Scene #3692: Best Intentions

Owner	Pose
Peridot	Peridot was already settling down her transport pod on the beach in front of the Crystal Gem lair. She had opted to not bring Jasper on this particular outing. The big orange gem had already voiced the immense amount of disapproval of Peridot's mission. But, Peridot had done her job. She had to inform her escort of her intentions. The political atmosphere of this new alliance was already questionable; the last thing she wanted was a clueless Jasper stomping around her plans and ruining everything. So now, she stepped out into the sand. The green gem woman had found new invigoration in this plan. Renewed purposed. A clear goal she could aim for. Her anxiety had for the moment been lifted. She had successfully convinced Sunstone. That was a big hurdle in itself. Sunstone had the most reason to hate Peridot out of any of the Crystal gems.. out of any being she had encountered thus far in the multiverse. To phrase it like a human, she had ripped the band-aid off quickly. This next step involved inviting Toph to the home of the crystal gems. Setting her hands on her hips. She announces her presence to those inside the house. Knocking was not quite her style. She was not sure if Toph had got here before her or not yet. "Crystal gems!" She opted to not call them clods this time. "I have come without my escort. It is time to come out and speak!"
Toph Beifong	It appears that Toph has indeed not arrived just yet, as Peridot should hear somebody come up the steps behind her, dressed in casual clothing fit for the weather. All in all she looks rather relaxed, one hand on the bannister as she walks up the wooden steps, raising her other hand in greeting to Peridot. "You might try knocking or ringing the door bell, it's easier unless you like yelling." Which she can understand, as she likes yelling herself. Though she does walk over and knock three times on the door herself. And as they wait, she asides a question to Peridot. "So, still stressed?"
Pearl	Pearl emerges from the door, spear in hand. She's not pointing it at Peridot at least. "I don't think she's stressed. She's just always like that from what I can tell." The Gem notes with a slight smirk. "I'm afraid I'm the only Gem here at the moment. Garnet's away on... whatever it is she does on her solo missions." She peers down at Peridot, "What is it yuo want to talk about?"
Peridot	"I do like to announce myself." She answered without much thought. Though she does watch the way Toph knocks. Most doors she encountered were automatic. "This really is pitiful as far as portal barriers go." She says as she inspects the screen door. "Not air tight at all. In fact, it seems designed to intentionally facilitate air flow." "I am feeling far less stressed." She says with something of a smile. Perhaps it something unique to her, or just something inherent in the type of gem she was. She was at her happiest when she was solving problems. Pearl looked at the spear with a squint. Some of the confidence draining from her face. "Eh.." Her brows knit before she points at it. "Put that away! I came here without Jasper- without a Homeworld aligned escort at all!" Though Toph had pulled escort duty in the past for Peridot, she was still union affiliated after all. "The least you can do is show me the same courtesy." Her lips scrunched up a little. "I am here on a.. diplomatic mission. I want to talk to you about Kindergarten."
Toph Beifong	"It doesn't need to be airtight," Toph points out as she reaches a hand up to pick at her nose. "It's supposed to let the air in, yeah." At least it's good to hear that Peridot is less stressed though, considering how she acted the last time she met her and enforced some relaxation on the Homeworld gem. When Pearl herself opens the door, she can't help but grin, offering a friendly wave. "Long time no see." Well, she's got the cheeky humour down today! She's not here to play escort today, she's here to offer her opinion if it's asked for, as well as listen to Pearl's opinion since she knows more about this than herself. She walks in past Pearl and heads on over to the couch, clearly intending to sit down.
Pearl	"It's the screen door, it is designed to facilitate air flow." Pearl says as she rolls her eyes. "And, it keeps the house from getting stuffy in the summer!" As she finishes explaining her spear vanishes in a poof "Alright. I'm willing to listen, but the Kindergarten is a rather complicated situation. Don't expect any sort of compromise to be easy!" She gives Toph a friendly squeeze on the shoulder as she motions her inside. "Come on in, the both of you, I'll make you some tea and we'll see if we can't find a reasonable solution to our problems."
