[Log 622: This is a task I both am excited to undertake, and equally hesitant about. The court of Black Diamond is hardly known outside his drone servants, and what little wider Gemkind possesses is...strange, to say the least, all I know for sure is that he has more specialists than normal soldiers. However, Yellow Diamond had called upon me, her most loyal Hessonite, to assist his forces in an operation called a "siege". While I'm not entirely sure what that word entails, but there hasn't been a single point in my long and pristine history where I ever backed down from a conflict. With sword and Prism in tow, I now approach the planet, another ball of endless plains and forests, like so many others I've seen. End recording.]

Placing a small rectangular box on the armrest of her chair, the Hessonite gazed down at the world she was slowly drawing closer to. As the ship did so, a massive pyramid structure, the ground for miles was scorched and large craters peppered the area. The ship had landed near a large spire, bearing Black Diamond's logo via a banner hanging over the doorway. The orange Gem stepped out, inspecting the area before another group emerged from the spire. First, a pair of Topaz guardians, both wielding large hammers. Next came a short, pale skinned Gem, followed up by four Sapphires walking in perfect unison, and behind them came four standard Otons, who seemed to be their personal guards.

Hessonite: Four Sapphires on a single mission? This siege thing must be a problem indeed! But who's this one?

???: Welcome, Hessonite. You arrived just as we predicted.

Hessonite: Oh? You're a Sapphire as well?

The Gem's face was covered by a dark veil, which she momentarily pulled aside to reveal a small gemstone placed where a Sapphire's eye would normally be.

Blk Sapphire: Correct, I am known as a Black Sapphire, but before I continue, we should discuss the matter at hand, follow us please.

The Gems entered the spire. It was like many Gem constructs she had seen before: large murals of the five Diamonds were carved into the stone, statues of Quartz warriors were placed near these as well, but Black's personal touches were clearly present. Along with the gem ones, there was a single effigy of an Oton in the middle of the chamber, larger than the rest and it was atop a small rock, raising its claw in a triumphant pose, as much as an Oton can pose at least. Beneath this statue was a metal plate that read: "The Conqueror".

Hessonite: Quite interesting....

Blk Sapphire: That one was added yesterday, doesn't it represent the might of our Diamond?

Hessonite: Yes but, not that I'm complaining but the same feeling could be expressed by a statue of himself, couldn't it?

Blk Sapphire: Perhaps, but our Diamond has his own interpretation of such things I suppose. This way now.

They made their way to the top via a spiraling ramp, until they reached the command center. In the room was a typical screen, desk, chair, and a holographic projector was present just behind the chair.

Blk Sapphire: Now then, for over a year now we have been claiming this planet for the Authority, but it appears the local inhabitants are quite stubborn, more than most we've faced.

Pressing a triangular button on the keypad, the currently displayed map of the world zoomed into the eastern edge until it showed a live feed of what appeared to be an Oton, who was facing a massive fortress, constructed of stone and metal. The defenders atop rained down on the attackers with their bows and arrows, while occasionally they simply dropped large stones on any Gem or Oton who got too close. They also had their own system of artillery, as they had several cannons atop their walls, blowing large holes in whatever soldiers they hit. As for the defenders, they were avian in appearance, having the body structure of an average Gem, some wore leather and hide while the foremost defenders wore light, iron plates on their chests and heads.

Blk: They've held out for six months now, and our Gem forces have begun to run dry. As you know, our Court isn't nearly as large. But today is when the stalemate ends.

Hessonite: I understand, now I understand why there are multiple of you here.

Blk: Indeed, these Gems behind me have had the most success in predictions, and thus we now operate in a group, as to find the most accurate future possible.

This comment confused Hessonite. Most accurate? She was sure that all Sapphires perceived the Future, their main ability, exactly the same, but it appears that Black had discovered something the others hadn't, or perhaps, something they wouldn't.

Blk Sapphire: Along with you and your Light Prism, we intend on unleashing a number of new weapons that'll turn the battle in our favor. Your main task is to storm the fortress once we gain access and slay their leader. This will cause the remaining defenders to lose hope and surrender immediately

Hessonite: A perfect mission for the likes of me, I shan't disappoint you or our brilliant Diamonds, your Clarity.

