Garnet: I know this isn't ideal, but in situations like this, all we can do is make the best of what little we have.
Steven: I get that! But this... this is too dangerous!
Garnet: We don't have a choice. This is the reality of what we're up against.
Steven: Maybe, but if there's even the slightest chance to avoid risk, we have to take it!
Garnet: Steven, there's no such thing as a risk-free plan. No matter how careful we are, danger is inevitable. That's something we have to accept.
Steven: No! I refuse to accept that! Because if we fail again, they'll just wipe your memories like last time! But for Connie and me… they'll kill us!
Garnet: ...Yes. Without a doubt.
[An awkward silence lingers for a moment.]
Steven: See?! That's exactly my point! I can't take that risk! If something happens to Connie because of me... I'd never forgive myself.
[Connie places a hand on Steven's shoulder, grounding him.]
Connie: Steven, you're not wrong to feel scared. But you can't only focus on the worst-case scenario. You have to think about what could go right, too.
Steven: Connie, what are you saying?! Aren't you scared?!
Connie: Of course I am. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't. I'm just a regular human, caught up in the midst of an alien war that is far beyond my comprehension. I know I could die every second I'm here, but... that's the risk I chose the moment I decided to help you, Steven. And I'm not going to back down now.
[Steven's face falters for a moment, clearly taken aback by her honesty. He runs his hand through his hair, struggling to process it.]
Steven: How... how can you say that so calmly? How can you be okay with knowing what could happen?
Connie: It's not about being okay with it, Steven. It's about acknowledging that anything could happen and still choosing to act anyway. And if things go wrong, at least I'll know I gave it everything I had.
Steven: So, you want me to just… ignore my fears? Pretend they're not there and push through anyway?
Connie: What? No! Fear is a natural part of being human. You can't just pretend it it's not there. But you can't let it make the decisions for you, either.
Steven: ...
Connie: Steven, being afraid doesn't mean we should stop. If anything, it means we should keep going, keep fighting! But if we let it stop us before we even try, then we've already lost.
Steven: I just... I can't bear the thought of losing you guys. Not again.
Garnet: And that's exactly why you're the right person to lead us, Steven. Because you care. But caring doesn't mean avoiding risk, it means making the hard choices when it matters most.
Connie: We can't control what's coming, Steven. But we can control how we face it. Together.
Steven: ...
[Steven exhales deeply. He looks at Connie, then Garnet, then the rest of the team. The fear in his eyes hasn't disappeared, but...]
Steven: *rubbing the back of his neck* Okay... if this is the only way, then whatever happens, happens. There's no turning back now. We've come too far to stop.
Connie: Steven...
Steven: We'll never know what's on the other side unless we take the leap. It could be the end of everything, but even if it is... we'll face it together! We'll fight with everything we've got, all the way to the very end!
Pearl: That sounds just like something your mother would say.
Steven: I'm hoping that's a good thing.
Pearl: It is. She always knew that sometimes, you have to risk everything to make a real difference.
Steven: *nodding* Alright, then it's settled. Let's get this over with!
Connie: Hold on a second, Steven! We can't just act on impulse; you said it yourself. Let's take this one step at a time, alright?
Steven: *a bit sheepish* Oh, you're right. Sorry about that.
Connie: First, we need to figure out the exact location of the enemy's base of operations.
Steven: Now that you bring it up, that could be tricky. We never got any solid intel on that, did we?
Connie: No, nothing concrete. All we know for sure is that the Palace isn't it, at least that much is confirmed. So, it has to be somewhere else. The question is... where?
Steven: Anyone got any ideas? Even the smallest lead could make a difference.
Amethyst: *shakes her head* Nothing here. Sorry, dude.
Peridot: I'd tell you if I knew anything, but I don't.
Pearl: I'm afraid I'm in the same boat.
Steven: Hmm... *turns to Garnet* Well, what about you, Garnet? You were a high-ranking Gem in their ranks, right? Any chance you picked up something during your time there?
Garnet: Unfortunately, no. I wasn't part of their inner circle, not by a long shot. And my position wasn't high enough grant me access to that kind of information.
Steven: Ah... I see. *sighs* Looks like we've hit a dead end, then.
Garnet: Not quite.
Steven: Huh? Garnet, what do you mean?
Garnet: I don't have the exact location, but I do have a theory.
Steven: A theory?
Garnet: It's about White Diamond's ship. It's always been a restricted area, with only a select few having clearance to enter. But lately, it's been under much heavier guard than usual. I'm not sure what triggered it, but such a significant increase in security doesn't happen without reason. Believe me.
Connie: Hmm, that's true. They must be hiding something on that ship. Something important.
Garnet: Or perhaps... someone important.
Steven: Wait, are you suggesting White's ship could be their base of operations?
Garnet: Yes. It's a strong possibility.
Steven: But why her ship? Is there something special about it?
Connie: That part's still unclear. But honestly, the reason doesn't matter much right now. Still, it's worth investigating.
Steven: Then what are we waiting for?! Let's check it out!
Connie: Not just yet, Steven. We need to think this through first. A solid strategy is key if we want to make sure we succeed.
Steven: Right, sorry. Got ahead of myself again.
Connie: And since we can't predict exactly what's going to happen, we should definitely have a backup plan in place. Something like taking over the ship for a quick getaway if things go south.
Garnet: Agreed. A backup plan is just as important as the primary one.
Connie: We need to be ready for anything.
Steven: Alright, I'm with you. Let's make this count.