An Obsidian’s Duty (conversation)
Homeworld had entertainment facilities all over it's cities. Of course, most had shut down since Era 2 started, but the ones that did survive thrived. The concept was that relaxed and happy gems would make more productive gems. However, these places weren't just for any gem. Only gems close to the Diamonds, or those who were of a magnificent cut, were served here.
And now, X8b was one of those allowed entry.
It had been awhile since she had started the job. White Diamond, or rather, her pearl, had been gracious. They hadn't expected X8b to know her job imminently and had given her have five days to get through the basics. After that she had been expected to perform perfectly. So far, it seemed she was performing well, despite...complications.
She sighed and glanced around once more. The building consisted of several steeped terraces. On each layer there were comfortable chairs you could lie on and tables decorated with reflective glass. At the bottom of the pit, there sat a pool of water, with dark gem like shapes swimming underneath. Occasionally there would be a fountain display, or a platform would rise up and several gems would begin a performance. Up above, on the highest layer, sat three huge chairs, with room for a fourth. That is where the Diamonds would have sat, if they came back to this place.
Only the best for the Homeworld elite.
Perhaps she counted as an elite gem now, but it didn't feel right to say. She was a working class gem for the Diamond's sake. Top Tiers were in another class it seemed. Though, X8b couldn't complain, this view was beautiful.
A hush came over the voices of the crowd. X8b was confused, until she glanced over the railing of the terrace to see a platform rise out of the water and several pearls with it.
"My luminous gems." A gem spoke from out of sight (perhaps a Spinel?), "We are honored to present to you the enchanting voices of our very own...pearls!"
The pearls on the stage began to walk away from the center, platforms rising beneath them as they did. It made the illusion of walking on water very believable. When they stopped, it was like the entire room was holding it's breath.
Then the music started.
She had forgotten how beautiful pearl's voices were.
X8b had never owned a pearl, nor had any desire too, but that was only when she wasn't hearing them sing. Perhaps it would have been worth it to get a pearl as a reward, if only to hear this melody whenever she pleased. It swirled in her mind, allowing her thoughts to disappear.
"Hello."
X8b opened her eyes, glancing up at the gem who had just spoken with her. The other Obsidian was a little taller than she was, her gem located on her chest, and her eyes just a little to round. She looked at the seat across from X8b.
"May I sit?"
"You have permission." X8b nodded.
"Thanks X." The Obsidian sat across from her, a smile on their face.
"It's X8b." She sighed, "though I doubt it matters. How are you doing K70?"
K70 grinned, "Just fine." She pulled out the, admittedly less comfortable chair, and sat down, "Oh my, they weren't kidding when they said this place was magnificent."
"Mh, yes." X8b closed her eyes, listening to the music again, "It's almost everything they said it would be."
"In surprise you managed to get entry! You have to go past the Top Teir's for this kind of treatment!"
X8b felt her weight come crashing back to her, "Ah, yes. I suppose so."
"X8b." K70 frowned at her in disappointment, "Don't tell me you went in here without the proper permission!"
"Do I look like the type of gem to do that?" X8b raised her eyebrow at the other, "Please be sensible, you've known me for my whole existence."
"...so how did you manage to book us?" K70 huffed, "The Top Tiers never let anyone take breaks anymore, since Obsidian production was halted we've all been swamped!" "I'm a Top Teir now." X8b replied nonchalantly, ignoring the feeling of how un-right that sounded, "So technically I'm allowed here whenever I please."
K70 gawked at her. When she managed to close her jaw, she whispered, "Why are you joking around? The X8b I knew never joked!"
"I don't joke."
"No. I don't suppose you do." K70 frowned, "But I still don't believe it. You, a Top Tier?"
"What's so hard to believe about it?" X8b turned to look at the pearl's below, "You said it after I finished my training, I had the potential."
"Oh, well, of course you did, it's just-"
"Just what?"
"...your gem placement." K70 replied softly, "The Diamond's usually like to have someone who matches their gem placement to serve them personally. Yours is...kind of off."
"I know." X8b sighed heavily, now very conscious of the gem on her arm, "I was worried about it as well, but White Diamond doesn't-"
K70 stood up suddenly, "You're White's?!" She interrupted.
X8b startled, nearly jumping backwards, "Y-Yes. She uh, she didn't seem to have a problem with it."
"How did you get that position?!"
"I think it's classified, I'm afraid," X8b wasn't exactly lying, she had been told to keep quiet about the circumstances of her ascension, "but it was approved by the Diamond herself and who am I to question my Diamond?"
K70 shook her head, sitting down again, "I can't believe it. You're completely sure?"
"Her pearl told me."
