Arming the Common Man

[Anton Nadramie]

Biitu, a beautiful planet owned primarily by primitive peoples and alien species. Though with the immigration of humans to the relatively isolated place it came quickly with advances in technology. The main propriotor of progress was Mr. Nadramie who found the planets abundance of Kyber Crystals hidden away even from the natives. Founding Nadramie Crystals he soon began to export them to Jedi schools and Sith Cults. However in time it came to be owned by the young Anton Nadramie, and he had seen it advance in over a hundred ways.

Now with the new working slogan, "Arming the Family." In place of the old "Arming the Common Man." He found himself still using both equally in business practice, the slogan he first adopted being the one he found himself with today in a most ironic sense. Encrypted emails, messages stamped with complex coding had lead him to what was likely to be his most unique business endeavor yet. Working with politicians, gangs, and people he now found himself a whole new caste entirely. The welcoming commitee started stark and cold as the guards armed with Anton's own stock of goods investigated the well disguised cargo ship. No signs of anyone unaccounted for here. So after confirming the identity of the man he wanted to see most and his alloted plus one if he so chose Anton Nadramie had them sent to his office.

A large oval room with a window overlooking the land untouched by modern progress, an office made of native wood with purple grey and red colors to accent. That desk, a golden trim with the name 'Nadramie' along its front. With the large bookshelves and view it seemed that Mr. Nadramie and perhaps Anton too seemed to like traditional styles and taste. Even more so with a soft piano being played by a beautiful woman aside the door, who only stopped once his Majesty entered. Turning around Anton gave a smile, and raised a small glass of dark liquor.

"Your highness."

 

[WolfMortum]

Biitu wasn't a world that Veiere was familiar with, though with that said, neither was the man of whom he had come to meet that day. Thanks to [member="Jairdain"]'s position as the royal advisor (and life partner) to Bradshaw Ku, Veiere's step-son and the first in line for the throne of Commenor, word had reached the estranged King and so The CSA Resolute now orbited the agricultural world while the King's personal shuttle descended down towards their designated landing point.

Communications had been brief and far between, distance between each transaction as time had passed and Veiere had been forced to prioritize the needs of the Royal Family and the growing militia. Allies were in desperate need and it seemed that those the Commenor Systems Alliance once called friends, were conveniently misplaced in their time of need under the threat of the Sith Empire's occupation of the Trade World.

News from the Mandalorian Empire had not yet reached him, though his daughter remained for the time being with [member="Yasha Mantis"], niece of his wife and Queen of Commenor, [member="Lady Kay"] Arenais. Contact had been made between the two Monarch's, their strength was slowly gaining and yet the might of the Sith Fleet orbiting their home-world still remained the biggest threat to both those seeking to enter Commenori space, but so too those on the ground as Munto City had been made an example of. The Sith had already proven that they had no issue with reigning death down upon the most populated sectors of Commenor in order to prove their superiority.

None the less, resources were in short supply and so Veiere entered the humble office of [member="Anton Nadramie"], rather curious to discover what it was that the man had to offer. He had requested a meeting with the Prince and been surprised to hear instead from the King, seemingly unaware of the current events surrounding their world. "Greetings, Mr Nadramie..." Veiere dipped his head respectfully. He had arrived alone and without personal escort against the advice of his fellow officers on board the Resolute, feeling no need for such formalities and preferring to stand upon equal footing with those that sought his company for whatever their reasons.

 

[Anton Nadramie]

With some research under his belt and having met with some Commenorians before their official meeting. Standing ready when the King entered he gave a respectful bow, a hand to his chest the other arm extended to the side before he stood at attention. What to say... a business man to a king. What does a soldier say to his emperor? How do you, address royalty? A few years back Anton nearly lost this company, that fiend Wendell had tried to rob his entire lineage and now... rich and powerful enough to talk to a king. So he opened his mouth, still nervous in anticipation and bluffed that feeling as much as he could.

"My liege, it's an honor to meet with you." Tapping his cane against the ground twice he swallowed that fear. "As I said in our messages, I don't think that even with a year I could've prepared for something as grand as royalty. Especially that of a King from a planet I always wished to trade on. My late father, he always admired your home. And..." Pausing a moment he shook his head. "I'm so sorry for what happened, and for my ignorance of the topic when we first spoke. I've been away some time, I'm only coming to learn of what happened in my absence."

Walking to his desk he took a seat offering the king to sit as well. "My emotions aren't supposed to interfere with business. But, I am inclined towards your position. I've always wanted to do some good, and as far as I am concerned. You're the good guys." A weak smile crossed his face, and he grabbed from his desk a cyber crystal. Sapphire, contained in a glass capsule he laid it flat on one of its squared bottoms. "So let's talk business. Sorry for rambling, it's just... you know."

[member="Veiere Arenais"]

 

[WolfMortum]

"I must admit that your request to meet with me has come with some unfortunate timing" Veiere Arenais lifted a hand in gentle dismissal of the man's bow, smiling in appreciation though showing [member="Anton Nadramie"] that such formalities weren't necessary. Veiere was neither on his planet, nor were they accompanied by anyone else of significance to warrant any such behavior, certainly when the King himself preferred to deal with others on a much more mutual level. Perhaps it was the Jedi within him.

