One Giant Leap (C: Chip, PD)

[Paddy]

Padparadscha sat in the command chair of her vessel's bridge, legs crossed as her finger tapped rhythmically against the armrest. Not far in front, her pearl swept her hands across the control panel, initiating the launch sequences. The door locks compressed with the hiss of the hydraulic apparatus, engines whirred to life, the holding cells engaged. With her prisoner, Enstatite, firmly under control, it would now be a matter of determining the fate of this Fire Opal, Chip. The sapphire eyed the young defender from where she sat, her expression rather placid despite the conflicted thought churning behind her gaze. It was a considerable effort for her to hold this expression; she still felt miffed about what had happened. 

This Fire Opal, one of the only remaining in the Sol system by his account, was powerful, if young and markedly brash. Initially it had been easy to see Chip as an ally, even if he were a bit unconventional in his ways. But after today's mission, she had her doubts. Was this gem capable of becoming a rebel? She didn't want to consider the possibility, but she knew she had to. It would be unrealistic and naive to ignore the implications of Chip's words back at the temple, but all the same, she wanted for this gem to prove himself, not only to her, but to the gemkind leader who was his idol, who was her idol as well. If anyone could determine Chip's usefulness to the empire, it would be Pink Diamond herself-- the gem this defender was made for.  

She couldn't, in good conscience, contact her Diamond without ample cause, and her classified endeavor was still underway. But, Fire Opals sounded to be expensive gems, something that the empire could apply in the trying times to come. She felt this to be prudent enough, though she supposed that would be determined by her ruler.   

"Chip, I'm going to contact Pink Diamond's Pearl, and see if I can't secure an audience in the Pink Court," She paused, her finger stopped tapping against the armrest. The sapphire considered whether or not she should give advice to the young gem. She wasn't so old herself, not for a gem, but she did know the rules of gemkind etiquette which Chip seemed behind on, given his time trapped on Earth. After a moment of thought, she decided to test the situation as her tone took on a harsher tint, "Now, I expect you to treat our Diamond with the utmost respect. This is the ruler of Earth, our magnanimous and glorious leader, don't for a second forget that fact," She doubted Chip would be able to forget that, once he was faced with the Diamond in question. Though, she thought it would be good to say for good measure-- especially after what she'd seen near the end of her mission with this gem. It would reflect poorly on her, should this small gem in some way disrespect their shared leader."If our lustrous Pink Diamond finds this to be a worthy endeavor, you shall state your case, then allow her to grant you her determination. You're not to contest the word of a Diamond."

While the glittering, pink ship glided gently into the midday air, guided by the pearl's delicate hands, the sapphire tapped her armrest and brought up an assortment of tools. One of them was a specialized communicator; she picked it up, and initialized it. 

[Chip the Fire Opal]

Chip was sitting in Padparadscha's ship. It was hard to just wait, but he tried to do just that. Every time he was faced with a problem before, he was pretty sure he could take care of it. Or at least survive. This time... he wasn't so sure. Once he will step on the Moon he will be in the centre of Pink Diamond's power, with her ships any soldiers all around. Escaping that place would be probably difficult to the point of impossible. He just had to believe, that Pink was the way he imagined her - wise, powerful and kind.

"I will do my best."

He answered simply. Perhaps after today he might find his place in Pink's court? Finally belong somewhere? Or he might once again be attacked by loyalist. Chip was pretty sure though, that if it came to fighting he wouldn't go down easily. He was made that way - to never give up and to survive. And since Pink was the one, who had him made she had to know that...

[Order Of The Diamonds]

For a moment the call rang out, the tone lingering in the air before in a flicker of static it formed into the visage of a smaller pink haired gem, The throne behind her evidently empty for now, indicating Pink Diamond was likely occupying another space in the large dome that sat atop the moonbase. In her quiet but audible tone she spoke, her surprise in getting a call not showing at all on her face as she kept a neutral disposition.