Peridot	Peridot walks into the house a bit more at ease now that the weapon had been put away. Of course she knew Pearl was capable of re summoning it at will. But, that was true of anyone here. Even if Peridot couldn't summon a weapon, her limb enhancers were capable of turning into one if she needed. "Yes, a compromise would indeed not be easy for most." She starts off. "But most people are idiots. And I happen to be very clever." She steeples her fingers together. "I want to make a proposal to you Crystal gems. An alliance of sorts." "Yes. Insane, I know. But Dirt Wizard helped me come to a realization. She is uniquely qualified to help me with a specific set of experiments that could lead to some fairly revolutionary break through. However, she does not inherently trust my intentions." She gesture briefly at Toph. "I accept that Homeworld holds to a different set of values than.. that of what we call the Union supports. Therefore, my mission here today is to convince you crystal gems- gems who are uniquely qualified to trust me even less than the union..." "That what I want to do is not only just. But to also impress upon her the importance of what I am attempting. Not only for us, or for you rebel gems- but for billions upon billions of sentient species. Hundreds of worlds and lives. Something that will change the very face of Homeworld. To eliminate our need to conquer." Peridot grins as she walks forward her floating fingers begin to interlock. All ten of them. She creates a large screen display. A few times larger than her typical holo-pad. It begins to display imagery of Kindergarten. "I want to create a Kindergarten that doesn't kill the host planet."
Toph Beifong	"Yeah, some tea would be good," Toph responds to Pearl's offer. Having something nice to drink might make this meeting less annoying and tedious than she suspects it might be. For now Toph will flop down on the couch and get comfortable while Pearl heads towards the kitchen and Peridot explains her plan to the other gem. Of course the earthbender has heard it before, so she doesn't look surprised. At least Peridot does state that the girl doesn't think it's a good idea to make Kindergartens, especially not without any proper permissions. Even if Peridot seemingly has noble intentions for it, then it's stupid to just rush into things. "I already told her that there's no way in hell that Earth-199999 will tolerate a Kindergarten there, SHIELD were even paranoid of me becoming a citizen on that planet, and I've never been anything but helpful to that world!" Toph points out to Pearl.
Pearl	Pearl's already heading into the kitchen as she listens to Peridot prattle on, She's expecting the usual homeworld banter from the green Gem, but as Peridot continues she turns around and starts to pay attention, finally staring dumbfounded at her when she finishes speaking. "Is that even possible!? The Diamond Authority doesn't even think like that, they're just concerned with expanding the Empire." She pauses a moment to consider her own words, "If there was a way, they wouldn't even bother with it would they?" She considers, deciding that having something to do will help her think. She continues on her way to the kitchen and starts brewing tea. A few minutes later she emerges with a teapot on a platter with two teacups and an assortment of scones, which she sets down on the coffee table. She's likely aware Peridot has no idea what tea is, but wants to see her reaction. "To agree to this, you need to show us that the experiments themselves won't be too damaging to the host planet, or secretly being used to give Homeworld and advantage. And of course we need a place that would meet the requirements for a Kindergarten without endangering any sentient life. Rose wouldn't even want the flowers harmed, but we both need to be willing to bend a little." She finishes with a sigh.
Peridot	"This shield... does not, and cannot have jurisdiction over the entire planet." Peridot says after a moments thought. "Especially on this earth." Peridot seemingly had some research on unification, even if her grasp of some of the politics was shaky. "Our universe is a recent unification." She rubs her chin. "They have no right to enforce their laws here any more than I do." She admits. "However this planet does have native protectors." Peridot points down at where she was standing and looks to Pearl. "You crystal gems. Earth. This earth. Has been your jurisdiction. Under your protection for at least six thousand years." "There is no higher authority here than them. No one has been on this earth longer, and no native who unified with them can boast their strength." Peridot continues. Though it seemed hard to admit. "To them, both Homeworld and this Shield would be invaders if either of us began to dictate to them how or who to protect." And, as perhaps yet another surprise to Pearl. Peridot deftly lifts the tea cup. Not only does she know what it is- but she knows exactly how to drink it. Her floating pinky finger extended. Peridot really has been changed by her time on earth. Though this little surprise comes courtesy of Alice Margatroid. "It's up to them what sort of risk we take." "The idea will be as you suggest. To minimize the damage done by Kindergarten. If we are damaging the planet too much, then the mission will be a failure." Peridot agrees. "I cannot change the nature of Homeworld, or stop them from expanding but we can change how they expand. They can grow without conflict. This would change Homeworld forever. There would be no rebels. What happened to earth six thousand years ago would never happen again." She sets her tea down into the palm of her 'hand.' "This would solve all of your problems, and Homeworlds."
