Margaret Thompson had lived a life of quiet routine. At 78, she had seen her fair share of the world's changes from her small apartment in suburban Chicago. Her days were filled with crossword puzzles, reruns of old sitcoms, and the occasional foray into the world of comic books and cartoons—a guilty pleasure she'd never quite outgrown even past her youth.
On this particular Tuesday afternoon, Margaret sat in her worn armchair, a Marvel comic in one hand and a cup of lukewarm tea in the other. The adventures of cosmic beings and superheroes danced across the pages, a far cry from her own mundane existence. As she turned the page, a sudden tightness gripped her chest. The comic slipped from her fingers, pages fluttering as they fell to the floor. Margaret's last thought as darkness closed in was a vague sense of regret for a life that was just as plain as the tea she drank.
Then, nothing.
Until everything.
Margaret's consciousness exploded into being, vast and endless. Gone was the frail body that had constrained her for decades. In its place was power—raw, unlimited, and terrifying in its scope. She felt herself stretching across light-years, her form coalescing into something both familiar and utterly alien.
When awareness fully returned, Margaret found herself standing on a desolate, cratered landscape. The Earth hung in the sky like a blue marble, achingly beautiful and impossibly distant. She was on the Moon, but not as the human Margaret Thompson. No, she had become something else entirely.
Knowledge flooded her mind—memories not her own, as a fundamental change occured in her soul. She was White Diamond, matriarch of a race of gemstone beings, possessor of godlike powers. But she was also still Margaret, with her human memories and experiences coloring this new existence. Yet now, she was them both, a mixture of the two beings into one. Her memories as Margaret seemed to be a blink in time compared to the hundreds of epochs that White Diamond had existed.
The show's depiction of the entity she merged with was vastly different from the truth, as this being seemed far too terrifying to be changed by a mere moment of emotion.
"How... peculiar," she murmured, her voice resonating with an authority she'd never known in life. Margaret—no, White Diamond now—examined her new form. Her body was tall and statuesque, gleaming with an inner light that outshone the stars themselves. A white diamond glittered at the center of her forehead, the source of her immense power.
As she took in her surroundings, White Diamond's mind raced with the implications of her situation. She recognized this universe thanks to her new vast level of awareness—not as the fictional construct she'd read about in comics, but as a living, breathing reality. Somehow, she had been reborn into the Marvel Universe, but at a time far removed from the heroic ages she was familiar with.
She could feel the Gods still roaming the Earth. The Deviants warring with the Eternals. The humans that seemed to be afraid of their own shadows merely hiding away, wasting the potential that they had. She could easily see that the first few civilizations had just begun being created, with her sight of the Black Panther of that era giving her a good approximation as to when she was.
"Around the time of the Avengers One Million, huh? Could have been worse I guess. Though I do wonder what reality I am in." White spoke to herself while also thinking about just what type of world she was now in.
White Diamond's first instinct was caution. She knew the dangers this universe held—cosmic entities that could snuff out galaxies with a wave of a hand, villains capable of reshaping reality itself, and being that devowered Universes simply because. As powerful as she now was, she was nothing but an infant compared to Cosmic Juggernaunts that seemed to pop up each time a writer decided they had a need to up the stakes.
'Better than DC I guess.' White thought.
"Survival must be my main priority." she decided, her voice cold and detached. "This Universe is dangerous, to an unatural degree. And I do not wish to test Murphy's Law right now."
With a thought, White Diamond summoned forth her innate abilities. The human side of her seemed to wish to test what she was actually capable of, as she seemed greatly more powerful than what was shown in the show. She felt the pull of gravity shift around her, allowing her to float gently above the lunar surface. Light danced at her fingertips, ready to be shaped into devastating beams of energy. Her body hummed with the potential for transformation, able to take on any form she desired.
But it was the mental powers that truly gave her pause. She could feel the emotions of sentient beings on the Earth below, a vast amount of primal feelings that threatened to overwhelm her. With a slight effort of will, she shut out the noise, marveling at her ability to manipulate the very fabric of emotion itself.
"Remarkable," White Diamond whispered. "But dangerous if not properly controlled. Perhaps this is how Jean Grey felt with her abilities."
As she experimented with her new abilities, a plan began to form in her mind. She would need a base of operations, a place to observe and influence events without drawing undue attention to herself. The Moon would serve for now, but it was too close to Earth and the brewing conflicts she knew would come.