"As I disclosed to you in our brief communications, it's my regret that we could not meet within the Capital City of Commenor, however there is a great deal of trouble coming my way thanks to the Dark Lord of the Sith Empire...-And it's not looking like that will cease in any time to come" he explained, being rather upfront about his present state of affairs knowing that this man was intent on going into business with Commenor to some degree, yet Veiere felt needed to know the danger behind such an agreement and what threats and worse, might likely come his way should their association become public knowledge. "You will please forgive me for the rather unorthodox nature of our meeting like this...-There presently stands an Execution Order out on my head, along with bounties on the safe return of my family into captivity within the Sith Empire's control. Naturally, I cannot afford to take risks these days".

"Having said all of this, and knowing the threat against me and my family, my people presently under the enslavement of the Sith Empire...-Dare I ask what you are hoping to achieve by entering into a business arrangement with someone of my stature?" He asked rather curiously, a fair question considering the potential consequences, "Furthermore, what exactly is it that you're offering me?".

 

[Anton Nadramie]

Rising from his bow early Anton gave a curt smile and sat at his desk sliding forth a crystalline glass. Then one placed much closer to himself, pouring in a firm swig of brandy he corked the bottle and awaited his partner to sit before touching the oddly colored glass. The design was like glass but the material was a blue and if [member="Veiere Arenais"] would place his hand no the glass the force sensitive nature of his body would react in a calming yet excited tone. It was a focus for energy.

"I'm fully aware of the bounty on a certain King's head. Though I can't say I'm bothered by it. If you went and purchase a snow globe from a store it's likely that the keeper wouldn't bat an eye as you have money. Money is a language that speaks across barriers and laws. Through it alone and some possible hand gestures an agreement of business can be made in under a minute." Now that he'd spoken for a moment Anton took his glass and drink in too. Placing a now half empty container back in its place, only off a few inches. Nothing quite impressive, but the gaze in his eyes was.

"I'm offering Commenor weapons. Specifically the most powerful weapons currently available for the hand held soldier. These weapons may take a force sensitive's understanding to master them. However even I carry one." Tapping his cane to the ground he held the length in one hand and in a quick pull the top separated to show a lightsaber hilt with a secondary grip on the end for the cane's use. "In many societies A sword was a symbol of nobility. It was a weapon that only was wielded by those in power and it served as a killing tool as much as a status statement. I seek to dissolve the mythical aspect of this comparable weapon."

"So after finding a loophole in the Galactic Trade Federation's charter I now sell Lightsaber Kits to anyone who offers. We don't discriminate, however recently I've been reaching out to factions, clans, and even royalty who might need to buy in surplus. Especially because..." Taking a remote from his desk he opened a hologram covering his bookshelf and began to fastforward through an unaired advertisement. The final shot showing a box with Nadramie Saber's on the side and the price a ridiculous '1500 c' for base models. So buying in bulk must be insane if these cost the same as some blasters. "They're available for lack of better words."

 

[WolfMortum]

"You sell lightsabers?" Veiere's head lifted back in a partial nod, though his intrigue took the look of surprise as [member="Anton Nadramie"] had said his piece. Drawing the Lightsaber that he himself was carrying upon his right side, attached to his belt, he soon removed it and placed it upon the table between them, looking back at the man as Veiere rested back in his seat; "The creation of these weapons are rather openly heard of throughout Galactic Society for the people they represent. The Jedi...-The Sith" he pointed out before adding further question, "Are there differences in what you offer, compared to what I currently already possess?".

"Supplying an Army with Lightsabers would be vastly expensive, I presume..." Veiere continued thoughtfully, his gaze shifting to the two hilts, comparing them both and noticing the price of Anton's own. "Not to mention that while they can deflect blaster-fire, the Jedi and the Sith use the Force to anticipate the trajectory of each shot fired...-They call it precognition, not something that can be taught to Non-Force Users". Regardless however, lightsabers surely offered more resistance in ground combat against the Sith Empire's forces as opposed to standard military issued weapons such as vibro-blades and blaster-rifles.

"I'm funding a Rebellion against the Sith who occupy my own home-world...-You can imagine my Fund's at present, aren't what they would be were I still seated upon the throne of the Royal Palace. Were I to be united with the [member="Lady Kay"] Arenais, the Queen, perhaps I wouldn't be so hesitant to point out that my finances are limited...".

 

[Anton Nadramie]

[member="Veiere Arenais"] had a beautiful lightsaber, though Anton would call it Traditional. Definitely as he described, a distinction between the Sith and the Jedi models. Resnapping his lightsaber free from its sheath he placed it on the table and exchanged the two of them. Anton's was simple in design. Black, sleek, no real distinctions that it was a lightsaber. Just a rod of black metal of decent size. The kyber crystal inside grabbed at Veiere's force energy but not quite as strong as his own had learned to reach. As Anton carefully handled the other's saber he thought his options over carefully.

