New Fangled Techno-Rology (Ari, Closed)

[Hematite]

It was simply confusing, that was the only word the fusion could state with the situation she was in, a message received simply out of the blue on the strange technology she held, the outlying message was beyond her really; unbeknownst to many, she actually couldn’t read English as she hadn’t spent as many years doing so compared to other languages. It was odd, gem-tongue shared the same way of speech, but lacked any form of semblances when regarding the written portion of it. So when her strange phone flashed, and she tried her hardest to impress Lloyd, who was kind enough to buy it for her, by acting like she knew what she was doing--she only became more estranged by the situation. 

“Uh, yeah—it’s from someone named, Ari. Says she wanted to meet you here.” A female voice would say to her, and Hematite looked up from her raspberry cheesecake, sitting in a familiar café with a grown woman in front of her, her hair cut into what some would call a ‘skrillex shave,’ though one side was braided and the locks on the other were longer. She had green eyes which complimented her nearly tan tone—displaying a sort of South-Eastern European descent that gave her a rather gipsy-like look, her black curly hair dashed with green-highlights, and she was decked out in the attire of a closet-raver. 

Hematite registered those words, but her mind shifted to purpose of it,  she took another bite of cheese cake, skeptical as she looked to a window and thought, Ari- Arsenic? She had forgotten that she sent one of the most old-fashion of communication methods and had a messenger-bird of all thing’s track her down. Written gem-speech, though showing signs the gem was actually forgetting her kin’s own written-language.

“Arsenic, we need to talk. Homeworld is pushing its influence here in America, an entire city of them actually. Rebellion is also worrying me, shows signs of forcing their integration here on earth beyond just the small town I live in, let me know when you get here.

[contact number.]”

The only reason she knew of where to go beforehand was that her finger accidentally tapped the 'show destination,' response given to her by the sender and it showed this place, mysteriously, a cafe she had visited with Lloyd. 

“Never used a phone? I mean, it’s pretty simple once you get the hang of it.” The young woman would say to her as she sipped her coffee.

“I’ve lived in very rural areas of Japan for most of my life, we don’t normally use those things.” In fact she only knew how to open and answer calls thanks to the fact that Lloyd showed her how, and that was enough to make the gem a little nervous that he’d start picking out the inconsistencies of her past. 

“I’ve never seen anyone who didn’t know how to use a phone, except some old people.” The girl would say jokingly. “Japan really has places like that?”

“Yes, some places strictly maintain much of their heritage and culture, they are considered sacred, and such technology rarely reaches them.” Sometimes it was looked down upon, especially when one considered the history of her Homeland Okunoshima and the horrible madness that had happened there. 

The young woman sitting across from her in the small booth would raise her brows with interest, “That’s crazy, kind of like the Amish people here in American.” She drew a line. And Hematite would seem to let it slide as she didn’t know what the human was speaking of, her thoughts more centered on what was happening with Ari—though the word Amish immediately made her think of the Ainu, and a long lost friend briefly flashed through her mind’s eye.

She looked around, not necessarily seeing Ari, she chose the city to give a good explanation of what was going. 

[Ari]

Arsenic had already been en-route, her thumbs gliding across her phone screen as she gnawed on some mint gum. Strolling down the sidewalk, the gem's brightly hued eyes flicked up from her phone and scanned over the moving city around her; It really wasn't that different from the last time she'd visited. Many of the same tall buildings had been modified, and there were certainly some very tall ones, but nothing so much taller than what she could see elsewhere. For the past few days she'd simply been exploring, looking for signs of what Hematite had mentioned in her...dated method of contact. It had given her a good laugh, and if anything, was a more safe way to contact her now that she and Misha were at odds.


Though things seemed quiet for now, she knew the fusion wouldn't have gone through the trouble of sending a message like that without good cause. She had noticed some increased gem activity herself; more often she stumbled upon Homeworld loyalists running diagnostics and collecting samples, no doubt the preliminary work to really sinking their claws into the colony. Arsenic wasn't too thrilled about that, but what made her even more nervous was the idea of a rebellion against those same loyalists. For now, though, she was a bit giddy with anticipation; it had been a long time since she last saw that fusion, interesting in more ways than one.

She shivered as she neared the shop, and a small smirk tugged the corner of her lips as she neared. The gem spat her gum out, without any real regard for where it would land, and a chime jingled through the shop as she shouldered the door open. The long, black duffle coat and leather boots she wore did something to make her look a bit taller against the early spring light shedding in through the broad windows.


