The Black Lotus's Diamond Ring

[Anton Nadramie]

Anton was, busy per usual. He'd finally found a relatively good guard force for protecting all of his workers but it wasn't enough and his funds were running low. Buying the guards was expensive and arranging meetings with people was growing less and less common. Though as he was walking around he met a younger yet very beautiful tanned Miraluka. She was talking with a friend about this order of force users. Force users? Who better to buy lightsaber crystals, and they were their own faction. Still relatively knew in comparison to some, so he asked her the name and after some coercing she told him, The Crimson Lotus. 'Perfect' he thought, as he went home and began to reconnect his little used transmitting device.
Once entirely set up he was able to send out a short range broadcast towards any members of The Crimson Lotus, basically hailing one of prestige to come to him for a business deal. He wasn't worried about people trying to intercept it as The Crimson Lotus as he'd heard had no real enemies. So the message went like this,

---

From: Nadramie Crystals

To any and all Crimson Lotus members, I Anton Nadramie have a business proposition for you and your faction, guild, and/or Brotherhood. Respond back in person at my industry on Biitu when convenient. I sympathize with your cause and wish to open up a partnership with you. Thank you for listening, I pray we meet soon.


---

Short and sweet, just like father used too.


[member="Nikias"]

 

[Akhilleus]

[member="Anton Nadramie"]

[SIZE=10pt]For the fifth time Nikias read over the message that had been sent to him by a company named Nadramie Crystals. In all honesty Nikias had never heard of the corporation before. Though it was more on the part of his homeworld being a prime planet for retrieving lightsaber crystals of almost all kinds. Even rare Adegan crystals could be found on Hora[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] that did not mean that this company could not be useful to the Crimson Lotus’ goals. Nikias would not let his homeworld be stripped bare to provide for all the members of the Lotus[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] and in a way an artificial crystal could be more beneficial in a multitude of ways.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Exiting his shuttle Nikias stepped onto the planet Biitu[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] Nikias looked around at the facility and out at the large agricrop fields. It was actually ironic that a factory that specialized in making artificial crystals was on a planet that focused on creating foods and such. The owner would possibly benefit from setting up a deal with Nikias. The Hellyni need not wait long before a droid arrived to escort him through the facility. “Good evening Jedi[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]…[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] You have been expected. If you would follow me to the meeting chambers?”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“Lead the way.” Nikias said extending his left hand and motioning for the droid to lead. Nikias had come completely unarmed but even without his lightsaber his true power lay in the force.[/SIZE]

 

[Anton Nadramie]

Once inside the building was nice, but very plain. Nothing really stuck out as amazing it was just a mansion with a big sign out front saying, 'Nadramie'. Usually, as his father had it there were troves of slaves walking around and guests were well treated with quite a performance. Though all that was there was the greeting droid and a single green skinned Biituian slave girl who approached and offered a bottle of relatively expensive alcohol.

"Namana Liquor sir?" She asked in an attempt at a seductive voice, which was about eighty percent accurate. Though preventing her from pushing anything else onto him Anton made his appearance looking much more refined than usual. His shirt pressed and his coat tightly pinned, a cane at his side and a smile on his face.

"Thank you kindly Rev, though I think we'll take our drinks in my office." He said in a fractal of worry and a majority of assuredness. This sale held the balance of his company tightly. Motioning with his cane he nodded his head as he bowed lightly.

"I wasn't expecting a King to grace my steps, I'd have prepared more but we can discuss that in the office. I'm Anton Nadramie and you by your regal composure and that lovely amulet on your chest must be Nikias. I didn't know you'd be affiliated with the Crimson Rose." He said with a bright smile as he extended his hand to the man intimidated by his aura but hopeful from it at the same time.


