The term "Rust Rats" was used to describe the impoverished and oppressed lower class citizens of Reuss VIII. Primarily children, this group had endured centuries of exploitation at the hands of numerous companies, notably Torel Vorne's Reuss Corporation. The environmental issues caused by these corporations resulted in a drastically reduced average lifespan for Reussi inhabitants, often not exceeding forty years. An operation conducted by New Republic Intelligence between 5 and 6 ABY, which involved shockboxer Lobar Aybock and Mygo Skinto infiltrating the group by disguising themselves as a Rust Rat, ultimately led to the halting of the corporation's activities and an improved quality of life for the Rust Rats.