"Good, good! You're here, very prompt," She said in clear English as she approached, though there was something of a languid roll to her tongue as she spoke. Without breaking stride she went straight toward Hematite and the human she was with, who Arsenic gave a quick sweep of her eyes to. "Hot look," She mentioned casually as she grabbed a chair from another table, then dragged it over to the one her correspondent sat at. As she plopped down, she turned a huge, pearly grin onto the fusion. Leaning forward, she braced herself on the table with both of her bony elbows and clasped her hands together,"You too, looks like you've updated your wardrobe?"


The gem gave a start, eyes widened slightly as if she'd forgotten something important, then swung around to look at the cafe counter,"Hey I'm gonna need the biggest, blackest cup of coffee you can get me. Load it up with...eight espresso shots, no flavor and no hyperbole intended, for Ari," She called across the room, then without waiting for any kind of confirmation from the small, stout young woman at the counter, she turned back to look at Hematite, lowering her voice,"It sure has been a while, hasn't it?"

[Hematite]

Hematite had just took a bite of her cheesecake when her sonar suddenly picked up on something, the cool mellow sensation of old friend she hadn’t seen in years. The young woman sitting in front of her seemed to notice her stop still for a moment and straighten out—like the rabbit she was—and search for what she felt almost at alert. “Uh …Hitomi.” Hema looked back, and smiled, “No worries, just thought I heard something.” She would say to herself and then peered almost absentmindedly for a moment before she registered the location of the aura in question and watched as a fellow ancient walked into view, Ari always seemed to have a sense for the modern styles. As much as Hematite would try to act like she knew humans well, there were times where her obviously ‘old-school,’ ways shown through and she was undoubtedly unsure about how the workings of more modern communities these years.

Hematite was certainly on the thinner ratio of body types, not pearl skinny as some would put it, but the thinner, curvier yet strangely built gem often gave the impression of being a little bit shorter thanks to her low-profile silhouette, it wasn’t until she stood that some of the Quartz qualities she had stood out. Qualities being their height. “Konban-wa, Ari-sama.”

When Ari complimented the young woman sitting in front of her, Hematite smile, though there was a bit of slyness behind it. Hematite certainly liked this one, last night she had been drawn to the sound of music and lights and discovered a rave happening under a highway of all things, possibly the remains of warehouse turned dance-club. A shady name like “D’vide,” blaring at her in neon. She couldn’t break her curiosity and had herself grand time—with the cute girl in front of her actually. Couldn’t bring herself to fly home that night, so she stayed.

“Thanks! Took days to get this hairstyle right.” The young woman played with her hair embarrassed. Her crisp blue-jeans having sort of grungy look and her shirt emboldened with “The Getbackers!”


Then the gem addressed her own change in style, she knew she might have been taking shots at her obviously more casual appearance, Hematite honestly had the issue of walking around in floral kimonos, and Japanese wear from a time that was very far from now—which in certain regions of Japan is alright. She had seen her earlier. “Y-yes, thank you, Ari.” She said as she looked away with a knowing embarrassment, flushing even as she recalled she had walked into this city garbed in a kimono. When Ari started asking for her, there was so disgruntlement in Hematite’s face, she couldn’t stand bitter coffee, she liked it, but it required some kind of sweetener beyond anything.

“This is June, by the way.” Hematite would gesture to the young woman across from her as she said this and the girl would wave, “Nice hair!” June complimented, she seemed a little young, or well, for these two at least, possibly in her late teens, nineteen to be sure of it. Hematite smiled, though she knew that this was supposed to be an important meeting and so she decided at some point she was going to have to ask her leave as the conversation the two were going to have today were going to get into some rather ... heavy topics.

[Ari]

Arsenic gave a crooked smile and looked over to the human. "June, good to meet you-- and thanks, it's just a hard-light projection from my gem, no fancy work here," She explained factually, and her arms folded down onto the table as she regarded the human, then her yellow eyes flicked back over to the fusion. She opened her mouth to speak, but then someone else did.

