Chapter Summaries

Constantine and Hammurabi discussed Mycroft Holmes, their plans to take his sister, and Helmut Zemo’s role in the coming operation. As Constantine’s Shuttlecraft approached Vienna, he hurried the technicians’ checks on the Fortress-type Combat Robots before the Monarch’s conference speech.

• Constantine explained that Mycroft Holmes could be pressured for information and proposed taking the Holmes woman from the prison island to use her analytical skills and as leverage.
• Hammurabi asked about Helmut Zemo’s arrival in Vienna, and Constantine explained that Zemo believed their goals aligned and that the assassins had secretly modified his equipment.
• Constantine ordered the Shuttlecraft to catch up with the Sisterhood’s Assault Transport as it approached Vienna, where Latveria’s conference would serve as a call to war.
• Constantine interrupted a technician’s lengthy report and demanded that the Fortress-type Combat Robots be ready for the Monarch’s appearance.
• The technician confirmed that the robots’ self-diagnostics were complete but admitted that their advanced systems remained difficult to understand.

Natasha Romanoff arrived in Vienna to sign the Sokovia Accords and found Salomon waiting in her hotel room with barbecue. As she ate, she asked him why he had skipped the funeral, leaving their conversation unresolved.

• Hammurabi criticized External Thinking Modules and prepared to have the pilot ready for the scheduled attack.
• The chapter explained that the Sokovia Accords would impose restrictions on Ability Enhancers worldwide and described how British civil servants kept the agreement out of political leaders’ attention.
• Natasha Romanoff arrived at a Vienna hotel, checked her room for surveillance devices, and changed into a business suit before someone knocked.
• Salomon entered Natasha’s room with barbecue and said he had come to observe the signing ceremony and hear the King of Wakanda’s speech.
• Natasha accepted the food, then asked Salomon why he had not attended the funeral.

Salomon explained why he was staying away from Peggy Carter’s funeral and described his preparations for the conflict over the Sokovia Accords. He left the conversation focused on safeguarding Latveria from war, famine, and biological weapons.

• Salomon told Natasha Romanoff that Peggy Carter’s death was inevitable and that he preferred exploring Vienna’s restaurants to attending her funeral.
• Natasha asked whether Salomon feared the Sokovia Accords could lead to war against Latveria, and he said he intended to make others bleed rather than his people.
• Salomon outlined how the City of Immortals had made Latveria more self-sufficient in energy, weapons, and food as tensions with Europe and North America grew.
• Salomon recalled a deadly Ebola outbreak and the sacrifices made to contain it, explaining why he feared biological warfare and supported Kamar-Taj’s rule to let the majority survive.
• After Crossbones Rumlow failed to obtain virus samples, the City of Immortals sent assassins to steal samples from a U.S. military laboratory in Albania and used them to develop vaccines.
• Latverians prospered under Stephanie Malik’s administration, and civilians supported their king while pursuing military careers.

Salomon and Natasha Romanoff arrived at the Vienna meeting, where Salomon’s unusual presence began to fade from notice and he impersonated a Washington Post reporter. Helmut Zemo entered the area disguised as a delivery driver, while Wakandan Prince T’Challa met Salomon and Natasha and criticized the meeting’s bureaucracy.

• Salomon told Natasha that his power was connected to his essence and soul, then invited her to rest in the hot tub before the meeting.
• Helmut Zemo drove a van disguised as a supply delivery into Vienna and used a forged work story and access permit to pass the gate.
• Salomon and Natasha entered the meeting using a Washington Post press pass and signed in under an assumed name.
• Salomon greeted Wakandan Prince T’Challa, who exchanged greetings with Natasha and avoided raising the earlier mission that had harmed Wakandans.
• T’Challa told Natasha that he supported the agreement but doubted the political process, saying two people could work more efficiently than the gathered participants.

Salomon attended the Vienna conference as the King of Wakanda, T'Chaka, addressed the gathering and Helmut Zemo bombed the Vienna International Center. Salomon shielded the attendees, but T'Chaka was killed, and Salomon's forces sealed off the venue.