With a wave of her hand, White Diamond began to reshape the lunar landscape. Mountains rose and fell at her command, craters smoothed into vast plains. In the center of it all, a gleaming white spire took shape—a citadel from which she could oversee her budding domain.
As the citadel neared completion, White Diamond felt a strange stirring within her gem. Knowledge of Gem reproduction flooded her mind, and she understood what was happening. She was about to create her first "children"—the other Diamonds that would serve as extensions of her will and power.
Deciding that she would not need all of them at once, she took parts of her power, the shards that commanded the very Domains of 'Destabilization' and 'Manipulation'.
Her Gemstone gained a small tint of yellow as it blasted into the ground beneath her, with it then repeating the process as a small amout of Brown shined and the process was repeated.
In mere minutes, yet what seemed like hours, they emerged, with Yellow Diamond looking like her counterpart, yet smaller, while the other Diamond was one White had never seen before: Brown Diamond.
The male looked at his Mother before kneeling, with yellow doing the same.
""Mother. We serve and obey!!"" They both yelled in unison.
White looked at two, yet unlike the apathetic nature she had in either of her last lives, she seemed to possess a sense of care about the two before her, as if they were actually her children.
'Perhaps it's due to my subconscious nature that they view me as their Mother. But, strangely it doesn't bother me. How curious?' White thought to herself.
"My Diamonds," she addressed them, her voice carrying across the airless lunar surface. "We have much work to do."
~
Time flew, with over a year passing on the Moon.
In this time, White had been spending the majority of her time training both her own abilities in combat while also training her Children in everything she could imagine.
Politics, Diplomacy, Combat, and even Energy Manipulation all encapsulated what she taught them during the duration of her time as they both would serve as her right and left hands of the empire she had hoped to build. While she had the option to create more Diamonds, any new Diamonds would take parts of her abilities with their creation, making her put off their creation until after she ensure that all was well and the first batch of gems would be created.
And it was this wish that led her to call Yellow for a visit, as she would be the one over the monumental task that laid ahead of them.
White Diamond stood at the apex of her lunar citadel, her luminous form a stark contrast against the inky blackness of deep space that was behind her. Before her, projected in the air, was a holographic representation of Mars, its red surface slowly rotating.
"Yellow," White Diamond called, her voice carrying a warmth that few besides her children would ever heard. "Join me, my dear."
In a flash of golden light, Yellow Diamond materialized beside her, tall and imposing, yet still dwarfed by White's presence. "You summoned me, White?" Yellow asked, her tone respectful but tinged with curiosity.
White Diamond smiled, a small but genuine expression, one not commonly seen by her in either of her past lives. "Indeed. I have an important task for you, one that will shape the future of our people."
With a graceful gesture, White expanded the hologram of Mars, highlighting key areas of the planet. "The time has come for us to expand beyond this lifeless moon. Mars will be our new home, the seat of our new and growing empire."
Yellow's eyes widened slightly, a mix of excitement and apprehension crossing her face. "Mars? But White, the planet is barren, inhospitable. The amount of resources required to—"
White raised a hand, gently cutting off Yellow's concerns. "I understand your reservations, my brilliant Yellow. But I have faith in your abilities. You, more than any of the others, possess the drive and determination to see this project through. And trust me, it is the best option in our current circumstances."
White had thought deeply about the opportunity to colonize Earth, but she would be lying if she didn't say the thought of dealing with the Celestial emergence didn't terrify her. And that's without mentioning how many other powerful beings existed on the planet, both now and in the future.
Residing on Mars would give her the perfect opportunity to continue observing the Planet and ensuring that no Universe destroying events happened unbeknowst to her.
She turned to face Yellow fully, placing a hand on her shoulder. The gesture was both maternal and formal. "This will be your greatest challenge yet, my child. You will oversee the terraforming process, the construction of our cities, the establishment of our defenses. It will not be easy, but I know you are capable of greatness."
Yellow straightened under White's touch, her resolve visibly strengthening. "I... I understand, White. I won't let you down."
White's smile widened a fraction. "I know you won't. But remember, Yellow, this is not just about proving yourself to me. This is about securing a future for all Gemkind. The challenges ahead are greater than you can imagine, and we must be prepared."