"Ari?" The human at the counter called out, setting a tall capped coffee down. Arsenic pushed her chair back and stood to walk over to the counter, stuffing her hand in her pocket while she searched for her wallet. "3.50," The gem flipped through until she pulled a silver card out of the simple black case, then scanned its chip with the small piece of equipment next to the cash register. Without a word she strode back over to the table with her coffee in hand, and plopped back down

"Seems like things are heating up," She began, not really minding June's presence as she went on. The gem leaned back in her chair while she took a sip of her espresso flooded coffee,"Mm!" She scooted her chair forward and placed the cup down, and kept her focus on the other gem in the room while she continued,"Your message caught my attention for a few different reasons. Didn't know we still had such well trained birds around," Ari gave a smirk,"Anyway, I knew Homeworld was on the move, but I didn't know about this rebel group you mentioned. I've been in town for a couple of days, just looking around. Haven't had a chance to spot em yet," Ari peered more directly at the other gem,"It's a decent sized town that's for sure, a lot of stuff going on around. Makes me wonder what a country-side type like you is doing out here. You're living here now then?"


She had questions about the warning Hematite had sent, but for now she wanted to catch up as well. It was peculiar to hear Hematite had left behind her beloved adopted lands; had something happened or was the fusion looking for a change of pace? Did it have something to do with the cropping up of this mysterious rebellion? Her phone buzzed in her pocket, but for the time being she ignored it. 

[Hematite]

Hematite had just taken a bite of her cheesecake when the words Ari said to June hit her and she almost coughed it up out of sheer surprise, how could she had forgotten, Ari could care less who she was talking about in terms of gem technology, their history; even unaware oblivious humans weren’t subject to any discretion from her. Hematite, realizing it was already too late, set down her fork and stared nervously down at the table as Ari continued, she wanted to tell the gem that maybe they should be a little more careful about this subject. But …

Ari had just gotten up to walk away when June looked over, “What in the world was that about? A hard-light projection? I mean, this isn’t Halo, she’s not trying to pull a Cortana on me is she? Good joke though I guess.” Hematite’s face became incredulous and confused, “What in the stars name is a Halo?” she said to the gem shaking her head and June’s jaw dropped, “The best freakin’ game ever! Dude, how do you not know what halo is?” Hematite looked away a little confused, she had no idea what June was getting at now. But before she could answer, Ari sat back down, and right when she was about to say something about keeping things a little under wraps. 

Well, it just all started spilling out didn’t it. She couldn’t really protest anything, interrupting others was something she wouldn’t bring herself to do. But as she went on about Homeworld, she shot nervous glances at June who leaned in, more curious and intrigued by the second. By the time Ari had finished, she didn’t even know what to say, she seemed a little dumbstruck and eventually words started to pour from her mouth almost mindlessly, “I, well, that’s …” She shook her head, “They certainly have their grasp here in this city, for sure. I’ve been attacked several times already.”—she shot strange glances at June, who stiffened up and listened to the two intently. “Seen them then walking about with their technology right in the open, hum-- …" She cut herself off, “… Other people just watching them.”

“I am unsure if I will stay here for long, but I feel the issue with the rebels is just as prominent. They live in a city not far from here, where I’ve been staying.” She’d pull at her hood nervously as this would step into the realm of her less morally sound choices she’s made as of the few days. June just sort of blinked, and she wanted to stay quiet but as soon as Hematite had finished what she said, june tapped her fingers impatiently, “So, this must be one of those code-talk conversations, huh?” Hematite looked over nervously as she tried to think of what to say, though her words simply weren't working at the moment.

[Ari]

The gem seemed not to notice how uncomfortable Hematite was getting, but she did register June's interest. For a moment she didn't put it together, but realized soon that her fellow gem was not approving of something going on from her manner and tone. She just listened, and tried to figure what it was. At the comment about gems being out in the open, Ari sat up a bit straighter, realizing she was being pretty open herself. Hematite always seemed a bit more conscientious about things like this, and she shot an apologetic grin to the fusion, though she didn't know whether the apology would be seen as altogether genuine. 

But, it seemed June was-- as Arsenic had predicted-- not really on the up 'n up when it came to knowledge about gemkind affairs. The gem could certainly be secretive where she needed to be, but she never considered humans threatening enough to be worth the work around. This human would go on to be just another conspiracy theorist writing blogs that sounded like nonsense to every other human. It was kind of amusing. Though, for now, there wasn't much room for amusement. 

