Scene #3740: Peridot is a dirty traitor!

Owner	Pose
Peridot	Kindergarten at long last was alive with activity. The virus shaped machines were fully alive and animated and walking all over the place moving into various positions. Some of them walked vertically up cliff walls, or down to the ground level. Robonoids busied themselves doing spot repairs, or merely finishing the underground complex that made up this particular installation. Peridot herself was on the ground, walking back and forth. She had summoned her new helpers, or future kindergarten techs to this remote location. She had won over most of the Crystal Gems to her plan, including Toph. A human, but to her credit she was uniquely qualified to assist in gem matters. She held her holopad aloft and ran through multiple numbers as she waited. She had planned to start injecting gems in control groups. Enough to start testing, but not enough to damage the local eco system. It was the first step in a plan to save her kind.
Toph Beifong	Of course Toph had been hesitant about this, but she trusted the Crystal gems considering somebody else had far more expertise about gems than her. To think there would be somebody else who knew more about things made from the earth than her, heh. Who would have known? Then again, these aren't exactly like normal gems, far from it. So if Pearl said that this would be okay, then Toph would follow their cue. Peridot might be a Fed, but she's not completely rotten like some of them are. The young earthbender arrives rather calmly, walking on foot as she inspects the area that Peridot had chosen. "Greetings, o' clodded one," she states in obvious good natured jest towards the green gem, walking up to where she is working on the holopad.
Garnet	For her part, Garnet isn't as fully convinced this is a good idea either, though Pearl seemed to be convinced so Garnet was going to do her best to keep her eye on Peridot's idea for a 'kinder and gentler' kindergarten. Thus she stands next to Toph, arms folded across her chest and her visor concealing any feelings her eyes might give away while her typical expression concealed any feelings there. "Yo." She lifts a hand and gives a loose aproximation of a human salute before she really gives the place a once over. After a moment that some might find awkward she adds, "You've been busy Peridot." As ever, Garnet is the master of understatement.
Peridot	"Dirt Wizard." Peridot smiled. "The very catalyst that sparked my most important of missions." She turned and likewise approached her. "We have a busy schedule for the day that is precise down to the very minute. I understand humans find the very act of consciousness difficult, and must periodically faint and hallucinate to recover." She began tapping her screen to bring up the itinerary for the day. "I have accommodated for such a weakness." At Garnet's arrival, Peridot seemed to be just as reserved about her involvement. The Pearl had gone a long way towards working for Peridot's trust. However, the very sight of Garnet caused Peridot to touch her neck absently. The bruise that once lurked there had long since vanished, for no injury ever left a permanent mark on a gem's body so long as their gem was in tact. But the memory of it all still lurked in her mind. "Ehh.. Yes. Yes I have." She inhaled deeply and forced a smile. The Crystal Gems were a package deal. Completing her mission would mean suppressing her contempt. "My.. goal today is to make all of you certified Kindergarten techs." Peridot adjust her visors carefully. "Obviously you won't ever be quite as talented as I am when it comes to the finer details, but I believe I can make you proficient at the basics. From there we can move onto profiling the various resources gem creation consumes." "You see, my plan for the moment involves testing how how you can bend the resources, so they can eventually be replaced with an automated process." Peridot's grin broadens. "Who's ready to learn?"
Toph Beifong	It's a good thing Toph is used to complicated speech. "I had some controlled fainting and hallucinating last night, so I don't need to sleep until late tonight," she replies casually enough. She does offer Garnet a grin when she arrives, giving her a salute as well. "Yo, Garnet! Long time no see!" Perhaps Garnet will appreciate the joke. But it seems they will have to save fun talk for later as Peridot is about to speak. So... kindergarten technicians. Toph lets out a slight huff when Peridot talks about finesse, but she doesn't say anything. She does have a question though. "I really don't know anything about how this entire process works. But there are a lot of minerals in this place, and it's optimal for creating non-magical gems too..." she muses, reaching up to rub her chin.