She waved her hand, and the hologram shifted to show various potential threats – primitive but evolving humans on Earth, the distant realms of Asgard, Olympus, the Ennead, and other God Realms lurking in the depths of different Dimensions. It finally glimpsed at a giant purple being, though it quickly switched to avoid detection.
"Our survival depends on our ability to adapt and grow stronger," White continued, her voice taking on a more serious tone. "Mars is just the beginning. Under our guidance, it will become a fortress, a beacon, a testament to our power."
Yellow nodded, her own expression hardening with determination. "I swear to you, White, I will make Mars the crown jewel of our empire. No force in this universe will find us unprepared."
White Diamond's eyes gleamed with pride and affection. She cupped Yellow's face gently, a motherly gesture at odds with her regal bearing. "I have no doubt, my dear Yellow."
She stepped back, once again the empress. "Go now. Gather the resources you need. The colonization of Mars begins immediately."
Yellow Diamond saluted, her form crackling with barely contained energy and purpose. "At once, my Diamond. For the glory of our empire!"
As Yellow disappeared in a flash of light, White turned back to the hologram of Mars, her expression unreadable. She allowed herself a moment of concern for the challenges her child would face, the hardships she would endure. But such was the price of power, of survival in this dangerous universe.
"Be strong, my Yellow," White whispered to the empty air. "The fate of our people rests in your hands."
With a wave of her hand, the hologram disappeared, leaving White Diamond alone with her thoughts and the weight of eons yet to come.
White then turned her head as she felt the incoming presence finally arriving, with that being the primary purpose she moved her plans up so suddenly.
She then sat down on her thrown, waiting for the inevitable.
[Brown, I order you to not make a move, no matter what may occur.] White informed her Son, with the line being cut before he could question her.
At that moment, she felt the arrival of the being, with Cosmic and Psychic Energy saturating the moon as the being she was waiting for arrived.
A blinding light erupted before her, so intense that even White Diamond, a being that seemed to embody light, had to narrow her eyes. The light coalesced into the form of a woman wreathed in flames that seemed to defy the airless void of the Moon's surface. The fire took the shape of a great bird before settling into a more humanoid appearance. The Phoenix Force had arrived, with Firehair staring straight at White.
White Diamond's expression remained blank and unchanged, but her mind raced at hyperspeeds about why they were here. This was a being of immense cosmic power, one she knew could pose a significant threat to her and her children. It stood as the personification of Life itself, and the source of all psychic energy. She straightened to her full height, a silent assertion of her own formidable presence as well as lessening her fear of the being, at least that was what it was intended to convey.
"Greetings, Phoenix," White Diamond said, her voice carrying across the lunar landscape despite the lack of atmosphere. "To what do I owe the honor of your visit to my humble abode?"
The Phoenix Host's eyes blazed with inner fire as she spoke, her voice echoing with the power of a thousand suns. "We have felt your presence, White Diamond. Your power grows with each passing moment, and your gaze often turns to Earth. We have come to understand your intentions and the potential threat you pose to the cosmic balance."
White Diamond's lips curved into a small, cold smile. "My intentions? I assure you, I mean no harm to your precious Earth. My focus is on Mars and the cultivation of my own people. Surely a being of your cosmic awareness can sense the truth in my words?"
The Phoenix's flames flared brighter, casting dancing shadows across the lunar surface. "Do not attempt to deceive us, Diamond. We have seen countless civilizations rise and fall across the cosmos. Your ambition burns bright, perhaps bright enough to consume worlds. What are your true plans for Earth and its inhabitants?"
White Diamond's eyes narrowed slightly, the first crack in her composed facade. "My plans, as I've stated, do not primarily concern Earth. And the only one who seems to consume worlds is you. But since you ask, I will elaborate. I seek to create a sanctuary for my people, a place where we can thrive without interference or threat from outside forces."
"And yet," the Phoenix pressed, "your power continues to grow at an alarming rate. We sense something... different about you, White Diamond. Your energy is not native to this universe. From where do you hail?"
For a brief moment, surprise flickered across White Diamond's face before she smoothed her features once more. "My origins are my own, Phoenix. Suffice it to say that I am here now, and my intentions are not malevolent. I simply wish to carve out a place for myself and my children in this vast cosmos."
