Chapter 32: Data Recovery
The Crystal Gems arrived in a barren wasteland with several mountains surrounding them via Warp Pad, standing there for a few moments, feeling the cool wind blow through their hair. Steven was behind SE, moving him onto the ground by his wheelchair as soon as the other Gems stepped off.
Steven: Is this is really the place that memory building is? Looks more like a desert, but gray.
SE: Yes, the Gem Archives are just up ahead. This area was once a dense forest, and had to be landscaped to continue its construction. I should now, during the war I often visited this place.
Steven: Oh, so that's why we brought you with us!
Garnet: Here it is.
The Gems stopped in front of a massive metal structure, almost reaching the clouds. On both sides laid two cracked, ruined crystals which once levitated centuries ago above two large pillars, it was like a temple from fairytales.
If you remember, back when Black was discussing the Rose Quartz situation, he was looking over a series of Gem Architecture, and this final image is what our group was standing before.
Steven: Whoa, that's one big library!
Amethyst: Why's the door so high up?
SE: The native life kept trying to invade Black Diamond's settlements, so he instructed the future buildings be constructed out of Human reach. But we can access the door through here, move me towards the center pillar.
Steven: ...
SE: ...*Sigh* Move me to the center pillar, please...
Steven: There you go!
He pushed the machine closer, and SE inserted his five fingers into five small holes in a diamond formation, suddenly raising a hidden platform they were standing on, quickly rising to the massive doors.
SE: Thankfully for you lot, I only need one hand to activate the machines here.
Slowly, the doors slid open, letting the afternoon sun illuminate an open, dusty chamber.
Lapis: This is the Gem Archive?
Steven: Whoa, it's like a huge library, but without books!
SE: Vast, is it not? This isn't even the true archive, this collection alone consists of mostly Earth events, during the war. But what you seek isn't on this floor, we must reach the top.
Lapis: I don't see a staircase anywhere.
SE: It's not something even high-ranking Gems were allowed to access, but I can reactivate the Ai and tell it to let us in.
Bismuth: Ai?
SE: Please move me towards the center of the room.
Steven did just that, and a small, triangular button rose from the floor. Pressing it, the building shook for a moment, before suddenly humming to life. The bright green lights activated one my one, and then from somewhere in the ceiling came a small, spherical device with a circle screen, and a small pole connecting it somewhere above. The screen lit up, displaying a basic happy face.
???: Hello! And again welcome to the Archives! We are currently experiencing technical difficulties due to-9999999-*Bzzzt!* of disrepair, beyond our control. However, thanks to emergency black box systems, operations can continue! Please identify yourself.
SE: I am SE-2006.
Announcer: Welcome back, SE-2006! Please identify the 6 unkown Gems in the Archives. We are currently experiencing a loss in data, regarding Gem designation, which unfortunately was lost due to time, which the black box simply could not recover.
Lapis: Talk about convenience.
SE: They...they're a part of the Archive Repair Team, we require access to the main chamber, so that we may confirm that everything above us is still functional.
Announcer: Understood! The lift will arrive in 3-2-1.
Right on que,a cylinder shaped elevator descended, big enough for everyone to fit in.
Bismuth: Well that was easy.
SE: This old Gem Tech is easy to fool, if this was Era 2 technology you'd probably be killed three feet at the door.
Garnet: Let's just go...
They all walked inside, and it brought the Gems up into the higher levels. Each floor they saw on the way up consisted of dozens, of not hundreds of large servers connected by thick wires, all connected to the ceiling of each level.
Announcer: SE-2006, It appears you are damaged. Commencing internal diagnostic...
The small robot scanned the general a red ray of light, concentrating on a spot in his chest.
Announcer: Your main power core is 20% damaged, I suggest you get it repaired. Estimated time remaining functional until repair......90 days.
SE: Only that long?? Am I really that broken.
Garnet: I did throw you into an engine.
SE: Ugh, do not remind me! But now we have another problem, I can't help if my battery dies on me, so despite what you want you'll have to repair at least my power core. We can get one at my ship's crash site while getting parts for the drill.
Bismuth: Yeah, yeah...
SE: Glad we're on the same page.
Announcer: If you require reassembly, then shall I contact Black Diamond?
