"You're from a world that's nothing but water? That explains the fins..." She's only semi-familiar with Earth and that's only mostly water. From what Ibtisam says they're also adept at building things - not that Peridot is familiar with much beyond gems. Most other species are considered primitive by Homeworld.

"Anyway, it's not about adaption! It's about functioning at all!"

She hits the control panel for emphasis, "Gem technology wouldn't fail like this!"

Well, maybe it would.