Ari's strong brows seemed to be pulled up by strings at the arch as she thought about what had been said, while the rest of her face remained rather neutral, but she leaned toward Hematite,"You've been attacked?" Her tone was one of measured disbelief, but she knew the fusion wouldn't be lying about something like that. The gem slouched back in her chair and shook her head slowly,"Things really are getting toasty now aren't they. It's no good, we'll have to do something about this." Ari seemed almost to be muttering to herself as she picked up her tall cup and stared down into the spout, watching the dark coffee swirl with her absent minded movement,"Neither of us will be able to stay anywhere long if it keeps getting hotter," 

She seemed to light up a bit as she turned back over to the human, remembering almost offhandedly that the organic life form had been questioning the conversation. Her eyes focused to June and she spoke in a chipper tone,"--and, oh, for sure-- coded talk. You see, I'm actually a European spy, here to dismantle your democracy," The gem's crooked smirk became more mirthful, but her eyes seemed uncannily devoid of humor. She gave a nonchalant shrug,"But don't go telling your local representative about it, it'll be a pain when the union bars me from flights after ten years of arguing about it. We've gotta keep it on the down low, hush hush," She brought a slender finger up to her own lips as if to shh June, then brought her coffee up and took a long swig of the drink. 

[Hematite]

Hematite would wait for the gem to finish before continuing, Ari had her ways of going about thing and her facetious nature was often a sign of her true genius behind it in that regard. Hema’s empathic aptitude sensed some of a sympathetic tone from the gem through her smile, and Hema looked away rather with something of a crossed expression between embarrassment and homely smile. She wasn’t sure if the gem was messing with her, but she was far more worried at this time of someone she managed to make-out with last night catching onto the fact they were indeed some kind of alien humanoid. She wanted to take her compliment of being an ‘out-of-this-world,’ kisser with some pride. As obviously scandalous it was behind all of this.

She wanted to speak up, thinking of what to say to June who was growing more confused by the second, but Ari again threw out a very silly dismissal of their own words instead. She seemed to shake her head at the gem and looked away incredulously. June herself, raising a brow, “Honestly I thought you guys were just doing code-talk for another rave tonight, and if so I am so in.” she’d say not-so-innocently despite her, and then look over at Hematite with impatient smirk, “Can’t wait for us to hit a spot again, you gonna show how you got so limber? Seriously I’ve never seen a girl dance like you.” Hematite would shoot a glance at Ari as she realized their friend here would be taking things out of context.

She was wondering if coming to the city was a bad idea, maybe they should have met around her home. She was slightly worried about bringing Lloyd into this, but.

“Yoga, you’ll limber up eventually.” She’d say, and then looked over at the gem beside her. “Yes, some mad sapphire has accosted me several times now, managed to burn off my hair, chase me into some derelict ruin in the city …” She shot a glance at June, “Destroyed some kind of prototype weapon designed to ‘harvest,’ gems.” At this, June’s brows rose when she realized something strange was going on here.

[Ari]

Ari grinned as June went on, nodding, and bounced her eyebrows at Hematite who seemed to be getting around just fine in this new land. She honestly had no clue what the underground scene around this city looked like, but if this human had some information on Empire city nightlife, she was equally eager,"Oh? Things are looking dry for me, like I said I'm not from around here. But you know, flights to Novosibirsk aren't getting any cheaper, quite a bit of fun to be had there," She shrugged,"My ears and eyes are always open though, I'm a spy after all," With a wink, she tapped the gem on the side of her head.

Though after hearing the other gem speak so openly about this sapphire, and this dangerous sounding prototype, Ari wasn't exactly sure what Hematite wanted-- to be open or to be secretive-- but she decided to keep talking as flagrantly as she had been. After all, June seemed to be the type who would be good at keeping things on the down low.

"Mad sapphire?" Her lips pressed together, and her more mirthful tone seemed to sober a bit,"A friend of mine shared some information with me about something similar. Prolific zealots running amok, causing issues for some important retainers. Fortunately for all of us, my associate has already been on the move. Troublesome gems we wont have to worry about any longer, soon. There's dirt on everyone." She gave a short, sharp puff of air from her lips, and dug into her pocket, remembering she'd felt her phone buzz earlier. She gave the screen a quick look-- the word миша stood on her screen like a dark silhouette on the horizon, something she didn't want to deal with right now. "Puh," She looked like she was ready to hock spit at her own phone before shoving it back into her pocket. "...anyway I'm interested, you'll have to show me where the place is some time. Might be good for a spelunking trip," her state of amusement seemed to fill back into her words, she eyed June as she spoke to gauge her reaction, but she tilted her head back as she thought a bit harder and mused aloud,"Unless you think the place is crawling with heat at this point? That'd be a shame..." She could imagine such a place being rife with materials of all kinds, but it would be no use to her if it blew her cover.  

