Harry felt a strain on his magical power as he attempted to keep the floating Lantean research facility afloat solely with his magic. But the price inside was more than enough motivation to keep the structure steady as he lowered it towards the shores of a creek. Ever so slowly, the bottom of the research facility touched down on the loose soil.
He continued to lower the facility gently, its weight naturally pushing away the loose sand as the ancient structure settled by the stream.
"Now's the time, Daphne." Harry called to his girlfriend, who was watching the entire episode from near the stream.
Daphne waved her wand in an intricate pattern, and not a moment too soon, the ground beneath the Lantean facility solidified into a rock.
Harry released his telekinetic hold on the facility and joined Daphne in transforming the facility's surroundings to suit its needs. The stream running nearby was a lower branch of a river originating from the mountains. The last thing he wanted was for a flood to hit the facility, rendering it inaccessible at a crucial moment. After all, wizards were new to Elysium, and they had no way of knowing whether this particular area was prone to flooding.
To that effect, Harry and Daphne began shoring up the ground to build embankments that would channel the flow in case the stream flooded in the future. When the work was finally done, the Lantean facility he had recovered from the lava-infested planet was secure from most natural disasters. The entire structure took up two football fields' worth of space, which required some extensive wide-area transfiguration. But the magic was versatile enough to cut short on the days of labour and resources it'd normally take to set up a facility like this.
He bound some of the best wards to protect the facility and to keep the surroundings safe to keep the transfigured constructs last for a long while.
"So what exactly is this thing?" Daphne asked once she set the wardstones around the facility and stood by his side.
"Come, I'll show you." Harry said before waving his hand at the facility.
The circular doors of the facility spun once clockwise before parting open.
"The planet we visited was once known as Sygmar. It was a planet rich in minerals like Naquadah and Trinium, making it a natural base for a military-industrial complex." Harry explained as he welcomed his girlfriend inside.
"So, this facility is a weapon?" Daphne asked curiously as they stepped inside the Lantean research facility with curious eyes.
"Not a weapon, but a base for producing weapons at an industrial scale." said Harry as the hanger lit up with light.
There were two puddle jumpers present inside the facility. However, that was not as important as the automation inside the facility, which could build the paddle jumpers at a rate far faster than the Elves in Elysium. Harry and Daphne inspected the facility from top to bottom, becoming familiar with the resource extraction drones, the alloy manufacturing facilities that housed the template for building Stargates, and many other technologies the Lanteans were developing for military purposes.
However, the single most valuable portion of the facility was not the various automations or weapons. To Harry, the greatest find in this place was the Potentia powering the facility. With a wave of his hand, he unlocked the power core, earning the attention of Daphne, who was marvelling at the projected schematics of long-range ion cannons.
"What is that?" Daphne asked, kneeling down to observe the small, innocent-looking cylindrical power core.
"That is the backbone of Lantean civilisation, which allowed them to reach for distant galaxies. The Lanteans called it Potentia."
"Potentia?" Daphne took a sharp breath after she tried to sense it with her magic. "What is this thing? It feels…"
"Power – raw power. Potentia is the power source of Lantean cities and warships. One Potentia could sustain a Lantean city for thousands of years. The same technology that helped sustain the Lantean civilisation for a million years will become the backbone of ours." Harry claimed with a wide grin as he, too, prodded the cylindrical object with his magic.
"You can make more of these?" Daphne asked eagerly, with her eyes shining with ambition at the prospect of unlimited power and the implications of such a capability.
It ensured their efforts to maintain a significant influence over Elysium and its political apparatus when it eventually took shape.
"Yes." Harry nodded.
"How?" Daphne immediately asked, eager to glean the knowledge behind such a powerful device.
"The Lanteans combined their technology and psionic power, granted to them by millions of years of evolution, to create Potentias. While this device may look like it is just pure technology, the truth is they need a particular Lantean with the gift of tethering a time-space continuum within the crystal core to amass energy from the dimension. This is why the Lanteans sought an alternative form of energy, as the gifts their people enjoyed were not uniformly distributed among their populace."
