Since the blockade of the planet Naboo, the Republic, ruled by Chancellor Palpatine, has been in crisis. A group of dissidents, led by the shadowy Jedi Count Dooku, are expressing their discontent. The Senate and the intergalactic population are concerned. Some senators call for a Republic military to prevent the situation from deteriorating. Padmé Amidala, now a senator, was threatened by the separatists and escaped an attack.