Toph Beifong	"They like to think they have jurisdiction over the entire planet they're on though, good luck persuading them otherwise," Toph states with a shrug where she sits. She too takes her tea cup, though she seems far less relaxed with drinking it than Peridot is. Sure, she doesn't spill it, but she holds it like a normal person would, enjoying the hot warmth as it spreads down her throat. Aaah. For now she remains quiet though, letting Pearl state her opinion on this. Because she should know way more about how these weird Kindergartens work and such.
Pearl	Peridot is just full of surprises today. Not only does she know how to drink tea, technically one-upping Pearl in that respect, but she just ceded that the planet was under the protected of the Crystal Gems! She has to sit down on the couch now, and eyes the teapot almost as if she's considering having a cup. "You're being awfully reasonable about this." She glances at Peridot's cup, then to Toph, an eyebrow raised. She doesn't actually ask where Peridot learned about tea, but the question's in her eyes. (It's so easy to forget Toph is blind) "Alright then, The next hurdle is if you can convince Jasper to go along with this? I'm amazed that I'm giving this as much consideration as I am, and Garnet will be just as hard, if not harder to convince than Jasper. Then, I propose we set up somewhere in the south pacific, of /this/ earth. An island as far away from anything else as possible, and without a warp gate. If we get that far with the plan."
Peridot	"I understand the nature of the Multiverse better now, and I know that it's possible that Homeworld is still out there. However until proven otherwise, I believe the safest course of action is to treat gem-kind as an endangered species, until we are proven otherwise." She takes another sip of her tea. She notices Pearl's somewhat perplexed expression, and doesn't say a thing. Merely, she maintains a smug expression and intensifies her pinky extension. "That in of itself has made my stance more malleable. But even disregarding that fact. It's a simple matter of logic and being pragmatic. Dirt Wizard, through instrumental may not be enough. Therefore I have already recruited Sunstone given that she has prior experience with Kindergarten management." "This is a gem problem. And gems will play a large part in solving it." "I have already chosen a location. The spot I chose initially will serve our purposes. It's on -this- earth as you suggest. Located in a desert climate. A location sparse on native life or shrubbery. I chose it for it's remoteness, and because this earth has the most abandoned gem technology making it the most obvious choice to nest our headquarters." "As for Jasper. I have already dictated the terms of this mission. She obeyed because she is a Jasper." Peridot said sternly. "She may out rank me on Homeworld, but her standing orders are to be my escort. I am not traitor to Homeworld, and my mission will lead to the betterment of our empire. It just happens to also lead to the betterment of every other species as well. Therefore Jasper is doing the function of a Quartz. Keeping me alive."
Toph Beifong	Huh, on this Earth? Toph arches an eyebrow at that, then nods. If Pearl thinks it's a good idea, if they are allowing it on the planet that they are overseeing, then Toph has fewer problems with it. If it was a random planet it would be more risky, as there might be other lifeforms there that could be disturbed by a Kindergarten popping up. But this? Well, it sounds like a possibility. As Toph can't read facial expressions at all, Pearl gets no response as the blind girl sips her tea. It's a bit interesting to hear the gems talk about gem business, honestly. So a quartz outranks a peridot on the homeworld? It kinda makes sense that a diamond is at the top, as they are seen as purer and more valuable even by humans. "As long as you don't plan on using this to harm anybody, and if Pearl thinks it's a good idea and worth pursuing, then I will abide by her decision," Toph declares.
Pearl	Pearl flinches a bit every time Peridot takes a sip of tea, but she refuses to say anything about it. Doing so might result in her having to force some of that liquid down her throat! "So you want to continue with your current project then? Just in a friendlier manner?" There's a look of suspicion on her face now, and in her voice. "I'd be more comfortable doing this on an island, we'll see. Jasper's going to be looking for any excuse she can to take charge. I still don't trust her." Pearl stands up now and looks Peridot in the eyes. "Do you truly believe doing as you propose will lead to the betterment of all life, Gem or Organic?"
