"We don't need to join them in order to help them," Pearl insists frantically. "That's the point of subterfuge, we can work from the inside! I just need some time to think, to come up with a plan--"

She can feel she's in danger of overwhelming herself, at this rate. Pearl takes a calming breath, and then puts both hands on Lapis' shoulders, staring at her very seriously. "We can do this, Lapis," she says. "I just need time. But I need to know: If I come up with a plan that will get us home and help stop the Cetagandans, can I count on your help?"