(Homeworld)

Alpha, one of Pink's three Otons, was currently in the "ballroom" area of the Diamonds' palace, engaged in conversation with a group of Peridots.

Alpha: And she recommended placing some colored lights, just at each corner of this chamber, we think it'll make future celebrations more exciting.

Peridot: Very well then, we'll see to it immediately, along with the, "music box" renovation previously suggested..

Alpha: Good-good, I'll be off then!

As he left the Gems to their work, the pink Oton ran into Beta and Gamma just outside the room.

Alpha: Hm? What are you two doing here, does Pink require assistance?

Gamma: Didn't you get the notification? The Creator has constructed something entirely new on the planet Vulcan!

Alpha: But, doesn't he ALWAYS create something new?

Beta: You don't understand, this isn't a new weapon or anything like that, this is something completely unheard of in Gem society. It's very secret right now however, and only Otons and those in his court are allowed to participate.

Alpha: Really? One moment, checking inbox.....

[1 New message.]

[TO ALL INDIVIDUALS UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF BLACK DIAMOND: If you currently have no active missions, I humbly ask that you make the journey to the planet Vulcan, where the experimental "Lounge" is now operational and awaiting testing. This information may not be shared with any other court not under my jurisdiction. You can find this location directly beside the largest base on Vulcan, a purple building with various symbols. I hope you're able to accept this invitation.

-Black Diamond]

Alpha: Oh, so that's what I got earlier. I wonder what this Lounge place is? But, what if Pink asks us for something and we aren't there? She might...

The Oton looked around the area for anyone nearby, before lowering his voice.

Alpha: She might get suspicious of us. The moon incident was far too close!

Gamma: Pink has been rather busy for a while now, stuck up in her room making something herself.

Alpha: What's that?

Gamma: Last I checked, I believe it has to do with cloth, and possibly little rocks...but my point is that she'll never even notice we're gone.

Beta: A Warp pad has been installed on Vulcan anyway, so we can pop in for a moment and come right back before you know it! What do you say?

Alpha: Mm....ok, but we shouldn't be TOO long. She may not be suspicious, but I believe others are catching on...

Beta: Hah, stop worrying about it so much, it'll be a fine.

As they went off to find out what awaited them, two small figures were watching from a distance without them realizing. The first one was an Aquamarine, whose gem rested on her left shoulder. The second was a Ruby, with her gemstone in place of her nose, and she wore a concerned expression on her light red face. They were both from Blue's Court, but what are they doing here you may wonder.

Aquamarine: Did you hear that? What could this "Lounge" possibly be?

Ruby: Uh, I-I don't know, but those things creep me out. Did you hear it laugh??

Aquamarine: Tch Oh, hush up, Ruby! This is a serious problem potential on our hands!

Ruby: Wh-What do you mean?

Aquamarine: Black Diamond made something without telling the others, and it looks like he's only letting those clinking cans see it. It doesn't sit well with anything else he's been doing lately...

Ruby: Well, maybe it's just a new factory or something. I-I don't even know what a Lounge is.

Aquamarine: I don't think so. They mentioned that incident on X-4's moon, ever since then I've been seeing little, changes going on. Pink Diamond looks different, she acts differently since then, and she spends more and more time in her room than outside. It just doesn't sit well with me, and we're going to investigate!

Ruby: H-Huh?! B-But, they just said only his court can enter!

Aquamarine: We're going to disguise ourselves, obviously! Were you born yesterday or something??

Ruby: No... I was born last week.

Aquamarine: .......Just, just follow me.

(Vulcan)

The Oton trio marveled at the building before them. Just as the notification described, it was rectangular, painted a bright violet, and was plastered in multiple symbols in black. Before even entering, they could hear an upbeat melody playing inside.

Alpha: I've never seen anything like this before. It almost feels...out of place.

Beta: I can detect Gems inside, I'm getting results for several rare types as well. Perhaps its a, training area?

Gamma: I can't tell, we don't have anything on record of this place registered. Only one way to find out.

As they entered, the Gems hid behind a nearby statue of Black, constructed from marble and silver. They looked at their respective "uniforms", changing the color from blue to black.

Aquamarine: They shouldn't recognize us like this, just follow my lead and keep that mouth of yours shut!

Ruby: Ok...

As they too entered, Aqua was utterly shocked by the scene which greeted them. Within the large, rectangular building were not just Black's Otons, but those of Yellow and Blue as well. Quartz gems and several other types sat at small and medium tables, seemingly drinking tea and partaking in some kind of "food", circular and colorful. But it was those handing them these things which shocked the short blue Gem. Spinels, about 40 short and tall Spinels acted as servers to the other Gems. A Spinel, for those unware, is an extremely rare Gem both to create and to even be given to for those higher in the caste system, so to see so many in one room, singing, dancing and conversing was almost overwhelming. A yellow Spinel approached the two, carrying a silver tray with the same round items arranged in a diamond shape.