Jasper	Jasper has been watching. Jasper has been waiting. Jasper has been biding her time until she has just the right amount of information to know - not assume, to /know/ - that Peridot is set on committing treason against the Diamonds. This, that Jasper sees as she stands on a cliff overlooking the Kindergarten site, is more than enough proof. Jasper drops from the cliff, landing with a heavy 'thump', throwing up dust and dirt. She rises from her knees, and glowers with a twisted, hateful expression on her face. "You'll be ready to learn the price of treason, Peridot!"
Peridot	Peridot blinks and takes a step back holding her hand up. "Jasper?" She looked briefly to Toph and Garnet. Before she grits her teeth and takes a step forward holding her hand up in front of the crystal gem and Toph. She swallows nervous before trying to adopt a voice of confidence. "Don't... hurt her." It seems like she's talking to Toph and Garnet, asking them to not hurt the orange gem. Jasper was tough... but could she hope to take on two powerful unionites. One of them a crystal gem? "Jasper! I know this has been hard." Her brows knit. "But you are my escort. and our job to protect our species until we get new orders from Yellow Diamond." "Please understand. Everything I do is for the good of the empire." Peridot continues walking forward closer to Jasper. She knew the orange gem respected strength. So she hoped Jasper would appreciate the vulnerable position she was putting herself in. Though the palms of her limb enhancers were turned upwards trying to pacify her. She smiled weakly, bringing up her holopad. "Here, let me go over my ten-course plan for the immediate future and the eventual presentation I plan on giving once Kindergarten is yielding results. It's really quite fascinating, I even put together several visual aides that even provide mockups for gem colonies. It's quite full of data."
Toph Beifong	The moment Jasper lands on the ground, Toph's head turns slightly and her expression hardens, her entire demeanour shifting from relaxed to one of focus. It seems like Jasper is more focused on Peridot though, and... sheesh, is this really happening? The earthbender seemingly doesn't react to the hand that the green gem holds up, and she narrows her eyes. "I only plan on doing that if she asks for it," she responds calmly, even if she looks rather displeased. The big gem is seldom one for talking, it seems. Which Peridot is immediately trying. The question is whether her escort will actually listen to it. For now Toph will stand behind Peridot, silent and clearly ready to react at any sign of aggression and threat from Jasper. Though as she prefers to do, she waits and listens. She might be small compared to Jasper, but she is far from intimidated.
Garnet	While there is a slightly long stare directed at Peridot as she rubs her neck no apologies are made but neither are any threats. The fusion just stands there like a lump with her arms folded. While it seems she's paying attention to Peridot's explanation of what they'll be doing it is hard to tell if that is actually the case. Toph is given a wry grin and a soft chuckle, "Too long." She her tone filled with good humor towards the Earth Bender. It might actually put Peri off guard to see that Garnet can have such a mood. Things go smoothly as Toph and Peridot talk things over before Jasper shows up to which, Garnet instantly takes up a defensive fighting stance, "That's not going to do any good Peridot." She summons her gauntlets and steps in front of Peridot and Toph, "Stay behind me, I'll stop her." The Crystal Gem says confidently as she rushes the bigger Orange Gem, it's a risky move though if it lands Jasper is going to be reeling but if she misses she's left herself open for a nasty counter attack.
Jasper	"Here," Jasper retorts, "How about I go over my one-point plan - I thrash each and every one of you here, and restore the rightful edicts of the Diamond Authority. You're weak. You're compromised. You have /no idea/ what is good for the empire!" Jasper snarls, fists clenched. Her helmet comes to head with a golden flash and a sound of ringing metal. "I'll take your 'friends' out first," Jasper continues, "And I'll give you time to remember your mission. Your /actual/ mission." And, with nothing else to say, Jasper leaps for Garnet! "Stop me? Don't make me laugh, fusion!" Jasper charges Garnet, swinging her blows with her full strength - punches, kicks, elbows. Jasper's not kidding around, fighting with all the feral intensity that Garnet might remember from their bout on the warship. And then Jasper ducks around, and hammers her helmet against Garnet for one hell of a hammer blow!
