Batac

The plant known as Batac is popular across the galaxy for its recreational effects. It is one of the drugs with the most widespread use. Recognisable by its blue green colour and its tangy aroma, Batac is found easily on most of the populated outer arm worlds.

Description

The plant was originally native to the Kresuna system and has been used by the native people there for many thousands of years. Once they came to the attention of the greater galactic population, Batac became their principal export. The system is still a popular tourist and holiday destination for Batac afficionados that want to enjoy the flavour and experience of the pure and original strain.

The plant has long green stalks topped with blue leaves that are wide in the middle and taper to a point. While they are still growing, the leaves are actually a green colour but shift to the familiar blue once they are ready to be harvested. Originally, the plant had bright yellow flowers, but they have been mostly bred and engineered out of the plant. They were found to reduce potency of the final product and allowed certain corporations to gain control over the supply of Batac seeds.

by Alex Griffiths

Growth

Outside of Kresuna IV, where it grows abundantly in nature, Batac is grown in aeroponics vats on a grand scale. Most places that have a demand for the prepared drug form of the plant will have many of these industrial scale farms across the planet. Many of them will specialise in a particular strain of the plant, these focus and accentuate certain aspects of the effects it gives.

by Alex Griffiths

Preparation

Once they harvest the leaves, they then pour them into a large vat with a spinning drum. The leaves tumble and get bruised, breaking pathways within the leaves and allowing the sap to spread through the whole leaf.
Once the tumbling process is complete, they then spread the leaves on great sheets of metal. After which they insert the sheets large enclosed oven stacks and gently heat them. This dries out the leaves without damaging them.

Before they completely dry out they get removed from the ovens and run through a machine that shreds them into short, thin strips. Frequently this is where the preparation ends. They will box most of the shredded plant matter up and then ship it off for sale. Any left over plant matter that is too small or damaged, will be gathered up and then compressed into small balls. This is shipped to regions that have a less discerning clientele.

by Alex Griffiths

by Alex Griffiths

Forms

The shredded plant will be frequently rolled or packed before being smoked. They will insert the rolled or compressed plant into the user’s choice of smoking implements. One the most popular devices is an electric burner that allows the user to control temperature and burn speed amongst other variables to achieve the perfect smoke for them. Different strains have different flavours which can be readily savoured in this form. People can buy boxes of the shredded Batac at many different stores or purchased on the GalaxWeb and shipped wholesale.

by Alex Griffiths

Effects

Users of Batac report a range of different effects from smoking it. Frequently lightheadedness is mentioned, approaching dizziness with too much use. Many strains have the user feeling like they themselves are lighter, like gravity isn’t affecting them as much. Others mention lethargy and an increased ability to sleep and relax. Other strains report that they have engineered them to sharpen focus and attention, however often these claims can not be substantiated.

Legality

Batac enjoys widespread availability and legality throughout the galaxy except within the core bar worlds. At the heart of the galaxy most drugs are considered illegal or at least deeply frowned upon. People who use them will find their lives made more difficult and themselves more readily outcast. The barworlders see drug use as a thing done by the outer arm planets and therefore undesirable and uncultured.