The Silver Surfer’s presence on Earth reaches a tipping point as the Fantastic Four uncover the true nature of his mission. The Surfer is revealed not as a conqueror, but as a herald fleeing cosmic captivity — and his arrival places Earth in the path of the galactic threat pursuing him.

As Reed attempts to stabilize the Surfer’s rapidly deteriorating molecular structure, military forces escalate to full alert, convinced the Surfer is communicating with an incoming invader. The Thing and Human Torch clash with the Surfer in a desperate attempt to contain the situation while Sue uses her empathy and powers to reach him on a personal level.

By the end of the issue, the truth becomes clear: the Surfer’s “message” was a warning — and something far more dangerous is now aware of Earth’s presence.