Following the Eternal Empire's downfall, Republic troops stationed on the Outer Rim world of Denova opted to abandon their allegiance and join the ranks of the newly established Eternal Alliance.
The Republic offered minimal resistance to this shift, with most officials viewing the situation as an inefficient use of resources. Their primary objective on Denova was to prevent the Imperial faction from gaining control of the valuable baradium mines. Furthermore, an agreement was previously reached between the Alliance Commander and Supreme Commander Jace Malcom stipulating that Republic soldiers who defected to the Alliance would not be considered traitors, and the Republic would not attempt to reclaim them.
Despite this seemingly amicable transfer of power, Republic General Amos Rike secretly assembled an invasion force and swiftly seized control of the mines. While the Alliance suffered no fatalities, they were unwilling to allow these perceived traitors to occupy their territory.
The Alliance received confirmation that Rike's actions were not officially sanctioned by the Republic, and they were granted the authority to address the situation as they saw fit.
Subsequently, the Commander organized a specialized team composed of recon specialist and other skilled operatives to neutralize the threat. The Commander's strategy focused on minimizing casualties and damage to resources, with the intention of salvaging equipment and recruiting those who were less enthusiastic about engaging in conflict with the Alliance.
The Alliance was only successful in establishing a limited foothold, as Republic artillery continuously bombarded the area, effectively creating a "No Man's Land" that separated the Alliance forces from Rike's main contingent.
From this precarious position, the Commander guided their team through a network of bunkers, disabling artillery emplacements and anti-air defenses. This allowed Alliance air support to provide assistance to the team and other dispersed units. Republic forces demonstrated unwavering resistance, with several loyalist commanders sacrificing themselves in futile attempts to halt the Commander's advance. Ultimately, the beachhead was secured, the wounded were evacuated, and support forces arrived on the scene. The only remaining obstacle was Rike, who had commandeered a prototype hover tank of unknown Republic origin. Following the destruction of his tank, he attempted a suicide bombing to eliminate the entire team. However, he was neutralized before he could detonate the explosives.
The Alliance sought to understand how such a significant force, led by a respected general, could bypass the Republic's oversight and launch an attack on another superpower. It was later discovered that anti-Alliance elements existed within the Republic, specifically within the military.
Consequently, Alliance leaders began preparations for a potential worst-case scenario: war with the Galactic Republic. And, without a doubt, the embedded forces within the Republic were doing the same.