"There you are. I've been looking all over for you," cried Pearl.

"Pearl I'm at a critical juncture right now. What do you want?"said Garnet.

The cube headed gem was sitting cross legged in the burning room. From what Pearl could tell Garnet have been sitting there for days.

"I just was at the grocery store when I saw Rosalind," said Pearl.

"So?"

"Rosalind Fryman has been dead for 4 years. You've been manipulating the time streams

"I'm making sure nothing happens. That Homeworld doesn't send any new forces our way."

"Oh,and long will you keep this up?"

"For as long as it takes."

"Garnet you know how dangerous manipulating the time streams are. Considering you could unravel the space time continuum why would you ever do that?"

"Because Steven is not ready. We're not ready. Our most powerful weapons have no effect on their ships and a mere technician with no combat training almost killed us both. We cannot afford another confrontation."

"And what about you and your health? I can see from here how much you're hurting."

"It'll hurt much more if Homeworld sends another war party."

"And you plan to control every variable? Garnet not even you can do that. Stop what you're doing right this instant."

"I can't. We have no idea of what Homeworld is like now."

"Peridot does. Maybe she should be in charge."

"Not funny Pearl."

"Seriously, this is no way to prepare for Homeworld. Remember when Steven gave himself up to save his friends two months ago? Did you predict that? Now stop what you are doing now. I've prepared some coffee for you."

Garnet opened her eyes. She stood up as Pearl handed a steaming mug of coffee. She was about to take a large gulp when Amethyst burst into the room.

"Guys, Peridot's missing and I just Steven and Connie entering Lion's man," shouted the purple gem.

Several Years Later

Peridot clutched the baby awkwardly as Steven led her down the stairs. Considering the size of little Jenny Peridot was surprised that she could walk.

"That's it one more step and we're done," said Steven. "Let me hold Jenny while you go sit down. Peridot what are you doing?"

"I'm summoning the bassinet," replied Peridot.

Before Steven's eyes a large modified robinoid came into the living room. It stood right in front of Peridot as she place little Jenny inside. Then the green gem set herself on the couch.

"Oh good for you," said Steven. "Peridot you seem nervous. What's the matter?"

"What's the matter? I'll tell you what's the matter. I'm afraid. Even after taking all those parenting lessons I have no idea of how to take care of a baby. What if I forget to feed her or she gets sick?"

"Oh babies will tell you when they're hungry. That's not a problem."

"But Steven I'm not like humans. I don't have parenting instincts preprogrammed into me. What if I mess up."

"Peridot you'll be a fine mother and besides you've got me to help."

In her bassinet Jenny fussed. Peridot cooed and picked her up. The young mother then started to nurse.

"See you've already got it down pat."

"But -but."

"No buts. Peridot I have never seen a more loving ,caring person than you. I seen you take care of Lapis, your sisters and you've taken care of me. It moved me so much I wrote this song for you," Steven pulled out his guitar and strummed a light tune.

If I could be

Half of what you think of me

I can do about anything

I can even learn how to love...

When Steven finished he turned to Peridot. "Peridot, I cannot say this enough. Because of you I'm able to enjoy this moment. You protected me and gave me this rich full life. It is because of your that I have Jenny, this home and my business. I cannot imagine life without you."