ERIDITE

Pubblicato il 8/4/2026

Eridite looks visually like a mineral, resembling an anthracite-colored rock. When fractured, it reveals a porous, crystalline interior. At first glance, it behaves as a metallic alloy, but has unknown properties that can lead to mutations and unprecedented phenomena, still partially obscure. The internal crystals display various colors, ranging from opaque white to blue and violet. Eridite’s porosity resembles that of alum or, more generally, the salt, but it has a tougher texture, making it difficult to break down.

By working this porous material in laboratory experiments, it is possible to obtain an unknown substance lacking any carbon-based molecular bonds. This extract can then be combined with other substances. It is still unclear how to shield against or mitigate the harmful emissions though. Only a few hold this secret. One gram of pure eridite has an exorbitant price and, when sold on the black market, it can be a source of immense profit.

MUTANTS AND OTHER DANGERS
Mutants are hostile creatures devoid of humanity, primarily lurking in areas hit by Eridu’s fragments, but also near exploitation sites for the alien material, including nuclear power plants. Apparitions like ghosts or presences are part of the aura of mystery shrouding eridite, which the regime tries to cover up on a daily basis. Due to mutants’ frequent attacks on people, military intervention has been necessary and has led to the creation of a specialized division to eliminate them.

Throughout the Soviet Union, localized Eridu-atmospheric phenomena (L.E.A.P., henceforth simply LEAP) have also spread. These events are characterized by a mix of known and never-before-seen atmospheric manifestations, linked to the presence of eridite: localized electromagnetic storms, clusters of pseudo-lightning, space distortions, acidic pools, and various types of explosions. These are just a few examples of the devastation brought by eridite, which fortunately only rarely affects high-density urban areas.

GLOBAL SITUATION
The discovery of eridite has led the Soviet Union to global dominance and victory in foreign conflicts such as in Afghanistan.

Iraq has annexed Kuwait, which has developed a technology to combine eridite with different fuels. Hussein, Arafat, and Gaddafi have forged the New Islamic League (NIL), a Sunni coalition that has absorbed numerous Arab nations. The USSR and the NIL have established important economic pacts. Europe is split in two. Nations like Italy, Germany, and Poland are now pro-Soviet and host new nuclear power plants. On the other hand, Spain, France, and the UK, remain loyal to both their longstanding ally, the US, and to the older nuclear technology, considered safer.

It is clear to all that the technological potential of the USSR has brought it to a swift victory in the silent war against its perpetual adversary—the US.