Synopsis / Summary / Plot
The sequence of opening shots starts with the galaxy and gradually narrows to the island of Curaçao. Over the top we hear a conversation between Cancer and the benefactor who gave Zodiac their powers. The being says that humanity's evolution has been skewed by alien interference, and even now some meddle by protecting Earth. He claims to want to restore the balance. Plus there are cosmic weapons on Earth that are too dangerous for us to have. He has empowered Zodiac to gather the weapons so that they can be taken away. Then Zodiac will be left to do what they want with their power.
On Curaçao Cancer and Aries interrupt an arms deal to retrieve a large purple egg-shaped object. They open the egg to take what's inside.
Meanwhile in Latveria Black Widow, Hawkeye, Iron Man and Thor found Taurus buying another super-weapon last issue. The giant minotaur has just used Thor's body to destroy the jeep in which Clint and Natasha were escaping with the maguffin. A combo of iron fists and exploding arrow temporarily shuts down the bull-form revealing the man within. Then Iron Man chases the repowered Taurus off, until the villain turns round and knocks him out. Back at the jeep the other 3 open the container Taurus was after, and are shocked by what they see inside.
Widow had contacted Captain America, and we next see Tony Stark returning to consciousness in the SHIELD helicarrier. His 3 companions are there along with Cap, and also Hulk who had gone to Avengers Tower after his run-in with the water-being last issue. The minotaur had the zodiacal sign for Taurus on his chest, and Hulk brought a symbol from the water-being's costume which they recognise as the sign of Aquarius. This clues them in that they're facing (a version of) the criminal gang Zodiac.
Hulk hadn't been able to stop Aquarius from stealing something from an army convoy - a convoy which the army now denies existed. And the thing Taurus was after is an Ultimate Nullifier, which will wipe its target (and its user) from reality.
The helicarrier has been reduced to essential personnel only (none in the room with the Avengers). Cap decides to restrict knowledge of what's going on to the 6 here, so he won't call in the other Avengers.
Cap expects Zodiac to come after the Nullifier, so he tells Widow to find somewhere to hide it. But before she can leave the carrier is invaded by Aquarius, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Pisces and Virgo.