The X-Men barely survive their return trip from space, Jean Grey discovering herself changed by the experience. Professor Xavier's dark half is given form, and proceeds to attack his students.

Professor Xavier's claims of the capture of his alien soulmate Lilandra by Juggernaut and Black Tom Cassidy are met with skepticism.

Shi'ar Emperor D'Ken's rise to power via the M'Kraan Crystal is causing a universal implosion. The X-Men, Imperial Guard, and Starjammers find themselves overpowered and unable to stop it. Jean Grey must unleash her destiny as the host of the Phoenix, even at a most personal cost.

At a Mutant/Human Relations Summit, Henry Peter Gyrich attacks.