A few months passed. Getting Peridot 3XG's help for the project wasn't difficult. As soon as I explained my idea to enhance our natural abilities, 3XG eagerly agreed to collaborate. In fact, she was quite excited about creating something new.
The project itself was relatively simple but had the potential to allow us to multitask. If we could already interact with technology using our fingers, what if we had additional fingers? This would not only let us handle more Holopads but also work on multiple tasks simultaneously. Of course, I wasn't satisfied with just that. I decided to improve our defensive capabilities by incorporating an additional device I called the Inhibitor Ray into each finger.
In theory, the ray could emit an energy form that interferes with a target's motor abilities, preventing movement and nullifying weight while active. This would be useful for both moving heavy objects and immobilizing enemies.
Even though 3XG seemed a bit puzzled about the need for such a device, she happily agreed to help.
Enhancer limbs didn't exist yet. And really, why would they? Gems have remained stagnant in their abilities since their creation, with no changes or evolution. I reflected on the current limitations and available alternatives. In this era, a Peridot unable to access technology would be destroyed without hesitation.
I continued contemplating the task while reviewing the initial designs for the enhancers. I knew creating these devices would be a challenge, but I couldn't help feeling excited about the possibility of enhancing our skills.
At this point, my room was filled with components scattered everywhere: circuits, holographic projectors, and tools discarded by other gems as outdated. For us, these scraps were the perfect foundation for experimentation.
3XG, with her usual energy, was reviewing a set of cables. I watched as she deftly connected different pieces and discussed possible configurations. Although her comments were technical, I could sense the excitement in her voice; each connection seemed to bring us one step closer to something big.
"What do you think of this?" 3XG asked, holding up a rudimentary prototype. It looked like a blueprint for what could someday become an enhancer limb, though it was still far from functional.
"Let's keep reviewing the prototype design," I replied as we headed to the workshop. The space was cluttered with components: circuits, holographic projectors, and tools that other gems had discarded. For us, these scraps represented the perfect base for our experiments.
3XG was engrossed in reviewing a set of flexible cables, examining each connection and making adjustments to the prototype. I observed her skillful manipulation of the cables, connecting different modules and discussing possible configurations.
"I've been reviewing the circuit diagrams and noticed that synchronization between the enhancers and our natural abilities remains a critical issue," 3XG said, a mix of frustration and determination in her voice. "The integration of energy modules with control circuits has proven unstable. Initial tests show that energy transfer isn't uniform, leading to fluctuations in system performance."
"The main problem lies in balancing the required power with system stability," 3XG continued as she reviewed the technical diagrams on her Holopad. "Analysis indicates that energy modulation is deficient, causing variability in enhancer response. Additionally, energy dispersion in the prototype has led to overheating in some critical connections, which could cause them to fail."
I nodded, my face focused. "The lack of precision in synchronization is also due to the quality of materials we're using," 3XG added. "The components we've salvaged are mostly from older models, and some have defects we hadn't anticipated. This affects circuit stability and overall prototype performance."
"I understand," I responded. "Material variability not only affects component durability but also introduces inconsistencies in energy flow. We need to find a way to calibrate these defective components to improve accuracy."
I leaned over the workbench and pointed to a control module with several exposed connections. "Also, the calibration parameters we're using are generic and not optimized for our specific needs. The material resistance isn't aligned with the energy requirements we've set, contributing to system instability."
"Exactly," 3XG nodded. "We need to adjust calibration parameters to better fit material characteristics and the energy profile required by the prototype. This will involve tweaking modulation algorithms and conducting thorough tests to ensure stable system operation."
3XG pulled out a small measurement device and began adjusting energy levels on one of the prototypes. She observed the results on the data monitor, analyzing fluctuations.
"Energy tests show that charge spikes are causing interference in the main circuit," she explained. "We might need to design a more efficient heat dissipation system to prevent overheating and protect critical components."
"Agreed," I replied. "We can integrate a cooling module to improve heat dissipation. We'll need to adjust coolant flows and optimize duct designs to ensure even distribution."
3XG nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly. We should also consider using materials with better thermal properties in future prototype iterations. Although recycling defective materials has limited our options, we can use the data obtained to design a more robust system in the next phase."
"Then we could…" Hmm? A message on my datapad interrupted me. It was from Zircón.