"This is the Pink Diamond Control Room" She stated.
"They are disorganised, we have the luxury of taking this slowly"
"What purpose do you have for using the Direct Communication line 10C8A" She questioned in her still somewhat docile tone. The large pink figure moved back into view and sat on her chair,her mouth still moving but her conversation near inaudible
"Yet here we still stand,none brave enough to attack"
"Pearl" Pink glanced over noticing her using the screen "Who is on the line?" She asked,shaking her head and gesturing for the screen "Never mind pass it over"
"one moment"
"10C8A, what is the reason for contact" She questioned "I assumed your skirmish went well, but i hardly think that is the reason for this direct communication?" She seemed to tap on another screen off screen from her own, glancing at it as she waited for a response.

[Paddy]

While the device opened up, the sapphire's eyes flicked to Chip as he spoke. She spared him a single, solemn nod, knowing that if there was anything this gem could be trusted to do, it was that he would do his best. Then, all of her attention shifted to the pearl who appeared on the screen. Padparadscha gave a sober smile to the pearl, before her lips parted as she went to introduce her purpose-- but, before she did, she caught the faint words in the background, and her attention funneled down on them as she recognized the voice. She couldn't fully discern what was said, but thought carefully about what she'd heard.

Her eyes flicked between the pearl and the other figure who stepped into the scene; the sapphire unconsciously sat up higher as Pink Diamond moved to take the call. "My luminous Diamond," The sapphire's delicate hands articulated a perfect salute, then she gave a deep bow before snapping back up to look directly at her ruler, speaking through a clear, expeditious tone,"My escapades on Earth have gone swimmingly, do be sure, and my reports are being filed presently. However, you're indubitably correct. The reason I call is to request your audience in the Pink Court. I have recovered a valuable Homeworld asset; a Fire Opal who has been trapped on the Earth's surface for cycles since his emergence. I do believe this gem has been working in close accordance with Homeworld extension centers on the surface, and has performed well on appointed tasks," She paused. For a moment, the sapphire decided whether or not she should mention what had happened in the temple now. But, she moved on,"This asset should prove to be very useful. I've determined that you may want to look over this Fire Opal yourself, prior to assigning him designation and scheduling," Especially considering there were no others. One powerful gem could make or break a victory. Momentarily, her eyes shifted to Chip. This would be his first ever witness of Pink Diamond, and she couldn't help feeling a bit excited for him, despite her prevailing undercurrent of unease.

As the sapphire spoke, her servant continued to guide the ship up through the haze of Earth's troposphere, locking on to its target-- the moon. Once it had acquired it's coordinates and trajectory, the vessel slung out through the space between the two celestial objects. 

[Chip the Fire Opal]

Chip was listening to what Padparadscha had to say about him. She managed to completely miss the part, that he was nothing like usual Fire Opal. Well he didn't look like one at least. But he was probably equally as good as proper one. Perhaps even better? He had to train and learn, where normal gems just... knew. He didn't want to talk, until he will heard how this will end. Perhaps Pink chose not to even talk to them. She was probably incredibly busy.
It was at least good to know, that Padparadscha was considering him a possible asset. Yet it also was so... impersonal. Chip wasn't just an "asset". He was Chip. And that wasn't going to change anytime soon.

[njrk97]

Pink raised a eyebrow in a questioning gesture, normally looking over a gem would fall under one below her rank, a frivolous task where in the results are simply sent to her, but this intrigued her, and the sapphire have been rather reliable,if she could vouch for a gem he may be a decent worker to the cause,or at least something unorthodox enough to be worth noting, Pink always did like to see the gems more often in her court, attaching a face and a character to a gem has its benefits in combat or engagements.
"Normally I would decline such a request" She began in a formal tone "But you have intrigued me, and your track record implies that a gem catching your attention likely wont sway into mediocrity"
"must you sate your curiosity at a time like this"
She glanced at something of screen before concluding "bring him to the Control room when you arrive,I will be waiting presently to asses the Fire Opal as you requested,for the sake of his and others security it would be wise to stay with him during this venture" The screen returned back to static as the signal was cut. Their conversation was brief, but there would be far more time for talking once they had a audience with the Diamond herself.