"You mean to say that all we need to do is create a subspace within this cylinder?" Daphne asked incredulously.
"Ah, you might think it's so easy, but think about it, Daphne. How many wizards and witches are proficient in such advanced Charms to make an isolated dimension of space tethered to our reality?" Harry posed the question, causing his girlfriend to turn thoughtful.
"There are quite a few, but I suppose not all are skilled in Charms." Daphne admitted.
All wizards and witches may own a wand and may even get a quality education. But that doesn't imply that all their strengths, skills, and fields of interest were the same.
"The same was true for Lanteans. To their credit, they tried to overcome this drawback with technology, but it proved too costly and time-consuming."
"So, we can create more of these Potentia as much as we want so long as we have good Charms masters." Daphne said with a gleam in her eyes that suggested she was planning to exploit this little detail for good.
"Obviously, we both have the ability to do so, and so do a number of charms experts. I suppose we could recruit a few of them once we start production. For now, our refined Naquadah generators are enough."
"So, what will we use this for?" Daphne set her eyes on the cylindrical object, which was thrumming with power.
"We study it and replicate the crystals when we have the time and…" Harry flicked his wrist, forcing the Potentia to go back into the power unit. "…we use it to build our fleet as well as the weapons we need to safeguard Elysium."
*******
Recruiting more muggles into Elysium became a more difficult task as he had to keep that part of the plan secret from most of the other invested parties. Only a select few people even knew that he was giving gene therapy to the muggles and turning them into muggleborns. He was fortunate the Flamels were not opposed to the whole idea, but he had to make some concessions, like wiping the minds of the recruited muggles of their religious beliefs. It was not a difficult concession to make, considering he had done the same in the branch reality.
Besides, that was the least of the conditions made by the Flamels, which he found tiresome.
"Hmm…" Perenelle hummed as she removed the headgear, imprinting the knowledge in the data crystal into her mind. "I see why you said the Naquadah reactors were alarm clock batteries compared to Lantean Potentia technology."
"We'll need to set up a separate facility for producing more Potentia, preferably out of public view. It must be kept a closely guarded secret, even from the newly formed ICW committee." said Harry, thinking of the potential troubles it could cause if an ICW member state decided to form its own colony in space using the knowledge.
"I agree. Those old fossils won't even know the importance of such powerful assets anyway." Perenelle said with a derisive snort before her expression turned more serious. "Leave the clowns of ICW to me. I shall handle them properly."
"Good." Harry nodded, and a suspicious look flickered across his eyes. "Why is the ICW forming an oversight committee all of a sudden? I thought we had convinced them we were best suited to handle Elysium's development."
"Oh, Harry. Don't say you, of all people, thought men with power would cede it just because you asked nicely." Perenelle mocked him with a disappointed look.
"Then they must be dealt with properly. Nothing can be allowed to jeopardise the rise of Elysium." Harry said firmly, not interested in tolerating
"Then you must abandon the notion of gathering all ICW member states in Elysium. Our people are too fractured for your aims, Harry."
"Then what do you suggest? Abandon whole magical communities because their leaders are playing politics?" Harry asked with a sceptical look.
"That's exactly what I'm asking, and we should do it sooner, before they root themselves in this place and bring their troubles to our doorstep."
Harry became thoughtful, mulling over the implicit suggestion of barring certain undeserving people from Elysium. This was one of the few things he didn't want to do in Elysium because it concentrated too much power in one person's hands, and it had the potential to create deep political tensions back on Earth. The fact that he was woefully new to the international political landscape also made him the least likely candidate to deal with the ICW.
Indeed, he had managed to establish a good rapport with the officials from the German, French, and Russian ministries in a short timeframe. But that was not enough when dealing with the whole odorous apparatus of the ICW member states. The Americans, whom he had personally invited, were proving to be a disappointment with their wait-and-watch approach.
