After the terrible defeat of the X-Men at the hands of the Emperor Vulcan, a new future emerged for the Shi'ar Empire. And the first step in Vulcan's destiny is the expansion of his empire. That means to take over the galaxy and destroy everyone in his path.

In the meantime, the Galactic Council gathers to discuss the aftermath of the Annihilation wave and the lack of aid of the Shi'ar during the armageddon and also their aggressive expansion throughout the galaxy. Nevertheless, all hope to reason with the mighty Shi'ar Empire will find no echo as they are blinded with Vulcan's promise to regain their past glory.

But not everything is lost. The remaining forces of the Starjammers led by Lilicandra are using guerrilla warfare to hurt the Shi'ar army in order to find their fallen comrades. But Vulcan placed his brother, Polaris and the rest of the Starjammers on the very edge of the Empire where they are victims of the more vicious acts of torture. Summers vs Summers, and Havok has still one ace up to his sleeves.