| Synopsis | - Feeling guilty that he has neglected his adopted "son" Wundarr, the Thing decides to pay a visit to Project Pegasus to see if the young man has recovered from his coma since being exposed to the energies of the Cosmic Cube. After passing the security screening he is granted access and given a priority access card. When he meets Quasar, the new chief of security, Ben mistakens him for the Crusader -- an insane Uranian super-hero which the Fantastic Four previously battled and thought dead. After a brief scuffle, Quasar reveals that he is really Wendel Vaughn, who's father had recovered the Crusaders Quantum Bands following his death and gave them over to his son. With the misunderstanding cleared up, Quasar takes Ben to see Wundarr. Along the way, Ben runs into Thomas Lightner, who seems innocent enough but gives Ben the creeps. For good reason however, because after the two heroes leave Lightner's presence, he calls in his mysterious employer and tells his master at an organization called Nth Command to initate the next phase of a feindish plot.
Meanwhile, in Manhattan, Thundra is walking the streets when he runs into a musclebound man threatening wrestling promoter Herkimer J. Oglethorpe. Easily beating the ruffian, Oglethorpe decides to offer her a career in the wrestling league which he promotes for.
Back at Project Pegasus, Quasar takes Thing to Wundarr's room, and explains that since the man-child had been exposed to the Cosmic Cube he's been a living spongue, absorbing energies in his vacinity, even the Thing's own strength. Trying to rouse the boy doesn't work and so the two decide to retire for the night to check on the boys status in the morning. As they try to rest, Lightner knocks out some guards and allows Nth Command's operative: The cyborg Deathlok entry into the compound.
Unable to sleep, the Thing decides to pace around the compound, lost in thought he is unaware that he is walking right into the waiting aim of Deathlok who is programmed to kill anyone who gets in his way.
This story is continued next issue....
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