Somewhere deep within the abandoned area of Homeworld.
[The cavern where Steven and his friends were earlier begins to crumble due to Steven's emotional outburst. The group has no choice but to make their way out, fearing they could be buried alive. After some time, they find another cavern, sitting in a circle to discuss their next move.]
Garnet: We've been through a lot, but now's not the time to lose focus. We need to decide our next course of action.
Steven: *sighs* I wish I could think of something, Garnet. But right now... I feel like we're at a dead end, no matter which way we turn.
Connie: *her eyes downcast* I feel the same way. I-I thought I had it all figured out, but my infiltration strategy only made things worse! *her voice falters* A lot of Gems got hurt because of me! *tears fill her eyes* I don't think I can ever forgive myself for screwing up like this!
[Pearl moves to comfort her, gently placing a hand on Connie's shoulder before pulling her into an embrace.]
Pearl: Don't be so hard on yourself, Connie. You were brave. You did what you thought was right, and no one can fault you for that. We'll find a way to turn this around, I promise you.
Steven: I want to believe that, Pearl. I really do. I just can't see how.
Pearl: Don't give up hope just yet. We've made it through worse.
Amethyst: What about the Diamonds? If anyone can sort this mess out in no time, it'd be them, right?
Steven: The Diamonds? Yeah, about that... I haven't heard from them in months.
Connie: We've tried everything to reach them, but... it's like they've just vanished off the face of the universe.
Pearl: That's strange. The Diamonds might be unpredictable at times, but they wouldn't just disappear. Something must have happened to them.
Steven: Or maybe they just don't care!
Pearl: Steven...
Steven: Come on, Pearl. We're talking about the Diamonds, the strongest beings in the universe. If something had happened to them, I would've been the first to know. Bluebird and her friends would never miss a chance to try to break my spirit.
Peridot: That's a solid point.
Amethyst: So, what? You think they're just ignoring us?
Steven: *frustrated* What else could it be!? The last thing we heard, they were going on some "vacation." Yeah, like they even deserve one! I bet they're out there having the time of their lives, completely oblivious to everything going wrong here!
Pearl: I get that you're frustrated, Steven, but we shouldn't jump to conclusions like that. The fact that the Diamonds are missing could mean there's something much bigger going on, something we don't know about yet.
Amethyst: Yeah, there's definitely something off about all of this.
Steven: Guys, can we just stop talking about the Diamonds? They're not going to come and save us.
Amethyst: Damn, you really don't trust them, huh?
Steven: After everything they've done? How could I?
Amethyst: Fair enough. Not like any of us trusts them anyway.
Pearl: I doubt there's a single Gem in the universe who actually trusts them. And I'm sure they're fully aware of that.
Steven: Yeah, that makes me think they might be behind all of this somehow... Wouldn't surprise me at this point.
Amethyst: Hmm, I'm not sure that theory holds much water, Steven.
Pearl: I agree. If they were involved, they wouldn't be hiding in the shadows. The Diamonds are too proud to let anyone else call the shots.
Steven: I... I know. It's just a gut feeling I can't shake off, that's all.
Pearl: As much as I understand that, a gut feeling alone isn't enough to dismiss the possibility that something might have happened to them.
Steven: Maybe you're right... but whether they're missing or somehow involved, the truth is... our situation remains the same!
Garnet: *adjusting her visor* Steven's right. Dwelling on the Diamonds won't get us anywhere.
Steven: Right. We can't afford to waste any more time. Let's tackle the situation at hand, alright?
Amethyst: Then let's stop talking and actually do something, ANYTHING! Even if we fail miserably, it'll better than just sitting here!
Steven: No, Amethyst. We can't just act on impulse. If we're going to make a move, it has to be calculated.
[Steven's hands shake at his sides, fingers curling into fists as his chest knots with the weight of it all.]
Steven: We already failed once... and if we fail again, I don't think we'll ever get another chance to set things right. I-I can't let that happen, I'd never forgive myself!
Garnet: You don't have to carry this burden alone, Steven. You've done more than enough already.
Steven: It doesn't feel like enough! There are so many Gems out there still suffering, still waiting for help, and everything I've done so far... it just feels so insignificant. Like I'm not making any real difference!
Garnet: You brought us back. That wasn't insignificant. We're standing here because of you. And now, together, we'll find a way out of this.
Steven: I hope so...
Connie: You know, I've been thinking about it, and I feel like it's time to reconsider our approach.
Steven: *confused* Change how?
Connie: We've been playing it too safe so far, always staying under the radar, but what if we stop doing that? What if we go straight to the heart of it all?
Pearl: *startled* Connie, are you proposing we launch... a direct attack?!
Connie: *nodding* Yes, exactly that! No more hiding!
Steven: *taken aback* Pardon?!
Garnet: *adjusts her visors* Hmm... It's a dangerous move, but it might actually shift the balance in our favor.
Steven: *alarmed* What?! Garnet, you can't be serious!
Garnet: Steven, calm down. It's not as reckless as it sounds.
Steven: Not as reckless?! You're talking about a direct confrontation against forces way stronger than us! That's practically suicide! I know we're desperate, but not that desperate!
Connie: Just think about it, Steven. Their whole power structure hinges on three Gems: Emerald, Bluebird, and Holly Blue. If we take them out of the equation, the Rejuvenated Gems won't be a problem anymore!
Steven: And what makes you so sure of that?
Garnet: As you know, the Rejuvenated Gems have been conditioned to suppress all independent thought, that's how their superiors keep any memory of their true selves from resurfacing.
Connie: Right! They've been made incapable of thinking for themselves. And because of that, when faced with a crisis, they'll have no idea how to react if their superiors aren't there to give them direction!
Garnet: That's the most probable outcome. Independent action is punished severely, often with death. Most will probably retreat or surrender rather than risk acting on their own.
Pearl: That's just a theory, though. We have no way of knowing for sure how they'll react under pressure. It's like flipping a coin.
Steven: Exactly! We'd be putting our lives on the line for a gamble! Things could go right, but they could also go terribly wrong! We can't risk everything on something so uncertain!
Garnet: Steven, life itself is full of uncertainty. You should know that by now.
Amethyst: And let's be real, what other options do we actually have? Sit around and hope for a miracle?
Pearl: As much as I hate to admit it... Amethyst has a point. This might be our best shot by far.
Steven: I don't know, guys. I'm not sure about this...