The Earth heroes’ expeditionary force battles Thanos and Infinity Watch on the remote planet. Galactus transports the Infinity Watch and the Earth heroes to him, where they exchange information in an instant, unaware that this is part of the Magus’ grand design....
On Earth, the Puppet Master tries to explain to Alicia about the threat to Ben, when suddenly all the world’s inhabitants are locked in stasis—except for the rogue Watcher Aron, who schemes to take advantage of this situation....
While the heroes are being scanned by Galactus, Sue Richards finds herself in a dark dream world, confronted by Malice—her earlier alter ego when possessed by an evil force. Malice reveals herself as Sue’s subconscious dark side, which must be released if she would lead her team to victory. Sue tricks Malice into knocking herself out against a ledge of rock she had turned invisible, and realizing desperate measures are needed, absorbs Malice’s aggressive persona into her conscious mind....
The Human Torch explores Galactus’ ship (pausing briefly to consider hitting on Psylocke) and returns to the group to find Adam Warlock in possession of the Infinity Gauntlet and Galactus on a mission to reactivate it. Suddenly an interdimensional gateway opens and the Magus seizes and carries off Warlock. (At this point in a distant sector of space, Power Skrull and Devos are pursuing a scheme that would turn Lyja into their weapon against the Fantastic Four—see the next issue.) Captain America gathers the heroes to plan their next move against Magus. Sue calls for a full frontal assault and when the Hulk mocks this suddenly tougher Sue Richards, she blasts him across the room with her force beams, earning his respect. The heroes move through the interdimensional gateway where they are attacked by a waiting army of doppelgangers, while the Magus watches on a scanner, crowing in triumph over Warlock....