[After being poofed earlier in battle, the Famethysts begin to reform, one by one. Their gemstones glow brightly as they rise into the air, light solidifying into their new forms.]
Amethyst 8XL: They took a little longer than I thought.
Amethyst: Nah, could've been worse. I mean, some others take weeks to reform. Right, Pearl?
Pearl: *dryly, crossing her arms* Ha, ha. Very funny, Amethyst.
Amethyst: Thanks, I do try...
Amethyst 8XL: *clears throat* Alright, gather round, everyone. I'll get you all up to speed.
[The reformed Famethysts form a circle in the background, murmuring quietly among themselves as Amethyst 8XL fills them in on the current situation.]
[Suddenly, a loud growl echoes through the cavern, Steven's stomach. He chuckles sheepishly, clutching his abdomen.]
Steven: *blushing slightly* Boy, I had so much on my mind I didn't even realize how hungry I was.
Connie: Yeah, same here. We haven't eaten anything since yesterday.
Pearl: That's not good. Human bodies require a steady intake of food and water. You won't last long without it. Connie, you made sure to pack enough provisions for both of you, right?
Connie: I think so.
[Connie unzips her backpack, revealing an assortment of neatly organized snacks and several bottles of water.]
Connie: Hope this'll do.
Pearl: *inspects the snacks* It's... better than nothing, I suppose.
Garnet: Steven, Connie, we'll get back into action tomorrow. We need you both at your best, so make sure you eat well, stay hydrate and get a good night's sleep.
Steven: Yeah, of course. We'll be ready.
[Steven and Connie sit down to eat, savoring every bite as if it's the first real food they've had in days. The rest of the Gems watch quietly.]
Garnet: Once they're done, everyone head straight to sleep. We Gems don't require it, but it'll help us regain our strength.
Pearl: Fair enough.
[Amethyst yawns as she flops onto the ground, arms behind her head.]
Amethyst: Yup, a nap sounds perfect right about now. Been a long day.
Pearl: Do you think we should take turns keeping watch?
Garnet: Absolutely. Better safe than sorry. *adjusts her visors* I'll take first shift. The rest of you, get some sleep.
[The group settles in. The cavern falls into an eerie silence.]
The Next Day.
[After a long and much-needed night's sleep, Steven and his friends wake up feeling refreshed and ready to jump back into action. They have meticulously worked out every last detail of their plan, coordinating with the Battleship's crew via the communicator. They raised no objections, if anything, they were eager to help.]
Later...
[With everything set, Steven's group leaves the abandoned area of Homeworld, making their way toward the Palace. Their sights set on taking over White Diamond's ship.]
Steven: Ok, everyone. You all know the plan, right?
Pearl: I think it might be wise to go over it once more, just to make sure we're all on the same page.
Steven: Good call. Garnet, take it from here.
Garnet: Alright then. Listen up, everybody, because I'm only saying this once.
Amethyst: *nods* We're all ears.
Garnet: As soon as the Battleship arrives and gets within range of White Diamond's ship, it'll open fire on the Topazes on the left. That'll be the signal for the Amethysts to engage the Agates on the right.
Steven: In the midst of the confusion, Garnet, Amethyst, Pearl, and I will take on the two Lapis Lazulis guarding the front. We don't know how formidable they are, they could be just as strong as our Lapis, maybe even stronger. And we all remember what happened last time, so we need to neutralize them as quickly as possible.
[Connie looks uneasy, feeling unsure of her place in the plan.]
Connie: ...
Steven: And remember, if things get ugly, we can always take White's ship and make a run for it. That's our backup plan. Any questions?
[Connie raises her hand, her expression serious.]
Connie: Yeah, I've got a question… actually, more like a few.
Steven: *nervously* Uh... okay. Go ahead.
Connie: Where do I fit into all this?! What's my role?! What exactly am I supposed to do to support you all?!
[Steven freezes for half a second before rubbing the back of his head awkwardly.]
Steven: Um, well... Connie, you and Peridot will provide support from the rear, okay? You'll both watch our backs, make sure no one sneaks up on us.
Connie: *stunned* What?! No way!
Peridot: *shrugs* Works for me.
Connie: Well, not for me!
Peridot: *offended* Ouch.
Connie: Sorry, Peridot, nothing personal. It's just... *turns back to Steven* I thought we agreed I'd be fighting alongside you guys! I don't want to stay behind!
Steven: Connie, come on...
Connie: No, YOU come on, Steven! Please, let me fight up front with you! I can help out more if I'm in the thick of it!
Steven: I know that, but--
Connie: *cutting him off* But what?! Just be honest with me, Steven!! You're worried I'll just slow everyone down, aren't you?! You think I'll just be a liability, a burden to the team!!
[The sharpness in her voice makes Steven flinch. He falls silent, unsure of what to say, but Connie doesn't wait for him to speak.]
Steven: ...
Connie: I knew it... *clenches her fists* Look, I might not have super-strength or any kind of alien power like the rest of you, but I can hold my own! I won't be a liability, I swear! And if you don't believe that, then let's fuse again! That way, we'll be stronger together!
Steven: Connie, that's not what this is abou. I know how capable you are, I've seen it firsthand. I truly believe you can be a big asset to us, not a liability.
Connie: Then what's the issue, Steven?!
Steven: I just... I don't want you to get hurt for my sake. You've already done so much for me, more than I ever could've asked for. More than you had to. And I can't thank you enough for that. That's why I need you to stay in the rear this time. Now it's my turn to take care of you.
Connie: ...
Steven: Please, let me do this for you. I promise I won't let anything happen to you.
Connie: Steven, I--
[Garnet suddenly raises a hand, signaling silence.]
Garnet: *whispering* Shh! Keep it down! We're dangerously close to the Palace now! If you keep arguing this loud, we'll be caught in an instant!
Steven and Connie: *whispering in unison* Sorry!
[Both lower their voices. Connie stares at him, searching his face for any sign of doubt. But she finds none. She clenches her fists.]
Connie: Tch. You don't seem likely to change your mind anytime soon, do you?
Steven: *shaking his head* Nope. This is the way it has to be.
Connie: *sighs, resigned* If that's the case, I guess I have no choice but to do as you say.
Steven: *relieved* I'm glad you understand.
Connie: But don't ever think for a second that I won't jump in if you really needed me. I'll always have your back.
Steven: *smiles* I know you will...
Moments Later...
[After a long walk and a little discussion, Steven's group arrives at the Palace without incident. Now, just thirty meters away from White Diamond's ship, they stealthily take cover behind some debris, careful to remain unseen.]