Chapter 3
Two months later, three BTR-f1 frigates, 18 CHSR-g1 gunships, and 40 OWL-a10 light freighters arrived above Kashyyyk. 2 of the frigates and 12 of the gunships were his gifts to the Kashyyyk defensive fleet as part of their agreement. They were not equipped with droid ship computer. The same was the case with the gunships that came with them. Instead, they were meant to be crewed by the Wookiees. It was delivered to Kashyyyk by pilot droids.
The rest of a ships would join Harry's fleet to help him on Alaris. He named the new frigate 'Forge', so the two frigates that he had in his personal fleet were named 'Gred and Forge'. Harry would focus on the development of Alaris for the following years.
On the year 3585 ATC (71 BBY), twelve years after Harry arrived in the galaxy, Alaris was starting to become a popular spot in the sector. It had taken more than 2 years to build his facilities on Alaris-5 and Alaris-3, but he was now beginning to see the results of his investment. He chose the Kashyyyk System as the base for his business because it was a nexus of four hyperspace routes in the Mid Rim. If they can demonstrate that they were capable of protecting the system from pirates, the prospects here would be virtually limitless.
Out of the 8 moons of Alaris, he chose Alaris-5 as the new base of his business. Although it did not have an atmosphere, it had a gravity of 0.9g which would be comfortable to most sentient species in the galaxy. There, he had built a commercial hub with recreational facilities. All buildings were air-locked and they had to rely on life-support systems to make the base habitable. The moon did not have an inherent magnetic field of its own, so creating an artificial atmosphere would be very costly. Harry was hoping that this base would develop into a domed city in the future. It was somewhat impractical, especially considering that there were plenty of planets and moons out there with a natural atmosphere. But there were business opportunities and an allure of exclusivity that he knew would attract plenty of people for various reasons.
The supply station was built in orbit of Alaris-5. This way, starships would not have to land on the moon to refuel or to stock up on their supplies. There were also common spacecraft parts available in the station and several of its docking ports were dedicated for ship repairs. As an additional function, it also served as a defensive space station for the moon.
Harry built his new shipyards separately on a station in orbit of Alaris-3. As soon as it was capable, he started building more ships there. A considerable portion of his merchant fleet was assigned to keep supplying the station with scrapped metals. The more stable his operations became, the less time he needed to use the Sorcerer's Stone. Assembling ships in orbit presented different challenges for him, but, it was also more convenient in a way. He equipped his droid workforce with specialized propulsions to make them more suited working in space.
Harry also designed more ships for his fleet. First, there was the OWL-b10 medium freighter. It was made for long distance trading and it was big enough to carry 20 cargo containers. It has a limited defensive capabilities with 2 laser cannon turrets. Harry intended this ship to be escorted by the CHSR-g1 Gunships at all times. He learned that having escort ships was a more cost effective method of protecting their cargo rather than equipping his freighters with powerful weapons. This way the ship can escape with their cargo while the gunships engage the enemies.
Another notable addition was the Chaser Class Fighter or CHSR-f1, a smaller and more agile version of the CHSR-g1. The body size was reduced and it had a more pointed profile at the front. The wing-mounted engine were smaller, but they were capable of thrust vectoring for increased maneuverability even in space. Another engine was added at the stern to increase forward thrust. The wing was extended beyond the thrusters, so the laser cannons could be mounted at the end. Proton torpedo launchers where added under the nose of the craft.
Harry's personal fleet had two frigates, 6 gunships, 8 fighters, and 2 droid troop transport, each could carry 20 of his battle droids. Then, his Alaris defensive fleet consisted of, 2 frigates, 16 fighters, and 10 gunships. It was a considerable force, but he knew that was still not enough to contend with the powerful organizations in the galaxy. However, it was enough to defend the system from pirates and he had proven that a couple of times when during the past years.
He suspected that the Trade Federation was behind one of the pirate attack that they suffered months before, but, there was nothing he could do about it at the moment. Well, there were a number of things he could do to them, actually. He could hunt down their most valuable ships, steal their assets, assassinate their leadership, or buy them out of their businesses. If he used his magic, he could destroy the Federation just like that. But, it would only cause more trouble than its worth in the long run.
The reason he suspected them was because he received an invitation from the Federation to become one of its junior member. Of course, he declined and the pirates came after. He had no interest in handing the control of his companies to another. Harry did not care much for the Federation. He knew that it was started with noble intentions. But the current Federation was something like a cartel. They dominated the trades in the Outer Rim, keeping competitors from ever becoming a threat, and forcing planets to become dependent on them. Harry suspected that they had access to hyperspace routes that the rest of the galaxy did not. It was what he would do if he was in their position. Actually, it was what he planned to do as soon as he could spare some resources for exploration of unknown hyperspace lanes.
