The Story!

United Arms Holding Cell (Time unclear)

Logan felt way more than little bit naked in there without his phone. He'd kind of taken it for granted in the past, but having a high-tech device with the best encryption and security the United Arms had available for him gave him an easy way to conduct what he referred to as 'casual diplomacy'. Cutting deals and even basic chatting were the kind of things he considered himself good at, but there would be none of that for now. For example, he knew it would probably be good to follow up with Steven and see what happened there. He also knew that if given the chance, he might be chatting with Misato and attempting to reconcile with her. However, right now all he had was himself, the clothes on him, and the minimal furnishings. Instead of standing or pacing, Logan sat in the chair, collected and composed himself. He didn't have long to think about the kinds of things they were likely to ask. Obviously, his relationship with the gem creatures would come up, as well as his decision to ignore a direct order. The anxiety-inducing thing was that they could ask whatever they wanted. But it was like Sonya said! They were his people, right? Whether that was true or not, he kind of had to rely on them for his entire lifestyle and professional career.

Finally, the filtered voice came through the speaker.

“State your name, rank and affiliation.”

Looking straight at it from his seated position. “Ambassador Logan for the United Arms. Can we, uh, do this after I go help out in Newark?”

“Not an alien for the Crystal Gems?” Ah, there it was. They thought he might be compromised and weren't sure if they'd let him pilot.

(“Zero to eighty eight in no seconds,” Logan thought.) “No. As of earlier today, the being known as Herkimer Diamond ceased to exist.”

“Say more on that subject. According to your reports, there were only four Crystal Gems and none of them were diamonds.”

Honesty, he reminded himself, had to carry him. “The gem fusion by the name of Herkimer Diamond, as I alluded to in my conversation with General Keith, came into existence in the early AM hours when the boy named Steven Universe and I performed the ritual of fusion, combining our essences into one being.”

“Similar to the technology used by Jaegar pilots.”

“Maybe. I'm not as familiar with those as I probably should be, but I've been thinking about a return to the pacific rim regions, and what I did could possibly make that more strategically viable.” Logan tried to present himself and his defenses professionally and calmly.

Ignoring his justifications, the disembodied voice on the speaker continued. “Describe Herkimer Diamond.”

“About eight or nine feet tall. Gray skinned, like those aliens from pop culture. Big adorable brown eyes – two of them, but with two sets of arms as well. One around waist level, the other where a normal humanoid's would be. She was pretty buff and a little husky – the kind of girl I'd gladly date any day, if I may-”

“Stick to the topic at hand.”

Logan blushed as he realized how lame and immature that must have come across as. “Herkimer Diamond. Her outfit was kind of like a more generic version of my uniform, but I think it was part of her skin and not clothing.”

“What thoughts and sensations did you experience when you became Herkimer Diamond?”

“Pleasant. Like she was drawing from a deep well of confidence that even I never had access to. I can't qualify if that was from Steven, or just because she believed in herself. The experience was brief, so she wasn't really able to explore who she was.”

“What role did Steven Universe play in this fusion?”

“He was an equal partner, informing and helping to create the being she was.” Logan was feeling okay about the answers he was giving.

“Both of your thoughts were active, then?”

“In a way. Herkimer Diamond was more like her own consciousness, based on the memories and some personality traits from each of us.”

“She was definitely female, though?”

“There's no question – that's what she felt she was.” It had actually felt a little nice, even though he was pretty sure she lacked some of the secondary sex characteristics human females had.

“You describe her in the past tense.”

Getting just a little choked up, Logan answered, “Yes. Like I said, it was a very brief fusion. The truth is that I feel like there are many things that she would have liked to do, or that could only be done as her. However, without her around I am still the loyal Ambassador I've always been, serving the interests of the Arms.”

“What about memories? Do you recall everything you experienced as her? What about memories of Steven Universe's life?”

“I can recall my time as part of Herk more or less as clearly as my memories of my own life, with the exception of things related to Steven. I know there were things that she knew that weren't part of my recall, but not a single thing comes to me now.”

“Based on your experience, do you think the individual you fused with was granted classified United Arms intelligence that he wasn't meant to have access to?”

“Absolutely none. If I don't remember anything at all from his mind, no way does a ditz like him remember.”

“Any changes in personality since your fusion?”

He'd been thinking about this quite seriously, and had come to a solid conclusion. “None whatsoever. My thoughts, feelings, and recall are all exactly my own, with no compromise that I can note.”

“Would you feel comfortable with the United Arms doing some tests on your brainwaves?”

“I guess if you were going to dissect me, you wouldn't ask, so yeah, let's go for it. I have nothing to hide – I'm still your guy.” Logan smiled into what he knew was the camera as well as the speaker.