'I suppose it's time to call a spade a spade and acknowledge my failure. I'm not suited to handle the old entrenched politicians of the ICW.' Harry thought with a sigh.
The alternative didn't sit well with him either, but he had no choice in the matter. It was not a good thing for his plans to leave the political aspect of handling the Earth's various ministries into the hands of his grandmother. However, there was now no other option before him but to trust Perenelle and Nicholas to handle the matter.
"Fine. I'll leave handling the admission of ICW member states in your capable hands…" Harry could see the satisfied smile on his grandmother's face, but he was far from finished, "…but, in return, you'll concede the fleet's command under my sole authority."
"There is no fleet here." Perenelle said, with her eyes twitching.
"It'll be built soon." Harry said without backing down.
"You're asking to be in command of our military power." Perenelle said with a displeased frown.
"And I want the authority of controlling the stargate and all planetary missions henceforth." Harry added to Perenelle's growing frustration.
"That's a tall ask, Harry. But I can agree to it so long as you agree to stop recruiting more muggles from Earth to Elysium."
Harry frowned at the condition proposed as it directly affected his plans to expand the population of Elysium.
"Oh, there is no need to look like I'm asking for your soul." Perenelle said with a snicker. "You may recruit muggles from other planets for gene therapy."
"Why not the muggles of Earth? They're a capable workforce with experience…"
"Experience – that's the problem I have with them. They have experience, and you're not willing to erase their memories. That's a security risk you're taking, and you're also granting them powers beyond their imagination. That's a dangerous combination."
"But…" Harry made to object, but Perenelle raised her hand, forcing him to stop.
"You'll gain command of the fleet and have operational authority over any missions outside the planet. You'll even have a voice in the governing council of Elysium when it comes into being." Perenelle promised with a serious look in her green eyes, "To achieve all this, you must comply with my conditions."
Harry didn't have much of a choice but to accept the conditions set forth by Perenelle. But he had one more condition to add.
"You'll involve Daphne in the vetting process. She'll have a say in the process, and you'll take her words under consideration."
"I do not see any problem with it, so long as you agree to take a second-in-command of my choosing." Perenelle proposed.
"Fine." Harry conceded with a sigh. "I'll need a magical oath."
"My word is not enough?" Perenelle raised a brow.
"Oath." Harry insisted without a flicker of doubt.
******
Harry had to admit that his decision to leave the negotiations with ICW in the hands of his grandmother was the best decision he had made. It freed him from all the boring meetings, tiresome talks, and empty platitudes that were merely for the sake of politics. Instead, that free time was now utilised for other productive work, such as finishing the production of the first Merlin-class dreadnought of the Elysian fleet. However, he did find enough time to bring the werewolves, vampires, and mermen of the British Isles on board. That was the last mission he undertook to secure new recruits for Elysium.
To say the werewolves under William were overjoyed when they discovered their curse was no longer affecting them on the planet would be the understatement of the century. The newly freed men and women from the werewolf curse were quickly recruited into the fleet as servicemen on his authority. The vampires were permitted to establish their new homes on the darkest island in the northernmost part of the planet, where daylight was scarce. It was also the area where Harry hoped to install certain orbital defence ion cannons in the near future.
The mermen, on the other hand, were overjoyed to gain access to vast oceans and clean water bodies. He extracted a promise from them to work closely on installing several marine assets and naval stations on the planet. The mermen were happy to explore the planet's seas, lakes, and rivers and share their knowledge with him, which would accelerate the pace of his work.
With that last piece of diplomatic effort complete, Harry was free to pursue his interests in areas that suited his temperament.
"So, this is the Merlin-class dreadnought." Neville hummed loudly as he walked into the hanger where the newly built ship was safely anchored. "What do you intend to call it?"
"I call it the Spitfire." said Harry.
"Heh, nice." Neville hummed in appreciation as he stared at the sleek contours of the gigantic warship.