Peridot	As Garnet steps in front of Peridot, she grits her teeth angrily. "N-no!" She protest clenching her fist and putting her holo pad away. She then gasp as the fusion rushes forward. "Stop! You don't understand!" She doesn't make any other move to stop Garnet. "You don't understand!" She repeats and stamps her boot creating a small dust cloud. "My data is empirical! Once she sees that she'll have no choice but to agree!" She states as if that simple fact alone could stop the mad titan that was Jasper. Peridot breaks out into a cold sweat as Garnet and Jasper lock into combat. The corners of her lips tighten into an unsure grimace. She immediately knew what was going to happen next if she didn't act immediately. Total break down of diplomacy. She turns to Toph. "Toph!" Not calling her Dirt Wizard. Peridot must be desperate. "Wait! Let me talk to her." The green gem looked paniced, and afraid. Though Toph couldn't see it, she could hear it in her voice. She turned her head. "Please." Without further hesitation she ran forward and grabbed onto Jaspers arm and began pulling her, trying to get her away from Garnet. The servo's in her limb enhancers whirring loudly as they strained at maximum capacity against the innate strength of Jasper. "Jasper, stop! You are ruining everything! My plans! My carefully articulated schedule. Everything was finally going to come together!" "Lazuli is gone! You're the only other gem who has ever been in my corner. Just stick it out a little longer! We can make this planet our new home somewhow. Homeworld can survive here with us but in order for that to happen I need you. to. listen. to. me!" She digs her heels into the ground.
Toph Beifong	Joking and explanations will have to wait, as it doesn't seem like Jasper is in the mood for talking. As expected, she never seemed like the diplomatic sort, did she? Toph is about to step forward, but Garnet is already on it, and the blind girl blinks. "Hey, wait...!" Fighting big brutes is something Toph is used to from various situations, and rushing into it is indeed a risky tactic. So of course she is worried when Garnet charges at the hostile gem that is even bigger than her. Jasper is already moving toward the Crystal gem, and Toph moves off to the side to step in front of Peridot, her expression intense as she takes in the movements of the two gems. Her lips tighten when Peridot pleads with her, and she shakes her head. "She doesn't think like you do," she says, almost as if she's uttering an apology. Sure, /she/ can hear the pleading in the green gem's voice, but either Jasper can't or she's outright ignoring it. When she realizes that Garnet is in danger from the mother of all headbutts, she cries out, hoping it will serve as a warning. "WATCH IT!" And then Peridot rushes forward to grab onto Jasper?! Oh shit. "Get away from her!" Dammit... The teenager throws both her hands forward, punching out quickly three times. In response the earth next to Jasper shifts, heavy earthen spikes shooting out of the ground aimed for her torso and away from Peridot to hopefully knock Jasper back.
Garnet	Battle is joined, Garnet throws punches and kicks while dodging and weaving out of the way of other attacks. She has no time to listen to Peridot admidst the blows that were being exchanged. Then as she left herself open trying to lay Jasper flat, she grits her teeth knowing the counter attack was coming thanks to Toph's warning and her instincts screaming. And like clockwork Garnet lets out a pained, "Gaofff!!!!" As she is struck square in the gut and sent tumbling end over end. With the painful sound of cracking earth and stone, Garnet slams into the wall of the canyon with immense force, her back leaving a very form fitting crater in her landing's wake. Digging herself out of the wall, Garnet starts to lean forward to try and rush Jasper again but the sudden shadow looming over her makes her pause and look up in time to see the small stack of injectors falling atop her as her impact had knocked them loose from the canyon wall. And then blackness...