The Crystal Gems' eyes widened for a moment, then everyone in the lift, aside from Steven and SE, began shouting against the idea.
Announcer: Interpreting vague answer as: No!
SE: A...Affirmative, no contact is to be made.
Announcer: Understood.
Amethyst: *Phew!* Just dodged a bullet! Why didn't you tell us this place had his number??
Garnet: You never said you could do that here!
SE: Oh, I'm sorry! My memory bank must also be broken, you only threw it at a ship's engines!!
Announcer: Attention! We have arrived at the top floor, prepare to exit the lift.
SE: Finally!
Steven: What's that thing in the center?
SE: Thag machine there is what Black Diamond used to further study the data within gemstones, even more so than his natural ability. Much like how some Humans can do with their computers, Black was able to recover any and all lost data completely. The device itself appears have degraded somewhat, however.
Lapis: Is everything we need here?
SE: Yes, you must first attach Rose's gem with that big cable in the front.
Steven: Hey. Will that hurt me since I'm only half-Gem?
SE: I'm not sure if it will do anything to that vessel of yours, but it should properly access your data without discomfort, maybe.
Garnet: Don't worry, Steven. We'll stop it if anything goes wrong.
Despite not quite understanding who this Gem was, Steven felt at ease after getting reassurance from Garnet, and walked over to the machine as the Gems and SE remained in front of the computer.
SE: Now once you're hooked up, you'll probably go into a vegetative state.
Steven: Huh??
SE: That's normal, that just means everything is working fine. You can attach yourself to the device now.
Steven: Um, ok...
The hybrid boy placed the cord to his gemstone. Like a magnet, it stuck itself onto the Rose Quartz, but nothing else seemed to be happening.
Steven: Hey, guys? I don't think it's wo-..........
Midway through his sentence, Steven's body froze in place, and his eyes were like little screens displaying static, much like a television without a signal.
SE: Good it's still working. We now have access to all his data.
The computer displayed a number of small windows, each one for a specific Gem attribute. It showed Steven's gem cut, model number, abilities and strengths.
Lapis: I had no idea this was even possible.
SE: Although we're two different beings, the Gems in their entirety are comparable to a race of machines, we both have our memories and feelings set in lines of code. Now...could, could one of you assist me?
From his wheelchair, SE could not even reach the terminal.
Amethyst: Heh!
Garnet lifted the android high enough to reach the plain, silver keyboard and he typed something in.
Announcer: Initiating Gem data recovery...
Bismuth: Wait, that's it? It'll just, fix him automatically?
SE: Well of course, what'd you expect? Black's existence is all about efficiency, he wouldn't make such a trivial task any longer than needed. Anyway, Rose should be the way I found her after the machine is d-
Announcer: Warning! Gem cut not recognized, data recovery cannot continue.
Lapis: What??
Garnet: What's it talking about?
SE: Well all of Rose's data was erased from the Archives after she rebelled, so I assume the Ai will simply-oh. I forgot the security system.
Garnet: Security?!
Announcer: Gem data recovery will continue after a short update, please stand by...
Bismuth: Update?! Switch it off right now!
SE attempted to deactivate the machine, only for a powerful electric shock via the keyboard prevented any of the Gems interfering. Without any other choice, the fusion summoned both her gauntlets and hammered down on the terminal, causing an alarm to go off.
SE: You fool! That only makes it worse!!
Announcer: Warning!! Diamond Authority Enemy 1 Identified! Initiating Rejuvenation Procedure!
Steven was suddenly encased by a metal sphere from the floor, and electricity began running across it.
Lapis: Rejuvenation, what does that mean!?
SE: You really don't know?? It's trying to destroy Rose's vessel and wipe her data permanently. And I COULD have hacked into the mainframe to shut it down, but you went and smashed the controls!! Now I can't stop it!
Bismuth: Just get this damn thing open!!
The Gems desperately attacked the spherical machine with everything they had. Amethyst's whip couldn't leave a scratch, Lapis' water wings formed into fist, only to evaporate upon touching the hull, and both Bismuth and Garnet on opposite sides attempted to pry the machine open like a crocodile's powerful jaws.
Announcer: Rejuvenation Machine at risk, deploying Battle Eye units!
