We're like crystal, but we don't break easily

[Armand Temi]

​

Location: Crystal Mine near the Fuel Processing Plant, Biitu in the Outer Rim​

Thais Kallisto was on a fact-finding mission for her owner [member="Crix Meriet"], investigating what type of crystals the Biitu Crystal Mines extracted from the peaceful agriworld. Six years had gone by since Thais lost her entire empire, both her companies and her palace to her close friend and courtier, Meriet.

It was difficult for her to think back on the circumstances which brought her to this place, not of destitution, but of powerless drudgery for someone who was once a Princess. Still, she’d been such a good and obedient slave that she was afforded some leeway, especially when it came to the business of Kallisto Mining Company, of which she was still the expert.

As she perused the crystals in the Biitu Mine Workshop – Kallisto had a similar one where they made custom metals, jewelry and decorative blade handles – she knew that she wouldn’t be able to wait one more entire year. Trailing her pale fingers over the surface of a dazzling aventurine stone, she thought: Either I need to make a plan, or I have a discussion with Mr. Meriet over my enslavement. She wasn’t only worried about her fragile emotional state, but her business needed to thrive – it needed the Crystal Heiress back at the helm. And if Crix won’t oblige, perhaps I’ll involve [member="Draco Vereen"], the Mandalorian who had negotiated the terms of her bondage.

Crix was somewhere around the mines, but Thais wasn’t sure she wanted to broach this subject on a business trip. She carefully examined all of the crystal, sunstones and quartz in the workshop, marveling that a trade deal between the two companies would be quite fortuitous since the Biitu Mine’s quarries had rare and valuable material that Kallisto Mines did not. Inexplicably most of the workers in the mine were Amarans, perhaps ones who'd fled from the Sith annihilation of their home planet a few months ago.

[member="Anton Nadramie"]

 

[Anton Nadramie]

Pacing his office with a low growl as he read over the mineral exports and how low they'd dropped. Quickly signing a contract of another set of guards rolling in. Signing a writ of leave to head out to a distant planet for a quick trip was the last thing he did before heading out of the room and closing his datapad. Making his way out of the office he looked over his stock, proud of it, a legacy that his father had made and had earned them billions. Synthetic Crystals of so many variety, if he had gold he'd try to manufactuer full lightsabers that were aesthetically pleasing. Though, he didn't have that, he didn't have any kind of help at the moment. A sinking ship filled with gold and he was the captain, Wendell would be here within the month for the scraps. As these dark thoughts and visions crowded his mind it all ended when he saw someone standing in the shop. Lovely hair, a thinner frame, well dressed, though the thing that stuck out the most was her beauty. Astonished it took him a moment to craft words, when he did they almost blurted out immediately, but a quick save of a clearing throat caught him.

"Hello ma'am, can I help you?" Ma'am, maybe not the best word but much better than angel, love, or dear. Flirting was natural, but this wasn't some slave girl she was a woman. Not only a marvelous woman but also perhaps a paying customer so being polite was much better than flirting, probably. He though unsure of himself.


[member="Thais Kallisto"]

 

[Armand Temi]

Thais turned around and appraised him with a hawkish gaze, her dark eyebrows furrowing. At first glance he appeared to be a fellow merchant or even noble as she once was. Checking briefly for a sign of Mr. Meriet returning abruptly and, at best ignoring her, at worst embarrassing her as he was inclined to do, she met the stranger’s gaze and asked, “Is this your workshop?” The former Princess wasn’t sure that the owner of the mines would be strolling around his own workshop, but then again at times, she enjoyed watching the jewelers do their work. It was soothing to see how they shaped and cut each gem to the specification of the customer or how it needed to be embedded in a setting.

“My name is Thais,” she said. If he did work at the mines, her last name would likely be known to him as Kallisto Mining Company owned and operated two of the largest crystal mines on both the planet of Isis and Christophsis. If he’d been reading the mineral trade dailies for years, he may even recognize "Thais," but Mr. Meriet had also been running the company for awhile. The Princess’s first name was therefore not synonymous with “fine crystals.”

“I’ve come for some business with the Bituu Mines. And who are you, kind sir?”