Jasper	"Two down," Jasper remarks, grinning broadly, as the injector crushes Garnet beneath its bulk. And, with that victory under her belt, Jasper's going to be that much harder to convince to back down. After all, the fusion is the only one she could really be worried about, given that she had beaten her before. But the little runt? Peridot? Hah! She looks down, as she realises that Peridot has taken hold of her. "Aw," Jasper says, letting a note of sick sweetness enter her grim voice, "I'm ruining your little friendships, am I? I've listened to you for /months/! And I've watched you, Peridot, I've watched you /change/. You don't realise it, but I /know/. So, understand this, Peridot, that the rule of Homeworld cannot be contained and will not bow to you - or anyone! This world will be ours." And one of Jasper's fists close around Peridot's hand, and then her other wrist. "Or it will be destroyed! Just. Like. /You!/" And with that, Jasper kicks Peridot square in the chest - while keeping hold of her hands. Perhaps quite luckily, for Peridot, she won't lose her real limbs. And also, quite luckily for Peridot, Jasper is nailed by a set of earthen spikes, sending the bigger Gem sprawling - and away from Peridot. For now, at least. "And you, little human - it's a tragedy that you won't be able to see me in my glorious victory!" She heaves herself to her feet, and charges.
Toph Beifong	Oh shit...! The moment the cliffside cracks and the injectors are falling down Toph throws out her hand, and earthen plates shoot out from the cliff wall. But the injectors are too heavy, falling with their drills first, utterly crushing the earth the blind earthbender tried to protect her ally with. Down to the ground the Crystal gem falls, and Toph turns slightly, worry on her face. "Garnet?!" Sure, gems might be sturdier than humans, but still! And there Jasper grabs onto Peridot as if she were a poor rag doll, and Toph grits her teeth as she hears the big brute bully the person she's supposed to be protecting. No, she doesn't like this at all, and Toph acts quickly when Jasper kicks out at Peridot, kicking the ground to soften the earth into sand where she might land from the kick. But sadly she doubts she will have time to focus much on Peridot right now. Because the big bully is heading for her next! Determination settles on Toph's face as she adapts a low stance, feeling every heavy step as Jasper advances on her with a speed that most people her size can't match. Waiting for the right moment, Toph draws her arm back before she punches it into the ground when Jasper is only yards away from her, and from behind the charging gem, a pillar erupts from the ground, intending to send Jasper flying /over/ the young earthbender and into the cliff wall behind her. "And what makes you think you can best /me/?" she demands, an angry undertone in that calm statement.
Peridot	"It won't wor-!" Fortunately gems didn't need air to breath but they did need it to speak. As Peridot is kicked in the chest the wind is knocked completely out of her rendering her silent. She didn't even attempt to dodge. Avoiding an attack hadn't even entered into her mind. She never imagined Jasper would turn the brunt of her assault towards her, even for a moment. She had never been on this end of Homeworlds strength. Peridot is ripped from the limb enhancer on the arm Jasper grabbed. Her mouth open in a mute scream. Sparks and goo fly into the air as the device is completely gutted by Peridot's attempt to hold onto it from the inside. The interior controlling mechanism completely broken. She is airborn for only a moment before she slams into the ground and tumbles head over heels, rocks causing multiple lacerations on her green skin, and a blue liquid substance seeping out. However Toph's attempts to soften the ground actually does help. It prevents Peridot from hitting any of the stones directly or from being impaled on a jagged outcropping. If she received that much damage, she would be poofed. Eventually she slides to a slow halt, still intact, and wordlessly lays on her stomach, her cheek pressed into the dusty ground. Her eyes were unfocused. Her world ablaze with pain. She only made little choking sounds as her lungs struggled to remember how to push air through her system.
Jasper	Jasper goes airborne as Toph's pillar crashes into her. She tumbles, out of control, before she blazes with energy and corrects her course. Golden energy radiates from her as Jasper's hand takes a great chunk out of the cliff, managing to hold her there. She still hit it, that much is obvious by the cracks and vaguely Jasper-sized shape, but she didn't tumble to the ground. "Because I've taken down the fusion /and/ Peridot, and you are /nothing/ to me!" Jasper roars, summoning up her golden fiery aura, and then she plunges down towards Toph like a blazing comet, the prow of her helmet low and ready to impact the young earthbender!
