Eclipse

While the Calanthites and Nymphaeaceans weren’t able to agree on the fundamentals of religion, the two groups were able to join the rest of humankind in the suffering caused by Eclipse (not the astronomical phenomena).

Prior to starting the colonization process on soon-to-be Asteroid City States, the probe assigned to the area was introduced to an unidentified substance. Upon securing samples of this new material, labs were able to classify and test it. When pulverized, one is left with a shiny black powder with an enticing glow. After running simulations with the human body in mind, researchers hoped it would be helpful as a medicinal product. This substance would later be known as Eclipse: a new, powerful drug that was highly demanded by individuals throughout the galaxy.

After finding the first asteroid with this material, it did not take long to develop a procedure (with complimentary equipment) that would allow for one to locate more of the substance. When ground, Eclipse has increased potency and is liquid-soluble. Once a person takes in approximately 50mg, it only needs minutes to take effect.

First, the individual experiences a gradual blindness where they are dizzy and unable to see anything. After some time, their vision returns, and they view a light “brighter than the sun”. Afterward, they maintain a semi-conscious state while entertaining vivid hallucinations for hours at a time. Most times, one loses their reason and bodily functions while entranced in such hallucinations (a lucky few do not). Often, those who take Eclipse eventually regain their consciousness and bodily functions to find themselves staring at the sky.

Needless to say, it not only took off as an ingredient for medical treatment, but a galaxy-wide drug. Between leakage of research and trademark human curiosity, knowledge of Eclipse’s effects fell into hands that could turn a profit. Diluted versions were possessed by some of the poor, while wealthier individuals had access to a more refined Eclipse. Excessive usage results in a discoloration of the veins, teeth, and blood. Persons affected are easier to wound, have a weakened immune system, and slowed brain functions. Withdrawals leave one uncoordinated, incomprehensible, and unable to do basic tasks. On the other hand, overdosing results in a comatose state (if not death) where one suffers through constant hallucinations that steadily become less pleasant.

Yet, select religious fanatics believed Eclipse could bring them closer to finding some meaning in the universe. Most others knew this brought humanity down a peg; it was essentially returning to habits that were gone, but not forgotten. The introduction of Eclipse into Golden Millenium society reminded them of the behaviors that hindered their ancestors before, which denoted how little progress they’ve truly made despite achieving so much.

So, until humanity gets their lives together to find a suitable course of action that can address this issue, I do not expect you to even think of using Eclipse or anything of the sort while you are away. But if you do, pray to whoever you can that I do not find out (aside from Morus, for they will not save you).

A page of a personal letter from Vendrea Proslou to an unknown individual