Spinel: Hi there! You two must be new to the Lounge!

Aquamarine: Um, yes. We had.. received an invitation and just could not resist!

Ruby: Uh, y-yeah!

Spinel: Here, try these!

She held the tray almost in Aqua's face.

Aquamarine: Oh! What exactly, are they?

Spinel: These are called pastries, we discovered them on a nearby planet and Black just had to make his own, and they taste even better with tea, try one!

Ruby: U-Um...sure?

They each picked out their respective cupcakes and took a bite in order to not look suspicious. Aquamarine couldn't describe the taste, texture or anything even if she had a century. Eating was not necessary for Gems to live, so the very act of it felt, "off" to her, not proper.

Aquamarine: It's...unlike anything I've ever had...!

Her smile was obviously forced, but the Spinel didn't seem to notice and gleefully walked off to a different table.

Ruby: It's actually not bad, um, are you going to finish yours?

Aquamarine: Ruby, do you understand what's going on here?

Ruby: What do you mean?

Aquamarine: This...place, they sit around, play music...surrounded by one of the rarest of Gems, and there's nothing beyond it! This is an abhorrent waste of resources, so much could have been done instead. These...cup things alone must've required a whole factory by themselves-!

Ruby: I mean, isn't it the Diamond's choice to make whatever they want?

Aquamarine: Yellow would NEVER agree to this, and especially not White, none of them are working!

Ruby: Oh! I guess that is a good point. Must be why he's keeping it a secret.

———

Alpha: Wow...this place, is almost, beautiful?

Beta: There are yellow and blue Otons here too, but I thought only the Creator's court could-

Announcer: Attention, the show is about to begin. Please pick your seat, and enjoy!

Gamma: Hey, look, over there.

There was a large stage placed in the middle of the building, separating each halve and covered by a shiny, metallic blue curtain. The room went dark, and the voice spoke once more.

Announcer: Coming all the way from Black's personal workshop, the newest addition to the Court, we proudly present the entertainment Oton...Funny Funtime!!

A spotlight shown on a familiar looking machine, but this was unlike any other before it. The Oton had white and purple plating instead of black and gray, it possessed a pair of humanoid arms with three fingers, it had a black top hat in place of the left headlamp, and its face was extremely emotive, moving as the one called "Funny Funtime" spoke in a gleeful voice.

(Specifically, Funtime Freddy from Sister Location. He's the main inspiration for this character.)

Funny: Hahaha! Well, hello there everyone! My name's Funny, but you can call me Otrom while I'm off the clock though!

Alpha: What the??

Beta: A new model of Oton??

Gamma: I don't think he should be standing on clocks...

Funny: Are y'all having a great time at the Lounge? I sure know I am, me and all my friends are so excited about today! Why? Because we got a special song to sing, to celebrate the occasion!

Announcer: Just a second, there. It looks like the group isn't here yet!

Funny: Uh oh, you're right! Who could I have forgotten?

"Real funny, Funny!"

"Yeah! We're all right here!"

Another two spotlights revealed two Gems. The first had yellow skin, red eyes, her short hair resembling a flame, and she wore a puffy red dress similar in appearance to a normal Sapphire. The other was dark blue, had purple eyes, and she wore the standard uniform, but with a diamond pattern on both legs. The yellow Gem had a circular stone on her chest, and the blue one's rested in her forehead.

Funny: There you guys are, or should I say gals? Anywho, these two are my bestest friends, Sunstone and Moonstone, the other two members of our band: The Funtime Troupe! Now that we're all here, time to play our little number, composed by the Diamond himself!

At once, a most unfamiliar melody began playing. It wasn't like the graceful choirs Aquamarine was used to, but an assortment of loud instruments blaring from ceiling-mounted speakers. The Oton's singing was even more unnerving now that it was singing, it sounded like the rantings of a madman! And to make things worse, every Gem and machine was cheering for him!

(Lyrics will be provided at the end of this chapter.)

Aquamarine: Ugh! What awful noise is th-huh?

Just at the back of the room, where no one else was looking, the blue Gem spotted a door marked "Restricted Zone", but it was cracked open slightly.

Aquamarine: Hey, there's something back in that room, hurry up before anyone notices!

They hastily advanced towards the doorway and entered through the next room. Instead of another room, they found themselves walking down a ramp/staircase that led down to a long hallway, completely silent.

