Deserted Desert

As the …s' crew explored the barren dunes of …, the first reports were much as expected: this is an unnatural wasteland with no signs of life above the water's surface. Yet the planet's aquatic life has evolved well past the point we would expect some species to make forays onto dry land.

Additionally, the crew discovered what originally appeared to be various ancient-looking, sand-covered structures. Shortly after they began digging into these apparent buildings, small swarms of nanites emerged and began harassing the researchers. It seems the buildings are formed not from sand, but by billions of microscopic nanomachines!

Once mobilized, these swarms quickly multiplied, awakening more and more of the dormant whole. … ordered a swift evacuation of the planet, allowing the … just enough time to escape the atmosphere with a swarming storm of nanites in hot pursuit. The remaining swarm now seems agitated, and it's not calming down.