Before the Phoenix could respond, a shimmering portal opened beside them, crackling with mystical energy. From it emerged a man in ornate robes and a golden amulet around his neck, with his eyes glowing with an otherworldly light. Agamotto, the first Sorcerer Supreme of Earth, had joined the conversation.
"I hope I'm not interrupting," Agamotto said, his voice calm but laden with power. "But I, too, would like to hear the answer to the Phoenix's questions. Your presence so close to Earth has not gone unnoticed by those who guard its mystical realms, White Diamond."
White Diamond regarded the newcomer with interest. "Agamotto, I presume. Your reputation precedes you, first of the Sorcerer Supremes. As I was explaining to the Phoenix, Earth is not my primary concern. My people require specific conditions to thrive, conditions that Mars can provide with some... adjustments."
"Adjustments?" Agamotto raised an eyebrow. "You speak of terraforming an entire planet as if it were a simple task. Such power could easily be turned towards Earth. What assurance can you offer that you will not set your sights on our world once Mars has been conquered?"
'And this is why I despise those with the ability to see through time.' White thought, yet the thought surprised her as it seemed to originate from her old memories.
The Phoenix Host nodded in agreement, her fiery aura pulsing. "The potential for destruction you represent cannot be ignored, White Diamond. We must know your true intentions, not just for Earth, but for this entire solar system."
White Diamond's gem glowed brighter, a subtle display of her own power. "My intentions, as I've said, are simple: survival and prosperity for my people. Earth, with its chaotic energies and unpredictable inhabitants, poses more of a threat to us than an opportunity. I have no desire to interfere with its development or the evolution of its species."
"But you do not deny the possibility of future interference," Agamotto noted, his eyes narrowing. "And you still haven't addressed the Phoenix's observation about your origin. Your energy is unlike anything we've encountered before. How can we trust someone whose very nature is shrouded in mystery?"
White Diamond's expression hardened slightly. "The future is vast and unknowable, even to beings such as ourselves. Even the futures that we have seen can be changed by forces outside of ourselves." she replied. "I cannot predict what challenges may arise that might necessitate interaction with Earth. But I can assure you that any such interaction would be undertaken with great caution and consideration. As for my origins... they are complex and, frankly, irrelevant to our current discussion."
"I disagree," the Phoenix Host interjected, her voice resonating with cosmic power. "Your origins may very well be central to understanding your motivations and the potential threat you pose. We sense... displacement. As if you do not fully belong in this reality. Explain yourself, White Diamond."
For a moment, silence hung between the three powerful beings. White Diamond's gem pulsed with an inner light, her mind racing to find the right words.
"My existence," she finally said, "is the result of cosmic forces beyond even your understanding, Phoenix. I came into being with knowledge and power, yes, but also with a purpose: to create and protect a new species of beings that belong solely to me. My past, whatever it may have been, is irrelevant. What matters is my present and the future I aim to build."
Agamotto stepped forward, his robes shimmering with mystical energies. "A convenient explanation, but one that raises more questions than it answers. If you truly mean no harm, why the secrecy? Why build your power base so close to Earth?"
White Diamond's eyes flashed. "I owe you no further explanations, Sorcerer Supreme. My actions have not threatened Earth or disturbed the cosmic balance you both claim to protect. I have been transparent about my intentions for Mars. What more would you have of me?"
The Phoenix Host's flames dimmed slightly, her expression thoughtful. "Your words are measured, Diamond, but actions speak louder than any oath or promise. We will be watching your every move, every decision. The moment you pose a threat to Earth or the cosmic order, we will act."
"As will I," Agamotto added, mystical symbols flickering around his hands. "Earth's mystical defenses are strong and growing stronger with each passing age. Any move against it will be met with formidable resistance, from forces both mystical and cosmic."
White Diamond spread her arms in a gesture of openness, though her posture remained tense. "Then we understand each other. I have no quarrel with Earth or its guardians. All I ask is that you extend the same courtesy to me and my children as we establish our home on Mars. Our civilizations can coexist, perhaps even benefit from one another in time."
The Phoenix and Agamotto exchanged glances, a silent communication passing between them. The air crackled with tension and the meeting of immense powers.
"Very well," the Phoenix Host finally said, her voice carrying the weight of cosmic judgment. "We will respect your claim to Mars, so long as your actions do not threaten the cosmic balance or the safety of Earth. But know this, White Diamond: the Phoenix Force is eternal and all-seeing. We will be watching."