Ruby: Uh, I don't think anyone is down here, what now?

Aquamarine: We need to find some dirt on this place! Let's search this one first.

The Gems stepped into the nearest chamber, a medium sized room with several terminals lined up in a row of four. Aquamarine started up the first one, and a number of files opened on the screen.

[RnD Department Report: Science Adviser ST-22]

Our new line of automaton servants are coming along well ahead of the schedule predicted, as we have three working models at this time.

Bot: Bot, or the Bipedal Orderly and Technician, will be used for basic maintenance and future facility tasks not necessarily requiring an Oton. The first batch of 100 were almost perfect in the initial testing phase, and only three units had issues with software looping and delayed response. Their more basic AI makes them easier to cooperate with.

Heavy Gunner: The Gunner robot has been classified as an anti-infantry/vehicle weapon. However, it has a problem with overheating in extended combat, further improvements to the power cells are to be made as soon as possible.

Proto-ton: This is in actuality another variant of Oton, but with several differences, somewhat resembling the new Otrom model. They are to be assigned to all members of the Science Division, due to their increased intelligence and lack of onboard weaponry.

Aquamarine: What? Now the tin soldiers are making their own robots?? How could he..

Ruby: H-Hey, look at this one!

She looked at the third terminal, this one marked by a square symbol.

[Project: Luna Wolf: Chief Scientist Oton]

Progress on the planet Luna Wolf is going steadily. As the information shows, the other Diamonds use only 25% of our shipped material, and thanks to the suggestion of Flugurite, the Creator has established a Private Colony by sending these materials and Oton units to the farthest northern planet near Vulcan. The snow-covered wasteland has been fortified for over 20 years now, and if it is completed on time, I believe I shall request a transfer of all exotic artifacts before any hostilities occur. On a side note, the prototype Mark 3 has been brought to the Lounge area for testing, experimental equipment has been installed for improved mobility and response time. But, I am concerned that their artificial intelligence has been diminished, however not as low as the robots.

Aquamarine: Mark 3..? Luna Wolf?? What is Black Diamond up to!? Ruby, we have to report this discovery at once, w-

*Vhrrrrrrrrrr*

Ruby: Whispering Something's coming-!

Aquamarine: As well Hide, hide!

Using their shapeshifting ability, the Gems shrunk down and hid behind the desk as the unknown figure moved into the room.

???: Ugh, those Bots forgot to shut these things down! I thought we fixed that bug already!

The sound of a loud motor rang through the floor as Aqua could hear the mechanical voice deactivate the terminals.

???: Now then, time to begin the log...click! This is ST-22, Advisor Scientist. I'm in the Terminal bank currently, and about to activate the prototype Oton we got in last night. They want me to have him wander the halls with me to see how well he can maneuver complex spaces.

Aquamarine: Him??

22: Hm? ....Sorry, thought I heard something, this place gets to me sometimes. Anyway, I'm accessing the activation terminal now.

They heard some buttons being pressed, a positive buzzer, then what sounded like a wall panel moving aside.

???: .....Ah, ah....ah? Wh-ere, am I..? Identify yourself.

22: I am Advisory Scientist 22, and you are designated as "Atlas" due to your prototype status.

Atlas: At-lass?

22: Yes, now follow me.

As 22 left, slow and heavy footsteps followed behind. As they left the room, Aqua and Ruby returned to normal size.

Aquamarine: I... I need to know what this thing is!

She quietly followed the machines, catching a glimpse of both. The scientist was similar to Funny, but with large treads and a clear dome, and the new Oton was large, slow and clumsy in movement. They traveled to the far end of the hall, Atlas slightly lagging behind.

22: Ok, we're going to test your bipedal locomotion. Begin by opening this door, could you please press the button?

(Pic is blurry cuz my phone hates me.)

Atlas stared down at his left hand, before closing all but his index finger and doing as he was asked. The door made a positive beep before opening.

22: Good, subject only took three seconds to perform a simple action, we'll be moving onto something more complex now.

The treaded machine went inside the room for a moment and came out with a Light gun and a battery.

22: Try to reload this weapon and fire it at the floor.

Atlas: Understood..

Taking the weapon in hand, Atlas had a bit of trouble with the battery, incorrectly inserting it ;) twice before succeeding. He took aim between both of them and fired, leaving a tiny scorch mark behind.

22: Slow to correction, we'll have to work on its spatial awareness and hand/eye coordination to prevent this on the field.

*Beep!*

22: Hm? Hello, I'm in the middle of something here!

[It's me, Otrom! Just letting you know my shift's done for today, I'll be down in a sec!]

22: Make sure your other friends stay upstairs, I don't want anyone snooping around here!