Business or Pleasure​

His gentleman's smile became a smirk. Maybe he had an idea now. Placing the King's saber back on the table he learned what he needed from it. "Not only is it cheap. It's effective, yes they wont be able to accurately block blaster fire. But even ten men with lightsabers and no proper training can destroy a landed space fleet. The sabers burn so hot that they can eat through a ship's plasteel with ease. So a whole legion of people? An Army?" Chuckling some he had always loved the idea. Only having given that many sabers to one person in the past, she had found some good use for them.

"Your majesty, you've allowed me to speak so crass before so I'm going to again. You are supplying an army, I'm willing to sell you in bulk ten thousand lightsabers, half price." Anton could feel the worlds eyes begin to shift. "I'm sure that neither of us like having favor's held over our head. So I'll be up front. After this war of yours, and what may become ours ends. I want to become nobility. Is that within your power dear king?"

 

[WolfMortum]

Nobility...-It was curious, as far as ultimatum's went. Such a request wasn't beyond Veiere's authority, yet the man's reasons and his intentions for the future were as estranged to the King of Commenor as much so as his identity it's very self. "You supply weapons the likes of lightsabers in bulk mass to those who have the credits to pay...-Surely, such an income is profitable" Veiere replied, speculating on the man's business with the insight that in most cases, good finance could pay for just about anything, stature and titles included. "It is within my power to grant someone the status of Nobility, though this usually comes with land and influence. In my case, this would be Commenor..." Veiere shifted to fave his left side, resting his chin lightly atop his left hand, arm upon the side of his chair and soon raising his left leg atop his right in something of a casual posture. His gaze remained on [member="Anton Nadramie"] however, eyeing the man thoughtfully.

"I will admit to finding myself reluctant" He soon spoke up once more, a moment of quiet between them being ended by Veiere's spoken thoughts and position regarding such a request. "Commenor presently remains in the lure of the Sith Empire, and while you offer me weapons to help combat this plague, I cannot come to know your ambitions..." Veiere gestured to the man with a wave of his right hand in passive example. "This is a decision that would also require the Queen's approval...-Once again, difficult in my current position...".

"At present, I have an army and a fleet...-Allies, yet I require time still" Veiere divulged in something of a hesitant manner. The man's offer was considerable but so too was his request. "For the time being, I would be willing to negotiate over a bulk supply of arms, yet the matter of nobility is not yet something that I can promise on mere good faith".

"Commenor has already suffered from one emerging Tyrant. I would not risk it seeing the likes of another...".

 

[Anton Nadramie]

A nod of acceptance came from Anton. The scene was somewhat tense, a mysterious arms dealer who was effective nobility of this remote planet that had no natural kyber of its own. Origins very paper based and hard to come by asking for such a title and land did push a bit much, however the king had done one thing. While still on the matter of business his posture changed. [member="Veiere Arenais"] was not a man focused solely on the business here, fascinating. A breath drew as Anton had sat on his silence too long.

"Of course, besides if you made me nobility now it would do very little wouldn't it? At the worst I'd be sent off into enemy territory and gunned down by that darkness that holds your lands." Placing his hand onto the table he looked to his ring, silver and ornate. An opal on the top facing his own eyes. The search for an answer seemed to have come back positive as he began again. "This business is no doubt profitable, though while I have ruffled the feathers of the Galactic Trade Federation for my burrowing of their contract. I feel as if that excitement has died down... while I am having some fun on the side I haven't been nearly as involved as a man should."

As the excitement he sought began to build up in his heart, that oil of oppritunity making it blaze higher in the walls of his heart he spoke now with his hands. "War is bad yes? There are those who would disagree but, but. I'm a man who believes life has value. My father was obsessed with our ancestors of the long past. Gilgamesh, he knew war well. Yet he was quoted as saying something along the lines of 'Even the slave shall be spared, for he holds a place in this kingdom'. Ever since my company went from slave labor to droid labor our production has gone through the roof! The Biituvian's that live here now work in the offices and are payed and they live happy lives!" Laughing some at that he stifled it only some to continue.

"So if there is a war, it should be ended as quickly as possible. That's why I began to reach out to those whom war has affected the most. Offering a sword to those struck down." As his emotion swelled he reached for his lightsaber and pointed it upwards. Not in any dramatic way a statue would but with his arm at an angle holding it straight. "This is the next equalizer. First it was the sword, and then the firearm to make them equal again. Though with this? These can end a battle before they start! I went to Tatooine once, and I was nearly robbed. Though I showed one flicker of this light and it brought me victory without loss of life."

"I hope to be like Oda Nobunaga, a warrior of the human race that used firearms to free his country and unite it. So as you raised the point, I again, do make quite a bit of money off of this. However it's so much less about the money now. While you cannot extend good faith to me, I will to you." It seemed as his heart burned his logic crumbled with that heat as he threw out the first number. "Ten Thousand, free. Then Ten Thousand Half priced, and I'll let you repeat that bill as many times as you wish. Just so long as once you have severed the talons of that creature holding your planet, my name is there." Pointing to the monitor again, it showed that lightsaber from before, specifically the 'NA' inscribed on it. "That... that would be enough for me." His heart beat finally slowing again, so that his Majesty might interject to this young man's offer.