Agamotto nodded in solemn agreement. "And the eyes of Earth's mystical protectors are upon you as well. Tread carefully in this solar system, White Diamond. The consequences of overstepping your bounds would be... severe."
White Diamond inclined her head slightly, a regal acknowledgment tinged with a hint of defiance. "I would expect nothing less from guardians such as yourselves. Now, if there are no further accusations or thinly veiled threats to be made, I have a planet to terraform and an empire to build. My children await my guidance."
As the Phoenix and Agamotto departed, White Diamond turned her gaze back to the Earth, her expression unreadable. She honestly didn't want to be in an 100 light year distance with the disastrous rock, yet it seemed that whoever sent her here had other plans.
She then noticed that Brown had been attempting to contact her, with her giving him the slient message that she was fine.
For several long moments, White Diamond gazed at the Earth, the planet that had once been her home in another life. The blue marble hung in the void, seemingly peaceful, yet teeming with potential threats and allies alike. She knew that her every move would be scrutinized now, not just by the Phoenix and Earth's mystical guardians, but by countless other cosmic entities that lurked in the shadows of reality.
"A complication," White Diamond murmured to herself, her voice carrying in the vacuum of space through sheer force of will. "But not an insurmountable one."
With a thought, she summoned a holographic display, complex equations and simulations dancing in the air before her. The terraformation of Mars would need to be accelerated. The longer they took to establish a foothold in the solar system, the more vulnerable they would be to outside interference.
White Diamond's fingers danced through the holographic interface, making minute adjustments to their plans. Resources would need to be reallocated, timelines compressed. It would put strain on her children, particularly Yellow Diamond, who would bear the brunt of the increased workload. But it was necessary.
As she worked, White Diamond's mind wandered to the question of her origins. The Phoenix had sensed her otherworldly nature, the fact that she didn't quite belong in this reality. It was a vulnerability, a thread that, if pulled, could unravel everything she was building. She would need to craft a more convincing narrative, one that would satisfy the curiosity of cosmic entities without revealing the truth of her reincarnation.
Hours passed as White Diamond refined her plans. When she finally dismissed the holographic display, her expression was one of grim determination. She turned her gaze towards Mars, the red planet barely visible from her lunar vantage point.
"Brown." White Diamond called out, her voice resonating across space. "Attend me."
In a flash of brown light, Brown Diamond materialized beside her, with him standing larger than Yellow yet smaller than his Mother. "You summoned me, White?" Brown asked, his tone being wary about the vast energy he had just felt emmitted.
White Diamond nodded, gesturing towards Mars. "The timeline has changed, my brilliant Yellow will now need your help. We must accelerate our plans for Mars. Recent... encounters have made it clear that we cannot afford to be seen as idle or weak."
Brown Diamond's eyes widened slightly, a mix of excitement and apprehension crossing his face. "Accelerate? But White, the amount of resources required to terraform Mars even on our original timeline was already substantial. To speed up the process would require—"
"I am aware of the costs," White interrupted, her voice gentle but firm. "But the benefits outweigh the risks. We need a stable base of operations, a place from which we can observe and, if necessary, defend ourselves against the myriad forces at play in this solar system."
She turned to face Brown fully, placing a hand on his cheek. "This will be your greatest challenge yet, my child. You will oversee every aspect of the terraforming process. The construction of our cities, the establishment of our defenses, the creation of a sustainable Gem ecosystem – all of it falls to you."
Brown straightened under White's touch, his resolve visibly strengthening. "I... I understand, White. I won't let you down. But may I ask what prompted this sudden urgency?"
White Diamond's expression softened almost imperceptibly. "Let's just say that our presence here has not gone unnoticed by some of the more powerful entities in this realm. The sooner we establish ourselves as a force to be reckoned with, the safer we'll be."
Brown nodded, his own expression hardening with determination. "I see. You can count on me, White. I'll make Mars the crown jewel of our empire, a fortress that no force in this universe will dare to challenge."
"I have no doubt, my Gregarious Brown." White said, a hint of pride in her voice. "You and Yellow have always been my sword and shield. Now, you two will be the architects of our destiny."