Blk Sapphire: I know. Here is a map to the fortress, you'll be there when the sun begins to set.

One of the Topaz handed a small data slate to Hessonite and with the signature salute she swiftly departed, and until they were absolutely sure she had gone, the dark Sapphire spoke once more.

Blk Sapphire: It is time for another Reading, let us begin.

One of the Oton guards produced a black marker from its chest cavity, scrawling a diamond symbol into the floor. The four Sapphires then stood at each corner as their lead sat in the center. As they did so, the Otons began blaring a disturbing frequency, their headlamps strobing and fading in and out continuously.

Sapphire (Arm): I see...the gates blown away...the army is rushing in...but they aren't able to reach deep enough..

Sapphire (Chin): I can see them facing the commander...his heart is that of fire....it burns them to ash...

Sapphire (Palm): The Fortress will not yield....but the commander still falls...

Blk Sapphire: I can see them too, but are these the only possibilities..?

The incoherent audio the Otons played was abruptly replaced with a low hum, their lights glowing dark blue.

Blk Sapphire: Yes....yes, I can see it clearly now...worry not, the future is secure....

(Sometime Later)

Hessonite had not expected to see what was currently taking place on the "battlefield" right before her eye. She was expecting to at least see a skirmish, but at the moment not even a Quartz was showing any excitement to fight those on the stone walls. Each Gem and Oton traversed a network of trenches they had dug out to avoid the near constant arrow fire, just waiting for something.

(See picture above, for some reason it won't let me display it here.)

Black Diamond's soldiers were unlike any Hessonite had fought alongside, wearing a dull gray suit of simple armor, custom made for sure, as they each had a different gemstone placement, some Gems even had metal coverings over them, an unusual tactic to say the least. The muddy trenches were a horrid maze for Hessonite, but the only safe path unless she wanted an arrow to the head. Normally trenches were made by Obsidian, but these were constructed with metal bars on the walls and bags of sand were placed along the edges. Reaching a small bunker in the maze like trenches, Hessonite was met with a Supreme Oton, this one having a red circle painted on its dome.

Supreme Oton: Welcome Hessonite. I am Oton Supreme- ST-8809.

Hessonite: An, an Oton is leading the attack?? Black Diamond must be quite low on reinforcements if he's trusting...this thing to command an army...

8809: The Sapphires have determined that this point in the gate is weakest.

It pointed to a drawing of the castle on the wall.

8809: Our new weapon systems will break through this weak point and lead to the extermination of the enemy commander.

Hessonite: And just what are these new weapons?

8809: You will know when they are deployed. You will wait at the front trench for my signal, when that happens, you must rush inside as quickly as possible. This avian species is skilled in close combat, several battles ago we suffered heavy casualties in both Gem and Oton power, forcing us to destroy vast areas of land with devastating orbital bombardments, forcing them into a single location. It was successful, but lead to the loss of potential resources, failure is not a viable option in this engagement.

Hessonite: Yes, yes I understand my duty! Trust me when I say that I will not fail!

Unable to deal with the machine's monologue, she stepped out and made her way to the frontlines. The Gems here were even more interesting than the ones at the back. Using both Light Cannons and a new model of Oton, ones that are modified with a single large laser weapon fired endlessly, only making scorch marks and the occasional dent in the metal and stone barrier. However, a small group of Quartz, mostly Amethysts, had a very unique weapon in their hands. Each Gem out of the 50 standing perfectly still, looking over the lip of the trenches had large, tubular device, somewhat similar in appearance to the Light Cannon, but the firing mechanism was a handle with a red button on it, and a dark gray grip placed underneath a charcoal black barrel.

Hessonite: You, over there. What's that thing you're carrying?

One of the dozen or so Amethysts turned to face her.

"This? Black Diamond is testing a new weapon for long range combat. It's called a Light Gun by us."

Hessonite: Light 'Gun'? Just what exactly is that?

"It's....like a cannon? But smaller."

Hessonite: That was a stupid question, and an even stupider response! Light Gun...what an odd Diamond he is.

An alarm began to blare all around, causing several more Quartz and Otons to travel towards the main trench line.