For now the talk had only scraped the surface of the deeper subject that needed to be spoken about, but Arsenic was still enjoying her espresso as it filled her with more and more energy. Her foot tapped restlessly as she neared the bottom of the cup already, though there was still time to sit and chat with someone she hadn't seen in what felt like eons. It sounded like Hematite had been through a lot. Arsenic's harshly bright eyes flicked to the cheesecake the gem had mostly put away by now. 

[Hematite]

June seemed a little confused, not only was the conversations between the two gems something of an anomaly to her ‘simple-life,’ she heard the words Ari was saying but couldn’t quite grasp it, but it seemed she at least agreed in the matter of finding some real fun around here. She leaned back, arms stretched and looked over with a wide smile, “Well, I don’t know what club Novobir-whatever is, but I know all the underground spots here, so just hit me up when you’re interested, spy-girl.” She say looking over leisurely before she’d start wanting a coffee for herself, she swore she could smell the bitterness from Ari’s drink where she was sitting, and it was making her crave an ice coffee. “I’mma go order me cold one, be right back!” She’d say as she practically hopped out her seat to approach the vendors out of view of the two gems. 

“Yes,” she’d say her face growing grimmer as Ari went to explain some of the inquisitors marching across the planet as they spoke, “She fancied herself some kind of arbiter, a maniac who sees their diamond and its order as if though their without faults. She ...” Hematite hands, were at first idly tapping the table, but there would have been a sudden change in her—the tips of her hair part and various parts of her body and outfit seemed to grow a deep scarlet red, like freshly drawn blood and her nails elongated into sharp claws, taking on the same tint as she managed to unconsciously grind them into the plastic enough to peel back its laminate. “She managed to chase me into that facility, but upon its reactivation, I saw a chance and struck her down. I didn’t harm her stone, part of me wanted to. But I let her go … its most likely swarming with officials now, the silo opened up in a city-park a ways from here. And I bet this is causing waves across the city as we speak.”

If it wasn’t covered up somehow by now somehow.

The look on Hematite’s face spoke of it, there was suddenly something of a fierce animalistic brooding in the gems eyes, like some kind of beast drawn out of den, her pupils even becoming draken slits as she thought back to that sapphire. For years now she had learned to properly control and manage the various psyches which amalgamated to her current conscious. It was a careful balance, trying to keep the various wants and un-wants in line with three individuals who for the most part seemed to enjoy life in their ways. Though Onyx and Moonstone were relatively easy to keep in check, but the moment Spinel was driven to ire, it became a whole different struggle.

[Ari]

She pressed her lips together at June's lack of geographical knowledge, or at least her lack of knowledge about the beautiful city of Novosibirsk, filled to the brim with clubs and an underground scene that was so alive it was practically it's own entity, glowing in the night. Her eyes flicked up and followed June for a moment as the human made her way over to the counter, then she put her gaze back onto the other gem.

As Hematite began to slip into a darker mood, Ari kept a close eye on her, nodding as she spoke about this unpleasant experience. Her own expression remained neutral, but internally her gears were shifting. By the time the gem was done speaking, Ari had a more serious look to her, brows pulled slightly toward the center, eyes and jaw holding tension,"Shoulda kept it..." The artificer muttered as she imagined the powerful tools that could be crafted from a gem as rare as a sapphire's,"If this were the same sapphire my associate told me about...stars, I could've increased energy efficiency in the shop by quite a bit," She drifted off in her imaginings of what she could do given those materials.

Her eyes slid away from the fusion, and she gave a shake of the head, more like she was trying to shake something off,"Bah, a shame." She gave a wry smile, and brought her cup to her lips before downing the rest of what was in there, then setting her empty cup down onto the table with a hollow tap, "Still interesting to hear. There are gem ruins all over the place, I'm sure there will be a chance to find others before these gemkind groups start butting heads," Internally she continued to lament the fact that the facility was already brought back under Homeworld control, that likely meant it was on its way to being torn down and recycled or otherwise put into use. The thought of having missed out on so much valuable material made her skin crawl. 

