The X-Men are still reeling from recent battles when they find themselves pulled into a conflict involving the mysterious Forge, a mutant inventor with deep ties to the U.S. government. After the tragic loss of Storm's powers in a previous issue (from Forge’s “neutralizer” weapon), she confronts Forge about the devastating consequences. Their confrontation is cut short when they are both attacked by a group of Dire Wraiths — shape-shifting aliens invading Earth, tying the story into the broader Marvel crossover involving ROM: Spaceknight. The issue explores themes of trust, grief, and the growing threat of alien infiltration.