[Paddy]

The sapphire listened duly with her hands in her lap, knowing that this was a more off-the-cuff measure. At the first phrase offered by her leader, Padparadscha's internal unease was piqued, and she became more nervous, but kept her expression relaxed and her poise in tact as she faced Earth's ruler. It was more difficult to stifle the pleased look that threatened to take her over at the Diamond's acknowledgement of her higher standards of work and assessment. 

She became more still as Pink Diamond turned away, and her brows lowered slightly at something faint in the background. Though, she quickly modulated her expression as the Authority member turned back to give her final, full determination on her suggestion. Nothing more was effectively needed to be said, the call had ended, and the life of a small Earthling gem was about to change-- what exactly that change would be, they would soon see. Padparadscha swiveled to look more fully at him, allowing her visage to swell with warm pride now that she had been able to follow through on her promise to get Chip in a position where he could meet, and perhaps speak to the gem who was his leader.  

"This is excellent!" She exclaimed, excited by Pink Diamond's genuine interest,"We'll go straight to the control room, mustn't keep her majesty waiting, especially after such an unexpected call. There will be plenty of time for you to tour the base after the meeting, and once you learn your designation and are assigned a schedule--" She paused, realizing she was getting a bit ahead of herself. Though she knew Pink Diamond wasn't one to waste assets, she wondered just how surprised the Diamond would be to see the lone Fire Opal defender who had come from Earth. The sapphire had no idea what fire opals were suppose to look like, the only one she'd ever seen was Chip, but she would soon know. 

Within moments, the pink vessel arrived just a few clicks from the pale, shimmering orb that was Earth's moon. The space cruiser orbited, searching for the hanger, until the massive opening pulled into view. Ships of many colors and shapes glided in and out of the docking bay, and soon Padpara's ship, guided gently by her pearl, floated in passed gems bustling throughout the industrial expanse, and other vehicles making their way to or from base. 

The ship came to a rest, all of its systems decompressing with a collective sigh. Pearl initiated the door locks, and allowed the ramp to extend. With that, the sapphire popped up to her feet, a small smile lingering on her face. She gestured toward the door, "Welcome to Earth's moon, Chip. I'll guide you the rest of the way, ask any questions you might have," She stepped down the ramp, and made her way for the main architecture. The servant quickly followed, waiting for the others to exit before she would use remote controls to close up and lock down the ship.

[Chip the Fire Opal]

"I must admit I am a bit afraid. I will finally meet the Diamond I was made for. I heard only great things about her, but... what if she won't give me a chance? I..." how should he describe it. He always wanted to get approval from his Diamond, but he was afraid what will happen if Pink Diamond will reject him. Would he be able to deal with that?
"... I will be fine. Let's go." he said finally. He should face this as a gem warrior he was. There were a lot of ships around the Moon, some of them were quite impressive.
They soon docked on the Moon base. "I... don't think I have questions. Let's get this show on a road." he followed Sapphire.

[Order Of The Diamonds]

The way forward was already easily paved for them,it would be difficult to miss the moonbase spire, standing as the focal point and main control of the moonbase itself. As usual,standing at the entrance was two quartz guards, this varied of course as the day went off,swapping out different soldiers at different times. For now at least a stumpy Red quartz and a stocky purple gem stood guard at the entrance of the base, trying to look as stoic as they could. The door to the base was open,indicating though that the two gems could stride past without issue, the quartzs knew better then to hold up gems that were intending to have a audience with Pink Diamond herself.


There would be the same story as they got into the inner catacombs, a tall cylinder room with striking murals of each of the Diamonds gazing down upon those who entered. The stairway upwards to the higher floor already prepared for use as a Peridot made her way down the steps and past the others,concentrating intently on her screens and paying no mind to those around her. It was clear the way had been opened and all that would be required now would be ascending up the stairs to the highest floor, the dome that acted as the zenith of the spire and housed the Pink Diamond control room.

[Paddy]

Padparadscha's mood had been resolved by this turn of events, but she still knew she needed to think harder about what she was going to say. She glanced over her shoulder as they neared the control room, and tried to encourage Chip with a smile. As the two of them approached the quartz, she afforded them each a curt nod. After her missions on Earth, it was easier to get an appreciation for the work of quartz gems. But, she didn't linger long enough to observe any response the soldier's may have given, her stride had hardly slowed. 