The Spitfire was a sleek warship powered by a Naquadah generator, holding an 80-person officer crew and hosting twenty Puddle Jumper fighter craft for emergency deployment. The power source and design were the only modifications he made to the Aurora class battleship design he used as a platform. The Spitfire was equipped with two heavy ion cannons as its primary batteries and 16 pulse cannons as secondary weapon systems. The Spitfire was 4,000 meters long, 1,000 meters wide, and 500 meters in height, constructed with the best of enchanted steel, superior to even the Lantean alloys used in their warships. The runes carved into the metal surface enhanced the function of shield emitters threefold with magical shields and enchantments protecting the vital parts of the warship.
"It's good that you're here. I'm taking the Spitfire out on a scouting mission to the nearby star systems. There is a seat available if you're interested." Harry offered, looking expectantly at his friend.
"A scouting mission?" Neville asked curiously.
"I'm hoping to conduct a survey of habitable planets that contain essential resources to establish a stable supply chain for our military and industrial needs for the future. I'll explain more on the way." said Harry.
"I don't think my performance with the muggle aircrafts were satisfactory to earn myself a seat on this ship." Neville said with flushed cheeks.
Harry snorted and threw an arm around his friend's shoulder.
"And you think you're the first to go unconscious in a Tornado fighter at breakneck speeds?" Harry scoffed, patting Neville on his shoulder. "The Spitfire is not built on muggle technology. It has artificial gravity and maintains conducive atmospheric conditions for the crew. You won't feel any physical strain inside."
"Then why do you insist on everyone clocking several training hours inside a Tornado?" Neville asked with rightful indignation.
"To drive home the point that danger lurks in the air and space missions are dangerous. The fleet needs officers that are a cut above. I need to make sure those who join the fleet are not cowards who panic and run in the face of mortal danger." said Harry.
"Yeah, you nearly made me run." Neville complained.
"But you didn't. You came back for more after you clocked an hour inside the Tornado, which makes you a cut above. Neville, you're in." Harry offered his hand, and Neville shook it after taking a second to pause.
"Thank Merlin." Neville exhaled deeply before smiling.
On a bright, early morning, Harry made himself comfortable in the command chair of the Spitfire.
"Let's take our boat out from home, lads. Officer Parks, let's fire up the engine." Harry nodded at the former Royal Navy officer who now served as his second-in-command.
"Aye, sir." Officer Parks nodded before engaging the Spitfire's engine.
The ship's main Naquadah generators came online with a low hum, igniting the ion propulsion system. Video feeds in the command bridge showed the energy and radiation levels in the engine room spike and the ship slowly taking off from the air base. The giant metal doors covering the secret air base folded open, creating an opening large enough for the Spitfire to fly out into the outer atmosphere.
"The engines are online, and all flight systems are operational. You have the bridge, Marshal Potter."
Harry nodded at the systems officer before turning on the microphone to address his crew, which consisted of former muggles, some wizards and Elves.
"Spitfire crew, this is your marshal speaking." Harry's voice boomed across the deck of the ship. "We're about to embark on a historic journey. This will be our first mission into outer space, seeking new planets and star systems. Our mission is to scan for intelligent life on habitable planets, find essential resources, and establish diplomatic relations with friendly civilisations. Our experience in this journey will be recorded for future generations to study and emulate."
Harry paused before continuing.
"Here, you're not identified by your race, ethnicity, or even your name. You're an officer of the Elysian fleet launching the age of exploration. This is history, gentlemen. Therefore, I remind you of our motto: With blood, grit and magic, we greet the stars!"
Harry cut off the transmission before nodding at flight officer Beckett.
The Spitfire powered through the atmosphere of Elysium in short order, and once they were in space, the hyperdrive was engaged, and they disappeared altogether from their star system.
AN: To read ahead of the update schedule; pat(r) eon. C (O) M/Dragonspectre.
For artwork related to the fic:
https://discord.gg/Nw2JH25fJf