[member="Nikias"]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Entering the mansion[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] Nikias scanned it his golden eyes roaming the premise looking for any signs of a threat or trap. There were many that wanted his head[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] and many more that wanted the talisman embedded in his chest. So far they had been out of luck on both parts. Sure that the mansion was save Nikias turned and eyed the Biituain girl. He knew nothing about her nor what purpose she served however if Nadramie knew the Crimson Lotus he would know that they did not endorse slavery and that Nikias himself would bring his might down upon the business owner. The same might that had nearly defeated a powerful Sith Lord and had nearly killed a Sith knight. "No thank you mam[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] I prefer not to drink without someone drinking as well." Waving his hand politely Nikias heard the voice of who he assumed to be the owner of the company. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Raising an eyebrow Nikias examined the man before him. While Anton was only a few inches shorter than Nik[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] he seemed lighter frailer and lacking the body of a warrior. That didn't matter much if one was a force user however. "My duty to the galaxy comes before my duty to keeping a throne warm." Nikias joked breaking the regal demeanor and intending to lighten the mood. If he was going to make a deal with Anton he wanted him to be comfortable. It never helped if one thought the other would snap their neck at any second. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]"It is a pleasure to meet you." Nikias said before looking down at Anton's extended. Taking it Nikias gave the business man a firm shake before releasing his iron grip. "Yes your office may be the best for such a meeting. Lead the way if you would and tell me more about this company and what you wish to accomplish."[/SIZE]

[member="Anton Nadramie"]

 

[Anton Nadramie]

"Of course, this way please." Anton said as he bit the midst of his pointer finger in anticipation. This man's aura was dark, he didn't know if it was from his power or if he'd upset him somehow. Nevertheless he must continue his performance.

"My father was a vagabond who become a mostly self-taught Sith Knight. He learned how to harness power through use of the stronger emotions. Passion he taught me, Passion is by far the strongest and most sentient emotion. Using his powers he came to this planet and found the entirely pacifistic race and used them to begin farming out the raw materials of this planet. He used SIth Alchemy to fashion together more suitable materials and then placed inside of a geological compressor. Really it was genius from a business perspective, though he did it all for me." He took a moment, both now seated in his office, taking a drink from the Namana liquor he sighed painfully. After another moment he looked back into the bright yellow eyes of [member="Nikias"] before continuing.

"My mother, she was a Kalai. They're a lot like Angels but more common, still they are extremely... elusive. According to his story she appeared to him on his private ship and they made love, none months later she returned to him with me. He founded the empire to give me a life of wealth and without worry. Partnering up with the other large slaver here Wendell Wraith he built this empire up. Though my father's recently left me and Wendell refuses to help this company in hopes of him stealing it away. So now I'm forced to rewrite treaties and come to new conclusions. First I replaced some guards, and now I'm in the process of replacing unwilling servants with droids. But that's costly and just makes room for new workers. So I'm in quite a pickle you see, though that's no reason for me to halt my business. I respect the Crimson Lotus's doctrines and I wish to sell you my crystals, and once I get a hold of my own situation I intend on making custom lightsabers for the higher members, I see at your hip you've already gotten one. So perhaps it'll be a more ceremonial process." The Lethagoe said with a soft sigh of discomfort, he'd been rambling on for a few minutes and while it was long he knew that if he was going to be dealing with such a man he had to know the truth. The truth as he'd learned over the past week included everything.

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]Nikias smiled nodding his head politely before following the host. Many took the Hellyni to be a violent and malevolent man from first appearances due to the menacing aura that was about him. It was completely the opposite of his true nature[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] even now Nikias was repressing the malevolent aura of Syn. He was ignoring the whispers in his ears[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] the ones that told him to go to the darkside. That wanted him to taste the blood of others and become a ruler of the galaxy. The exact opposite of what the Crimson Lotus stood for. That was the point. Taking a stance in the darkness to fight the greater one. So any allies that could be acquired for the fight would be welcome as long as they did nothing to go against the Brotherhood or its doctrines. [/SIZE]