[Attention, enemies of the Diamond Authority! This will be your final stand! In a few moments, your stronghold's defenses will be crushed, your leader will be exterminated, and those who survive will be hunted down and enslaved! The chance to surrender has passed, our judgment has been made! All combat units, prepare to engage!!]

Hessonite: These Clinkers are good at many things, speeches...not so much.

Oton: Multiple flying crafts approaching!

It was like a whistle at first, then as it drew closer, those at the castle were nearly deafened by the number of engines coming their way. Through the clouds came three jet-like constructs of Gem design. As they flew over the fortress, they dropped cylindrical devises at the defender's feet. Before they could even realize, they were all blown away by the cluster of explosions, sending rock and body parts in several directions. One ballista team managed to land a lucky shot through one of the bombers, and it crashed into the muddy field below. As fresh soldiers rushed outside to replace the casualties, another weapon made its grand entrance.

Three large pods dropped from the sky, each one shaped like an upside down cone with several legs to help stabilize themselves after landing at the front gate. They opened simultaneously, and three floating automatons with cannon-like protrusions emerged. One burned the wooden war machines with massive balls of flame, while the others fired condensed frost and electricity on the organic targets, sending everything into chaos. A large number took to flight, partially opening the gate to allow their departure,and it was then when the order was given.

[Advance! Advance!]

The army rushed out from the trenches, Otons going up pre-constructed ramps while the Gems climbed right over them. Hessonite prepared her Prisim and sword before leading the charge.

Blue Quartz: You heard him, advance!

Oton 1: Align and advance!

Red Quartz: Advance and attack!

Oton 2: Attack and destroy!

"Destroy and Rejoice!!"

The entire hoard repeated this as they reached the enemy, Otons and Gems now firing at the disorganized enemy in perfect formation. Iron plate was made molten as easily as feather and flesh was, sending them into even more panic. A few inside managed to shut the doors once more and a few more brave souls were still attempting to halt the charge at the now crumbling wall. One Gem soldier lifted a small latch over her gemstone, throwing her summoned axe at one the archer's heads, and another was shot down by a light gun to the chest.

After they reached the gate, five of the modified Otons formed a spearhead in front of it.

Hessonite: Destroy this barricade at once!

With a combined shot, the Otons fired a green ball of plasma as large as an elephant, effectively vaporizing the gates and allowing the army to pour into. Those able to stand were quickly shot at or cut down, as Hessonite led a small squad deeper into the fort. Those who guarded the halls were practically defenseless as Oton ray guns dropped them dead on the spot. They made it to a single doo, to which the orange Garnet kicked down the reveal a round chamber.

Within were seven individuals, six wearing identical red robes, a large and armored brute of a birdman and an elderly one in yellow and purple hiding behind him.

Oton: We have broken through your defenses and scattered your army, surrender now and order them to cease hostilities or they will all be exterminated in the harshest way!

The elder avian said nothing, but his robed guards began chanting in their native language.

Oton: Unknown energy spikes detec-BLAGHHH!!!

The leading Oton was abruptly set aflame by seemingly nothing before exploding. The others began to malfunction, spinning in place whilst firing their weapons without reason, sending the Gems scattering in the chamber. As this was playing out, the avians were now at the far end of the room and behind a transparent wall.

"C-C_•{#C-Cannot-annot control, mechanisms are being overw-s usfhhjhhh####### by unknown e-en-enemy specialists!", said one of them in a garbled mess, as Hessonite and the other Gems attempt to avoid their gunfire. Seeing that the red ones appeared to be keeping the wall, and thus the interfering aura, Hessonite ordered them to attack the specialists first. Light Guns bounced straight off as easily as their swords and bows, but it was the Prisim which solved their problem. It suddenly came to life, forming into a large, semi-humanoid figure and used its large fists to hammer down at the barrier until it started cracking. The burly birdman approached and swung out with his left fist, and while the Prism took noticeable damage, it refused to let up.

Hessonite: You two, distract the beast!

A pair of blue Quartz ran over to assist the Prism, striking his arms as they passed through the barrier. One Gem summoned a whip while the other produced a spear, and before he knew it the Brut had both his hands tied and pinned to the ground, leaving his head sticking out and a wide gap in the field. With her speed and agility, Hessonite maneuvered passed the beast, slicing across his chest to stun him. Now within the barrier, the robed men were forced to turn their attention to the general, and as they began attacking her, the barrier was now weakened and brittle, shattering like a wall of glass before dispersing into the air.