SE: Battle Eyes?
Two doors open on the west and east sides of the room opened, releasing a large group of black and gray androids. They were almost identical to the Scouting Eyes SE was once before, but they all had loud, hate filled voices, and the clear domes were replaced with two cone shaped lights that illuminated when they spoke.
Battle Eye: Do not move! Do not move! You are surrounded, do not move!
SE: Wait! It's me, SE-2006, I'm not with these Gems! They're the enemy, I'm your superior!
Battle Eye: Incorrect! You are an enemy of Black Diamond! Enemies must face extermination!
SE: What?!? You're not functioning right, I am not the-
Battle Eye: Silence!! You will be exterminated!!
Battle Eye: All enemies of Black Diamond must be exterminated!
Battle Eyes: Exterminate!! Exterminate!! Exterminate!!!
SE: But...but I'm not-! I wasn't-! S-Stop this nonsense immediately!!! I'm not a rebel!
But it was no use, these robots were programmed for one specific reason, it was obvious they could not be reasoned with. SE realized this too, but he just couldn't understand why they see him as the enemy. He was captured, he had no choice but to help these Gems, he didn't have a say in any of this!
But before he could argue further, one of the machines fired a plasma shot at his mouth, destroying his voice box. It was at that moment the Crystal Gems began engaging with these military machines. Amethyst rolled up into a white ball of hair, mowing down 12 Battles Eyes, then grabbed another with her whip, throwing it into another group of 4. Lapis flew upwards
Whilst avoiding incoming plasma shots, using a large "buzz saw" made of water to cut off a light fixture on the ceiling, crushing half a dozen androids. The two larger Gems crushed and ripped the oncoming Battle Eyes apart with their bare hands, much to the General's amazement.
SE: I can't believe it...these things appear to be made from the same material as I am, yet they stand no chance as a swarm. Is this the true reason then? Why I could...
Announcer: Level 5 threat detected! Deploying Special Weapons Battle Eye!
A separate lift came down from the ceiling, showing off a larger robot, with three lights on its head, a deep, booming voice, and a powerful looking cannon where its hand should be.
SW-Battle Eye: Maximum extermination: Annihilate!!
The Battle Eye aimed his cannon at the Gems, firing a large yellow energy ball. Garnet used her durable gauntlet to smake the plasma ball towards a row of Battle Eyes, melting straight through their armored bodies. When the fusion looked down at her weapon, it was apparent just how powerful this machine was, as it had melted the gauntlet down to the natural hand underneath.
Garnet: Don't let it hit you!!
SW-Battle Eye: You will all be annihilated!
Despite its massive build, the android jumped several feet off the ground all the way to the ceiling, knocking down the blue Gem with its fist. It then crashed down on Amethyst, poofing her without a second thought. It brought its foot up high, ready to crush the overcooked Quartz into sand.
Bismuth: Ame, no!!
Lapis: I got her!
Lapis swiftly flew under the large Battle Eye before it could shatter the Crystal Gem, but not without consequence. Another android fired dead center at Lazuli's gemstone before she could fly out of reach, causing her wings to fall into useless puddles and lapis to drop Amethyst right in the middle of the rampaging Battle Eyes. It seemed as though she would be trampled, but suddenly a grey beam reached out and enveloped the purple gemstone, bringing it to the hand of...SE?
Lapis: Huh? What are you-?!
It was now impossible for him to communicate verbally, but it was all clear to the blue Gem once SE shielded the vulnerable Quartz from the other robots. He was, protecting her?
Lapis: Why is he doing that...?
Announcer: Alert! Rejuvenation Machine malfunctioning! Core overheating!!
Lapis: What the??
The machine went haywire, sparking and making a horrible sound, a mix between white noise and a pained scream. Finally, two hands could be seen poking through the machine, pushing both ends appart.
Garnet: Steven?!
With all his strength, the figure inside forced the machine open, but...was it really the same boy that was once there? He still looked like himself, but Steven's hair was now shoulder length, curling at the ends. His height too was altered, now as tall as Lazuli. But it was the look in his eye that changed in such a subtle way. From a young boy's wide, optimistic gaze, was now replaced with a look of a man with years of age experience, a look of a man...no, the eyes of a warrior.
