode as the sensations of some kind chilling aura started sweeping through her—the gem couldn’t bring herself to say anything anymore—she was completely silent, shocked even. Other than the visible swallowing of air which noted her fear in the moment, she’d watch the solder lift their hand invitingly to the gem in question, which is where she hesitated for a moment, then after, lifting her own to continue. Her heart, which honestly she had no inkling to why she even possessed such an organ or what it was for that matter, was practically drumming as her hand, which was dwarfed by the larger more powerful machine before her, managed to rest within their palm. She felt goosebumps run through her arms—what was happening!? “I-I am z’orry,” she'd say, unsure why she was even apologizing, but she was certainly shaking to the bone at this point. 

[Paddy]

The sapphire tore away from the screen, and swiveled to face Serendibite. Her eyes were lit with fire as she focused on her opponent's expression, assessing the authenticity of it. "I've heard a gem say something similar," Padparadscha said quietly after a moments pause,"I suppose I now know where she get's it from," She stepped away from the device was she ruminated on what she would next try to express to this gem about her deep dislike of that idea, and the reminders it gave her. Ultimately, she decided it would be difficult to explain without expounding on the growing internal storm she had to keep sealed,"I'm sorry, but I do not agree," She simply paused here to compile her thoughts into something sensible as she grappled for focus, her eyes swept up and down the figure of the lapidary who stood before her,"--Perhaps you cannot imagine what it's like,"



She wouldn't create such a being, she wouldn't allow herself to. The experimental gem would have a purpose. Padparadscha flipped around and strode back up to the panel to interface with it. Every idea that popped into her mind was mercilessly challenged and picked apart. Padparadscha again asked herself if this was something she could do. She hadn't gone out today thinking she would find this machine, or devise the purpose for a whole live gem-- it was surreal. But, after all, this was an experiment; by participating, she would become a part of the advancement of her species. "I know you are claiming some responsibility, Serendibite. But I will be responsible for its detainment in that event," She stressed this point; she would have responsibility for her creation, not because it was asked of her, but because she wouldn't allow herself to pry the heft from her shoulders-- because of the visceral instinct that punched through her at the very thought of allowing someone else to take over.

Padparadscha's eyes slipped over the controls once again, before she peered to Cocoa,"I'll do it. Where do you suggest I begin?"


As Chevron became overwhelmed after taking her hand, 6UE stood looking a bit dumbfounded, peering at the gem with furrowed brows. All she knew was that the gem was not feeling comfortable; neither was she, for that matter. But she had no idea what path to take considering what happened around them in this moment. It was easy to recognize some of the nervous symptoms in the other soldier; 6UE was able to set aside her own awkwardness for a moment just to give Chevron a look over. Had her actions made the situation worse? It certainly seemed like it now that the gem was having some manner of nervous breakdown.

"Huh?" Her brows went up,"Sorry? For what?" She paused and thought about it for a moment. Even after that moment, she couldn't fathom why Chevron would be saying sorry to her,"Maybe I shouldn't have done that, I should be apologizing," She hesitated, then let her hand fall away; it had seemed that her offer had made the winged gem feel worse, but Amethyst seemed distant as she tried to figure out why. 

"I'll always try to give you a hand if you need it, that's for sure," She gave a little chuckle, trying to diffuse the situation,"I guess I really just don't know what to do," Without someone to tell her, it was hard to think of the right thing, let alone do the right thing. She scratched the back of her neck, but kept her eyes attentively on Chevron,"What do you think?"