"This whole thing about a rebellion has me worried. But you know, with Homeworld ramping up it's operation, I think the rebels will serve a purpose to us," Ari kept her voice down low as she thought out loud, leaning toward Hematite intently, "Delaying Homeworld, setting them back. That's valuable, priceless even, though it's still only a matter of time," Especially since her livelihood depended on a supply of gemmic technology, but also distance from those who would otherwise destroy her if she weren't hidden,"Do you have any idea what kind of tech these rebels have?"

[Hematite]

Hematite’s expression painted something of a undecided anger at this point, she seemed skeptical as she looked at a companion she had known for many years, though at the same time she couldn’t hold back that she knew of Ari’s dark talents. Even to this day, she wondered why the gem never attempted to use Hematite herself as an operator capable of manifesting power effects through her gemstone, what had truly created the bonds between the two. Sometimes she wanted to speak out, except in this instance, she felt the sapphire would deserve such a fate, it’d be ironic, being held in a device, maybe then she’d understand her insanity, and why hunting down exiled gems and renegades—forcing them to exist amongst the rest of her kind, would teach her something of a lesson. If she ever escaped. She hoped, honestly, that Ari would be more inclined to use her talents as a distinct punishment to gems who deserve it—she’d hope for this at least, it was easier on her conscience. 

Though something immediately caught her attention at what her fellow ancient friends had said, “Wait, have you heard of this sapphire? And from whom, not one of your insiders is it?” she’d ask with a delay in her voice as she seemed notice she was trying to pry into the various covert agents. Ari might know from her time with Homeworld. Hematite herself had barely spent time there, and sometimes found herself pondering on whether or not this gem was a good or a bad thing. "And yes, the rebels have fortified themselves in a town not far from here, across a wasteland really—hidden in the coast around mountains and oceans, Beach City, they call it. Where I’m staying with … another.” She’d say where it struck her with some embarrassment that she forgot to mention the human she had partnered up with here—not necessarily like she had with 

She’d clear her throat as she stared over at June who had struck up a conversation with one of the baristas mixing coffee on the side, and then back to Ari with some intent on changing the subject, “I don’t know if such an overwhelming force like Homeworld can be stopped by these rebels, but they seem intent on standing their ground there. Of course, I do not mind their intention to live in that region, it is what I fear they may try to do after the war that has me worried.” She stared off into the distance for a second as she tried to think of how to put what she was going to say next into words. “I will be honest, I know I do not truly belong here on this planet—or that it truly isn’t my birthright as humans have it. But these ‘Crystal Gem,’ rebels are something of forced inclusion, if they remain here—if they are victorious in thwarting off Homeworld, what of those who wish to truly assimilate themselves with mankind. What if mankind does not want to share this world with them—whether or not one side is wrong or right, this conflict could lead to the loss of innocents on both sides.” And of course great change, change that she was uncertain she felt was right for a planet with its own species heading in its own direction. True she didn’t belong here, but she made it a point to blend in and try not to disturb the essence of this planet and everything that it has made up until this point. 

“But …” she thought as the complicated matter seemed to loom in her already stressing psyche, “I cannot help but wonder if this is due to my own selfishness … I don’t want to lose my home, or the trust of my people.” She thought for a moment, realizing she hadn't really answered the gems question, "Technology wise, I am unsure. I didn't seem much other than some odd designs of their local workings."

[Ari]

She gave a grin as Hematite went on to ask about the sapphire, not totally registering the fusion's expression or tone in regards to the subject. But the grin dissipated as she glanced at her empty cup, before her eyes slid back up to gaze at the fusion. "I..." She just stared for a moment before completing her thought,"...know the 8 series padparadschas, and I know at least one of them is scurrying around in this star system. I was meant to work with the 8 series project. I didn't, obviously," She shook her head,"Well, at any rate, none of them were suppose to be on Earth quite yet, which is why it surprised me to hear from my associate that she has been meddling with empire operations," The grin again curled up from one corner of her lip, peeling into a disdainful smile,"Ha! Loyalists digging at loyalists. Until I got your news about the rebels, I thought she was the rebel here!" 

