Story continued from AVENGERS Vol.2 #13
Mr. Fantastic and his team (Thor, Scarlet Witch, Spartan-America, Triton, Fuji, Hellstrike) arrive at the nexus of all realities in the Negative Zone. Just beyond this point lies the inter-dimensional lock holding their worlds together. They are met by Annihilus and Defile leading a squadron of Daemonites and Skrulls. The battle is brief but costly as two heroes (Fuji, Hellstrike) are killed. The remainder of Richards' team continue toward the lock.
In deep space, the Invisible Woman is rescued following the destruction of the Stormwatch station. She, Maul, and Mr. Majestic are the only survivors.
Agent Priscilla Kitaen (Voodoo) makes her way to Europe via teleporation beam. She finds the missing Steve Rogers, now going by the code-name of Nomad. He is in self-imposed exile following a disastrous mission in which many of those in his charge were killed. Those that were not killed soon abandoned the fight. He continues to fight the Daemonite/Skrull invaders on his own. Kitaen tells him that he can no longer punish himself and his country for his mistake. They need him to be Captain America once again. When she presents him with his shield, he knows the time has come to return.
Iron Man arrives at the Baxter Building. He tells the skeleton crew (Swordsman, Brass, Vision, Jack Hawksmoor) that the Stormwatch station has been destroyed. He has has been ordered to destroy the portal that grants access to the Negative Zone. When challenged, Iron Man quickly reveals himself to be the traitor and kills them all in rapid succession. Before he can destroy the machines, Thing and Deathblow emerge from the Negative Zone. Iron Man is defeated and revealed to be a Skrull agent posing as the deceased Tony Stark.
The remaining heroes return and learn of the tragic demise of their brethren. They begin to question how they can mount an assault upon Doom's castle with so few of them remaining. It is then that Captain America steps forward and inspires them to continue fighting. They have forgotten that America's military - consisting of normal humans - is prepared to do what is necessary to free the world from the alien invaders.
Continued in CAPTAIN AMERICA Vol.2 #13