Message in the Dust

Initial exploration down on …'s surface reveals that this planet was indeed home to some kind of civilization.

However, the level of devastation indicates that it must've been very long ago, and it's quite likely that the civilization was struck by some kind of sudden and terrifying force. There isn't even ruins enough left to get an idea about the aliens' physiology.

The surface team has isolated a radio signal down on the planet. Its origin is still unknown, but translated parts have started to reveal information about the long lost civilization:

Some unidentified and approaching threat to the civilization. A collective fascination with technological advances. Rumours of a giant spaceship being built in another part of the galaxy. These themes are recurring in the scrambled messages.

The archaeologists managed to home in the source of the mysterious signal. It came from deep underground.

Unearthing of the site has only just begun, but indications point to some kind of research and development facility. The place is littered with remarkably high-detail miniature prototypes of various technological devices.

Scans show a hollow space further down, and excavation is underway.

Our excavation team have made an interesting discovery. A collection of miniature hard drives held information about an ongoing project that seems to have been the focal point of this installation, maybe even that of the entire civilization.

It speaks of a mighty vessel to rival the galaxy's most gargantuan flyer.

What beast of a machine did they build down here?