Chapter 42 - Nanotechnology in Star Trek (Patreon)

"Scarlett, display an example of basic Federation, Collector, and Husnock nanotechnology," I ordered.

Immediately, three obviously magnified microscopic machines were displayed in midair along with corresponding detailed technical information.

After studying the schematics and technical descriptions closely, I realized that each version, while similar, did something better than the others, or each race had different purposes for them when they were originally designed. The Federation version was much more medically oriented, meant to heal injuries and fight disease from the inside of the body, but it could interact with technology as I'd seen on that one episode of TNG where the Enterprise was nearly destroyed by an accidental release of nanites.

The Collector version had been designed to re-write DNA and assist in the creation of their cybernetic upgrades in their overly specialized soldiers, scientists, leaders, etc. As they saw all their people as expendable these nanites weren't really designed to keep the body alive or to heal injuries.

The Husnock version was mostly a way to repair their ships and technology, and had the best chance of mimicking complex technology.