3XG and I considered several ways to justify the material request, weighing the pros and cons of each approach. Ultimately, we decided that honesty would be our best strategy. We knew that Zircon would eventually discover all the details once the prototype was completed, as the colony's Gems would report to her immediately.
With this in mind, we prepared a basic report on the project. We included the main idea, the necessary materials, and the potential benefits of the utility limb prototype for the colony. We sent the report directly to her datapad.
The prototype we will present to Zircon is a set of floating fingers. At first glance, it might seem like just a mechanical appendage, but it is packed with advanced technology. The finger is metallic, with a smooth and slightly reflective surface. Its shape is elongated and streamlined, designed to maximize precision in delicate tasks. At its base, a set of small nodes and sensors can be seen, facilitating connection with Peridot's internal signals.
As we anticipated, Zircon responded quickly. Her message was brief and to the point: she requested an in-person meeting to discuss the project details.
We headed to the meeting room with a mix of anticipation and tension. Although we were confident in the solidity of our project, we knew that Zircon was not easily convinced. Her reputation for being strict and detail-oriented had us prepared for any critical feedback or incisive questions.
Upon arrival, Zircon was already there, reviewing our report on her datapad. She greeted us with a slight nod, without taking her eyes off the screen.
Zircon looked up from the datapad and gazed at us with her penetrating stare.
"I've read your project report," she said in a firm voice. "The materials you're requesting are considerable, and the scope of what you're proposing is not insignificant."
We remained silent, waiting for her next comment. Zircon continued:
"The concept is interesting, and the benefits you mention could be significant for the colony. However, I prefer to hear about its functions in person."
I felt a small knot in my nonexistent stomach but masked it with a confident smile.
"As we mentioned in the report," I began, making sure to be clear and precise, "the enhanced utility limbs are designed to connect directly with a Peridot's innate abilities, particularly her magnetism."
Zircon nodded slowly, allowing me to continue.
"One of the most notable features of a Peridot is her ability to manipulate objects at a distance through magnetism. This natural ability is essential for many tasks in the colony, from handling machinery to interacting with advanced technological systems. We've developed a technological interface that synchronizes these abilities with the limbs, making them function as a natural extension of the Peridot's body."
Zircon squinted thoughtfully.
"How precise is this synchronization?" she asked, with her usual incisive tone. "Are we talking about perfect integration or is there room for error?"
3XG responded immediately, with a hint of excitement in her voice:
"The utility limbs are equipped with advanced sensors that detect fluctuations in the magnetic field generated by the Peridot when she activates her ability. These sensors transmit the information to an automatic calibration system in the limbs. For example, if the Peridot is manipulating small and delicate objects, the fingers of the limb adjust to provide greater sensitivity and precision. This flexibility is crucial for tasks that require high precision, such as handling technological interfaces or making fine adjustments to delicate systems."
Zircon kept her gaze fixed on 3XG, clearly absorbing every detail.
"And how do these limbs respond in high-demand situations?" Zircon asked. "What happens if there's a need to switch quickly from a delicate task to one requiring more force? Is there any delay in response?"
"This is where the design truly shines," I added. "The limbs are designed to adapt instantly. For example, a single finger of the limb can open and control a full holographic display, and in the next moment, manipulate larger or heavier objects without losing precision. Peridots can handle multiple interfaces simultaneously, significantly enhancing their ability to monitor and control various systems in the colony."
Zircon seemed to contemplate the proposal, observing the prototypes as she assessed the potential impact of the technology combination.
"Since they connect to a Peridot's natural magnetism ability, does this mean it would limit her capacity to manipulate objects?" Zircon asked, with curiosity and a touch of skepticism.
3XG nodded, acknowledging Zircon's concern.
"Actually, it does not," 3XG explained. "The integration of the limbs with the Peridot's natural abilities does not diminish her capacity to manipulate objects. The synchronization between natural magnetism and the technological interface enhances precision and control, allowing for more refined handling. The combination of the inhibiting ray within the limbs facilitates handling large and heavy objects and optimizes magnetism for more delicate tasks."
Zircon furrowed her brow, clearly considering what had been said.
"And the inhibiting ray?" Zircon asked. "If these floating fingers incorporate its function, how do you ensure that objects remain frozen during manipulation?"
Without hesitation, 3XG responded: "Allow me to show you."