[SIZE=10pt]Taking the seat that had been provided for him Nikias neatly sat his hands on the desk as far away from his lightsaber as possible. To make sure that Anton did not feel threatened by one such as himself. Many force users would be able to retrieve their lightsabers faster than some could process but this was more of something to make Anton feel more comfortable. Even if there was a possible threat that arose the lightsaber would not be the first thing that Nikias went for. Keeping his face even Nikias didn't flinch nor give any clues about his dislike for Anton's father nor Anton himself. The sins of the father were not that of the child to bear. It was not Anton's fault the path his father chose[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] but it would be his falt if he went down the same one. "Hmm[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], I've come to experience similar things[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] but just as passion is a powerful emotion it is not the most powerful. Many Sith miss that[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] but I am not here to coach you on the ethics and tendencies of the force itself. It is still quite remarkable that your father crafted a legacy from something such as that."[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]"The fact that you toil to continue on with your father’s business is admirable. Many would've given up when put in your shoes. Running a company is not meant for the weak,[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] you have shown you aren't weak by continuing to fight and build this company back up." Stopping Nikias looked down at his lightsaber pulling the tool from his belt and sitting it on the table between him and Anton. "I have carried this weapon since I was thirteen[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], and I use it less and less as time passes. It is more of a way to mark my status in life..." [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Clearing his throat but not picking up his lightsaber Nikias leaned back in the chair. "As such the Crimson Lotus will be more than happy to fund you and will pay for any further security you need. In return tell me more about these crystals? Have you created any that are truly unique?" [/SIZE]

[member="Anton Nadramie"]

 

[Anton Nadramie]

Anton perked up a bit at the question, no one had asked him this yet. There was no truly unique model that had outstood the rest, he could make really any that he studied and that in itself was a feat, best to explain that first. "Well, that's very kind of you to say. This business nearly drove me to madness, you see... this is the first responsibility I've had in my entire life. I have never opened a bottle on my own in my life, or had to go a day without a shower and a bed without at least ten hours of sleep. This was all very sudden and for you to recognize that... well it's nice. I've had women call me gorgeous and men bow to me but for you to admire something I've done... it's lucid." He said feeling his good emotion well up a bit but he pushed it down for business sake and cleared his throat, drinking some Namana. 'Time wasted can never be regained' Wise words, from a dumb man.

"I'm so very honored that you'll be willing to take part. I've got this knack for Alchemy, with blood and raw materials I've been able to fashion any crystal that I've been able to study. The most rare I've kept here in my office please allow me to show you them!" He was excited, giving into his youthfulness and standing up from his desk hastily. Walking over to a blacked out sword display case he quickly put in the key, which illuminated the tank. By the sound of the top lifting it was apparently very heavy and visibly became translucent upon it reaching complete exposure. Inside the case rested five unique crystals "Jax Pavan, I read over his story in a book once. He fought a great battle, and then went searching for a mineral that would be powerful enough to defeat his foes. I've been able to copy that crystal. It's not to special because it naturally forms on the planet..." He thought a moment. "... Ambria. Ambria is the world it forms on, but according to legend it gives the blade an Ion effect making it more effective against droids. I tested it out against a repair droid and it short circuited by me only pressing the blade an inch into its shoulder. Truly amazing I thought so I've kept it here. I've made a few other neat ones have a look!" He said happily as he showed off the cabinet containing the four remainders; the light green Allya's Redemption, the eerie black slate Blackwing Crystal, the shining and beautiful white spherical one, and a dazzling blue Permafrost crystal.

"If you have any questions please ask, I haven't made it this far with any other buyers." Anton said nervously looking back to his guest, [member="Nikias"]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]"Worry not about it. I am sure I will not be the only one to admire your work. Such a business would come in handy to many like us in the galaxy. Everyday more and more people pick up a lightsaber in a hope to change something or to fight for what they believe. In a galaxy such as this you are sitting on a gold mine as not too many focus on gathering organic crystals or do not have the abilities to face the challenges to require one to gather them." It was a very true statement[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] on his homeworld they had no reason to not mine and gather their own crystals but on many others threats waited for those daring enough to gather the crystals. Nikias remembered running into Kinrath on Dantooine as he had intended to collect some of their crystals. A lesser being wouldn't have made it back out.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]"No need to be honored,[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] I am more amazed by your knowledge and skill in these arts. I've never seen one truly use alchemy crystals that can mirror their organic counterparts..." Nikias said looking into the case but not moving to touch them just yet. This was after all a business transaction and he couldn't have Anton thinking that he'd just rob him blind. Each crystal was its own unique color and in a way Nikias had seen them labeled in books and datalogs. Each indeed unique in their own way[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] even just standing near the permafrost crystal Nikias could feel its calming effects in the force. "Hmm I cannot imagine the time spent gathering these crystals. Gathering one permafrost crystal on my world is indeed an adventure. To acquire more unique points out the amount of work and dedication you have even more." [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]"The only question I truly have is when do you plan on starting?"[/SIZE]