Harry was content in tending to his businesses in his own pace. Already, there were more than 4,000 people staying permanently in his Alaris-5 complex. More than a quarter of those worked in the new offices of and . Although he liked droids to run his businesses, having people to conduct sales were still more effective. Alaris-5 was quickly becoming a hot spot in the Mid Rim. There were shops there that were operated by humans, Wookiees, Bothans, Zeltrons, and even Trandoshan, after all not every one of them were pirates.
It was such a time, when Harry was reviewing the applications of those interested in opening shops in Alaris-5, that Dobby informed him of something that needed his personal attention.
[Sir, Dobby received a notification that there are people there who want to meet you outside your office in Alaris-5.]
"Oh? Do they have an appointment?" Harry responded from his desk.
[No, sir,] Dobby replied. His antennae drooped down and his head tilted to the right for a moment.
"Then, why were they not sent away?"
[Dobby thinks they might be Jedi, sir.] Harry raised an eyebrow, curious.
"Show me a live feed of where they are."
A holographic image was created over his desk. It showed a couple of robed figures in the reception room of his office in Alaris-5. They were standing in the middle of the room even when there were chairs there meant for visitors.
'Are they just going to stand there?' Harry wondered. 'Must be a Jedi thing.' Harry had seen Jedi before, but he never had the need to talk to one. He was curious what reasons theses Jedi might have to visit him, so, he applied a glamour that made him look older in preparation for their meeting.
"Tell them that I'm on my way."
[Dobby has relayed your instruction, sir.]
The Firebolt landed on its private landing pad that connected to a corridor that led directly to his private office. While Harry preferred working aboard the Firebolt, he used his office on the moon for personal meetings.
"Greetings, Master Jedi." He walked out of the office with Dobby behind him. "I am Harry James Potter, President of Potter Solutions and its subsidiary companies. To what do I owe this honor of your visit?"
The Jedi faced him and removed their hoods. One was a man in his late 30's or early 40's with salt and pepper hair who had a dignified look upon him. The other was a man in his early 20's who had a more gentle expression.
"Greetings, mister Potter. I am Jedi Master Dooku," said the older one, "and this is my padawan, Rael Averross. We are here to talk to you on behalf of the Chancellor."
"The Chancellor? I wonder what it's about." Harry could already guess. "Let us head inside my office where we can speak more comfortably."
Harry gestured them inside while observing them curiously. He resisted himself on using Legilimency on them, but he could still pick up some things passively. Dooku had a calm demeanor, but he was irritated inside. Being used as a message boy was beneath him. Harry smiled at that. The younger man was wary of Harry, but overall uninterested in their mission.
"So, what does the Chancellor want to say to me that he needed to send a Jedi Master for?" Harry had an innocent smile. He was sitting on his chair and his elbow was on the desk as he leaned forward. He chose his words to add to Dooku's annoyance. "My communication channels are always open. It must be something serious for you to be here, especially since I have never directly interacted with the Senate or the office of the Chancellor."
"There is some concern in the Senate about the increased in armaments in the Kashyyyk System. We were sent to assess the situation and learn of your intentions."
In other words, they did not want the Wookiees to know that the Senate was concerned in their increasing military might.
"I am but a business owner. I expect, my intentions are pretty clear."
"We have information that the addition in the Wookiees' fleet came from you. The Chancellor is concern that a stronger Kashyyyk will create a disturbance of peace in the sector."
"I fail to see your meaning? Please speak plainly, Master Jedi. What does the Chancellor want with me?" Harry thought for a moment that he saw Dooku pouting.
"The Chancellor," Dooku said irritated, "would prefer it if you stop selling warships to the Wookiees."
"Oh…" Harry faked his surprise. He paused for a while as if he needed a moment to respond. "I understand. I am happy to comply. Please tell the Chancellor that he no longer have to worry about this. I will not be selling warships to the Wookiees in the future."
Harry spoke in half-truths. only sold freighters and worker droids. He has no plans in selling warships and weapons any time soon. However, he would not hesitate in making his allies more powerful if it would benefit his company as well.
"That will be acceptable," said Dooku. "On a different note, Grandmaster Yoda is pleased in the reduction of piracy in the system. He has good relations with the Wookies and he is glad that they are safer these days."
"Of course, I'm happy that my company's presence here is having a positive impact. Is there anything else, I can do for you?"
"I have done what I came here to do, but I can give you a friendly advice, if you are willing to listen."
"Of course, any advice from a master Jedi, such as yourself, will be welcome." Harry knew the value of listening, especially to his enemies. He was not yet sure if Dooku or the Jedi Order were his enemies, but, they had the potential to be. He would eagerly listen to Dooku and, in turn, the man would make his position clear.
"There is some talk in Coruscant about your company and its dramatic growth. They are wondering how you expanded as quickly as you did. If you continue to stand out, some people might see to it that you don't become a threat to their interests."
