The Day of the Final Battle (IV)
Eriadu had once been the most economically developed planet in the Outer Rim Territories, even more prosperous than Christophsis. It relied mainly on a self-sufficient industrial system and highly developed foreign trade.
Situated at a transportation hub, its trade and commerce were exceptionally thriving, producing countless wealthy magnates. Eriadu also had a pleasant climate and abundant resources, and to meet those magnates' demands for environment and supplies, the planet possessed many agricultural regions as well.
After the war broke out, under the command of Governor Wilhuff Tarkin, Eriadu continuously stockpiled vast quantities of resources while constantly evacuating its population. But the evacuation effort was ultimately limited, because transport ships had to prioritize war supplies.
A vast number of people still remained on the planet. Either they lacked the means to leave, or they still harbored illusions, believing the Separatists could never conquer a heavily defended planet like this. Especially under the propaganda machine's embellishment, Governor Tarkin—who had repeatedly won defensive battles and crushed the Celestians of the industrial planet Salust—had become a figure like a God of War.
Many believed that under Governor Tarkin's leadership, they could not possibly lose. With an unending stream of Republic reinforcements behind them, fewer than three billion people chose to leave even when Tarlstella on Planet 5 of the Eriadu system fell.
After all, Eriadu's conditions were simply too favorable: a good environment, convenient transportation, sound policies, and countless opportunities. In the Outer Rim of the galaxy, it was among the rare few planets that had not been subjected to exploitation.
But the subsequent development of the war was something even Wilhuff Tarkin had never anticipated.
In just a few hours of fighting, the Separatists seized the opportunity presented by a stellar flare and completely turned the