In addition to the independent and
internal nanocolonies, a third type of nanocolony exists. The ambient nanocolony floats in the air with no fixed location or purpose. Most ambient nanocolonies exist in areas where nanotech has either grown out of control or where civilization has declined, leaving behind only microscopic remnants of its technology. Often referred to as "zombie nanites," these nanocolonies float around aimlessly until some outside stimulus reactivates them. In some cases, ambient nanocolonies even try to continue to fill their intended purpose long after the conditions necessary to do so have passed; ambient
utility fog (described below) might continue to try and build roads where no roads have been needed for years, while an inert ambient nanocolony of
gray goo (also described below) might suddenly reactivate, essentially becoming a nanite minefield.