Emperor D'Ken threatens to destroy the universe by utilizing the power of the M'kraan Crystal. The X-Men and the Starjammers hurriedly compare notes and determine that when specific stars (actually distant galaxies that appear to be single points of light from the planet’s surface) come into alignment, the crystal can be penetrated. D’Ken intends to enter it so as to access its full power.
On Earth, Peter Corbeau teleconferences with President Jimmy Carter, the Avengers and the Fantastic Four. He relates some grim news: a strange force in another galaxy is threatening to destroy the universe. The Wasp remarks on how helpless she feels when faced with a crisis even Earth's mightiest heroes cannot stop.