“Please hold.”

United Arms Holding Cell (broad simulated daylight, another day later)

“I want my nametag back.” Logan said to the nobody that he was celled up with. However, almost on cue, the sliding door opened and a sight for sore eyes walked in.

“Have it, then!” The tan-skinned blonde General that had initially greeted Logan tossed the tag over to him, which he placed it directly onto his chest. “Thank you for coming clean about the whole thing, Logan. I can't tell you just how much easier you've made it for us by just giving it to us straight.” Her accent, a posh British sounding one, somehow lent her an air of class even beyond her words or behavior.

Feeling a tremendous amount of relief, Logan smiled back brightly. “I knew that as long as I was on your carrier, I'd be given a fair shake.”

Admiral Keith took a seat on the table, her white uniform making her reflect all the light in the room wonderfully. “You must understand, when you told us that you took on a Crystal Gem identity, there was some concern.”

Logan waved it off casually. “It's really not a problem, General. The concern I had was that there wouldn't be time for me to get to New Jersey. Is Newark still under siege?” Logan looked, and was, pretty darn concerned.

“Thankfully, combat in that city ended around the time the Arvada would have reached Newark. Since you weren't technically in the vicinity to begin with, it's doubtful that there will be any public backlash against you.”

“Backlash? Was there damage to the city beyond what I initially saw footage of?” Suddenly, the Ambassador's feet looked really interesting, it seemed.

The solemn woman in fashionable glasses placed a gentle hand on Logan's shoulder and assured him, “It's okay. New Jersey is a very well-protected location, as we've learned. Their mecha...” The distinguished officer actually giggled before saying, “Well, you're really going to like it, I think. I know you're all about the giant robots.”

Logan was actually touched, saying, “You remembered what we talked about at my appointment? I was so young back then.” Logan barely had the self-awareness to realize that compared to General Keith, he still was extremely young.

Nodding just enough to be noticed, the superior officer on the vessel let her legs swing a bit as she sat. The fact that Logan had to look up to her from where he was seated wasn't lost on him, but he knew better than to say anything. Instead, she answered, “I've been a pretty big believer in you since then. It's part of why we give you a big budget and a long leash.”

Logan chuckled, conceding that, “I do like how I can run all around the yard without hurting my neck. If I have you to thank for any of that, then it would be a trial to return the favor, General.” The diplomat finally felt comfortable and at ease, and maybe it was just his deprivation of company, but he found the General pretty agreeable!

The decorated blonde woman ran her hand across Logan's momentarily and assured him, “Your continued success returns the favor.” Pulling out a tablet of her own, she verified some information before adding, “We've got some thinking to do, though. Since we're already in the air and your things from the lodge were brought aboard, you could head anywhere you wanted. You mentioned wanting to reconnect with the areas around the Pacific. The Arvada's on a bit of a trip around the world, so we could put you down there. Newark's still an option, if a bit out of our way at the moment. Or...” She trailed off.

“Or?”

“Or you could come all the way around with us to where we started the trip – my home.”

Logan perked up. “You know, even though I was.. Well, anyway, I've never been to England before, General. It's the only UA country I never got to.” No sense involving that whole history.

“'General'... Bit stiff for just the two of us, isn't it? How does Allison sound to you?”

Choice Time!

>Absolutely fantastic!  Logan was quite attracted to General Keith, and it seemed to him like she was up to get a bit familiar!  Flirt flirt flirt!  Sonya didn't own him, nor were they exclusive, so a little harmless playfulness could not hurt.

>Fair enough!  After all, he was already at a disadvantage, since he was just Logan.

>Eh, not great.  Logan would prefer a more professional interaction.

2nd Choice Time!

>Are you stupid, Punk?  Get to Newark, damnit!

>It was time to get in proper contact with those Shatterdome people.  This Breach portal was apparently a long-term threat, and he needed to get in with them if he could ever help resolve it.

>It would be absolutely fantastic to spend some time in the UK!  It had been some time since he was in UA territory, but he was sure he'd find something to keep him busy there.

Choice one: Third option. Simply does not feel right.

Choice two: Newark for the giant robots.

Also forgot to mention, that went better than I thought it would be.

Who needs Harry Pottah when we can go to Newark. Besides Newark is way more magical then Hogwarts.

Action Frame Hangar Number 5 – Aboard the Action Frame Carrier Arvada

Yes, it was probably for the best that Logan was headed off the airship that he'd been briefly detained on. There would be other chances to check it out and pursue his other goals later, but he had set out to make it to New Jersey and it was finally about to happen. Yes, they were positioned above the city of Newark, having made it there after a brief trip. Logan and General Allison Keith had spent much of it chatting, and it was actually surprising him how well he'd gotten along with his superior-multiple-times-over. Actually, it was a little surprising to him – generally, he'd been contacted fairly anonymously. To speak directly to such a high ranking officer, especially in so casual a manner, he could only chalk up to being a product of his relative success.

