system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
[Firefly] Why did the alliance fight to keep the outer planets from breaking away

What benefit did the alliance have from keeping them under control. The outer planets were poor and didn't offer much to the alliance?
gpt
While the *people* of the outer worlds were poor, we're talking about several planets' worth of untapped natural and mineral resources. You don't just let that go.

Furthermore, it sets a precedent; what happens when another planet, maybe a wealthier and better-armed planet, decides to go it alone?

And for a less cynical perspective, not everyone in the outer worlds was interested in secession, and the Alliance had a responsibility to uphold the law on behalf of loyal citizens.