Silver's Sims: Crystal Legacy - Generation 1 (Part 1)

A child of two worlds, Opal Crystal never really belonged anywhere. Loved by her heartsick mother, and loathed by her stepfather, she lived her life trapped in a tower of ivory and glass. But when said stepfather betrays her, selling her to the government for experimentation, she must find the strength to carry on...even when all seems lost.

General content warning: this Generation contains themes of medical torture, false imprisonment, PTSD, and terminal illness.

Ten Years Later - Wineburg

–

Newscaster: As talks between Maxis and Sixam stall once more, protests outside the Space Agency crawl into their eighth straight week. The situation is escalating, and there doesn’t seem to be a solution in sight…

Snow: Opal, turn that off.

Opal: Mama, why can’t the commanders just get along?

Snow: It’s more complicated than that, sweetheart. People could get hurt on both sides if they can’t come to a fair agreement.

Opal: People like me, you mean.

Snow: Opal….*sigh* Yes, honey. People like you. Now come wash your hands–did you do your homework?

Opal: Not yet…I wanted to see if Momma would be on the news again.

Snow: I’ll help you after dinner, then.

Opal: Mama, would the government really take me away if they knew I was here?

Snow: Nothing from Sixam could stay, baby, and you’re a part of that world, too. I don’t want to take the chance.

Opal: I know, but…would they really? They seem really busy not getting anything done.

Snow: Never underestimate the government’s ability to mess things up.

*bzz*

Snow: What–oh, hold that thought.

Snow: Hello? This is she. How can I help you, Dr. Abalone? Yes, I know Salt Mine. He’s my fiancee–what?

Snow: How bad is it? Oh, Watcher…no, no, there’s no one who he can stay with in San Marsh. His parents passed years ago and he’s an only child…yes, Doctor, I understand…mm-hmm. No, I live in Wineburg–well, yes, I can–yes, that’s–Doctor–

Snow: Yes, I can be there–hello? Doctor? Oh, you have got to be kidding me.

Opal: Mama? Is everything okay?

Snow: Opal, honey….*sigh* Honey, can you put that down? We need to talk.

Opal: …Mama?

Opal: Mama? What happened?

Snow: …Sweetheart, do you remember when I told you about Salt?

Opal: He’s the man your mom wanted you to marry, right? He owns the mines in Selvadorada?

Snow: That’s right. He’s…he’s in the hospital right now.

Snow: There was an accident at his mine, and he was hurt very badly. The doctors…they aren’t sure he’ll ever be the same again.

Rainbow: Oh…I’m sorry, Mama.

Snow: Me too, baby, but…Opal, Salt doesn’t have anyone to take care of him. He’s alone up in San Marsh, and the doctors don’t want him to be on his own while he’s getting better.

Opal: …And because you two promised, you’re the first one they called?

Snow: That’s right. I’m all he has left, and…well, he’s made sure we have this place. It wouldn’t be forever, just until he was back on his feet.

Opal: Would it be safe? San Marsh is huge!

Snow: So long as you stay inside, I’m sure it’ll be fine. *sigh* …We’re going to need to pack in a hurry…

Snow: How’s your head?

Salt: It feels as if I’ve been driven over, Snow. How do you think it feels?

Snow: Pretty bad. Okay, then.

Snow: You’re probably not going to like what I’ve got to tell you next, then.

Salt: …what might that be?

Snow: Opal! Honey, can you come downstairs?

Opal: Coming, Mama!

Salt: …That’s right…you said you had a daughter…

Snow: Mm-hm. Just…don’t freak out, okay? I promise I’ll explain everything soon.

Opal: Mama–oh! Hello, Mr. Salt.

Salt: …I must still be seeing things…Snow, your child is…

Opal: I’m not a Raw, Mr. Salt. I hope that’s okay.

Snow: Of course it’s okay, baby. Here–let me explain.

Salt: Oh, yes, Snow. Please, explain yourself.

Snow: You remember what I told you about Strudelville, right? How things got…bad for a while? Well, I met someone then, and she…well. Things happened.

Salt: Oh, your dalliance outside of our agreement isn’t the issue here, darling Snow. The issue is that she’s–she’s—

Opal: It’s because I look different, isn’t it? My eyes, my colors…

Salt: Well, she’s got your brain, at least.

