Networking is totally a thing Nat can do -- she meshes well enough with the Cetagandans that they take her seriously as an offworlder. (They're so snooty.)

She could squirrel away parts to use on her own, but any official plan presented to the science officers is gonna be shot down. Especially in light of the breakout, they are Not Cool with letting the exotics walk around weapons all the time, let alone ones they designed themselves. But she could build it on the sly, with help from other exotics if needed.