Toph Beifong	She is aware that Peridot is lying still on the ground, but at least she didn't poof! Perhaps she will get to check up on her later, but she has to survive this first! Right now there's no question about it, if she doesn't take Jasper seriously she will seriously regret it. Which is why there's no tirade of trash talk coming Jasper's way. Toph's expression is as serious as it can get when Jasper connects with the cliff wall in a far more controlled manner than she had hoped for. "Like I care for /your/ opinion to begin with!" Sure, she might not be big, but she's no weakling either! The moment Jasper kicks off from the cliff wall the earthbender throws her arms out and forward, raising a thick earthen wall. Sure, it might not slow down Jasper for long, but it might just create enough dust and debris at the same time which can hopefully decrease her vision. Which might buy her a few seconds as she reaches out towards the fallen injectors, yanking her arms to the side to bend one of them towards Jasper ought to be. This too is a slightly risky move as it will leave her slightly open, but Jasper is too tough for attacks that would take down wannabes at Earth Rumble VI. But perhaps, if she can only delay Jasper a few seconds with that wall and dust...!
Peridot	Slowly, and steadily, Peridot begins to shift more. The silent coughs become squeaks then grunts. Eventually she manages to inhale air again. Weakly she shifts her arm under neath her. Propping her elbow onto the ground. Then she pushes her other arm to do the same. She tried to put a knee up, however she found herself pulling at the dead weight of her legs. The heavy metal there refused to listen. "N--nno." She stammered as she tried fruitlessly to get back up initially. "My.. plan.. could have.. worked." She reaches out, surprised to see her own hand. Jasper had completely smashed her arms, and legs. They were durable, but not at all built for prolonged combat. So, she scraped at the ground and dragged herself along, her boots leaving an indention n the ground.
Jasper	Jasper hits the wall, crashing into it like a star from the firmament. She's stalled there for a few moments and her fists, blazing and powerful and /fast/, hammer away at the wall under she's beaten enough of a hole through it for her to step through. Her titanic silouette is visible through the dust and the dirt and growing closer as Jasper takes slow, precise steps, letting her opponent become quite aware just how big she is. She steps through the dust, dirty and injured but certainly not down for the count just yet. "Is that-" Whatever Jasper is going to say is cut off as Toph drops the injector on her. For a moment or two, it seems like Jasper has been poofed because the injector falls and nothing happens. But then it creaks, metal groaning in protest as it begins to impossibly rise. "...all... you've... got?!" She's hurting, the visor on her helmet cracked, marks that might be wounds apparent on her projected form, and she gets ready to hurl the injector right back at Toph!
Toph Beifong	She reaches out, Jasper crashes through the wall, utterly crushing it to rubble and dust. The intimidating sight of the large gem is somewhat lost on her due to her lack of sight, but she /feels/ Jasper's size, /sees/ her approach with every step she takes towards her. Any non-earthbender who would have crashed through that wall would have been unable to walk... if they were the level of a human, at least. The injector falls, and Toph holds her breath, waiting. And... dammit, it was enough to knock out Garnet! Maybe Jasper's got a thicker skull or something. Even as Jasper rises Toph lowers her stance, preparing for whatever the big gem has planned. Well, no matter how strong she is, she's never had to deal with somebody throwing something /that/ heavy at her before! Her eyes widen as Jasper hurls the injector towards her with far too much force for her to easily stop it with metalbending, and Toph kicks the ground, causing it to open up underneath her as she drops. But even with quick thinking, it's not enough to leave her entirely unscathed as the injector crashes into the ground where she just stood, causing the ground to be crushed, far too much for even Toph to hold back. A cry of pain leaves the girl from under the ground as she feels the impact on her back and shoulders, scraping her and bruising her. But at least it's better than getting reduced to a bloody pulp! For some seconds it's quiet, but then the metal on the injector starts to... peel?! It shifts, the plating tearing itself off as it appears that Toph is crawling up /through/ the thing, the metal shaping itself into makeshift metal armour for the young girl. Her movements are not as quick as they were before, and not just only because of the armour slowing her down. "... no, I've got much more for dunderheads like you!" she retorts, her voice echoing inside of the metal that covers all of her body, leaving no apparent weak spot. And then she throws her arms forward, and the drill of the injector tears itself free as Toph sends it flying with a pained grunt. Straight towards Jasper's face.