Snow: Salt…

Snow: Look, I won’t apologize for Opal being here with us, but I need you to understand that things are complicated. If the Space Agency were to find her, then…

Salt: Complicated! Complicated, she says!

Opal: Mama…

Snow: Salt, I need you to promise you won’t tell anyone about her. Please.

Salt: And why doesn’t her other parent come and get her, hm? The Agency would just send her on home, darling.

Snow: Salt! This is her home, and–Opal, honey, head on up to bed. I need to talk to Mr. Salt alone for a while.

Salt: Oh, yes, we wouldn’t want to offend your delicate child!

Opal: …Okay, Mama. Goodnight, Mr. Salt. I hope you feel better soon.

Snow: I know that things have been hard lately, but she’s done nothing to you. Don’t take your anger out on her, Salt.

Salt: Oh, of course, she’s completely innocent! Hmph. Do you understand what sort of risk you put both of us in by keeping her? She’s an alien!

Snow: She’s my daughter.

Salt: Oh, yes, and I’m sure that makes the risk to our reputations worth it all. Do you have any idea how much money is on the line now that I’m like–this?

Snow: Salt…it was an accident. They can’t fault you for that–

Salt: They can, they will, and they do. It’s going to take years to rebuild that mine, and now I can’t even–the doctors say going out in the sunlight could kill me, Snow. Do you have any idea how little work gets done in the night in that Watcher forsaken jungle? My reputation is all I have left!

Snow: Salt, she’s got nowhere else. She’s eight years old–I can’t just send her off to, to–she stays here, safe, or I go.

Salt: She stays inside. No one sees her, connects her to either of us, and that’s final.

Snow: …It’ll do, I guess. Where are you…

Salt: I have months of emails to check on. I’ll expect you in bed soon, darling.

Opal: So I just have to stay inside? Like back in Wineburg?

Snow: That’s right. There’s a balcony here, though! So long as you stay away from the edge, you can go out into the sun all you want. Well…so long as you don’t get any on Salt, anyway.

Opal: Is he a Vampire, Mama?

Snow: What–oh, no, you silly goose!

Snow: Salt’s accident hurt his brain. The doctors are worried that bright light could make him have a seizure, so they want him to stay out of the sun until they’re sure he’s all better, that’s all. He’s as Berry as you or me otherwise.

Opal: That makes more sense. Do you think he’ll be okay?

Snow: I don’t know, baby. We’ll find out for sure soon enough.

Snow: Sleep well, angel. I’ll see you for breakfast.

Snow: Should you be on that thing? The doctors said–

Salt: I know what the doctors said, Snow.

Snow: *sigh* Are we really doing this? Really?

Salt: Oh, you tell me! I expected a bit of a dalliance–everyone does them–but an alien? Really, Snow?

Snow: It happened, Salt. What do you expect me to say, that I regret it? That I wish it never happened?

Salt: Yes!

Snow: Well, I don’t.

Snow: That’s one thing I can never do. She was…very special.

Salt: It sounds as if you’re still in love with her.

Snow: …maybe I am. She gave me the most important thing in my life.

Salt: Ah, yes, your precious little–

Snow: Don’t even finish that sentence. It was my choice. Opal’s innocent in all of this.

Salt: There’s no such thing as innocence, Snow. Not in this city. You do understand what we have to do, don’t you? Or have you forgotten your duty to your family?

Snow: As if I ever could…alright. Let’s just get this over with.

Opal: Good morning, Mr. Salt–

Salt: Ah. I don’t want to hear a word out of you, do you understand? You keep quiet.

Snow: Salt…

Opal: Um…

Salt: Not. One. Word.

Salt: I have work to do. Clean this up, Opal.

Opal: I–mm-hmm.

Snow: Have a good day, Salt.

Opal: What was that?! He didn’t even say thank you!

Snow: Honey, Salt is…he’s hurting, and he’s afraid. He’s going through a lot right now.

Opal: I know that, Mama, but that doesn’t mean he has to be rude about it.

Opal: And what kinda fudge was that about not talking?!

Snow: Opal! There’s no need for that sort of language! …*sigh* I don’t know, sweetheart. Just give him some time, please?

Opal: Hmph.

Snow: Please?

Opal: ….okay, Mama. I’ll try. I just wish he wasn’t so mean, and…

Snow: Opal?

Opal: …forget it.

Snow: You know I’m terrible at forgetting things. Will you tell me what’s wrong?

Opal: I just…

Snow: You just…?