"Well then, congratulations!"
X8b forced a smile on her face, but if felt sour, "It is appreciated."
"So, almighty Top Teir, what bestows me the honor of seeing you tonight?"
The smile softened, and X8b rolled her eyes, "You joke to much. It's going to get you in trouble one of these days."
"What, are you going to tell on me?" K70 raised an eyebrow knowingly.
"It's not that big of an offence."
"I'm glad you care, X. You always were my favorite."
A tall gem came onto the terrace they were sitting at. They started passing out thin containers holding some sort of liquid X8b didn't recognize. When the gem gave her and K70 one each, she found it to be clear, much to her surprise.
"Excuse me, what is this?" She asked, picking up her own.
"It is a drink, ma'am."
"What drink?"
"The compound is called CH3COOH." The server replied, before walking to the next table, filled with opals.
K70 frowned, staring at hers but not touching it, "Why would they give this stuff out? No one needs beverages, they just waste time."
"I think the concept is to indulge yourself momentarily, then purge your body so it remains clean." X8b swirled the bubbling liquid around in her container, "Do you wish to indulge with me?"
"No thank you." K70 wrinkled her nose, "This smells disgusting."
X8b shrugged, bringing the container to her lips. The aroma coming from the liquid was hard to describe. It was sharp, distinctly different from any thing she had smelled before. She let a tiny bit of the liquid in her mouth and the taste overwhelmed her. It burned her nose, prickled her mouth, and made her eyes water.
She choked on it slightly, spitting it back out as quickly as she could.
X8b put the glass back down, squeezing her eyes shut. That was...unpleasant, yet strangely she didn't mind. There was a odd flavor she couldn't quite place, but it was quite powerful.
"Well?" K70 asked.
"I...don't know." X8b frowned, the taste still lingered, "...I've never tasted anything like it."
The other Obsidian shuddered, looking over her shoulder, "Must be an acquired then."
X8b glanced in the direction she was looking in time to see a Morganite take the whole drink and swallow it. What!? How even would you do that?
"Must be." She agreed.
"Guess you'll have to acquire it too, since you're high ranking now."
"If I have to get used to drinking this," X8b gestured to her beverage, "I'd rather be back in training."
K70 laughed, "That's not a good attitude to have! Especially for a Top Tier."
"Very well, but I do have a reason for bring you here besides witty banter."
"Oh?" K70 tilted her head, "And what would my illustrious Top Tier want with me?"
"This is serious. Please, act like it."
"Of course." K70 sighed, "Back to business. What is it X?"
X8b paused, considering what to say. Even after setting up this meeting, she still wasn't sure of herself. This decision would impact K70's life and perhaps the lives of many Obsidian's. However...
"I want you to take over my previous position."
K70 blinked.
"It's a lot of work." X8b explained, "You have to manage a lot of Obsidians, take care of Homeworld inspections where the other Top Tiers and I can't. I know it's a lot to ask, but you're the only Obsidian I trust to handle to job."
The other Obsidian stared at her for a moment in silence.
"I'm...flattered." She started, "but I have some concerns-"
"The Obsidians I worked with wouldn't do well in my position. They don't have the experience of teaching new Obsidians like you do." X8b interrupted, "I trust you more than I trust them."
"Well..." K70 paused, frowning, "Won't they think I just got in because I know you?"
"You think you can't prove yourself?" X8b raised an eyebrow, "The most they can do is raise a formal complaint, which will go back to me."
"Right well-"
"And if they give you any trouble, you can always take it up with me."
"X8b..." K70 groaned, rubbing her temple.
"I'm just looking out for you." X8b replied coolly, "It's good to know gems in our occupation."
"..." K70 shook her head, but she was smiling, "Well, I'm honored. I will graciously take the job. Even if it does mean I'll get swamped with even more work."
X8b glanced down at the center of the pool. The pearls had stopped singing now and many gems were giving their approval. It was such a beautiful song....
"How are the newest Obsidians doing?"
K70 shook her head, "Not good. There were only three from the latest batch who could see their own aura. I have no idea what the issue is. I asked a Peridot but they couldn't give me specifics."
"Homeworld is running out of materials is what's happening." X8b murmurer darkly.
"Is that true?"
"Unfortunately." She sighed, "we're losing gems at the same rate we're making them. There are more defects as well. I don't know how long we're going to last before expansion slows to a halt."
"That's awfully positive."
"I'm being realistic." X8b stood up, "I think I'm done here. You may stay as long as you wish and contact me when you officially move in."
"Will do." The other Obsidian crossed her arms in front of her chest in salute, "Thank you, my illustrious X."
X8b almost rolled her eyes as she walked to the exit.