"Ah… An unfortunate side of business, I'm afraid, it is one that can't be avoided. But, there is no secret behind my success so far. I am merely taking advantage of opportunities that other people have ignored, an unmet demand if you will," Harry paused before explaining further. "My company makes most of its profits with trading, moving goods across the galaxy. Trade between the Mid Rim and the Core have long depended on bulk shipping. It is slow, infrequent, and not practical for smaller businesses. Potter Trading can give the people what they want on short notice."
"A lucrative operation, I'm sure." Dooku was wholly uninterested in the matters of making money. "The point still stands that there are people out there that will rather see you fail."
"Thank you for your concern. Competition is to be expected where credits are involved. As long as we are not stepping in each other's feet too much, I'm confident that it will not develop to open hostilities."
It was true that he was not expecting open hostilities, but the Trade Federation had already made its move against him. However, neither he nor the Federation was willing to make overt hostile actions against one another. Dooku, however, seemed disappointed at him. The Jedi probably thought that he was being naïve.
Sensing a turn in their conversation, Harry offered to take the Jedi on a tour of the complex to show them the development in Alaris-5. Apparently, the Jedi was also curious about the changes on the moon. He took them to the finest restaurant on the moon which was owned by a Bothan chef. He told them that he was proud that his company had created a platform for different species in the Mid Rim to live in peaceful and productive cooperation. Half of the things he said were taken directly from the HoloNet site of his company. They were the things one would say to promote their own image without any practical meaning.
After their meal, Harry offered the Jedi free accommodations in his hotel, but Dooku said that they had to report as soon as possible to their council and to the Chancellor. As he watched the Jedi's transport lifted off the moon, Harry could not help but smirk.
[Something the matter, sir?] Dobby asked.
"Nothing bad, Dobby. It was an amusing break from my regular work. I guess it is about time that we learn more about the Jedi Order. Compile a dossier about them and give it to me the next time I have some free time." He already know the general knowledge about the Jedi, but he expected that Dobby would find something interesting.
[Dobby will do so.]
Harry will have to find a way to build an information network in Coruscant. He could do a lot with droids. Perhaps, he could buy a diner in Coruscant under another name and fill it with his server droids that will pick up any gossip that they could get. But, he would also need a skilled agent, someone who could go around unnoticed.
It was fun playing the role of an ordinary businessman in front of the Jedi. Once again, he was reminded that the force and magic was different and independent from one another. He could not sense the force in the Jedi and it seemed that they did not sense magic on him. Although Harry was suppressing his magic out of habit, the fact that he was magical was always noticeable when meeting him in person.
His Occlumency seemed to be working just fine even against the rumored mind reading tricks of the Jedi. He did what he would do if he was speaking to a skilled Legilimence, showing only what he wanted the other person to see on the surface of his mind while hiding his true thoughts behind his Occlumency barriers. With the same caution, he did not attempt to aggressively use of Legilimency on the Jedi. If he had the means of protecting his self from mental intrusion, he expected the Jedi to have them as well. But, there were much that could be learn with a passive application of Legilimency when combined with experience in observing subtle body language.
There was a feeling of arrogance about the Jedi, a certainty in their cause. It was the type of arrogance born form sacrifice and dedication. Harry met a lot of wizards like them before. The more people paid for something, the more they were entitled to it. And the members of the Jedi Order had paid a great price. It was admirable, Harry thought honestly. But in his experience, it was also shortsighted. Unfortunately, the universe was never going to be sympathetic to their sacrifices.
Harry also sense something else from Dooku while they were touring the complex. He recognized it immediately. He did not spend five years in Alderaan without meeting people who believed that Humans were an enlightened species that ranked above the others. Even Earth, a singular planet with multiple sentient species, had that problem. It was interesting to him that Dooku, a member of the Jedi Order, would hold these views. Although Harry was tolerant, by necessity, of some harmless notions of supremacy, he wondered what the extent of the Dooku's prejudices was.
The padawan, Averross, hardly said anything in their discussions, always deferring to his master. He was more in line with what Harry was expecting from a Jedi – optimistic, helpful, and kind-hearted. Harry observed that, unlike most Jedi, the padawan was more open with his emotions. Averross was a good man, so naturally, Harry paid him no mind.
Dooku, however, was more complex. He was a man full of contradictions. From what he picked up, Dooku placed great value in righteousness. He was a strong believer of justice, but there was also a thirst for power in him, a desire to be in control. And under his calm visage, there was anger like an impulse for retribution. Unfortunately, despite what Dooku might think, men like him were quite common. Harry had met several Dookus in his past. Muggle or magical, no matter what age, people could not help but be insecure little children underneath.
Harry was not judgmental of Dooku's failings. Actually, he could understand them very well. It did not mean, however, that he wanted to save the man or guide him from the dark path he was on. His interest was like that morbid fascination that some people would get when they see something disastrous from an uninvolved position like watching a holovid of a collapsing star far away. Dooku was a man of restraint as a result of his Jedi training, but he was going to lose control at some point. That much was certain. Harry was just wondering what would finally push the man over the edge.