With a gesture, she activated the inhibiting ray in the floating fingers. A heavy object on the table froze in mid-air, enveloped in a blue glow characteristic of the ray. As 3XG held the gesture, the floating fingers continued to keep the object in place.
"The inhibiting ray must remain active for the object to stay frozen," 3XG explained. "If at any moment the flow is interrupted, the object returns to its normal state. However, the advantage of integrating the ray into the floating fingers is that the Peridot can control the object in mid-air and also move it precisely while it remains frozen."
Zircon nodded, impressed by the demonstration, but still inquisitive.
"What happens if the Peridot needs to manipulate multiple frozen objects at once? Is there a risk that one of them might thaw if focus is dispersed?"
This time I answered while preparing for a new demonstration: "The system is designed to handle multiple objects simultaneously, as long as the Peridot maintains her focus. Here you can see how it works in practice."
With a gesture, I activated several floating fingers. Each one emitted an inhibiting ray towards different objects, keeping them frozen and suspended in the air. With precision and care, the floating fingers manipulated the objects, moving them around without any of them losing their frozen state.
"The challenge, of course, is maintaining concentration," 3XG added. "But with practice, a Peridot can handle multiple tasks effortlessly."
Zircon observed the work of the two Peridots, noting the level of control and effectiveness of the prototype. Finally, she nodded, clearly impressed but still analytical.
"What about durability?" she finally asked. "Can these limbs withstand prolonged use without failure?"
"And this is where the request for more durable materials comes in," I added. "During our initial tests, we discovered that the current materials begin to show signs of wear with prolonged use. This is an issue, especially because the limbs are designed for high-demand tasks. With the materials we've proposed, the limbs would be more durable, without compromising the safety or efficiency of the Peridot."
Zircon watched us as she processed what we had presented. Finally, she spoke:
"What you're proposing is certainly ambitious. The idea of enhancing a Peridot's natural abilities is interesting. However, apart from these prototypes, you're newly emerged and don't have much else to demonstrate that this project is viable in the first place."
I felt a pang of panic as I heard her words. The tension in the room increased as Zircon seemed to ponder, taking a moment before deciding.
"It's clear you've thought of every detail," she commented, her tone a bit more relaxed. "However, I want to see tangible results before committing more resources. I will allow you to obtain the necessary materials, but if you fail to make progress with that batch, forget about making any further requests."
I nearly collapsed with relief upon hearing that. I looked at 3XG and saw a big smile on her face.
"If you have nothing else to address, you may leave," Zircon added.
I was about to do so until I remembered what I had promised to the Jaspers.
"Actually, my Zircon…"
"Hmm?"
"I've noticed several complaints from different Gems about the training platform…"
"Request denied," Zircon interrupted.
"Eh?"
"Too high costs. Not worth it."
"B-but…" I stammered, nervous.
Zircon sighed.
"Alright, I'll discuss it with 3XG. You leave."
I left the room, filled with confusion. Hasty thoughts raced through my mind: Why would she want to speak privately with 3XG? Why was she so defensive about the training platform?
After a while, as we walked towards my room, 3XG explained the reason for Zircon's rejection.
It turned out that the Jaspers were breaking even the most resistant material they could afford for the platform. Using even more resistant equipment for a simple training platform, when that material could be used on the ship, was ridiculous from her perspective.
I sighed, finally understanding the logic behind Zircon's decision. Although I felt disappointed for not being able to fulfill my promise to the Jaspers, I couldn't deny that Zircon's justification made sense.
"I guess it will have to wait," I murmured.
3XG nodded, though she seemed amused by my situation.
"Maybe," 3XG replied. "But it's also true that you can't predict how Zircon will react. Sometimes, you just have to accept her decision and move on."
I paused, looking at the distance between us and our rooms. We were close, but I couldn't stop thinking about what we had discussed.
"Do you think we could find a way to reinforce the platform without using those materials?" I asked, searching for a possible solution that didn't involve spending such valuable resources.
3XG rubbed her chin thoughtfully.
"It might be possible," she said after a moment. "Maybe something less conventional, something we haven't considered before. We can always experiment with small prototypes before presenting another proposal."
"Yes, I think I might have an idea," I began to say but was interrupted when I saw who was in my room.
A group of Rubies was staring at me with wide smiles.
"Hi, Peridot!" they greeted in unison, their enthusiasm palpable.