Part 5: Best Laid Plans - The sinister sentinel Master Mold has hypnotically forced Moira MacTaggert to create a deadly disease, the Retribution Virus, that will decimate the Earth's mutant population. Already two test subjects have been infected and only now is Scott Summers beginning to suspect the truth...

Part 9: Justifiable Action - The Black Panther's questioning of Sarah Slade is interrupted by a tear gas assault on the black township by South African security forces. Zanti Chikane tries to talk himself out of following a man he knows has been spying on the Slade's curio store, but finds himself further lured into the violent intrigue surrounding the Panther. And violent, indeed they are, for when Zanti returns, it is in time to witness the Panther being shot down in the town's streets.

Let's Take It From Where I Swing in and Rescue You - Don't ask him his real name, he won't tell you. He will tell you he's a super-strong, highly paid mercenary of mysterious origin. What he lacks in modesty and altruism, he makes up for in ego and arrogance. He's PALADIN - SUPER SOLDIER-OF-FORTUNE!

The First Cut - Ben Grimm had just taken command of The Fantastic Four, putting his tormented past and lost love behind him. He must help another do the same, or die trying.

All plot summaries reproduced from the issue's Table of Contents.