LOG-173.“I’m going to need to shut 1A out of the communications network soon…”Doubts and potential unhappy self revelations aside, the fact of the matter remained that my time left within the Reef was limited. Azurite’s cell could only remain in their respective positions for so long before risking exposure, which meant I was operating on a relatively tight schedule.That meant that I got busy. It meant that my private sessions with Batch Eighteen were mostly spent preparing them for what was to come. And it meant that while I was using that analytical layer of my mind to help with all that more, I also needed to scrutinize its suggestions more closely.So far my observations have shown that while it is indeed easy not to notice the moment I've decided to commit to the easiest solution, the practice of simply paying attention to those commitments not only helps, but also leads to me slowly developing a deeper control over the process itself.Emergency evacuation routes. Mapping out access corridors. Getting the time schedules for the transport shuttles that occasionally came to the Reef to drop off supplies, alongside their access codes.With an entire Batch of Pearls that had all collectively inherited my eidetic memory, alongside other carefully selected traits, like in the case of Patina, ensuring that everyone escaped merely became a matter of preparation.Preparation preparation preparation. It all came down to it. Combat lessons increased, so that if my Pearls found themselves separated or isolated in any instance, they would at least have a fighting chance of forcing their way through the guards. Patrols were either carefully recorded so that we would all know where the Quartzes were ahead of time, or rerouted to avoid critical junctures entirely, rendering them a temporary non-factor in the few minutes that would be needed to gather everyone up for an escape attempt.I had gathered data on White One as a colony in advance, and the results were borderline exhilarating. An ocean world with a mere dozen islands to its name, the planet didn’t have any real Imperial infrastructure beyond the Reef itself and the various aquatic outposts that were haphazardly littered across its many seas, and even then most of those same bases were entirely scientific and research based in nature.There were no orbital guns to shoot down ships, no garrisoned armies to protect vital installations. At worst, there was a rapid response force of ‘Clear Quartzes’ led by a Grossular Garnet that would arrive in the event of an emergency, and their presence could only be requested by either the collective agreement of all active Caretakers, Shell’s internal alert protocols, or my own hand. Something that I had no reason to allow, obviously.Hell, the colony itself could barely be considered its own namesake, and it was so deep within supposedly well protected Imperial territory that the mere idea of anyone attacking it was borderline ridiculous, which left it utterly vulnerable to the daring escape Azurite and I were planning.Of course, getting all of that information came at a cost. Yes, I could inspect as much as I wanted outwardly through my authority as the Overseer, but public viewings like that brought attention. The other Nacres would grow worried as to why I was suddenly so interested in the Reef’s defences, the guards would question whether there was some kind of threat, things would get…complicated.Performing my research in a more subtle manner came with the benefit of avoiding all of that, but it also came with a singular consequence, one that I was currently watching from the safety of my desk, even as she practically stormed her way through the corridor leading to my office, raising a limb enhanced hand and barely stopping herself from slapping it against my door, instead settling for bringing forth a small hologram from its faux fingers instead.The requesting ping that reached my terminal’s system was, as a result, expected..“Enter.”I timed the word just after I’d selected the appropriate prompt to slide open the barrier, permitting the Peridot entry into my domain, and giving me a slightly better look at her.Visibly haggard, keeps glancing around as if someone is going to punish her for doing something wrong. Emotional state appears to be in a state of imbalance. Strongly dislikes whatever inner conflict she is experiencing right now. Yet at the same time, feels a sense of elation at finally raising whatever this is to my attention.This is a leap of faith.
…Welp.
