Denova, a planet situated inside the Ojoster sector, was characterized by its dense forests and towering mountains. While ancient ruins were known to exist on the surface, detailed information about them remained scarce. The Galactic Republic discovered it, initially scouting the world during the Cold War. This scouting led to the finding of significant baradium ore deposits. Due to a shortage of personnel in the Republic Military, the Republic employed a mercenary army to safeguard this valuable resource.
Consequently, a Trandoshan company named the Warstalkers, under the leadership of the experienced Kephess, was contracted to prevent the Sith Empire from seizing control of the planet and its ore deposits. However, the mercenaries betrayed their contract and allied themselves with rogue elements within the Imperial Army.
After the Eternal Empire's defeat, existing Republic troops became part of its Alliance replacement. An agreement made between Supreme Commander Malcom and the Alliance Commander stipulated that Republic personnel who joined the Alliance would not be regarded as traitors. Therefore, Denova shifted its allegiance from the Republic to the Eternal Alliance.
Despite this peaceful transition, General Amos Rike, a Republic soldier known for his extreme loyalty, spearheaded a full-scale attack on Alliance troops stationed at the baradium mines.
Rike, utilizing a prototype hover tank, artillery support, and a large number of soldiers, pushed Alliance forces back to a small coastal area. A small strike team, led by the Alliance Commander, was required to eliminate Rike and his top two subordinates.
Investigations into how such a substantial force could so easily disregard Republic orders revealed the presence of numerous anti-Alliance factions within the Republic Military. This situation significantly increased tensions between the two powers.