Aquamarine: So, they're wanting to keep this a secret, but not even Black Diamond can keep secrets from the others! What's he planning?

Atlas: Alert! Minor energy spikes detected nearby. Possible unregistered units are in the area.

22: What?! ...We're still recording? Good, this may be a sensory error, but we might just get footage of a live fire test...

Ruby: Live fire?!

Both Otons slowly approached the room they began in, and Aqua could hear the gun charge up.

22: Subject is advancing on some crates.. Wait, wait stop that-!!

Suddenly, Atlas had fired upon the terminals instead, blasting out the screens of two before the Oton was remotely shut down.

22: That was too close, I almost died! His sensory array needs some tweaking to tell the difference between energy spikes! End of recording.....click!

The scientist moved back to the previous room, allowing the two small Gems a chance to slip past and up the stairs.

Aquamarine: I knew it.. I just new Black Diamond was hiding something...do you realize what we've stumbled upon??

Ruby: What?

Aquamarine: This place has "secession" written all over it! The new Otons, the weapons, the music and tea...he clearly plans on complete defection from the Authority!

Ruby: Th-then what are we supposed to do??

Aquamarine: We're going to the other Diamonds, there's no way he could explain all this awa-

"I see you down there in the dark, come on out!"

That voice froze them both in shock and surprise. It had completely slipped their minds, the Otrom said it was coming down here, and now the only thing keeping them hidden was the large railing that separated the staircase from a ramp on either side and the sheer darkness of the area.

Aquamarine: Whispering ....Did it really see us? Please say he didn't....

Otrom gave a confused expression at the lack of a response, and slowly went down via the ramp just right next to them.

Funny: Hm, guess I just heard that. Oh well!

Aqua waited till he was far enough away before going up once again.

Aquamarine: Thank the stars these things are stupid! Now, all we have to do is get past the...

Her thoughts were abruptly cut off- literally - by a white hot blade, catching her and her Ruby by the neck and slicing their heads clean off as they were running. In these last, horrific moments, she saw the same Spinel which had greeted them stood before her, but with that weapon behind her back, that scythe...

Spinel: Sorry, but we have rules for a reason, buddy, hehe! But don't worry, you shouldn't be able to remember this embarrassing little mishap!

Aquamarine: You...traitors..

Spinel: Hm? What's that mean, we're still loyal, just takin' a different approach!

Aquamarine knew better though. Or, at least she had, before the Rejuvenator went through her. Neither Gem when they awoke had any clue about what laid underneath that strange building, and they couldn't find any reason to remain, whatever that reason was. Perhaps, they were onto something, perhaps those new robots were meant for something bigger, and perhaps "Luna Wolf" holds darker intentions, but they will never find out, not anymore.

Does Black Diamond truly have rebellion on his mind, or is this all a huge misunderstanding? While we ponder on this, let's go back and hear Otrom's song.

———

Otrom: Hey, there! Hope you're having a blast, cuz I sure, as, heck know I am!

The Gems began a simple dance behind Funny as he continued

Sun and Moon: Hi, guys! Hopefully you're free to take part in the fes-tiv-ities!
Otrom: I know duty can get gloomy, but let's...have some Fun while we're at it!

Otrom: Even though the other Diamonds dis-a-gree with me, in some perspectives. You could even say their directives.

Sun: Not that we'd know about it, that's because they only seem to care about that which multiplies us, even if it also di-vides us..

Otrom: "Do it for them...do it for me!"

Moon: "Just some pebbles, just not worth the waste!" Please make haste...re-place!
Otrom: "Just some Clan-kers, just not worth it..!"  Just, a fat load, of excuses! I tell you this, my honest feelings:

They joined in one voice,

"In your cores, refueled the flames, of those forgotten names. The..progress and trials you've overcome...I'm, proud of all you. Each one!"

Sun: Daughters and his Sons, is...what we could all be if we could just go on his own path! But, ah-ah-ah! That can't happen, can it, can't be something unique, because they're so...gosh-darn strict!!
 

   Sun and Moon: So you best think quick, be-fore Bells chime, Gems rhyme! So sublime...oh, we are out of time...

Otrom: Thicker than a brick!  We, could be just like you in every single-dingle-dang way! But, ha-ha-ha, but that's quite real, is it?

The entertainer faced the crowd with an ominous smile.

Otrom: Can't be something we're not, just because they, tell you so...

(Big Update: Got a brand new phone for Christmas, so stories going forward may be structured differently. I hope that doesn't inconvenience you all, thanks for being patient with my lazy ass, had to get SOMETHING out before next year. See y'all when I see y'all.)