As the Starjammer continues on its quest for Odin, the ship is attacked by a band of space pirates led by the Grey Gargoyle. Thor and his companions, including the Recorder from Rigel, battle the humanoid animals that are the crew. When the Gargoyle realizes he is facing his old enemy Thor he enters the fray, turning the Asgardians one by one into stone. He forces Thor to surrender by threatening to smash the petrified Sif into bits….
Back in Asgard, Balder is heading a council of war to decide how best to engage the hostile forces surrounding the kingdom. Soon their front gate is broken down and the enemy leaders enter: the Enchantress and the Executioner….
After his petrifaction has worn off the heroes, Grey Gargoyle outfits them with slave-shackles around the neck that deliver painful shocks should they try to escape. He then sends them to work in the bowels of the Bird of Prey where the cosmic furnaces need to be constantly replenished. The Asgardians show compassion for the other slaves who are victims of the Gargoyle’s pirates. After a while, the Recorder figures out how to remove the slave-shackles without harm and so Thor is ready to lead a rebellion—when the Grey Gargoyle arrives, ready to put them down….