Her demeanor was perfectly friendly, a bit demure and slightly servile. No one would know that just a few years ago, Thais Kallisto was one of the shrewdest, calculating and most spoiled businesswomen, merely a teenager when she'd inherited the vast fortune of her parent's mining company.

[member="Anton Nadramie"]

 

[Anton Nadramie]

Another moment passed leaving a brief silence as he was mostly just amazed, but being a newly formed business man and a kid with his largest problems being that a slave girl took more than three seconds to uncork an alcoholic beverage for him. Stoic was a new thing he had to be, and temperance was something he loathed from this newfound life. Thais, a grand name for a gorgeous woman. Ending the silence as quickly as he could he nodded.

"I'm Anton Nadramie, owner of Nadramie Crystals and this workshop we're in." Smiling, he almost went to impress her with his lineage but bit his tongue as his father was quite the abrupt pilot of this business and mentioning him would upset him more than help his ego. "I'd be glad to help you with anything you'll need. Though due to some short comings of staff we're a little behind on productions, but this problem will be gone within the week I swear. Please tell me on what business you come madam."

Madam, a word he hadn't even heard in ages. A woman of some class came through when his father was in charge, he called her that but she was far to Egalitarian for his father to keep around for long. Though Thais, that name made him call her Madam it was unknown to him consciously, but within the deeper memories that name was pulling for remembrance.


[member="Thais Kallisto"]

 

[Crix Meriet]

Crix had hoped getting hold of a crown would make his life easier. I had not. When everything had been turned over to him he had pictured a life of decadence and relaxation with his Toby instead what he got was a nightmare. A crown which inflicted agony on his neck and shoulders, a job which forced him to stay on his feet for unending stretches of the day, people always buzzing around him demanding answers and all feeling they were entitled to every scrap of his time. That was the worst thing Crix never got to spend quality time with his Toby anymore, they were either being dragged to a state function, crix was busy or just too tired to do anything but sleep while toby relaxed his tired muscles. They might as well just be master and slave since there only regular interactions where when was waiting on Crix.

It was a six year stretch of Torture and Crix couldn't wait to shove it all back.

Crix Toby and Thais were touring a mine that day, Crix was not happy. The crown was hurting his neck , his legs were sore and Toby looked distraught as he clung to Crix's hand as if resolved to hold him forever and never let him leave his side. Crix would not care if that happened but Isis likly would. The Mines were quite beautiful but Crix was much too distracted to really notice and T was too miserable to react. They were walking back along the path to get back to the workshops. Toby was shuffling his feet and Crix was worried he'd get blisters.

"Toby sweetie you're gonna make your footsies sore shuffling like that" The slaver cooed, Toby looked up and shot Crix a sad, sorry look. Crix stopped walking and hugged Toby "Don't be sad T, my adorable good boy, only one more year then you and I will take a nice long holiday and matser and Toby can start catching up on all the quality time I missed" That seemed to appease T who gave his smaller lover a squeeze kissed his head then pulled away. It was straight back to moping then of course.

Crix slipped into the workshop quietly, Thais seemed to be building rapport. that would help in getting hold of the mines.

"Ah Thais Dear there you are" Crix smiled , his hand reaching up to rub his neck as a visible wince contorted the smile into a weak curve.

He would endeavour not to embarrass her here. that would be counter productive and Crix did no plan to drag his Tired feet round anymore bloody mines. "Oh how rude of me , good sir" he added turning to the mine owner "Crix Meriet Trustee in charge of the Kallisto holdings, Thais assists and advises me on these matters ... she is more expert than I" He offered his hand to shake then retreated back to Toby.

See he could be charming ... now Crix wanted to get this over with so Crix and T could try to manage a quick burst of relaxation and quality time with his Toby before someone realised Crix 'wasn't doing anything crucial' and dragged him off to kiss a vile baby or heal a disease afflicted pauper .. eurgh being a single ruler was poodoo ...Crix had never done this to Thais he just got poodoo done , why were all his agents halfwits.

"How are things progressing, I see some promise here ... but the surveyor looked off "

Best not to seem to eager.