Ari's expression settled into one more grim as she listened to Hematite's assessment and focus of subject,"If you believe these rebels have even an inkling of a chance against Homeworld, honestly, that might be the best case scenario for us, and gems like us," Wanderer's who were avoiding contact with that dreaded, stifling empire,"But even then, as you say, the scenario isn't ideal. If the rebels win, that most certainly means there will be many loose ends that will need to be tied...Homeworld isn't likely to just let a loss like that go, they'll find a way to have the last laugh if the rebels-- or we-- don't counter," As for the humans, well, did they have any chance either way? Gemkind ruled this planet now, as far as the arsenic gem was concerned. She supposed that was what Hematite was worried for, the organics, and the fusion's ability to spend time doting about them. Though, Ari always had a hard time wrapping her head around the more nurturing outlook Hematite had taken about humanity-- or perhaps that was a misinterpretation?

She shifted to stare out the window for a moment, watching humans walk by, attending to their various organic needs and cultural quirks she imagined, then her eyes flicked back onto Hematite,"If rebel technology is as...well, unnoticeable as you say, they probably aren't prepared in the least for an attack from Homeworld. It's most likely Homeworld will win. When that happens, there will be no loose ends. Everyone will get swept up, everyone. Gem or human. Gems like us will need an alibi, and allies to help us reintegrate..." The thought stung her tongue, her lips shut and she stewed on that as her arms crossed over her chest. What would she do once her freedom was taken? Would everyone caught on Earth even have a chance to make a case for themselves? She wanted a more hopeful outlook for herself, Hematite, and the fusion's pet humans,"But then again, Homeworld ultimately created this mess-- maybe there is something going on that we don't know about, some logistical fumble might be what we and the rebels need to buy time," 

"Hem," Ari said slowly after a minute,"If anyone here is selfish, it's me." Her shoulders shrugged,"I don't want those rebels here either. They're going to be causing a whole lot of trouble for my information and technology gig. Honestly, they've ruined everything." She sneered, another quiet pause went by before she continued, "I'm tempted to see if I can't do a little infiltration...just to see what they're up to. If you already have a base of operations near theirs...I could do some set up," She eyed Hematite as if to ask, are you on board? 

[Hematite]

Hematite clasped her clawed hands in front of her as she listened, when she heard there could be a series of those gems, it was enough to in-sight a nightmarish thought of meeting another of this mad line of gemkind. The most of it seemed to confuse her, as if though the sapphire’s actions weren’t as well looked upon by the empire itself, this confused her to be honest. She wanted to ask what exactly these padparadscha series gems were destined for, from what it sounded like, they weren’t a normal addition to the various powers in play in Homeworld. This made the gem feel an uncanny curiosity towards the sapphire she met—though she brimmed with fire in her eyes as she thought about her, there was now something she could go off of. “You were fortunate, working with such a gem, that would mark the end of me.” She’d say, it was difficult to say if it was an honest—or even comedic reference—especially with Hematite’s primeval thinking.

“I don’t intend on reintegrating,” there was something behind her voice, a strong sense of dignity maybe, but the obvious intent behind it. It was an unfortunate circumstance of the culture the gem was raised in, something that Ari may have already seen before in the sacrificial nature of both her and one of her earliest human traveling companions. “That sapphire seemed like megalomaniac in my eyes, she was so focused on whatever mad intent her Diamond wants of her—I sometimes wonder if that’s even what her Diamond wanted.” The authority had already proven there were gems they deemed inexcusably ‘malformed,’ so much so dissemination or exile was really their only choice. Hema had once heard that exiled gems existed even on Homeworld, living in fear of its shadow. And yet, this sapphire didn’t crawl about their hunting down free-roaming gems as if it would change something did she?

It echoed in her mind that the little pink fool seemed so enamored with her Diamond before all else. There was a certain lack of idealism maybe, like she was trying so hard to embody this Diamond’s supposed ideals and truths.

Ari already seemed to be thinking what Hematite had already proposed, they certainly have to try something, even if the foe, or even foes, in this matter were far outnumbering them. 

She listened to Ari’s final words on the matter carefully, who seemed to be vindicating herself of her own “Maybe, but. I am thwarting the plans and dreams of gems who may simply want a free life only because I don’t want to lose my own, Ari-sama.” She said as she looked back at Ari, “That and I fear for the security of gems who have lived on this planet for some time now being caught in this.” The look Ari gave her spoke more than enough about the current task at hand, “Yes,” she’d say as she stood from the chair and looked over at June who had leaned over the counter to point out some odd mislabeling of the condiments. “As said, I’m staying with someone, he has a quite the estate—well, at least a large basement for us. How hall we go?” she’d ask.