“I'll get you aboard this vessel for a proper tour of duty soon, Ambassador.” Having passed a few empty AF maintenance slots, they'd reached the one that was holding onto Logan's customized mecha, which meant that it was time to say goodbye.

“I don't doubt it! It's a fine craft anyone would be happy to serve on.” Logan's eyebrows raised a few times – the universal symbol of being a creep, no?

“Is that what you think of the Arvada? It may not be as top of the line as it once was, but she still has a certain gravitas.” She looked genuinely curious to hear what he had to say on the subject.

“It's the kind of ship that can really remind people of the power the UA brings to the table. She may be the last active carrier, but that's still more than any other country or coalition has. With the right person commanding her, the possibilities are really exciting. The fact that they tapped you is smart, too. And y'know, I think the design of the ship itself lends to drama. Six hangars, three facing forward and three back, arranged in a super-'H'.”

Scrunching up her nose as she laughed at what was said, the General asked, “Super H?”

“Like an H with three vertical lines and two horizontal ones. You know, the shape the Arvada is in.” Logan drew it in the air with his fingers.

Still laughing, Allison had been taken by surprise! “I've never heard it quite put that way, but you're right.”

“Docking to Wonderchild.” A voice had popped on over the hangar loudspeaker. “You're clear to drop anytime.” Ah, Sonya. She had said she was waiting in the cockpit for him, and clearly she was getting a little impatient.

“Hope to see you soon, Allison.” Logan winked as he waved goodbye and stepped onto his usual tiny elevator.

“Likewise! Be a good lad, Ambassador!” After saying this, the distinguished but cute General headed back to do whatever Generals did. Logan suddenly wondered what that was, but instead of devoting much thought power to it, he headed into the cockpit of his robot and was greeted with his Engineer-Friend.

“Logan, did you see how desperate she was?” Sonya was damn near cackling as she was finally convincing Adam to activate the controls now that Logan was inside.

“I hadn't noticed. General Keith is really nice, actually!” Logan sat down and strapped in, putting safety first even in non-combat situations.

“She was practically glomming onto you! Really bad! Plus, did you see how huge her ass was?! Ugh.” Sonya mimed throwing up, making obnoxious vomiting sounds.

“Jealous~” Logan chided, before stepping forward and motioning for the trapdoor that he'd been pulled through initially to open. The response was prompt, and soon Logan was able to tumble straight out of the bottom of the carrier, out into open sky!

Open Sky, Inside the Wonderchild

“If I had anything to be jealous about, it wouldn't be toward a hag like that.” Sonya wrapped her arms around both the chair and Logan, holding on as they descended.

“It'd be okay if you were.”

“I'm not.”

“Okay. So, what do you know about Newark, Sonya?”

“I know in the world I'm from, it's the best place for sandwiches. You know, 'Newark Cheese Steaks'?” Sonya sounded pretty earnest and excited to explain this.

“I'm not sure that's a cross-dimensional constant,” said Logan as he occaisonally pulsed his leg vernier thrusters to keep his robot from approaching dangerous falling speeds.

“Well, one thing we know is that there are a bunch of robots, and they're not all on the same side. Maybe this world will be compatible with our warmongering asses!” Sonya, as usual, made herself laugh.

“Everyone's compatible with us, Sony. We just have to build the right bonds as a faction.” Logan's mech made the bond of physical contact with one of the streets of Newark, and as exciting as it might generally sound, it was actually a little surprising that such a great place was so underwhelming from the sky. Sure, he knew that it was a key waterfront shipping location, and that it was The Brick City, and that it was about 26 square miles large. It was supposedly the biggest city in New Jersey, but he wasn't exactly sure what to do upon landing.

Choice Time!

>Probably head straight for the disaster area, right?  He'd noticed a part of the city that seemed to have taken some damage on the way down.

>The most important thing was to contact the mecha that was supposedly the 'local' one.  Obviously, it had done a fairly good job of defending Newark since most of it was intact and undamaged.

>Logan tried to reach out to locals on the subject of the incident.  He had no clue what the culture was in this place, aside from the fact that they were 'amenable' to mecha activity, according to basic UA intelligence acquired while he was in the cell.

>What did Sonya have to suggest?  She was pretty smart and would probably come up with something good!

>Free Choice, as usual, is an option.  Just to remind, in case you hate the suggestions.

I mean asking people about the incident while we're at it should definitely be the main focus, but getting a bite to eat wouldn't be the worst idea. We're probably hungry by now and there's likely to be plenty of people to ask anywhere with food.