[member="Anton Nadramie"]
[member="Thais Kallisto"]

 

[Anton Nadramie]

Thais... Kallisto... Kallisto holdings. No bells rung yet but that urge in the back of his mind grew more and more. Kallisto brought the memory of money but couldn't remember how. Hell it could be water purifiers for all he knew at this point, but this Crix fellow looked exhausted. His body said thirties but his face screamed stress. Feeling a little bad as they may have walked through the entire mine he quickly rose a finger and looked around for one of his personal slaves. The number of that bleeding into nothingness as more and more were given up to go to the mines for lack of workers though her personal favorite Reverie was still close by. He motioned to her one of the eight she knew, and left quickly.

"Crix yes? I can't say I'm familiar, but the Kallisto name really brings back some memories that escape me." He looked to Toby, and then to Thais, perhaps there was more here that he couldn't see. Perhaps they all held some stock in this Kallisto...

"You wouldn't happen to mean Kallisto Mining Company would you? Father once had a share in that I believe. I-" Getting ahead again he cursed internally. "Sorry, I got ahead of myself there. My name is Anton Nadramie, this lovely Thais here was just gracing me with information of business. I can't have such esteemed guests standing out here in the workshop. If you're all alright with drinks I can provide that in the lounge. There is a personal elevator leading there, I'll get it started if you like" He said doing anything possible to be seen as more hospitable to these guests, the spirits may be a bit expensive but perhaps they would have an offer. Any business with these people would be good business, especially with the original work quota nearly halved now due to his father's old ally.

[member="Thais Kallisto"] [member="Crix Meriet"]

 

[Armand Temi]

Thais couldn’t help but smirk a little at Crix’s weariness. Why yes, it was tiring running two large mining operations, when they technically weren’t your companies to begin with. Perhaps if he’d inherited them versus his windfall over Princess Kallisto’s misfortune, he would have more of a vested interest.

And there was dutiful Toby, following along with his Master’s wishes. He also appeared quite worn down today as the more work Crix had to do, the more Toby had his hands full trying to appease him. Thankfully he was a mute and couldn't verbally complain. Thank the stars for those small miracles.

“Why, yes it’s Kallisto Mining Company,” said the former Princess smiling. Even as Crix’s slave she was immensely proud of her fortune. With a quick glance at Mr. Meriet and back to Mr. Nadramie, Thais said, “I would love a drink. And while we walk, why don’t you tell me more about Nadramie Crystals. While the Kalliso quarries on Christophsis utilize droids for our workforce, back on Isis we still rely on the native Gutretee population to extract the crystals. I see you also use sentient beings… these Amarans. Are they slaves?”

[member="Anton Nadramie"] [member="Crix Meriet"]

 

[Anton Nadramie]

"Yes, of course." The small squad of four entered the elevator and once inside were provided with a carosuel like design. Seats for two on each side but completely closed in. The ride was quick but Anton began speaking while inside it taking his seat on the left side near the back instead of the entrance.

"My father started this empire with the help of a Wendell Wraith and began to harvest the naturally peaceful race here, the Biituians for the work force. I'll make a point here since I haven't met someone alive yet aside from you lot who doesn't despise slavery. I personally have no qualms and I feel no need to be up in arms about it. Though because of my clients and Wendell who is the wealthiest slaver I've ever met." The elevator stopped to which he cut off for a brief moment and they were greeted by a darker skinned girl with flowing red hair and lovely yellow eyes. Anton smiled and nodded motioning for her to introduce herself, to which she began to glow.

"Greetings madam, sirs. My name is Reverie I'm Master Anton's personal assistant, would you all like some Namana Liquor?" Anton smiled to his helper since he was just a child. She looked a bit more mature than him, but not by too much and she quickly went to go grab the alcohol. Anton began to talk as they made their way to his office.

"As I was saying, I believe the next bit of information most helpful would be to briefly tell you that I'm a Lethagoe, my father human and mother Kalai. Kalai are much like Angels as they are mysterious and keep to themselves. I've never met my mother and my father has seen her twice, once when they first made love and twice when she brought me to him. Or so I've been told, but my father left this business to me to go find her." The office was large, kind of egg shaped with a chair in front of the desk at a diagonal and a couch beside that, a spare chair was against the wall to which he briefly offered to anyone before sitting behind his spacious native wood polished desk. Reverie came in and handed glasses of the slightly fruity but strong enough liquor to everyone. "So I was given everything, the slaves, the money, the ships, all of it. Wendell stabbed me in the back and tried to steal my company away from me. Though I got everything running smoothly in here. Every fallen slave is replaced with a droid that works just as hard. I'm looking for a way to boost the production amounts but I don't have the land or resources. The Kallisto mines are very fortunate to have natural forming gold and other rare metals. I'm looking to add on a custom lightsaber branch in the future. Though if you're from Kallisto mines I can't imagine what you'd need from me. I have millions of credits and the only thing I can picture you needing from me are the mines themselves. But with as little sensitivity as I have to these kind of things, I think you've come here for something else." Anton guessed as he sipped at his more adult beverage. Looking over the tired two and the proud woman he smiled a bit. What ever was about to go down excited him, he could feel opportunity in the air but couldn't tell for which side.