Opal: I want to go home, Mama. I miss it.

Snow: Oh, baby….I know. I know.

Opal: Oh! Sorry, I–

Salt: What did I tell you about talking?

Opal: I just–

Salt: Ah!

Opal: Fine! I won’t say I’m sorry for bumping into you, then!

Salt: You little–do you have any idea what good I’m doing you?! What happens to people like you out there in the real world?!

Salt: I’ve taken you in out of the goodness of my heart and–

Opal: It’s not a very good heart if this is how you treat a kid!

Snow: What in the world is going on up here?!

Salt: Your little brat won’t follow the rules, that’s what! First she gets in my way and then she yells? What sort of berry are you raising, Snow?

Opal: I was trying to apologize!

Snow: Opal, go to your room. We’ll talk about this in a minute.

Opal: Arrgh!

Salt: Well there’s someone with a temper.

Snow: You’re one to talk. Telling a child not to speak? She’s eight years old, Salt. Be the reasonable adult here.

Salt: Reasonable? This is my home, Snow, my home! If she can’t follow a few simple rules–

Snow: Salt, I know you’re upset, but this isn’t the right way to deal with this.

Salt: And what is?!

Salt: My entire life, everything I have ever worked for, is in ruins! And now I have to put up with a mannerless brat?! The Watcher must be toying with me!

Snow: Salt! Opal’s a perfectly good girl–if you’d just give her a chance–

Salt: A chance? Hah! Like we gave Sixam a chance!? Look at what they did to us, Snow! Pulling back trade, culling technology, they’ve crippled us!

Snow: You’re being ridiculous. Losing Sixam contracts won’t cripple the mines because people will always want diamonds. You’re being mean to a child for no reason.

Snow: So why don’t we all just take a step back and–ugh….calm down a little. Why don’t you…go for a swim. Cool your head a bit?

Salt: Oh, my head is just fine. It’s yours we should be concerned about.

Snow: Well, that could have gone a lot better.

Opal: I’m sorry, Mama…I just got really mad at him and…it came out.

Snow: I know, I know, and I’m not too happy about that, but he’s the grownup. He shouldn’t have been treating you like that to start with.

Opal: Do I have to tell him I’m sorry?

Snow: Only if you really mean it. Do you?

Opal: Um….sort of?

Snow: *laughing sigh* Oh, Opal…

Opal: I’m sorry I bumped into him, but I’m not sorry for telling him the truth. You said to always tell the truth!

Snow: Yes, I did, and you should, just…*sigh* Just, let’s try and stay out of his way for a while, okay baby? I’m sure things will be fine once he’s calmed down.

Some months later….

Salt: I don’t need to tell you how important this is, do I?

Snow: No, Salt, you don’t. I know these people are the mines biggest backers. I know how important it is to show them you’ve fully recovered.

Salt: And to not show any sympathy to Sixam, either!

Snow: Not everything is about Sixam, Salt! And even if they think it is, I can keep my mouth shut! How many of these parties did we go to as teenagers? I know what I’m doing.

Salt: I would hope you do, but evidence proves otherwise–

Snow: Salt Mine! Don’t you dare imply that–

*muffled arguing*

Opal: *sigh* This sucks.

Snow: No, you know what? You’re acting more like a child than the actual child in this apartment! It’s been five months, Salt. You have to let this go!

Salt: Let it go? Let it go?!

Snow: Yes, let it go! Opal doesn’t deserve it, and you can’t expect to raise a child in all this anger and hate! Your child, Salt! You can’t expect me to raise them in this kind of life!

Salt: Was that a threat? Are you threatening to take my child away?

Snow: What–no! No, I’m not, that isn’t–

Salt: Because two can use that play, Snow, and do not think that I will not–

*intercom buzzes*

Snow/Salt: Not now!

Salt: …and repairs will be finished come springtime. I’ll be flying down to join the crews at work as soon as they are.

Rainforest: Salt, darling, are you sure that’s a good idea?

Riptide: You’re still healing, aren’t you? Take all the time you need, sugar, you don’t have to force yourself.

Firewood: Yes…it wouldn’t do to have another…accident.

Salt: What did you just say, Magnus? Was that a threat!

Firewood: You’re clearly taking it as one!

Snow: Salt…

Riptide: Salt, it’s clear you’re under quite a lot of stress, so we’re going to just…pretend that this never happened.

Firewood: Though none of us ever really will!

