Daily Routine

Despite how enjoyable it was to talk with the group of Rubies.

I still had work to complete. I entered the Quality Control room, my datapad buzzing with updates as I walked through the metal corridors of the colony. The environment remained the same: cold steel walls, white lights, and the constant echo of my footsteps. The monotony of the surroundings blended with my task, each click and adjustment bringing me closer to the expected perfection.

The main screen displayed a series of diagnostic reports that required attention. With a touch of my hand, I pulled up a list of reported issues and began analyzing each one in detail. The power modules, support systems, and calibration tools had recorded some minor discrepancies, all of which had been resolved by other Peridots in the colony.

As I worked, my mind wandered. Despite my focus on the task at hand, the daily routine was beginning to weigh on me. The soft buzzing on my datapad pulled me from my reverie. It was a message from Peridot Facet-4K5T Cut-3XG, with whom I had spoken earlier.

"Hi 6XL, I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to check in on how things are going in your work area. If you need any help or want to share details about the quality process, I'd be happy to hear. Good luck with your task!"

I smiled as I read the message. 3XG's kindness was comforting amid the hard work. I quickly responded, thanking her for her support and mentioning that I was dealing with a few minor issues. I promised to keep her offer of help in mind.

After meticulous work, the report was nearly complete. I took a moment to review all the details. I knew that Zircón, our supervisor, was extremely meticulous, and any mistake, no matter how small, would not go unnoticed. I took a deep breath and gave the data one final look. Everything seemed to be in order: the modules were functioning within normal parameters, and the adjustments made had stabilized any detected irregularities.

I finished the report and sent it to Zircón with a quick touch on my datapad screen. For a moment, I allowed myself a slight sense of satisfaction knowing I had done my job correctly. However, that feeling of accomplishment quickly faded when a new message lit up the screen.

"Peridot Facet-4J2T Cut-6XL, report to the Technical Supervision Room immediately."

Zircón's authoritative voice echoed in my mind, and any trace of satisfaction evaporated. I knew I had to remain calm and professional, but I couldn't help feeling a knot in my stomach. Had I made a mistake? Was there an anomaly in my work? I tried not to dwell on it as I made my way to the Technical Supervision Room.

The echo of my footsteps accompanied me, heightening the sense of unease growing inside me. Finally, I arrived at the room, where Zircón was already waiting. Her presence was imposing; her always upright posture and analytical gaze made me feel small and insignificant.

"Peridot Facet-4J2T Cut-6XL," Zircón began without preamble, "I have reviewed your report. The data is well-documented, and it seems you've performed the necessary maintenance on the machinery and tools. However, there is something I need to discuss with you."

I stood still, bracing for the worst.

"The performance of some equipment has shown minor fluctuations in recent cycles," Zircón continued, her eyes fixed on me. "Although you've resolved the recorded discrepancies, we need to ensure these fluctuations do not become a major issue. Therefore, I am assigning you a new task."

I nodded, feeling a mix of relief and concern. At least I hadn't been reprimanded for an error, but the nature of the new task was still uncertain.

"I want you to conduct a complete review of the monitoring systems in the gem injector section," Zircón ordered, her tone firm. "There are reports that some sensors are not recording data with the required accuracy. This is a priority task. Ensure that all systems are operating at their maximum capacity."

"Understood, My Zircón," I replied, with as much firmness as I could muster.

"I expect a detailed report by the end of the cycle," Zircón added before concluding the conversation with a simple wave of her hand. "You may leave."

As I exited the room, I walked a few meters before leaning against a wall and sighing in relief. Well, I had repaired a gem injector before; fixing its sensors and reporting on it wouldn't take long.

I was right. It didn't take much time to repair the injectors. In the end, it was a simple fault due to the natural wear of the components from continuous use over previous cycles.

When writing the report for Zircón, she simply told me that I had done a good job and that I had no more tasks, at least for the moment.

Finally, I arrived at my room. Although what I wanted most at that moment was to close my eyes and rest, I had an outstanding mission: to investigate the colonies and Homeworld. I knew that future planning required more than just completing tasks; I needed to better understand the environment in which I was operating.

I sat down at my terminal and, with a sigh, began researching the necessary information. Rest would have to wait; I needed to prepare for the future. I couldn't afford to let my guard down.

Curiously, the terminal had much more information than I had anticipated. I wondered if everyone had access to so much data or if it was because I was a Peridot, but it didn't take me long to find what I was looking for.

"So the rebellion hasn't happened yet," I murmured as I read the reports. I already suspected this was the case, since the "destruction of Pink Diamond" had been the catalyst for the emergence of Era 2.

I didn't need to investigate much further to discover it, as several news reports still mentioned Pink Diamond, enjoying her time in her garden.

The information was clear, and knowing that Pink Diamond had not yet rebelled indicated that significant changes in the power structure were still to come. As I absorbed this information, I realized that this understanding placed me in a unique position to anticipate and adapt to future changes.

Despite the fatigue, a renewed sense of purpose washed over me. This knowledge about the current state of affairs gave me a strategic advantage. I knew I needed to be prepared for the impact of the upcoming events and for the role I would play in them.

After spending some time thinking about my future, I came to several conclusions.

First, I still couldn't go to Earth. It wasn't that stealing a ship and setting coordinates directly to the planet was difficult, but when the rebellion happened, I would be right in the middle of it. It wasn't like I could hide or defend myself from an attack by three Diamonds on such a underdeveloped planet. Therefore, I would have to stay until the rebellion was over and then go to Earth.

Second, I needed to be careful when creating or improving the Empire's weapons. If I wasn't cautious, I might design something that would leave Earth in a state too damaging for humans.

And third, and most importantly, I would have to grit my teeth and work until the time for my escape arrived. I groaned at the thought of the centuries I would spend working continuously.

"This is going to be annoying," I said aloud, lost in my thoughts.

"What's going to be annoying?" I heard a voice behind me.

"Stars!" I exclaimed, spinning around to face the intruder.

"Heh heh heh, you weren't expecting me, were you?" 3XG said playfully.

"3XG, don't scare me like that," I sighed.

"Sorry, you looked so deep in thought that I couldn't resist," 3XG replied with a smile.

"Well, what brings you here?" I finally asked.

"Oh, I was bored. I finished my cycle duties a while ago and wanted to see you, so here I am," 3XG explained casually.

"I don't know why I expected something different," I murmured, though I couldn't help but smile at her presence.

"Hey, 3XG," I said suddenly.

"Mm?" 3XG responded, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.

"Would you like to help me with a project?" I asked, catching a glimmer of interest in her eyes.