Reflections in Green: A Peridot’s Journey

I didn't expect this.

My last memories were of lying in a hospital bed with my family, savoring my final moments with my children. I didn't know what to expect after death—maybe I'd go to heaven, reunite with my parents, or perhaps simply fade away into nothingness.

But what I certainly didn't expect was to emerge from a hole in the ground.

I slowly stood up, feeling the texture of the ground beneath my hands. It was a smooth surface, almost like glass, reflecting my image in a distorted way. I looked around, trying to understand what I was seeing. Everything had a rich emerald hue, dotted with floating, shifting geometric shapes.

As I stood, a surge of information and understanding flooded my mind. How could I already know what I was supposed to do? Why did I know the tasks and responsibilities that had been assigned to me? It was as if the knowledge of my role and duties was ingrained in my being, a product of the gem formation process that left no room for personal choice.

"Peridot Facet-4J2T Cut-6XL, proceed to the Inspection area," commanded a voice.

A knot formed in my stomach at the sound of the order. Although I theoretically understood my role, the reality of having to put that knowledge into practice was overwhelming.

As I made my way to the Inspection area, exploring the vast, green colony and feeling the weight of the responsibilities that were now a part of me, I made a conscious effort to project confidence and competence. However, there was much I didn't yet understand.

"It can't be that bad, right?" I murmured to myself, feeling a chill run through me.

Upon arriving at the Inspection area, I paused to take in my surroundings. The room was spacious, with gleaming walls and a series of devices lined up in perfect symmetry. Several Peridots were being evaluated simultaneously, each standing before a control panel similar to mine.

"Adjust the parameters on the panel. Ensure you follow the specified guidelines," ordered an authoritative voice.

I turned my head and found myself face-to-face with a tall, slender figure, a brilliant gem embedded in her chest. She was a Zircon, the technical and quality supervisor. Her appearance was imposing, radiating a calm but undeniable control. The light emanating from her gem cast a glow that highlighted her air of superiority. Zircon observed every detail with critical eyes, her posture elegant yet rigid, making it clear that there was no room for error.

Swallowing hard, I began to work. Each movement was guided by a mix of instinct and newly acquired knowledge. I adjusted the parameters according to the specifications, feeling the weight of each decision. The pressure to do it right was immense, but I knew I couldn't afford to make mistakes.

As I worked, Zircon remained silent, watching our every move with an intensity that made my skin crawl. The hum of the machines and the soft click of the controls were the only sounds breaking the silence.

"Ensure that the data analysis is complete and check for any anomalies," Zircon instructed, her gaze unwavering.

My hands moved quickly and precisely. I completed the analysis and meticulously reviewed the results. Everything appeared to be in order, and a wave of relief washed over me when I saw no anomalies.

"Parameters confirmed. No irregularities detected," I reported, trying to sound confident.

Zircon stepped closer, her eyes still fixed on me. Finally, her expression softened slightly, though her posture remained firm.

"Good. It seems you have met the initial expectations. Perfection is the standard here," she said in a tone that brooked no argument.

I nodded again, knowing this was only the beginning.

"Proceed to the next training module," she ordered, before turning and walking away with a decisive stride.

As I made my way to the next module, the geometric walls of the facility passed by me, a constant reminder of the precision and order that was expected of me. The other Peridots, all freshly emerged like me, walked in line, their expressions equally determined, though some showed a hint of uncertainty.

When we reached the next area, Zircon was waiting for us, her posture rigid and her gaze piercing. Without wasting time, she began assigning tasks.

"Each of you will be assigned a specific function within the colony. There will be no room for errors. Efficiency is key," she declared, her cold eyes scanning us.

One by one, the Peridots were assigned to different stations: structural repair, system calibration, energy resource monitoring. When it was my turn, Zircon observed me for a moment before speaking.

A murmur of anticipation spread through the room. The Peridots lined up neatly, and a large hologram appeared in the center, projecting a list of names and assignments.

"Peridot Facet-4J2T Cut-6XL," Zircon's voice echoed, "your task will be to oversee the structural maintenance module. You will coordinate with the repair team and ensure that the units operate within the established parameters. Your technical knowledge will be crucial to ensuring the integrity of our facilities."

This time, I moved immediately at the sound of the order.

Upon reaching the structural maintenance module, I found a group of Peridots who had also just been assigned to this task. There was no time for formalities. It was clear that we were all in the same situation: freshly emerged and ready to face our first challenges.

"Let's conduct a joint inspection," said a Peridot with a light green gem as she approached a control console. "There are several minor issues we need to address."

I joined her and the other Peridots as we began reviewing reports and the status of the structures. Each of us had a specific task, and soon we organized ourselves into teams to tackle the various problems.

We worked together to repair a damaged support system, exchanging ideas and adjusting parameters as needed. Although we were new to this, we quickly adapted to the situation and began solving problems efficiently.

As the work progressed, I realized that collaborating with the other Peridots made the process much more manageable. There were moments when we hit roadblocks, but teamwork allowed us to find solutions quickly.

"The work performed has been acceptable," Zircon said in her authoritative voice. "Efficiency in structural maintenance is crucial to the colony's operation. Continuing at this level of performance will be essential."

I nodded with determination, feeling that I had overcome another challenge in my path. As I walked toward my next test, I couldn't help but think that, all things considered, it was impossible for this to get any worse.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It got worse.

The training modules themselves weren't the main problem; the real challenge was the never-ending amount of them. I lost track of time during the countless hours of continuous work until they finally deemed us ready to take on our duties.

After what felt like an eternity, we were informed that we had completed all the modules. Zircon gathered us for a final evaluation before assigning our tasks within the colony, an evaluation that felt even longer than the simulations themselves.

At last, I arrived at my room—or as Zircon preferred to call it, my "work headquarters." I collapsed with a sigh of exhaustion, and after an endless stream of thoughts and worries, I allowed my mind to relax, succumbing to fatigue.

"What should I do now?" I wondered with a sigh.

I knew the next cycle would bring new responsibilities, and while I was determined to fulfill my duties (and not fail), a small part of me couldn't help but wonder what the future held for me.

But for now, that thought faded as I closed my eyes, letting the silence of the room envelop me.