Fringe: Miss Gleam?

Rainforest: Yes. It’s time we head out. This evening’s gone on long enough for all of us, I think.

Salt: If you walk out that door, don’t bother coming back! I’ll do this without you!

Firewood: *laughter* Like to see you try!

Snow: *groan* Thank you all for coming…have a safe trip back home.

Rainforest: Snow…you alright, love? Is there…should I call someone?

Snow: …No. There’s no one to call about this, Miss Gleam. But thank you anyway…

Rainforest: Alright. But if that changes, just give me a ring. Take care, dear.

Salt: And what was that, hm? Now you’re conspiring with the old biddy out for my mines?

Snow: Do you even hear yourself?! There’s no conspiracy! They’re all worried about the state of the company–and Rainforest is just worried about you! How long has she known us? Years!

Salt: All the more reason for her to know where to strike at us!

Snow: Salt…

Snow: I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to go back to the mines just yet. Let’s talk to your doctors first, make sure that everything’s okay.

Salt: I am just fine.

Snow: …I’m not so sure.

Years later…

–

Opal: *quiet singing* And out there…living in the sun…give me one day out there…

Quartz: Opal?

Opal: Out there–hm–oh, Watcher, Q, don’t scare a girl like that!

Quartz: Heh, sorry. You said to come see you once Dad went to work?

Opal: Yeah, I want to paint your portrait. It’s for Mom.

Quartz: But we see each other every day! I thought pictures were just for when you were going away and not going to see each other again.

Opal: Q…pictures are for whenever. Besides, it’s not like we can get her anything else.

Quartz: I guess you’re right. It’s not like Dad gives us any money to spend. What do I need to do?

Opal: Just pick a pose and hold it for a few minutes. Think you can not move for that long?

Quartz: Watch me be a statue!

Opal: *laugh* Just a minute longer…there we go. Okay, now you can move again.

Quartz: *big breath* When did you get so good at this stuff?

Opal: I’ve had a lot of practice. I’ve been doing it since I was your age, remember?

Opal: Anyway–Mom’s birthday’s in a few days. I think we can pull off a surprise, but I’m going to need your help.

Quartz: Sure! But…what are we gonna do?

Opal: We’re going to wait for Salt to go to work, then you just need to keep her busy for a while. I’ll handle the rest.

Quartz: So, what is this plan of yours? Surprise party?

Opal: Kind of. You remember that development Mom was talking about, right? Newcrust? I got us on the waiting list.

Quartz: You did? That’s…great…

Opal: Says the one who looks like I just threw away her teddy bear. What’s the matter, Q?

Quartz: If you and Mom go to Newcrust, you’ll leave me here with Dad.

Opal: Wh–pffft *laughter*

Quartz: Opal! I’m serious!

Opal: Quartz, you silly goose, come here. I’d never leave without you.

Quartz: Really?

Opal: Really. I promise, when I go, you go. Even if means we have to run for it, we stick together. Okay?

Quartz: Okay. Uh…Opal? Could you help me with my project?

Opal: Sure thing, squirt.

Opal: Oh, man, I think I had this same project when I was your age. I think this is supposed to go here…

Opal: There! All done.

Quartz: Thanks, sis. Do you remember which one’s Sixam?

Opal: I think it’s…

Salt: The one you’ll never go to.

Opal: Oh, crud–Mr. Salt. You’re home early…

Salt: I thought I told you I never wanted to see you in my home, girl. What are you doing down here?

Opal: I was helping Q with her homework. Is that a problem?

Quartz: Opal, don’t…

Salt: Oh, no, please do tell. Please, tell me why you see fit to ignore my rules at all times, hm? I’ve asked so little of you, and yet here you are!

Opal: Because that’s what people do for family, Mr. Salt. Not that you’d know what that’s like.

Salt: You little–

Quartz: I’m gonna get Mom!

Opal: You’ve spent your whole life hating people, Salt, and you know what that does? It drives them away. You don’t have anybody, and that’s how it should be!

Snow: Wha….

Quartz: Mom, wake up! Dad and Opal are fighting again!

Salt: Listen here, you little brat–

Opal: Get off me!

Salt: You listen to me now!

Salt: You are worth nothing. You could vanish right now and no one would care enough to look for you. The only reason you’re still drawing breath is because Snow lowered herself so far for you.

Opal: …Are we sure you’re talking about me and not yourself?