“O-Overseer.”Leaning forward from the reclined posture I’d taken within my seat, I brought my hands up, resting my elbows against the desk and steepling my fingers in a way that allowed me to rest my chin atop my claws.“Peridot. You requested a meeting?”The technician I’d stolen away from Nacre Three’s influence fidgeted in place, mouth opening and closing a few times before she visibly steeled herself, expression hardening.“Overseer. I would…like to discuss some of the things you’ve been having me do.”Allowing myself a bit of theater, I arched an eyebrow in lieu of responding, inclining my head towards the Gem to indicate my desire for her to continue.She hesitated for a split second at that, before nodding, whether to me or herself, and pressing forward.“Overseer Nacre Four, without putting any other label upon said acts, you have been ordering me to spy on my coworkers, disable key Reef surveillance and security infrastructure, and avoid mentioning the previous to my coworkers or any other superiors. I would like to know why.”…She made no preparations for the possibility that this meeting might go wrong for her. No contingencies, no real ways to de-escalate or disengage.Her only ‘strategy’ was a direct confrontation over the issues she has pointed out. She genuinely seems to believe that this will work out somehow.
My silent stare continued long enough to prompt the technician to resume her previous fidgeting, at which point I finally stood with a soft sigh, stepping around the desk and moving towards her.“Uh-perhaps I went too far-I mean, maybe we could-ah-”Each carefully calibrated and executed step I took forward encouraged my counterpart to take one of her own steps backwards, until she finally ran out of space, her outright quivering lightform pressing itself flat against one of the walls as I finally closed in, raising a hand and moving it towards her neck.It felt…appropriate, to maintain eye contact as I gently pressed my claws against her faux flesh, the talons just a fraction of an inch from piercing directly through the projection and discorporating her.
There are several ways in which I can dispose of her bubbled or even shattered Gem that would let me avoid any negative consequences with minimal effort and time waste-“Make me proud.”I did not flinch.But I did freeze, practically keeping my coerced subordinate pinned in place, her eyes rapidly flicking between trying to glance down at my claws and staring pleadingly into my own.Then I slowly rotated the limb, allowing me to take a firm grip of her jaw and pull her closer to me, her own movements stilling as I forced my roiling emotions back into cold focus and spoke.“I am going to make you an offer. I advise you to consider it very, very carefully.”The green Gem slowly nodded, mouth and jaw locked rigid between my tensed digits.“You have served the interests of the Reef with distinction, so much so that I will be personally applying for your transfer to one of the newer colony worlds, and recommending your immediate promotion.”I paused for a second, letting that sink in, before continuing.“You will no longer be a technician, but instead a lead manager. Perhaps of a Kindergarten, or some other equally vital facility. You will be sent off with accolades and I will ensure that your accomplishments are put on permanent record. You may expect praise, respect, and the adoration of your fellow Peridots.”Closing my eyes and dipping my head slightly downwards, I paused, resisting the comforting act of a shuddering breath as my forehead pressed against her own, the technician squirming uneasily beneath me.“If you refrain from your previous line of questioning, all of what I have just spoken of will come to pass, and we will likely never see each other again. But…”I could hear her own breathing in the silence. Reflexive, some archaic remnant of White Diamond’s programming, which in turn was likely some remnant of something else, for why else would a being of light need to breathe?“...but, if you refuse. If you persist in attempting to find the truth, I will be forced to hurt you. Do you understand, Peridot?”Opening my eyes, I stared past my counterpart’s visor and directly into her eyes, even as she slowly nodded again.Letting a smile slightly twist my lips upward, I nodded.“Good. I’m relieved that you do. Understand that I speak genuinely when I say that I hope you pick the first option. You have been a delightful subordinate, an excellent Gem, and an acceptable conversation partner. It would be an utter shame for you to stagnate in this wretched little facility. Now…”Leaning forward once more, I lowered my voice to a whisper, allowing the question to pass out of my mouth, through the air, and directly into her ear.“Peridot Facet 1Z5Z, Cut 7XG. Would you like a promotion?”Her answer, naturally, was exactly what I’d been expecting.“Y-Yes, m-m-my Overseer…”“There’s a good Gem. What you did was brave, but stupid. Don’t go attempting these kinds of confrontations with other superiors, at least not without proper preparations, understood? You’re lucky that I like you.”Part of me felt relief, in spite of the additional datawork this would leave me to deal with.“U-Understood.”Because at the very least, I wouldn’t be shattering anyone today.