C7 The Ingredients

After a brief respite, Surgrim couldn't resist standing up and once again marveling at the nano 3D printer. "Archi, what do we need now to have it print these 'nanomachines' for us?" Surgrim inquired.

Archi responded, "Different metals like gold, platinum, and aluminum or something similar, along with some insulating materials like rubber or ceramic—preferably the latter."

Surgrim was astonished, exclaiming, "How am I supposed to get platinum? And how much do we need? You do realize I didn't stumble upon a treasure and have unlimited funds." Archi replied, "Do you know those periodic tables with actual elements in them? Get one of those. That should be enough."

Internally relieved, Surgrim sighed, "Phew, I thought I was going to go broke and eat dry bread for the rest of the month." Archi burst into laughter, "If that was your concern, you could have just gone to your grandma's; she would have taken care of you."

Two days later, the periodic table with elements arrived. Surgrim carefully placed samples of gold and platinum on the working surface of the nano 3D printer. Rubber was unceremoniously snatched from the soles of his sneakers, and a bit of ceramic was salvaged from the unfortunate demise of a cup.

Surgrim found himself fascinated by the idea of using these everyday materials to construct something as extraordinary as nanomachines. As the printer whirred to life, delicately manipulating the atoms of the elements, he marveled at the intricate dance of technology unfolding before him.

Archi's voice echoed in Surgrim's mind, "You see, Surgrim, even the simplest materials can be transformed into wonders beyond imagination with the right knowledge and technology."

Surgrim, intrigued by the ongoing process, couldn't contain his curiosity. "Archi, what are we actually printing here?" he inquired.

Archi responded, "Good that you ask. We're creating two types of nanomachines." A hologram materialized before Surgrim's eyes, revealing two spider-like structures. On the left, a slender figure with two pronounced manipulators, while the other appeared more robust, featuring a recess on the top resembling a small loading platform.

Archi explained, "One type of nanomachine is designed for disassembling and reassembling atoms and raw materials, while the second is intended for transporting them."

Surgrim nodded in understanding, "Ah, I see. So, they work together as a team." Archi emitted an affirmative sound, indicating that Surgrim grasped the concept.

 

The room filled with the hum of the printer, the metallic and insulating materials seamlessly intertwining, laying the foundation for the nanomachines that would play a crucial role in their cosmic journey.

Surgrim, captivated by the holographic display of the nanomachines, couldn't help but delve deeper. "Archi, how long does it take to create a team of these nanomachines?" he inquired.

Archi responded confidently, "A little less than a minute at the moment."

Several hours later, the nano 3D printer emitted a forlorn beep, signaling the depletion of materials. Surgrim looked at the 3D printer inquisitively, prompting Archi to explain, "The printer has exhausted all available materials, and we are running low on both platinum and gold."

Surgrim pondered for a moment, then reluctantly suggested, "I feel bad proposing this, but considering how tiny these nanomachines are—almost invisible—can't we extract the needed resources from the surroundings? Platinum from catalytic converters, gold from circuit boards or a jeweler, rubber from road abrasion, and aluminum from various sources?"

Archi confirmed that it was indeed possible, assuring Surgrim that no one would notice. Thus, they dispatched the nanomachines, and shortly afterward, a small, recognizable pile of materials began to form on the work surface of the 3D printer.