The X-Men have returned to the United States from Muir Island and have caught someone lurking in their headquarters.

As the X-Men arrive back home, they discover Eric the Red has infiltrated the mansion and they attack, unaware that Eric has enlisted the aid of Firelord, the former Herald of Galactus. Eric detected Firelord last issue and ordered Havok and Polaris (who were under Eric's control) to attack him, knowing Firelord would easily defeat them. Eric then deceives Firelord into thinking that Havok, Polaris, and the other X-Men seek to destroy him in order to rule the world.

Meanwhile, Lilandra teleports to Earth (specifically, the flat that Jean Grey and Misty Knight share) and just as her ship is destroyed, she appears before Xavier, who recalls her from his visions. Firelord arrives to confront Xavier but is opposed by Phoenix, leaving Xavier and Lilandra to be captured by Eric. The X-Men arrive too late to prevent Eric escaping with Lilandra. Phoenix blasts Firelord to New Jersey and uses her powers to reactivate the stargate, allowing the X-Men to pursue Eric. Firelord returns and demands to know where Phoenix is and threatens Xavier.