The return of Layla Miller heralds a change in the fortunes of Jamie Madrox, who was suicidal moments ago. Now, in a flash he finds himself with a now-adult Layla Miller in the future, at the mercy of a sentinel.

X-Factor, now functioning without Jamie, is still taking cases for Val Cooper. But they're also pursuing other cases, such as Lenore's suspicion that someone is stalking her. And who was the mysterious gunman who nearly killed John Maddox, the duplicate that Jamie didn't re-absorb who has built a life for himself?