Cry Havoc and Let Loose the Birds of War!
Beta-Rann 7 was one of several Rannian colony worlds, primarily noted for being a source of crystals that could be used in the manufacturing of zeta beam technology.  It was a hard place, and it produced a hard people.  They'd had to fight against the elements and the native creatures for what was theirs, and even against pirates and other scourges of the spaceways a time or two.  Once, its rough riding sheriffs even fought side-by-side with Adam Strange himself.

The years have been kind to Rann, on the whole.  The wars with Thanagar were long over, and Rann had resumed its rightful place in the galaxy.  And what was good for Rann was good for Beta-Rann 7.

Unfortunately, today was not going to be good for Beta-Rann 7.  The Thanagarian ships had appeared out of nowhere, slipping past their defenses with surprising ease. 

Hundreds died in the initial bombardment.  And then the troops went in.

There was just enough time to send a distress call.