24 BBY (ASWS)

The year 24 before the Battle of Yavin (BBY) was a span of time during the declining days of the Galactic Republic. The year was one of unrest on the Mid Rim world of Utapau. After high grade plasma vents were discovered beneath the streets of Ogana, Utapau's capital city, King Veruna Arcadia and Senator Malus Palpatine decided to construct a Plasma Mining and Refining Center in the city. Because Utapau lacked experience in the galactic markets, the planetary government signed a contract with the Trade Federation shipping cartel that would allow the Federation to purchase plasma from the planet at a fixed cost.

It was later discovered that the Federation was cheating Utapau out of profits, as the shipping corporation was selling the plasma to other buyers at marked up prices. Arcadia ended the deal and began expanded the planet's security forces, fearing a military attack by the Federation. The citizens of Utapau believed that Arcadia was using the situation was an excuse to create a police state, and he was assassinated by a disgruntled citizen because of it. His daughter, Sabé Arcadia, became Queen of Utapau and reversed a number of his controversial security policies.