With a wave of her hand, White Diamond conjured another holographic display, this one showing a detailed plan of Mars. "I've made some adjustments to our original terraforming strategy. We'll start by establishing a geo-synchronous network of atmospheric generators here, here, and here," she said, indicating points on the holographic globe. "This should allow us to begin thickening Mars' atmosphere within a matter of decades rather than centuries."
Brown studied the plans intently, his mind already racing with calculations and potential challenges. "It's ambitious," he said finally. "But with the right allocation of resources and Gem power, it's achievable. I'll begin preparations immediately."
White Diamond nodded approvingly. "Excellent. Remember, Brown, discretion is paramount. We don't want to draw any more attention than necessary, especially from our neighbors on Earth. Use the dark side of Mars for any major construction projects, at least initially."
"Understood," Brown replied. "I'll keep our operations as covert as possible while still maintaining efficiency."
"Good," White said. "Now go, my child. The future of our people rests in your capable hands."
Brown Diamond saluted, his form crackling with barely contained energy and purpose. "I won't fail you, White. For the glory of our empire!"
As Brown Diamond departed to begin the massive undertaking of terraforming Mars, White Diamond returned her attention to the stars. She knew that the confrontation with the Phoenix and Agamotto was likely only the first of many challenges she would face in this universe. The key would be to grow her power and influence without appearing as a threat.
Weeks passed as the Gem Empire mobilized for its greatest project yet. Countless Gems of various types were created and assigned tasks in the monumental effort to transform Mars from a barren, rust-colored world into a vibrant paradise suitable for Gem life.
Yellow Diamond personally oversaw the operation, her military precision and unwavering determination driving the project forward at an impressive pace. Massive injectors were deployed across the Martian surface, pumping a specially formulated mixture of minerals and Gem essence into the planet's core.
It was during one of her inspections of the northern polar region that Yellow Diamond encountered an unexpected visitor. As she stood atop a newly formed crystal spire, surveying the progress of a massive terraforming engine, a blinding flash of light erupted before her.
When the light faded, a figure stood on the Martian soil – a man of impossible beauty, clad in a shimmering golden tunic and radiating an aura of divine power. Apollo, God of the Sun and one of the Olympians, had come to investigate the dramatic changes occurring on the red planet.
"Greetings, being of crystal and light." Apollo called out, his voice carrying easily in the thin Martian atmosphere. "I am Apollo, God of the Sun, Poetry, and Prophecy. I've come to understand the nature of your work here on Ares' domain."
Yellow Diamond straightened to her full height, her gem glowing with barely contained energy. She had been briefed by White about the various pantheons that held sway in this universe, but encountering one in person was another matter entirely.
"Hello, Apollo of Olympus." Yellow responded, her voice cool and measured. "I am Yellow Diamond, and this planet is now under the protection and stewardship of the Diamond Authority. We mean no disrespect to Ares or any of your pantheon, but Mars will be transformed to serve as our new home."
Apollo's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of divine fire dancing within them. "A bold claim, Yellow Diamond. The Olympians have long held influence over the planets of this system. By what right do you lay claim to Mars?"
Yellow Diamond's expression remained impassive, but her mind raced. This confrontation could have severe implications for their entire operation. She needed to handle it carefully, just as White had done with the Phoenix and Agamotto.
"We claim it by right of necessity and capability." Yellow responded. "Our people require specific conditions to thrive, conditions that Mars can provide once properly terraformed. We have the power and knowledge to transform this barren world into a paradise, something that has not been done in all the eons your pantheon has watched over it."
Apollo considered her words, his mind racing as it was weighing the implications. "Your ambition is impressive, Yellow Diamond. But ambition unchecked can lead to hubris, a flaw we gods know all too well. What assurances can you offer that your presence here will not upset the cosmic balance?"
Yellow Diamond gestured to the terraforming engine behind her. "Our work here is a testament to our commitment to creation, not destruction. We seek to bring life to a dead world, to cultivate beauty in the harshness of space. Surely, as a god of poetry and prophecy, you can appreciate the artistry in such an endeavor?"
A small smile played at Apollo's lips. "Indeed, there is a certain poetry to your actions. Very well, Yellow Diamond. The Olympians will watch your progress with great interest. But be warned – should your ambitions extend beyond Mars, you may find the gods less... accommodating."
With a final nod, Apollo vanished in another flash of bright light, leaving Yellow Diamond alone with her thoughts and the monumental task ahead.