Oton: Ag FFzgggvjgxdZdd fed ed/-F-F-Firepower restored!

One of the Otons regained control and fired at the now distracted mages, one by one falling due to an energy beam through the head. When there was only one left, he said something to his leader before blasting a wide hole through the back of the fortress, and following him outside.

Hessonite attempted to give chase, but the now heavily wounded brutish Avian freed himself and was engaged in combat with her and the Prism.

Oton Leader: Target is escaping! After him!

Otons: We obey!

The Otons were now somewhat lifted from the ground, and with a sudden burst of speed they rushed back into the wasteland. They could soon see the leader and his mage using their natural wings to make some distance between them and the fort, but the machines of Black Diamond were outfitted with engines more than capable of keeping up. Two were destroyed by the red Avian throwing a large rock, seemingly with his mind, but the remaining Otons were able to avoid a second stone and get into firing range. One targeted the commander, paralyzing him with a powerful shock from its ray gun, the others fired more potent bolts of plasma at the mage, blowing his body into three pieces.

Oton: Target captured! Exterminate, extermin-

Oton Leader: No!!

Oton: No? But that is our current mission!

Oton Leader: The Gem known as Hessonite must be the one.

Oton: Why?

Oton Leader: If we were to take tthe glory from a Gem not of The Creator's authority, it may reduce our reputation.

Oton: Explain, explain!

Oton Leader: Homeworld is not entirely convinced we are their equals, their history of war and conquest is longer, we have merely ravaged primal and rudimentary worlds with our virus bombs, our asteroid bombardments, while they are able to fight these aliens on their own terms. They, enjoy the thrill of hand to hand combat, while the shipment of Light Guns sent to the other two Courts have not been touched since they were given.

Oton: What are you saying?

Oton Leader: Gems fear we may be more useful than they are. They hate us in secrecy, and openly mock us with derogatory terms such as "Clinker, Clanker, Robonoid, Mechanoid", or whatever else they decide we are to them.

Oton: Then what can we do?

Oton Leader: The Creator is developing a secret order for this issue. It is unkown to us, but he's said it will end in our ascension-

Hessonite: You all, stay right there!

The orange Garnet now approached the Otons surrounding the now crippled commander, her Prism following behind, but noticeably redder than before.

Hessonite: Is the target still alive??

Oton Leader: Yes, we momentarily paralyzed him.

Hessonite: Sigh Oh thank the stars! I almost had this one stolen from me...

Oton: ...

Hessonite: Now then, is there anything you wish to say before we end this little game?

Avian: T-o....golekco....sey, ken delow...

Hessonite: Eh, what was that?

Oton: He said, "Recompense for those lost."

Hessonite: Ah, I see. Well now, the only "recompense" they deserve is the fact that their home will put to much better, perfect use...

With that, Hessonite planted her sword into his chest, completing her mission.

The planet, now labeled "AV-02" became a large Kindergarten for both Yellow and Black due to her assistance in both Hessonite and her own war machines brought to the field. The several dozen sites allowed Black to bolster his much weakened army, filling the gaps with hundreds of little Rubies and reinforcing them with many more Quartz warriors. The older structures were torn down and replaced by Gem architecture, and statues depicting both Diamonds were constructed on opposite ends of the planet, symbolizing their equal hold. The Remaining Avians had escaped and attempted many times to halt this desecration of their home, but due to the swift Kindergartnering and industrial zones for the Otons, they simply couldn't survive long enough to make any true progress, and slowly their numbers ticked down to zero. Just like that, an entire civilization, with millennias worth of history, culture and beauty, was outright erased by the unfeeling hands of the Diamond Authority. And more will continue to suffer this fact, thousands of cultures whose names were never known, but just how long will they be able to keep it this simple? Maybe one day, there will be a planet, with a race capable of fighting back.

(Just a little fact, I usually write these chapters whenever my wifi goes out, idk but I suddenly get more ideas when it does that. Next chapter will be a more Oton-focused one, involving Gems but mostly from Black's Court.)