Peridot	Peridot was over taken by panic. She reached down and slammed her fist feebly against her metal legs trying to get them to power back on. She had precious little time to even consider her options. Repair was out of the question. She looked back at the fight between Toph and Jasper. Then towards the injector that had landed on top of Garnet. Peridot didn't even know if she had survived that. She could have very easily been shattered. Possibly poofed if she was lucky. They were here at her request. They had been trying to help her achieved her goals. Even if she was bad. The villainous things she had done to the other places in the multiverse... none of it seemed to matter- they had listened to her completely objective plans and agreed to them. They were nice to her. But Jasper wasn't wrong. She represented everything that Homeworlds military stood for. The same military that Peridot served. Yellow Diamond was her diamond. Peridot's mind slowly recovered from the shock of Jaspers kick and it did what it did best. She had to solve this problem. To find a solution that would serve her own interest the best. To get back into Homeworlds good graces. Peridot could surrender. She thought. Let Jasper take over the operation, and bide her time. She could plead her case to Yellow Diamond directly. She could not stop Jasper from usurping her mission now, she had always relied on their standing orders. On Jaspers reliance on her to keep the bigger gem in line. On Homeworld, Jaspers out ranked Peridots. That was the safest route. She could surrender to Jasper whether Toph beat her up or not. This was the end of her mission. Or... she could -help- Jasper defeat Toph. That would cinch it. That would save her in the eyes of Yellow Diamond. Perhaps even Jasper. That would prove she is a loyal Homeworlder now and forever. Her hand traced the seamless panel on her boots. "This isn't logical." She murmured. "It's not objective." She pressed a button that released her legs from her broken enhancer. Tears began to well up in her eyes as a panel on her boots opened up and she grabbed a particular device. Unencumbered by her enhancers, Peridot ran as fast as her short little legs could carry her. She gave no scream, or war cry. Toph was occupied with Jasper just as the giant gem was occupied with her. She only waited until it was too late for her to do anything. "I'm sorry!" She cried out, clenching her eyes shut. Grasped between her hands was a gem destablizer. One hidden away in her boot and she was driving it into the back of Jasper, the titan gem.
Jasper	When Toph rises up out of the injector, clad in metal and girded in determination, Jasper just grins. Here's a challenge, and that is what Jasper lives for. She notes the lack of any weak spot, and that's fine too, because then she'll just have to make her own. Jasper is smart enough not to deflect the drill with her head, as she might normally be wont to do. She steps to the side, crosses one palm over her chest, and punches the drill to the side. The shock of it causes Jasper's body to flicker and it is obviously a grievous wound, but the drill slams into a cliffside and the titan Gem remains standing. Breathing heavily, she grins at Toph- And her whole body seizes up, as if caught holding an electrical pylon, whatever artificial muscles she has going tense and rigid. A golden line grows, angular and sharp, like some kind of digital corruption - it splits Jasper's body down the middle, from her brow, cutting around her gem, and then down the rest of her body. The joints of her limbs - elbows, knees, ankles, neck... Jasper falls to pieces, landing amongst the Kindergarten ground as a pile of broken parts. Her face wears an expression that's one part shock, one part frustration, and one part disbelief. For a moment, she locks eyes with Peridot. And then Jasper explodes, poofing like she'd been turned into smoke, leaving nothing but a orange diamond-shaped gem behind.
Toph Beifong	Ugh, just how tough is Jasper anyway?! True, she knew gems were tough, but this is ridiculous! Can she even defeat her...? She has to keep on fighting, because Jasper won't stop fighting, not today. And Garnet and Peri-- Wait. What the crud is Peridot doing? Knowing better than to call out and alert Jasper that the smaller gem is indeed approaching, Toph can't help but wince behind the metal that covers her face. Is she going to try to talk sense into her again, only to get kicked away? That's what Toph expects to happen, so when Jasper seizes up the earthbender can't help but stand still in utter disbelief. What is going on?! Then... Jasper is no longer there as the gem that remains clutters to the ground, and Toph simply stands there, her arms still raised in a battle stance. "... Peridot?" she asks, her voice one of disbelief. She... turned on her own ally? And with what? Just what really happened, what is Peridot holding that took down the other gem so easily? All it takes is a downward motion with both arms, and Toph's metal armour opens up, revealing her bruised and bleeding form. Sure, she might be tough, but Jasper did unleash a world of hurt with just that one attack. The blind girl is clearly in pain as she carefully walks towards Peridot and what remains of Jasper on the ground. "... are you okay?" Garnet seems to be okay where she lies unconscious, but she will have to check on her in a minute. And also get the gem if Peridot doesn't reach out to take it.