Bismuth: Steven...?
Lapis: Are you okay?
SW-Battle Eye: Identity yourself! ...Identify, or you will be destroyed!
Steven: ...I am Rose Quartz.
Garnet: What?!
Bismuth: What did he just say? Garnet, you heard that too, right?!
SW-Battle Eye: You are Black Diamond's greatest enemy! You will be exterminated!
Steven: Try it!
The Battle Eyes aimed their weapons on the hybrid, firing with everything they had. It was only for a short second, before a translucent pink barrier formed around his body, then its spherical design changed into a mass of spikes, stabbing several androids close enough. The rest began physically attacking the barrier, only to be swiftly disposed of by the shield expanding, sending the small robots off the railing. The remaining Battle Eye charged his cannon once more, forming a large ball at the end.
Steven: That's enough!!
The hybrid formed a small barrier around his first and went for a punch. It made contact with the energy ball, forcing it back into the cannon, resulting in the android's entire left arm exploding.
Bismuth: Whoa!
SW-Battle Eye: Weaponry destroyed! Self destruct ac-
Steven gave the android one last punch, going straight through the Battle Eye's chest, powering it down for good.
Garnet: Steven, are you okay!?
Steven: Hm? Of course I am, Garnet! We fought bigger things back in the war, remember?
Garnet: Huh? What are you...?
Steven: So Black had all these machines hidden away after he left, of course. Everything he makes seems to only destroy...
Bismuth: Steven, what are talking about? You're talking like you're Rose!
Steven: Well, I am Rose!
The fusion picked up SE by the neck and summoned a gauntlet with her free hand.
Garnet: What did that machine do to him?!
However the android could not speak, and pointed to the SW-Battle Eye, then to his mouth. A long gray cord emerged from a small chamber in his throat, and the Gem could understand what he was trying to say. On the back of the Battle Eye's neck was a small port, and Garnet plugged SE into it, and it began making noise again.
SE: I...do not understand what happened to Rose Quartz. They have altered their vessel, and only seems to act like they are their normal selves. It appears that her memories were at least halfway deleted.
Garnet: So what does that mean for Steven?!
SE: There is nothing more we can do. The only option we have is to wait, lost memories can be regained naturally. But right now, we must continue work on the drill project, Black Diamond will not have the Cluster...
Lapis: What?? Why'd you say it like that?
SE: I've seen it now, I acknowledged it but now it's obvious when it happens to you...Black does not care for anything, not even his own creations. If someone like me has betrayed him by helping the enemy against my will, then he can go shove it!
Bismuth: Huh??
Steven: You, you're the robot general, aren't you? You've changed a lot since our previous meeting. Did you just say you betrayed Black Diamond?
SE: Rose Quartz...do not misunderstand my words. I am not doing this, protecting this planet or it's life out of the goodness of my core. Black has wronged me with these inferior models, they saw me as the enemy, so that is what I am, starting today!
Bismuth: You're rebelling?
Steven: But what will you do? There's hardly anything left of you now.
SE: ...Give me the chance. I will remove the Cluster. I will protect your territory. I will prepare Earth for the arrival of Black! He will not have the satisfaction of the planet being destroyed, I won't allow it!! Please...be my leader!
Bismuth: Ro-Steven, I ain't buying it! This thing has shown nothing but hate towards us since day one!
Lapis: He's just trying to trick us!
Steven: You...poor machine. I can almost feel your pain, I understand what you're going through right now. Black has done so many things to this planet, he's probably done worse by now, but no more! Are you completely truthful about helping the Earth?
SE: I've made my decision, and Black has clearly made his! I will not allow him to kill this planet, just give me the orders to do so and we can stop him together!
Steven: If that's what you want then...welcome to the Crystal Gems!
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Battle Eyes: A class of military androids Black Diamond built during the civil war as a more efficient army than regular Gems. However, they required more resources in Era 1 to make, so Black abandoned the project and regulated the ones he made to security robots for the Gem Archives on Earth, and forgot of their existence.
Specifical Weapons Battle Eye: The only subtype Black created specifically for large Fusions. It's arm cannon is strong enough to level a building, but is very unstable, can damage itself if obscured.
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