Continuing up the steps, the sapphire mentally organized her case for this Fire Opal, and what she would make of the things he had said back in the temple. She wondered if it would be better to simply let Chip speak for himself; he was an authentic gem, one who made bold but honest declarations, and that she could appreciate. But would Pink Diamond appreciate it, as she did? The sapphire had to wonder, perhaps her own bias in this would be more troublesome than she originally anticipated. She found herself wishing she'd contacted Pink Zircon for advice in the matter, but it was too late for that.

The opening to the control room allowed them passage underneath the translucent dome. Padparadscha slowed, and glanced over her shoulder toward Chip,"This is it, the Pink Diamond Control Room," She stated quietly, a smile still lingering on her lips, before she turned, and strode into the room. Immediately, she made sure her posture was flawless, and she gave a deep bow, before snapping back up and presenting a diamond salute. She eyed Chip to indicate that he should do the same. "My luminous Diamond, we have arrived. I humbly present our guest and comrade," She let her hands fall out of the salute, then gestured to Chip as if to hand off an imaginary baton, giving a beaming smile.

[Chip the Fire Opal]

Chip appreciated Padparadscha's attempts at rising his spirit, but right now he wasn't sure if it was a good idea. He tried to concentrate. This situation was as far from what he was used to as possible. He thought that at least this situation will wake up some kinds of "memories" but nothing happened.
He had prepared a lot of things he might said, but all of them seemed unusable right now, so he was just going to go with whatever will cross his mind. He was better with improvisation than with planning. Especially in combat.
They entered the Pink Diamond control room as Padparadscha mentioned. He didn't need any hints from his companion. As soon as he saw HER he bowed down by instinct he never knew was there and for the first time in his life he made a perfect diamond salute.

[Order Of The Diamonds]

The Screen around her cleared, the pink,luminous figure of the Diamond remained rested but astute within her throne, her posture somewhat relaxed but still emanating power and leadership. She looked down at the gems before her,her diamond pupils surrounded by the sea of pink to make a intense,powerful but tranquil gaze at them as the sapphire had noted off standard introductions, a tinge of a smile tapped at the corner of her mouth as she saw the gem that Para had created the meeting for, if nothing else his salute was perfect and while his appearance seemed plain, certainly bleeding far more human culture in his attire then normal, but that was to be expected at this point.


"Welcome to the-" She began.


"Really Pink,this is what you wanted to cut our meeting short for?" The voice reverberated from behind Pink Diamond as a large blue hand swiped away a legion of screen that were set behind Pink Diamonds throne, standing silent and stoic, a tower figure of a second gem spoke, her azure gown trapped upon them in angular strokes, and a flowing set of pure white hair cascading from their head and wrapping loosely around, resting on her collarbone, her gaze was of equal intensity to Pink, but seemed to have within it a greater wisdom and age to it, the eye commanded respect of those within her presence and as she strode forwards a few steps to stand beside her sister. A somewhat irritated and impatience expression had spread across her face as she had spoken ,looking at the two gems that stood now before Pink Diamond and herself.

"Yes Blue Diamond,this was the other matter I must attend to" She responded in a calm tone,blinking slowly.

"Who are they? And why, are you letting them have a audience with you" Blue asked tilting her head and looking somewhat suspiciously at them, it was rather evident that she found that fact that Pink so frivolously allowed gems to meet her as a rather large waste of both her own and Pink Diamonds time in every possible way.

"Blue" Pink Stated in a slow warning tone, her calm voice beginning to falter "They need not your scorn or ire, I have personally allowed them to meet for business i deemed important, and that should suffice"

Blue made a expression that made it clear that she felt it did anything but suffice but kept her mouth shut "Either way" Pink continued,noting her Sister's expression "For the sake of posterity Para please introduce yourself formally once more, Blue is a esteemed guest but has only a passing knowledge of those within my domain".