[member="Crix Meriet"] [member="Thais Kallisto"]

 

[Crix Meriet]

Crix nodded as Anton guessed they were from the Kallisto mining company, he was about to answer but Thais spoke first. He smiled at the offer of a drink and a continuation of their meeting in the lounge "That sounds good , Thank you Anton" He turned to Toby who stifled a yawn as he looked back at crix a hint of sad longing in his gaze. Crix squeezed Toby's hand "There see we can have a nice sit down and you can rest my sweet one, you look tired" He whispered to Toby in hushed tones as Thais prattled on at Anton. She never could keep her mouth shut. Toby tipped his head and stroked crix's head with a sympathetic smile. As if to say 'so do you'

They had had their moment then followed after Anton and Thais. Taking the two seats on the right ... despite Toby's objections to sitting in a seat. He had been ingrained with subservience and a notion that in public he must be as lowly as possible. For all the riches and affection Crix lay on his T the poor man still sorry himself as little more than a slave. In private he could bear to be somthing more but in public ... he was uncomfortable with even the slightest luxury. Eventually however Crix forced Toby to concede that on this occasion a chair was a necessity. Toby still insisted upon laying kisses over Crix's fingers in a show of subservience.

Crix had listened silently to Anton as they rose. seeing no reason to interrupt either Anton or Toby. He was glad their host was not opposed to slavery ... it made things so awkward when people got Moral and moany over the issue as if they would never cut corners to live a life of luxury. As if they could claim to have nothing touched by the oppression of another. All people reveled in cruelty and one upmanship the only difference between him and them is that he didn't hide it.

He was distracted by the stopping of the elevator and the appearance of a glowing slave girl. "Yes Liquor for me but just water for Toby" Crix didn't like Toby to drink outside the confines of the palace so scared that someone might do harm to his love. He could easily check water for poisons and the like. Ofcourse Toby prefered only water in public too ... after all slaves didn't get nice drinks and in public that was all Toby was.

The woman was gone and they were shown into a well appointed office. Crix took the offered seat by the wall with a curt nod, he had best leave the talking to Thais ... darn this was just like when she was still a royal ... he was going to stop bringing her, oh but then he'd have to do all this boring business stuff and he'd get even less time with Toby. He didn't know what to do and it vexed him. Toby seemed to notice pulling crix into the chair and kneeling at his side, a hand stroking over his master's knee and slipping down his leg.

Crix hummed and gently but firmly pulled Toby's head onto his lap to stroke his slaves hair. Just enough force to make clear to Toby that it was an order for him to let himself be petted. "ahahah" crix tutted when Toby tried to lift away to shrink into some bowed servile ball at crix's feet "I want to pet my T, and I'm in charge aren't I sweetie?" His words harsh and firm but his Tone loving. He wished Toby would let him treat him properly in public as well as in private but whatever had happened in those four days nearly 20 years ago had convinced Toby that in public he had no claim to equality with crix.

Between Petting Crix glanced up at Anton.

"You are right Mr. Nadramie your mines are of interest to me ... " Thais said they should be " and Indeed I feel I may also be able to replace your depleted servants, perhaps we can meet another time and I will show you my stock" He sipped his drink and looked over to Thais "Thais dear , what do you think ... is the endeavour as promising as suspected?" He waited for Thais's answer whilst all the while he comforted himself in the softness of Toby's hair threading through his fingers and the quiet murmurs Toby gave off as crix's finger tips stroked the skin behind his ears. The soft touches bidding the dark haired slave to relax.

[member="Thais Kallisto"] [member="Anton Nadramie"]