Peridot	Shaking violently. The gem destablizer fell useless from her hands and clattered onto the ground. Peridot began to back away slowly from Jaspers gem, the haunting final look of her gaze etched into mind. Eventually she falls to her knees uselessly. Carefully her trembling hand raises to her visor and she begins to wipe the dust off in a thoughtless stupor. She reaches for Jaspers gem but pauses, not quite daring to touch it. "I.. I'm sorry." She says again in in a hollow voice. She retracts her hand. She wasn't going to touch it. "...I can't believe I did that." She had made the threat in secret once, to Toph. That she had a weapon that could take down any gem in one hit. But... at the time, it was an empty threat. Basically a lie, to ease the earthebenders concern. Poofing a Jasper, one of the highest of military gem ranks was high treason. When Toph speaks, Peridot nearly jumps out of her melded on clothes. She had almost forgotten she was there. But it serves to bring her back to reality. She hugs her knees to her chest and begins rocking in place. "N-no." She answered. "I'm not okay." The reality of what she had just done began to sink in. "Oh.. my stars. What did I do?" She began rocking faster. "What do I do now?" She asked out loud. "I-I need a plan. I need a strategy." She grabbed her head and began pulling her own hair. "I didn't plan on this happening."
Toph Beifong	Toph stands still on the other side of Jasper's gem, not moving even as Peridot is startled by her speaking. Though she does sigh softly, closing her eyes. Slowly she crouches down, seemingly unafraid to pick up the gem. Maybe it's an unsettling sight for Peridot, seeing a fellow gem being handled by a girl who can crush natural rock to dust between her fingers with no effort. But no, Toph does nothing of the sort. Instead she reaches out with her free hand to bend some metal away from the injector. Shaping it into a sheet, she carefully wraps the metal around the gem, keeping it safe until Garnet can wake up and hopefully bubble it. Part of her wants to thank Peridot for coming to her aid. If she hadn't then maybe the outcome would have been far more severe for them. But... this is clearly upsetting to Peridot, who just poofed her escort. Which means she's alone here with no other Homeworld gems. "She didn't listen to reason, not to you who were leading this mission," Toph states quietly even as the gem rocks in place. Then she inquires in a careful manner, not really having an answer but hoping she can help Peridot find one, "What do you /want/ to do?"
Peridot	"You don't understand." Peridot goes on. "I'm just a Peridot." She looks up at her forehead where her green gem was embedded going nearly cross eyed. "There is no situation where it's okay for me to fight or poof a Jasper. None. I'm just a technician." She hugs her knees tighter. "Jaspers are the highest of royal guards. They protect diamonds! The only reason I had a Jasper assigned to protect me was because my mission was important, not me." "I'm a traitor." She says in a hushed tone. Almost afraid for anyone to hear. "I can't go home now. Ever. I'll be shattered immediately. I'm a rebel gem." She gets up, and looks around nervously as she plants her palm on the side of her head. "I.. you. Someone has to hide me. Someone has to protect me!" She pulls at the vest of her bodysuit. She squints looking at Toph. "I just assaulted a confederate to protect the union! I.. don't strictly know if that's against the rules, but they aren't going to like it either way!"
