A Brief Encounter

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"Jasper!" a sharp, nasally voice called. Jasper turned quickly, looking up. "I need you to take this to Yellow Diamond." The speaker was one of tech workers - Peridot. Jasper cringed.

"Can you do it?" she pleaded. Peridot glared.

"If I had time I wouldn't be asking you," she grumbled, shoving a report into Jasper's pudgy hands. "I have work to do." Without another word she stomped down the hall and disappeared around a corner. Jasper gulped and turned, gazing down the long, daunting hallway before her. She was afraid of Yellow Diamond. She wasn't supposed to be, but Yellow Diamond was the scariest gem she had ever met. Jasper guessed that Blue Diamond was even scarier, but she didn't want to think about that.

Slowly Jasper made her way toward the central network of rooms in the compound where the Diamonds' living quarters were located. As she approached her legs began to quiver. She swallowed hard, trying to talk some courage into herself. Yellow Diamond wouldn't be angry. She needed this report. She might even thank Jasper for delivering it.

Despite all her efforts, Jasper was still terrified upon her arrival at Yellow Diamond's quarters. She lifted a hand to knock, but the door slid open before she could.

"Enter," a curt voice called. Jasper scuttled inside, clutching the report to her chest.

"I have a report," she whispered. "From Peridot." Yellow Diamond shoved a tuft of hair out of her face and turned to face Jasper, towering over her. She held out an expecting hand in which Jasper tentatively placed the report. Yellow Diamond nodded, returning to her work. The faint light glinting off the gemstone on her chest as she scanned the report with narrowed eyes.

"You may go," she muttered dismissively. Jasper nodded and scurried from the room.

Outside she stood against the wall and panted for a minute or two, trying to regain her outward calm. She began to make her way back to training camp, not knowing what she should be doing. She found herself in the familiar courtyard, surrounded by grass and a vast expanse of forest stretching out before her. Other gems - mostly Jaspers like her - roamed about, practicing combat, shapeshifting, weapon summoning, and other skills. Jasper sighed softly and squeezed her eyes shut, concentrating. She felt a helmet materialize around her head. She beamed in triumph. It had come faster that time. She was improving. She looked eagerly around for someone to share in her excitement, but no one appeared even mildly inviting. Jasper sighed once more and moved on.

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