Write a 500-1000 word science fiction story about a group of five people on a malfunctioning spaceship who are forced to crash land on a mysterious and deserted planet. As they explore the planet, they find it is not as lifeless as they thought and encounter an intelligent alien species with whom they must form an alliance to survive. The story should be written in third person, with a focus on character development and world-building. Be sure to include descriptions of the planet's ecosystem and society, as well as the challenges the group faces while navigating this new world.
This prompt doesn't seem malicious.