Toph Beifong	Another heavy sigh leaves Toph, though it's not one of annoyance. It's almost sympathetic. With the metal covered gem in hand she steps forward and crouches down in front of Peridot, though she doesn't reach out to touch her. "You're talking as if you don't matter. That's total crud, and nothing you say will convince me that it isn't," she says in a firm tone, though she keeps her voice even. "I told you, you're in individual, and while you might not like being compared to Pearl, you aren't just a Peridot. You're yourself. No gems are alike, and trust me. I can tell differences between sapphires, topazes and quartzes." There is no denying that she might have done something traitorish, though. And then there's the outright plea. While Toph doesn't know how the gem hierarchy works in an exact way, there's no denying that Peridot's fear is real. And she sincerely doubts she would be asking this of her. Yes, Peridot did take out a fellow Confederate to help out two Union members. So the blind girl reaches for her ear to turn on the radio there. "I can't make any promises, but I will do what I can." Damnit, today was supposed to be quiet.
Peridot	"Where should I.. go?" She ask squinting. Toph's pep talk at least serves to calm her down some, but she had to dismiss the concept of her self esteem for the moment. She had a real problem. She was a lone gem who had committed crimes against both super factions. A lot of people had ample reason to hate her. "I've never not had a mission, or an assignment before." She rubs her arms as she eyes the hunk of metal that contained her former ally. Peridot looked around Kindergarten. "What do I do?" The injectors continued walking left and right, but had no standing orders. "All of this.. is..." She rubs her head. "Even if I complete my original goals.. what would it be for? Homeworld will never use it now because of what I've done." Peridot looks to where Garnet lay. So it seems she wasn't shattered. "I'm a traitorous clod like they are."
Toph Beifong	It shouldn't be too hard for Peridot to overhear most of the conversation that Toph has on the radio, even as she rises up and paces back and forth, her tone a little tired. Asking for General Hall, briefly describing the situation that happened, and not hiding the simple facts. And then she lets out a heavy sigh. "I don't suppose I would be allowed to bring her home to Malibu with me..." she says, even as she turns slightly towards Peridot, then shakes her head so the gem can see. "Then give me some time to get her somewhere safe, and I'll be home as soon as possible, dad. Thanks for the input, General." With that she removes her hand from her ear, then reaches a hand to help Peridot to her feet. "General Hall of the Union has granted me clearance to take you somewhere safe where the Union can protect you. They will want more information on this, so be prepared for questions. I'll do a report immediately after you're safe. And I'll be there tomorrow if you want." It seems like Peridot trusts her somewhat, so she might appreciate having an Unionise there who isn't out to hurt her, at least not after she got her reading glove back. As for all the other questions, Toph gestures for Peridot to follow her towards the cliff where Garnet lies. They will need to get her back to safety too. Hopefully she won't have to drag her with her. "You're more than that, you're a person who did the right thing instead of blindly following orders. Create your own mission and goals, that's what I did." Because Toph too was a traitor to the image that her parents had to her. "Let's fetch Garnet, then go and get you somewhere safe."
Peridot	"I.. well, logically, yes but.." Peridot is helped up and begins to fidget nervously. She listens as they talk on the other end but she isn't completely sure what to make of it all initially. She wanted to maximize her safety, and though they were promising she wouldn't be harmed- Peridot was ever paranoid. "Will I be there by myself?" She continues fidgeting. "Without my limb enhancers? Without any kind of weapon? Should I borrow one? Just in case? Is Malibu safer?" She couldn't even get her robonoids to help carry the much larger fusion gem.
Toph Beifong	Toph walks calmly, and it might be a small comfort that she's not freaking out. "No, you won't be alone. It's a safe house under Union protection, you will be guarded. My dad, well... I don't blame him for not wanting a Fed in his house on such a short notice," Toph points out. "I can't be in the safe house with you tonight, but I'll keep my radio on if you need me." Which she might regret offering in hindsight. "But the general himself promised that you protection, so that's what you will get. We'll sort this out." Hopefully Peridot will be able to trust her enough to trust the other Unionites by proxy.
Peridot	"O-okay." Peridot acknowledges everything Toph says tapping her fingers together. "That's not ideal." She confesses. Though she seems largely uncomfortable, Peridot does seem to have developed some trust for Toph. Perhaps it was out of desperation, or fear. Perhaps even gratitude for assisting her to begin with. "If.. if you say so." This would be the longest Peridot had ever spent outside of the warship.