[Mad Azurite]

Serendibite tilted her head some at the gems’ response, not many gems who held her view on purpose, she almost wanted to ask who it was—but as she listened to the gem, felt she was reading something more personal coming from them as they seem to have mistook her reason for saying what she did. And, also seemed to assume that her struggle was one that was beyond her, Serendibite’s face showed something of a mix of a pity and a distant thought of her own past running through her. A past where her purpose was clear, right before her—given to her by what she thought were the only gem’s beings who could, the diamonds. What changed her, from believing she was Serendibite, the Grand Lapidary of the illustrious gem-species known as Homeworld; whose sole-purpose was to design gems? To further their species evolution, to create monsters born to take life, to spawn others simply made to be spoiled for their powers? What distant memory changed her to be what she is today—what proved to her, that nothing was perfect, that this order was flawed in many ways, and that she was nothing more than bearer of demons and angels.

Maybe she couldn’t imagine it, she was living in the dream of her own misguidance at this point.

“Carry forth then.” She’d say, and before Cocoa responded, she watched as Beady waved her hand as if gesturing it was fine to continue. The pearl began to point various dials and interactive holographic modules, “Might I suggest creating the personality complex of the individual first. This will give you a rough platform to work her form and strengths to.” She would open the core personality artifice and from it a spectral display would open listing various defaults, and attributes to be added with a swipe of a finger. “The system is designed to be simply or complex as needed by the individual and what they are going for, so please take your time.”

It was almost simultaneously really, she felt the hesitation in the other gem and withdrew her own arm—she looked almost scared, her confidence shattered. What was she doing, why didn’t it feel right? Or what was it, wasn’t this something she wanted? Chevron’s internal confusion was written all over her face. “No, I am z’eh one who should be apolee’gizing, I do not kno’ v’at am even asking of you.” Though the Amethyst’s kind reply showed that she certainly held a kind and generous undertone to her actions, she was trying to misuse her in anyway, which deeply flattered Chevron. “I do not v’ish for you to do any’zing z’at makes you uncomf-‘belle Maiser Amethee’st.” she say taking a step back from the gem.

Azurite only managed a few blinks as she watched the template begin to do its work, but something in her was screaming to pay attention to her fellow soldiers, despite not wanting to keep an off the snow-agates in the room. She peered behind her at her Amethyst cousins and something about the two managed to gander a raised brow from the two.

[Paddy]

She gave a nod as Cocoa explained and showed her the controls. Tapping her chin, she thought of what sort of personality she would like to see in this gem; a gem she had already decided would be an integral part of her retinue, whether Serendibite liked that idea or not. This creation would enter the world with not only a purpose, but a network connected to Pink Diamond. A light smile drew across her lips as she appreciated what an important thing it would be for them to have that.
But it faded quickly; though she had already decided that she would do the experiment, reservations still pelted her mind.


The trouble would be to decide where in her retinue there was a gap. Was it possible for her to create a gem whose area of expertise was different than hers? Would she be able to program this gem with a set of traits advantageous for the line of work she would give them? With this being such an off the cuff measure, her mind was in a whirl trying to put something together. If she had known in advance, she could've done research, compiled a list, and arrived with an organized idea of who the new gem would be. But, did their expertise necessarily have to be different than her own? 

The sapphire's small hands flicked across the controls, adjusting the personality of a gem who may have to be passive and courtly at times, but decisive in others; a versatile gem who would surely be able to quickly learn, in the event that Padparadscha was unable to endow her with all necessary and ideal traits. Serendibite's mention of over defining began to click more for the sapphire as she worked on this gem; after realizing her list of chosen traits had accumulated into an itemized list organized alphabetically, she dialed some back, sprinkled more heavily into the basic traits she was sure that this gem would need,"There," She stated, sounding more calm now than she did, but it was mostly a ruse, as she continued to look to Cocoa for guidance,"I do hope that should suffice. But what happens if...if it doesn't? Is there any way to troubleshoot this?" As she continued to speak, she made her foray into the next portion of menus that would help her shape the gem who yet existed.  


