Doctor Doom arrives at the Latverian embassy in New York. He has been monitoring the battle between Terrax and the Fantastic Four and intends to make another attempt to steal the Power Cosmic from one (or all) of the heralds.
Despite Reed’s best efforts his team becomes embroiled in a battle with all three of Galactus’ heralds. The fourth – the Silver Surfer – sides with those that saved his life and stop his "siblings". Galactus soon recalls his heralds to make the final preparations for the consumption of Earth.
After they leave, the Fantastic Four are escorted to the S.H.I.E.L.D. heli-carrier by The Countess and Dum-Dum Dugan. Nick Fury has assembled the Avengers and the Fantastic Four to stop Galactus from destroying the planet. They fight bravely and many die in Earth’s defense.
As Richards tries to disable Galactus’ elemental converter, Doom strikes and absorbs the powers of Terrax and the Silver Surfer. When he attacks Galactus, he is repelled easily. Richards tries to convince his old friend to help them, but Doom refuses.
Doom’s interference gives Galactus his victory and begins to consume Earth. As Doom watches Richards die before his eyes, he realizes his mistake and activates his personal time machine.
Story continued in AVENGERS Vol.2 #12.