[Paddy]

The sapphire gave a small smile as it seemed the fire opal knew what to do, and tilted her head for a moment. As soon as she glanced over from Chip, to the Diamond's in the room, her eyes caught the unexpected exalted guest. Padparadscha froze in place for a moment; this was her first true audience to Blue Diamond herself.
While the two Diamonds addressed each other, the sapphire clasped her hands behind her back and listened carefully, applying thought to the cues she saw between them. She mulled over what she heard, and her eyes flicked away.


Blue Diamond's impatience with their presence made the sapphire feel almost embarrassed, and she reconsidered for a split second if she should've organized this meeting; but, then as her Diamond spoke, she became more relaxed. If her leader felt this was important, then it was, and Padparadscha herself felt this to be a crucial move on the part of Homeworld. With two Diamonds to address, and a gem who called himself Chip to make a case for, she began to feel conflicted about how to proceed. This was a rare and interesting moment, an interaction between two of Homeworld's enigmatic leaders. She felt honored for being present; she had a faint smile as her Diamond defended her position against the other.   

As Pink Diamond finished speaking, the sapphire gave a deep bow, orchestrated with a curtsy. Her skirt glittered in the ambient light as it moved,"Your resplendence, I am Padparadscha 10C8A 8QE, Pink court judicial affiliate and special investigations operative," She snapped up, her hands formed her Diamond saute as she spoke in her modulated tone,"I've just returned from a compelling investigation," Her hands then clasped behind her back again as she fell into an at-ease stance, and glanced in Chip's direction as she gestured toward him,"During which, I had help from this Fire Opal, who performed outstandingly," She would allow him to give his own preamble; she remembered the first time she heard it back in her traipse through Empire City.

[Chip the Fire Opal]

Chip froze. He was mentally preparing for a long time to see his Diamond. But to meet two Diamonds at once? Chip thought he is prepared to face anything. He was wrong. He heard a lot about Blue Diamond from Morion, but so far Blue wasn't really that pleasant. She was more annoyed then anything.
Fortunately his Diamond spoke, showing that she was indeed a wise ruler. Chip had no idea what to say, but after few seconds of awkward silence he finally spoke. Honestly, as he was always speaking. He bowed deeply to both Diamonds.
"My Diamond," he raised his head and stood tall.
"I am Chip, the Fire Opal, the Rising Phoenix, the Eternal Flame and Protector of Empire city. I apologise that I can't provide my facet or cut, but I never learned it." he said, though he felt like he will poof from nervousness every moment.
"I am the only surviving Fire Opal that was made in the Earth's primary Kindergarten." it had to be disappointing for Pink, seeing that instead of legion of bulky elites she got one runt.
"I was hoping I could prove myself worthy of finding my place in your service..." he said. He didn't want to get too deeply into anything without Pink asking.

[Order Of The Diamonds]

"A sapphire?" Blue Diamond questioned,scrutinising her...unsaphireness "and a Fire Opal....You keep strange courtships Pink"

"Please stop trying to make my entourage nervous Blue, you and I both know that the inherent role of my court means that I have deviations of the norms" Pink cut in,letting out a small smirk as she continued "Or would you much rather that I take back my Lepidachrosite Quartz's that you like so much" It was subtle,minor even but Blue herself did let out a tiny smile. Her sister always was somewhat quick of the tongue, a trait that Yellow could find annoying,but she did find it endearing, to be a young Diamond with a world to play with and the possibilities it held, reminded her of Yellow in her younger days back when she was guiding her as she did Pink now. She did very much look forward to seeing what Diamond Pink would grow into.

The smile was gone a second later as her hardened shell resumed. She began striding towards the exit "Ill talk later" Noted Blue as she turned her head back "Guard against Pink, and let this little rebel problem end soon,less Yellow does something more wreck-less then usual" She moved down the staircase and out of sight.


Pink turned her attention back to the two gems below "Now that is over with,for now" She brought up a screen to her side.

"It is funny all the little nicknames gem give to each other, although Chip does bring something morbid to mind, I would assume that your gem was,or was formerly damaged and that is where it is derived from correct." She stated,she was going in mostly blind though, their was nay a whisper or major strand of info about the Fire Opal in front of her.