"Peridot Faceta-4J2T Corte-6XL, I need you to join a review in the training room of Sector 7B. I've been informed of several damages to the platforms, and your technical expertise is essential for optimizing workflow. Make sure to arrive on time."
"I'm sorry, I have to go," I told 3XG with a touch of sadness. "We'll continue this after I finish the repairs."
"Don't worry, I understand," 3XG said with a slight smile. "See you later."
With one last look at the prototypes we were working on, I headed to Sector 7B, preparing to inspect the damages.
.
.
.
"So, what exactly happened?" I asked, focusing on the platform as I began my work.
"Ugh," the dark blue Jasper grunted with her usual tone. "Nothing unusual. We were just doing a light exercise, and it broke."
"Of course," I said, continuing my repairs. "Still, You must be pretty strong."
"Heh heh," the light blue Jasper chuckled. "If this impresses you, wait until you see what happens in real training—assuming the platform survives that long."
"Has this happened before?" I asked absentmindedly while working.
"Way more times than I can count," the dark blue Jasper said, rolling her eyes. "We've been asking Zircón for a more durable platform for ages, but she always says we need a solid reason to get one."
I blinked in surprise.
"You ask to Zircón?" I asked.
"Yeah, what's wrong with that?" the light blue Jasper replied, puzzled.
"Oh, you're one of the newly emerged, aren't you?" the dark blue Jasper said, leaning in slightly.
I nodded.
"Then you don't know Zircón very well."
"Isn't she extremely strict and a perfectionist?" I asked.
The Jaspers chuckled.
"Yes, but she's also strict with herself," the dark blue Jasper explained. "Trust me, I've served under other gems, and Zircón is by far the best."
"Yeah, I've been in other colonies too," the light blue Jasper added. "At least Zircón recognizes the effort of every gem under her command; other gems aren't so considerate."
I thought about their words. I hadn't considered it before, but now that they mentioned it, Zircón had always given some praise for effort.
"I guess I haven't had the chance to get to know her well," I said, trying to process this new information.
"Give it time," the light blue Jasper said with a smile. "Zircón can be tough, but she's also fair. She knows how to recognize hard work when she sees it."
"And if you have any suggestions or issues, don't hesitate to tell her," the dark blue Jasper added. "If it's reasonable, she'll take it into account. Just don't expect her to act without a good reason."
I nodded, absorbing their words. It was strange to think of Zircón that way. Maybe there was more to her than met the eye.
"Wait a second," I said. "You're suggesting I ask for a more durable platform, aren't you?"
The Jaspers exchanged a knowing look and then laughed.
"Maybe?" the light blue Jasper said with a mischievous smile.
"It's not a bad idea, right?" the dark blue Jasper added, shrugging. "If Zircón hears a direct suggestion from a Peridot, she might consider making the change."
I sighed, recognizing their cleverness.
"I suppose I could mention it..." I said, trying not to commit too much.
"That's exactly what we wanted to hear!" the dark blue Jasper exclaimed, giving my shoulder a friendly pat.
"Good luck, Peridot. We're counting on you!" the light blue Jasper said with a smile.
As I walked away, I couldn't help but smile at the situation. I had learned something new about Zircón, but I had also been subtly nudged by the Jaspers. Either way, I now had a lead on how to acquire the materials for the enhancers.
When I arrived at the workshop, 3XG was already waiting for me. She laughed after hearing what had happened, something I honestly should have expected.
"Are you done?" I asked as I prepared for the next phase of the work.
3XG continued with her playful tone, but with a hint of challenge.
"Sorry, hold on a moment," she said, clearly enjoying the moment. "I can't believe the Jaspers were smarter than you. But I'm glad you finally figured out how to handle the situation."
Her laughter eventually subsided, and her expression shifted to one of seriousness. "However," she continued, "are you sure you want to ask Zircón for the materials?"
I considered her question for a moment before nodding. "The materials we have aren't in optimal condition, and the tools are too generic. We won't be able to complete the enhancers with what we have now.
3XG sighed, but her expression softened into a slight smile. "Well, you'll also need to request materials for a more durable platform."
"You're not going to let me forget that, are you?" I replied, knowing exactly what she meant.
3XG smiled more broadly.