Peridot	"Yes. It fits all of the mentioned criteria already. Those are all the reasons I chose the site to begin with. It already has the injectors set up and the underground complex that will monitor new gems is already built." Peridot continues in a strained patient tone. "It is the most obvious choice for the primary site that moving it would be a massive waste of time and resources." Peridot's lips purse. "However. There is a certain appeal in creating a smaller scale secondary site. This location you speak of can be utilized for such a purpose before anything is implemented on a large scale as the primary site. Therefore minimizing the impact of mistakes. An unavoidable consequence of experimentation. will that satisfy your requirment?" Sip. She figured answering Pearls question would also address Tophs. "I believe both will benefit. Yes. Aside from expanding our options with non-aggressive expansion in an increasingly hostile multiverse, I acknowledge the value of certain things that would be lost without the improvement of Kindergarten. On a basic level it's a very simple matter of finding a way to replenish the resources lost when a new gem is created. Of course fully realizing it will be a monumental task. Ultimately the process will have to be replicated on a large scale without Dirt Wizard's help." "But scientifically, there is no inherent reason why it can't be done."
Toph Beifong	"How long does it take to grow a gem anyway?" Toph asks. Since the gems on Earth have lived for millennia. Man, they're literally old as dirt! The earthbender does lean forward to pour herself some more tea though, having already finished up her cup.
Pearl	"I can't find any flaws in your proposal." Pearl says with an almost irritated sigh. "You're making it very hard to disagree with you!" She adds in a scolding tone. "We still need to get Garnet and Sunstone to agree to this. I'm in if they are. Garnet will likey want to put some extra precautions in place." (Like keeping Peridot on a leash?) "So be prepared for that. Also, you have to stop calling Toph Dirt Wizard!" She looks to Toph, "Let's just say this is going to be a very long experiment."
Peridot	"Much longer than most organic lifespans." Peridot answers. "But, I wonder too if the process can be sped up. It would require a new method for injecting." She rubs her chin. "Irrelevant for now. The process can be simulated long-term once basic increments are measured." "Nyeh heh heh! Of course My proposal is flawless!" Peridot grins and crushes her tea cup in her artificial hand with a single triumph raise of her fist. Well, it seemed only -some- of Margatroids lessons took. "Very well! We will have our alliance then. You have made the correct choice. Send me coordinates and I will have Sunstone and a group of robonoids scout out the location you want for the small-scale site." Peridot turns heading for the door. "I will leave a robonoid too as a method of contacting me directly."
Toph Beifong	With that Toph raises her hand, waving the comment off. "I like that nickname, Cloderella can call me that if she wants. It sounds like a wrestling name or something," she says. Yes Peridot, if you call her stuff then the blind, snarky girl will use nicknames on you too. ... man, Peridot's laugh is weird. And when she crushes the tea cup? Well, off she goes, and Toph remains seated in the couch even as she and Pearl are left behind. Once the Homeworld Gem is out of the door she sighs a bit and shakes her head. "Making plans really seems to cheer her up, huh?"
Pearl	"Well, okay then." Pearl replies as she cocks her head curiously at Toph. Wrestling is one of the few human sports she actually has some experience with. She lets out a gasp as Peridot crushes the teacup, Pearl's cleaning the mess up almost instantly, no one can be sure where she pulled that broom and dustpan from! She just lets Peridot leave while she cleans, apparently she's okay with everything. "Whenever she's cheerful it makes me nervous!" of course, lots of things make Pearl nervous.
Toph Beifong	"Relax," Toph assures the gem, then moves to her feet, taking her tea cup with her to walk over to the kitchen counter. "I'll keep an eye on her to make sure she behaves. If she breaks your agreement, I will personally see to it that the Kindergarten gets stopped. You have my word." As long as nobody gets hurt, that's what matters the most. Of course if they are able to help the Gems as well as other life forms, then... that would be a huge plus.