Shimmering Blood

Chapter 17- Calm

AN: STEVEN UNIVERSE DOESN'T BELONG TO ME ONLY TO REBECCA SUGAR AND CARTOON NETWORK.

————————————————————————

A week had passed since the last brutal clash between Homeworld’s forces and the Crystal Gems. Though the dust had settled, the sense of urgency had only intensified in the Prime Kindergarten. Moonstone, with Emerald, Agate, and Jasper by his side, struggled to maintain order and efficiency amidst the aftermath.

The roles had been divvied up with precision. Jasper and Agate were responsible for leading patrols, training troops, and managing groups of selected Gems. Their formidable presence commanded respect, and the troops under their supervision moved with the discipline instilled by rigorous drills and fierce determination. Jasper, known for her tenacity and raw strength, ensured no soldier slacked on her watch, while Agate’s tactical mind refined every detail of their combat maneuvers.

Meanwhile, Moonstone and his right-hand, Emerald, were stationed at the command center, a secluded and meticulously organized area at the heart of the Kindergarten. The constant influx of Gems from Beta Kindergarten had placed tremendous strain on their resources. It seemed there was an endless demand for training facilities, resting quarters, and communication devices. Every request weighed heavily on Moonstone’s shoulders, and he knew they were barely keeping up with the expanding needs of their operation.

One of Moonstone's most pressing concerns had been acquiring the means to expand the facilities swiftly and efficiently. His solution came through a high-priority communication with Blue Diamond herself, who agreed to send a dozen of her best Bismuths to Earth. Renowned for their skill in construction and engineering, these builder Gems were vital to Homeworld’s infrastructure, and their presence here was a tremendous asset. However, the responsibility weighed heavily on Moonstone; he viewed these Gems as precious resources—Blue Diamond’s gifts that he could not afford to waste. If even one of these prized Bismuths were harmed under his watch, the repercussions would be dire.

As he stared at the holographic display before him, his concentration was broken by the soft yet assertive voice of Emerald. “My General,” Emerald reported, the green Gem standing just a few steps behind him. “The leading Bismuth has sent her report. The resting facilities are now complete. They’re moving forward to excavate and build additional training rooms for our troops.”

Moonstone nodded, his mind immediately focusing on the practicalities. “Good. Let’s go. I want to inspect the barracks and hear directly from the Bismuths about their plans for the training facility,” he replied, his voice steady and commanding. He turned on his heel, and Emerald quickly fell into step beside him, ever the loyal second-in-command.

Exiting the command center, they stepped onto the dark, cold ground of the Kindergarten. The landscape stretched out in jagged stone and shadow, illuminated by faint, eerie light from nearby injector mechanisms. The familiar drilling sounds reverberated through the ground, filling Moonstone’s ears. The injectors moved rhythmically, piercing the earth’s surface, while Peridots monitored their every action from the control room, tweaking the machines with the precision they were known for.

The barracks, newly constructed by the Bismuths, rose ahead, a testament to the builders' efficiency. Built with the functionality typical of Homeworld, the barracks were minimalistic—stark rooms that provided the bare essentials. Gems didn’t need to rest like humans did, but the quarters allowed for temporary downtime and some semblance of privacy, which could be rare luxuries in this harsh, militarized environment. With little decoration, the structure had an austere elegance that mirrored the disciplined lifestyle Homeworld imposed on its subjects.

As Moonstone and Emerald approached, they saw the leading Bismuth—a towering Gem with a proud stance and skillful hands still coated with traces of sediment. She noticed their approach and offered a salute, a hint of pride gleaming in her eyes.