Chop Harlison and his younger brother, Roy, were left as orphans on the planet of Shesharile 5. Their parents met their end at the hands of a swoop gang within their Gallisport residence, forcing Harlison to abandon his schooling due to a lack of financial resources. He was on the verge of completing his degree in advanced repulsorlift engineering. This enabled him to secure a position as a mechanic for the Rabid Mynocks. His Star Slinger swoop prototype attracted the attention of rival factions, namely the Spiders and the Raging Banthas, who desired his designs. He married Sharda, and together they had a daughter named Jardra. Tragically, Sharda was murdered by the Spiders following Jardra's birth. Harlison then adopted Bobi, a young orphan who was also a victim of Gallisport's gang violence.
Harlison was present with Dutan Lee at docking bay 1831 in Gallisport, awaiting the arrival of Shamus Falconi and Grasheel. He noticed Grasheel discreetly signaling that they were under observation by lighting a cigarillo, indicating they should remain composed. He greeted the Wookiee as he stepped off the Lumrunner. After Imperial Customs officer Alijah Orr's unsuccessful search for illicit goods, Harlison took charge of the tibanna gas and military-grade repulsorlift coils that had been concealed within lum containers.