[member="Anton Nadramie"]

 

[Anton Nadramie]

Anton was baffled, this man had such an intimidating and eldritch aura. His white hair and skin with the yellow eyes, his armor screaming king and warrior and yet here he was being as intelligent as he was strong. The encouragement would be fatherly to someone with less issues of their craftsman. What a unique man this was, truly one that he admired. The respect he had for his work and saying that he was the only one? Poetic. The first man to achieve legitimate lightsaber crystal alchemy. That made him worry though, if this spread too quickly others would mimic him his father's origin planet had companies that fought like this so he knew the dangers well.

"Well first I have to thank you for your kind words, but I could start producing these massively within the month. I've just signed on for more droids and excavation costs. I plan to mass produce the simpler crystals like Adegan and it's branches while doing special orders for higher clients and well paying ones. These do take time as I'm sure you know, you admired the dedication and I can promise that it is there. That orb, took me a near three months to make. Good thing too, I've read that Krayt Pearls are worth a small fortune." He smiled at that bit, this dragon's digestive helper was a target of his for a while now and he was proud to have it.

"I'm forced to ask though, you said I was the first to achieve this that you've met. If that is true could you please keep it a secret? I'd rather keep that between us. I thought that with the amount of sith running about this would be more common practice." Anton prayed that this would also come true. He hated tacking on conditionals to such a worthy client but this information was too powerful.


[member="Nikias"]

 

[Akhilleus]

[SIZE=10pt]"Hnn within the month you say?" Nikias asked holding his right hand over the open case. Immediately as though shot from a slugthrower the blackwing crystal would snap into Nikias open calm as he brought it closer to examine. He had never seen a black lightsaber crystal before and coming from a world that naturally produced crystals it was shocking to see a unique color. Holding up the crystal to the overhead lights Nikias examined it to ensure that the crystal was authentic." Yes[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] even if one had to wait multiple months it would be worth the wait." In all honesty it was true[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] there were many lightsabers out in the galaxy with numerous effects. Equipping Anton with a few of them and allowing him to mass produce them for the Brotherhood was better than what he had ever expected. The first crystal Nikias would bring next time they met was a Dantooine crystal. To see what Anton could do about amplifying the effects of the crystal.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]"Oh yes,[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] there is no need to worry. Only those of influence within the brotherhood shall know of these crystals and your services. As such you still need funding[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] and I think I can give you enough to hold you off for some time." Being a king came with benefits[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] being wealthy was one of them. Not counting the acts Nikias had done on his own to increase his wealth[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt],[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] one of which involved stopping a criminal syndicate and getting rewarded for all the art and artifacts they had stolen. Reaching into the robes Nikias fished out his datapad and activated his personal account from when he had still been an exile. Better to finish using it than drawing on the funds from his kingdom. "Here is five hundred thousand credits starting out to fund the droids and excavation costs. Along with another two hundred and fifty thousand as an added bonus." Nikias said nodding his head. "I can't wait to see just what type of crystals you create." [/SIZE]

[member="Anton Nadramie"]

 

[Anton Nadramie]

So it came to pass, Nikias and Anton formed a basic contract stating that whilst Anton provides Nikias with adequate services the king would continue to fund the Nadramie Operations. With the money to open the contract and the first set of requests Anton would begin outsourcing gold, silver, gallium, and other metals of various type and function. Advertising would begin within the next few months of their meeting for a more public audience whilst keeping Nikias to the front in importance.

One of the larger inspirations Anton had from this meeting was the Blackwing Crystal, variety of colors stood out. So while waiting on precious metals to start coming in and hiring lightsaber craftsmen he would begin altering the color of basic crystals. Even for the most basic Synthetic Crystal with no real name and no specialties that he could make for very low costs. Though of course, the public didn't know that to them lightsabers were precious commodities that were expensive and rare. As Nikias knew, the number of force users was rising to a nearly pandemic state and this was going to be milked profusely.

[member="Nikias"]

- End - ​