As the gods of Asgard are bored and restless now that their home is on Earth, King Balder must organize pointless war games to keep them entertained. Meanwhile, Loki suggests that a purpose may be found for them. As they talk again later, they are interrupted by a duel between two warriors over an insult. One spears the other and is shocked to learn that his opponent has died, since the Asgardians are more vulnerable now that they are in Midgard. Loki suggests that the lack of any opportunity for valor is making them weak and careless, and hints darkly that Thor has some sinister motive in keeping them this way….
Don Blake meets Jane Foster at a restaurant to make up for the tension of their previous meeting (issue #8). She tells him of the tenacious cancer patient Mrs. Chambers, unaware that the Lady Sif is trapped within her decaying body. Later, Don and Jane hear on a news broadcast that Captain America died one year ago that day. Excusing himself, Don heads to Cap’s tomb and expresses his admiration for the fallen hero before allowing Thor to address his friend. The Thunder God is able to call up Cap’s spirit and asks if he wants Cap to take vengeance against those responsible for his death. Cap thanks him and says no, that enough blood has been spilled but Cap’s main concern is that as a symbol he is being claimed and distorted to the needs of conflicting political agendas. It was never political, he says, but always for the good of the country. Thor speaks his heart, telling Cap that the greatest honor he had was fighting alongside Captain America. He flies into the heavens and causes a lighting storm that jams all broadcast signals around the world for sixty second, thus providing a moment of silence from the political chatter in honor of this comrade and friend….