[Ari]

She scratched the side of her head as she made a connection about the subject for the first time, concerning the 8 series lotus sapphires and Ari's role in their purpose. But, she thought of ways to change the subject, not registering the curiosity Hematite harbored, but she did have a latent sense that the peach sapphire her companion had met wasn't favored by her. She returned the fusion a smile, taking it in a humorous way; it was a bit funny to imagine the comedy of errors that lead to that particular sapphire ending up on this planet; the irony of that sapphire bumping into the long time friend of an arsenic who had planned to work with her in a literal sense-- for it all to ultimately spell her downfall.

Though, the next words Hematite offered, Ari's smile dissipated. Despite her trouble with the more delicate sides to socializing, she had known this fusion long enough to know what those words meant. Her eyes flicked away for a moment, discomfort creeping up her spine as she thought of the human practices the fusion had so embraced. "Heh, well, if we're struck with luck, no one will have to," Her words were articulated in her usual lazy fashion, but her humor was nervously charged. Her head tilted,"-- and whatever idle task they put her on, frankly, it wont be that productive," She shook her head and crossed her arms. The yellow court gem had a harsh determination of the whole debacle,"Pink Diamond's intent might be to squeeze whatever usefulness she can out of such an expensive failure, until the project phase seven-hundred begins, but even then... what will they do with it-- her," Ari looked spooked for a second, shooting a wide look to Hema before continuing to her next point to pretend that didn't happen. 

Ari's brows had floated upward a bit as her friend went on to explain her ideation further, but the arsenic still couldn't see that as selfish. If anything, it only served to highlight for the silvery gem how cold to the touch her own ideals could be. "You're much nobler than I," She said simply, not particularly wanting to expound on her reasoning, even if Hematite could guess at it. There were some things she wouldn't want the closest gems to her to ever know. 

"Well," Her voice clipped and her eyes panned around the room as she yanked herself away from those thoughts before she could ruminate. Then her eyes hit the door,"I've got something that might be able to get us there in a jiffy," Her eyes flicked back to Hematite, a bit of a wry look to her as she reached down and tapped her belt; then, a device materialized, a somewhat unwieldy, sky blue disk that glittered with white-gold flecks-- a pale blue geode suspended inside. However, the planes of the crystal splintered into a pattern not unlike the dry, cracked earth of a desert across the whole device. She slipped from her chair, and set the artifact gingerly onto the ground, then glanced up at the standing fusion,"Portable warp pad! Neat, eh?" Her smirk was infused with some giddiness at the reveal of her prized project. 

[Hematite]

Hematite’s eyes seemed to narrow as Ari went to explain that somehow, this gem with electromagnetic powers capable of dissolving almost anything into liquid ooze was somehow considered a failure to the diamonds. What exactly was the original purpose of this gem, and how could something with such an expensive ability be deemed an outright failure despite its overall effectiveness? One they could have used as distinguished killer?

The gem complimented her, but again Hematite was sure her reasoning was far more selfish, she simply couldn’t have something as delectable as these humans be wiped away just because some supposed higher order wished for it. Hematite seemed to shift her yes elsewhere as Ari seemed to give her own excuse as to actions, she knew Ari didn’t hold nearly the same resolve she did for the humans and creature around her—but she respected that the gem seemed to hold at least one drive they shared. Freedom.

She then went rather straight-faced at the sudden mention of a way to get to Beach City from here, and then watched the gem point out the device right below her core, her brows lifting. She had sensed there were multiple gems with her the moment Ari had entered, but now she started to recall and even more resent the very nature of her empathic abilities. There was indeed a gem in her belt. She made a frown at it before looking away, she felt these experiments were rather horrid, it reminded her slightly of that horrible monstrosity at the bottom of the ruins the sapphire and herself had discovered.

For now, she turned her moralistic views away—there were worse fates for gems and something told her this wouldn’t last forever.

“I see,” she would say, looking to see if anyone had followed them, she knew June would possibly be upset, but it would be a matter of time before she reached out to her again on her phone, she’d simply have to say it’s an emergency. “An … impressive piece of work, though it looks odd to me.” She was unsure if the cracking was aesthetical or not, these devices were beyond her.