During the fallout of the Crystal Gem Rebellion, between the first war the Empire ever lost and the (supposed) demise of Pink Diamond, Gems across the cosmos fell into a deep, soul-crushing ennui. It's hardly surprising, given the tragedies and horrors of war. Everyone from Gem Nobles to humble Quartzes felt some trauma, even if the strict, regimented foundation of the Grand Order left them unable to put their feelings to words. 'How did this happen?' many asked themselves. 'What did we do wrong? How did we lose so badly? Where do we go from here?'

'Did we fail the Diamonds, or... did the Diamonds fail us?'

Such thoughts were considered dangerous, heretical even, by the Diamonds. Not only were the colonies falling behind on quota and accidents growing alarmingly frequent, but doubts crept in. What if Gems grew to doubt their rulers? What if they questioned the Grand Order? All it takes is one unruly upstart to plant the seed of doubt. Before you knew it, whispers of rebellion could creep in, weaving into every corner of society.

Rose Quartz taught the Diamonds that lesson in spades.

That's when the Diamonds launched the 'Heart Initiative.' While the project remained small and only lasted a few centuries, the Diamonds ordered the creation of thousands of Spinels. Once a novelty limited to only the highest and richest of Gem Nobles, Spinels could soon be found in every Court and colony. These pink playful pranksters served as jesters for the Gem nobility, friendly neighbors to low-class Gems, and as confidants to their masters. While a Pearl may excel at a variety of tasks, Spinels were very good at listening and soothing an achy heart.

In other words, Spinels became the shoulder traumatized war veterans could cry on, whenever they weren't being used as toys.

That's where Stretch comes in. As one of the Spinels created for the 'Heart Initiative,' Stretch was assigned to be Admiral Lapis' servant. She followed her job faithfully and soothed her master's bruised ego. This silly, spunky Gem did everything in her power to help Admiral...

... even when that led to the Lapis' failed coup.

After Admiral lost the battle and her army was scattered across the cosmos, the two were separated. Stretch bounced between colonies, learning much, growing as a person, and meeting many Gems. After enough time, this once-foolish Spinel realized a dark truth: while she loved Admiral, their dynamic wasn't healthy. The Spinel failed her former master. Instead of helping Admiral move past the war and growing too, she did little more than served as a squeeze toy and enabled Admirals worst impulses.

This realization devastated Stretch, but there was no changing the past. All she could do was move forward. Learn, grow, and prosper. Thankfully, Era 3 was right around the corner...

Now in the modern day, Stretch works for the GAC as their chief therapist, leading a team of like-minded Spinels. While the Gem Republic has many resources to help any lingering trauma from the war, including the positive influence of Steven Universe, the GAC's mercenaries still cling to the past. They might be free, but until they truly embrace that and don't feel compelled to follow what the Diamond Authority and Grand Order told them to be, these Gems remain imprisoned. Trapped in their minds, trapped in bad habits, trapped in a cycle of violence from which there is no escape. Not unless they free themselves.

Chief among these Gems is Admiral Lapis, who Stretch was endlessly grateful survived the coup.

Thusly, Stretch has made it her mission in life to truly, genuinely help the GAC and its members. Only by listening to them talk, helping them work through their problems, and moving forward can she guide people into a better, healthier, happier life. It's
very much in the spirit of Steven Universe's teachings. Even if it's only a little bit, if Stretch can make people smile, it'll be worth years of effort. If they leave the GAC behind and live different, better lives, all the better. Stretch isn't too keen on violence anyway.

Just, uh, don't tell NCP that last part. The pale Peridot just sees her therapy team as a means to keep GAC members stable, not unlike the Diamonds. If NCP realized Stretch was kinda-sorta conspiring to dismantle the GAC from the inside-out, she'd surely have some pressing questions for her employee.

A small wonder, then, that Stretch is so popular at the GAC. Aside from Admiral Lapis, who remains a close friend— and not my master anymore, please stop insisting otherwise, Cut-9XU— Stretch has made many friends from Chip the Battle Blade to the second-in-command, One Eye. Her therapy sessions can vary wildly in techniques, from arts & crafts, team sports, to more... intimate encounters. For example, Stretch can swallow clients whole and fill her stomach with soothing chemicals, not unlike a perfume-laced hot tub. Who doesn't enjoy a bubble bath every now and again? This Spinel finds Assimilation abhorrent, and only digests clients as a final measure.

Just don't try to skip appointments with Stretch. This rubber-limbed Spinel will find you and eat you given enough reason. It's just like Chip says: "Hey, she's got a sweet personality and the fattest ass this side of Homeworld, but that gal is a firecracker! Don't mess with Stretch, unless you wanna bounce around that belly for days and days and days! Hahaha!'"

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Art by the admirably awesome, Axel Hell. You can find a link to their content here: https://x.com/axel_hell
Admiral belongs to  z3d

Spider8Fiend: Feel free to share whatever comments you have in mind! If you have any criticism to offer, however, please try to make it constructive. If you have a lot to say, feel free to PM me as well so the comment section doesn't get too full~

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