Steven Universe: The Return [English FanFiction]

45. Bring Up The Rear

Steven: So, what you're saying is... we're gonna use them as a sacrifice, as mere cannon fodder?

Garnet: No, of course not. Even so, it's absolutely necessary to create a distraction so that we can take over White Diamond's ship, otherwise it will be impossible for us to do so.

Steven: I don't know what to make of this.

Garnet: Sacrifices are hard to take but necessary, especially for the greater good. This kind of thing is the bread and butter of war.

Steven: But--

Garnet: By now you should know sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but you always learn, that's life.

Steven: I know.

Garnet: Good, then it's settled.

Pearl: Steven, Connie, I imagine you brought enough provisions for both of you, didn't you?

Connie: We did.

[Connie says as she pulls food and bottles of water out of her backpack.]

Steven: Boy, I had so much on my mind that I didn't even remember that I hadn't had a bite to eat in hours.

Garnet: In that case you'd better hydrate, eat and get a good night's sleep, because tomorrow morning we'll get down to business. I recommend the rest of us to do the same, at least about sleeping. We Gems certainly don't need to sleep, but it will help us to get our strength back, we'll need it tomorrow.

【The next day.】

[After a good long recovery nap, Steven and his friends are ready to get back into action. They have already painstakingly worked out every last detail of their plan, they subsequently let the Warship's crew know via the communicator, they had no problem with it, so they cheerfully set out to help.]

[Steven's group is seen walking out of the lower area of Homeworld; they are now heading to the Palace in order to take over White Diamond's ship.]

Steven: Alright, you all know what you have to do, don't you?

Pearl: Yes, but it wouldn't hurt to do a brief review of the plan, don't you think?

Steven: You're right.

Garnet: Well then, pay close attention, 'cause I'm not going to repeat myself again.

Steven: Mm-hmm.

Garnet: When the warship approaches Homeworld, and when it is close enough to White's ship, it will immediately shoot the Topazes on the left, that will be the signal for the group of Amethysts to attack the Agates on the right.

Steven: In the midst of the confusion, Garnet, Amethyst, Pearl and I will take care of the two Lapis Lazulis, since we don't know if they are equal to or stronger than our soldiers, it would be best to put them out of action as soon as possible. Is everything clear?

All the Gems: YES!!!

Steven: Ok, that would be it. Now, get ready for--

Connie: *interrupts* Just hold on a second!

Steven: Huh? What's the matter, Connie? Do you have any questions?

Connie: Yeah! Like, where do I come in?! What am I supposed to do to support you guys?!

Steven: *nervously* Well, uh, you... you'll be bringing up the rear with Peridot, you'll both watch our backs, okay?

Connie: What the--?! Why?!

Peridot: No problem for me.

Connie: I don't want to bring up the rear, I want to go to the front lines with you!

Steven: Oh, Connie, c'mon.

Connie: Please, Steven, I can be of help!

Steven: I know that, Connie. I know you can be a big help, but...

Connie: You think I'm just going to get in the way, right?!

Steven: No, Connie, that's not--

Connie: Don't deny it, Steven, I know you take it for granted that I'll be nothing but a burden to you and everyone else, don't you?!

Steven: ...

Connie: Yes, I don't have super-strength or super-speed or any other alien super-power, but... I give you my word that I won't be a burden!

Steven: Connie, I... I honestly don't think you'll be a burden to us if you go to the front lines, it's just... I don't want you to get hurt. You have done more than enough for me, and I am very grateful for that; however, it's time for me to do the same for you. I'll protect you no matter what, that's why I'm asking you to please bring up the rear, okay?

Connie: Steven, I--

Garnet: *interrupts* Shhhh! Please be quiet! We're only a few meters away from the Palace, someone might hear you if you keep talking so loud!

Steven and Connie: Sorry!

[They both start talking quietly].

Connie: Tch. You don't look like you're going to change your mind anytime soon, do you?

Steven: Nope.

Connie: *sighs resignedly* If that's the case, I guess I have no choice but to resign myself and do as you ask, Steven.

Steven: I'm glad you understand, Connie.

[After a long walk, and a little discussion, Steven and company arrive at the Palace without any problems or mishaps. Right now they are right in front of White Diamond's ship, so they proceed to stealthily hide behind some debris, making sure not to be seen.]