Amethyst gave an apologetic smile, her cheeks still colored in embarrassment over her own actions; this was certainly a hard to interpret exchange for her. Her pun hadn't landed, but it seemed that her sentiment had. The look on Chevron's face, which 6UE had a hard time seeing as anything other than fear, made her feel terrible; wasn't there something she could do, or say, to help? She fidgeted with her hands; she was afraid too, afraid to make things worse with her inability to understand what it was that the other gem really wanted. Because Chevron couldn't simply say it, 6UE was left feeling more lightheaded than she had been in a long time. Amethyst cast her eyes over to Azurite, and wondered whether the more experienced gem would have some words for them. Her eyes flicked back to Chevron and she gave a nervous chuckle. Her need to help Chevron feel better compelled her to keep up the ruse, trying to stuff down her nerves as she spoke,"Hey, likewise-- I just don't wanna do the wrong thing, you know. A lot of times I find myself thinkin', you know...that I have no idea what is going on. When that happens, I think it's okay to ask for help to figure it out," She nodded toward Azurite,"Erm, I dunno, maybe she'll know whats up? Seems to know a lot..."

[Mad Azurite]

The pearl stood with some confusion at the pearls words, “Troubleshooting? Well,” she thought for a moment, if the device truly held something like that in regard, “there is a section that will estimate and create theories based off the current personality complex you’ve generated, but,” she recalled that what she was about to say was something of a reflection of her mistresses teachings, who stared down at the two knowingly as she listened to the sapphire, and were most likely echoing the same thoughts. “Understand that, what will truly shape this gem are her experiences after creation and that the core personality will only reflect those choices in that resolve.” She would point to the various options and tapping something, a large list of personality theories and constructs would began to formulate, each with their own deductions of how this gem might turn out—it was almost nauseating the massive amounts of details climbing up and down the list.

It might do more to confuse, than enlighten.

Chevron would listen to her larger comrade carefully, the two seemed to be sharing the same gestures in terms nervous fidgeting, though of course with her own quirk, it even seemed Chevron’s wings were shivering as well. When Ame would gesture towards Azzy, she’d shift her head to their direction and watch as Azzy seemed to smile, despite not knowing why, as she finally seemed to pull herself out of her grumpy spell over the events happening and walk over casually to the two, “What’s up, Purps,” apparently another nickname for 6UE, or was she referring to both of them? It was hard to tell, “Mieser’re Azz’ee. Might v’e ask you ze’h quest’yon?” Azurite was having trouble getting over how cute Chevron’s accent was, but managed to hold back her urge to pinch the gem’s cheek and ask, “Yeah, wassup?”

Chevron seemed to shy up again before she could explain, but eventually she mumbled enough to finally get something out, “V’ell, I am expee’rencing dee’stress.” She would explain, and Azurite would frown a little, out of worry, and cross her arms. “Yeah? You alright?” 

“V’hen I saw mad’em Cocoa being held, ee’t hurt for some rea’son.” She would say and then peered away, "I v’as upset, and I don’t v’hy, but I v’anted z’at.” 

“Aw, girl.” Azurite would lighten up again and shake her head as if she had just avoided a catastrophe, placing a hand on her hips she’d say, “You were just a little jealous, that’s all. It happens.” Chevron, somehow knowing what the word jealousy was but unaware of how she was actually able to feel something without knowing it, became visibly unhappy as her frown grew, “Jea’lees?!” she would say and then get defensive, “I’ee-I v’ould not allow ee’t!” she was suddenly very flustered, “Z’at tee’s a bad emotion, mad’em!”

“Not really,” Azzy would say, “It’s just a natural reaction to seeing something you really want, but probably don’t get enough.” 

“But!” The chevron would suddenly have a sharp voice full of disapproval, “Z’at!” She’d look between the two, “Mad’em! I must pro’test! Meiste’rre Ame attee’mpted to relieve me, v’at ee’t v’as so uncomfe’belle. Ee'f I truly v;anted ee't, z'en she should suffice, no?” Azurite raised a brow at the gem, and then looked at the Amethyst for some explanation to enlighten her on what just happened.