• Salomon and T'Chaka discussed repairing relations between Wakanda and Latveria and the possibility of a new agreement.
• T'Chaka delivered an address supporting peace and Wakanda's contribution to the international effort, while T'Challa anticipated Wakanda's opening to the world.
• Helmut Zemo disguised himself and left the van before its explosives detonated at the Vienna International Center.
• Salomon's magical shield protected Natasha Romanoff and most attendees, but the blast killed T'Chaka.
• Salomon's forces arrived, clashed with security outside, and took control of the venue, cutting off communications and sealing its exits.

Salomon took control of the aftermath of the bombing at the international conference, sent T'Challa back to inherit Wakanda’s throne, and confronted the attendees over their opposition to Latveria. He ended by exposing evidence of U.S. military and CIA abuses and vowing to make those responsible pay.

• Salomon ordered the conference attendees to remain seated while the Royal Guard took T'Challa and T'Chaka away, and Latverian forces sealed the area.
• A Sisterhood captain shot an attendee’s chair after the politician accused Latveria of being Nazi, and Salomon ordered Tita to remove several opponents.
• Salomon denounced the attendees for obstructing humanity’s survival and warned them that a vast alien fleet was coming.
• The Sisterhood gave attendees data tablets containing Frank Craig Pandolfo’s testimony and Latverian intelligence about U.S. military and CIA abuses.
• Salomon vowed that Latveria would hold the perpetrators and beneficiaries accountable until humanity was united.

Salomon demanded that the nations unite under Latveria to prepare for the Alien Fleet, threatening war and destruction against those who refused. After giving them seven days to decide, Latveria took the political leaders into space to demonstrate its power and the threat facing Earth.

• Salomon offered to share Latveria’s space technology and resources with cooperative nations, while warning that he would destroy those who obstructed humanity’s survival.
• He threatened NATO with attacks on its space assets and military-industrial facilities, and demanded that nations abandon religious faith and uncontrolled capital in favor of science and unity.
• Salomon gave the world seven days to consider his ultimatum, then left the conference hall with the Praetorian Guard, Prince T'Challa, and the ruler of the City of Immortals.
• Sisterhood Commander Tita forced the political dignitaries onto transports bound for the Space Station, while Natasha Romanoff was escorted aboard a separate craft.
• Latveria planned to show the leaders its space capabilities and broadcast their journey before deciding whether to unite with them or forcibly destroy and integrate those who resisted.

After King T'Chaka was killed in the Vienna bombing, Salomon returned to Latveria to prepare for a possible NATO attack while the City of Immortals supported T'Challa's pursuit of the culprit. Salomon arranged the next steps in his campaign against NATO and continued overseeing Latveria's wartime preparations.

• T'Challa refused to return to Wakanda and chose to stay in Vienna to hunt his father's killer, while the Royal Guard departed with weapons supplied by Constantine.
• Constantine promised T'Challa intelligence and armed support, then headed to the S.W.O.R.D. Space Station to protect visiting dignitaries and prepare to strike NATO satellites.
• Salomon returned to Latveria, planned to demand answers at the UN Security Council in seven days, and coordinated military defenses and local production.
• Salomon sat on Latveria's throne as Diana List and Hammurabi attended him, then joked with Hammurabi about going home for dinner.

Bayonetta fought Salomon over his handling of the Vienna International Center crisis, while Lorna and Hammurabi discussed Latveria’s strategy. Afterward, Bayonetta warned Salomon that his effort to unite humanity would make him many enemies, but he vowed to keep fighting until victory.

• Bayonetta attacked Salomon in the manor hall while Jeanne, Milia, Hammurabi, and Lorna watched.
• Lorna told Hammurabi that Bayonetta was angry about the Vienna International Center crisis and the deaths there.
• Hammurabi defended Salomon’s actions and said Latveria’s information and technology would eventually turn public opinion in its favor.
• After the fight, Bayonetta told Salomon she feared he was giving power to people who would misuse it and making nearly everyone his enemy.
• Salomon said he was destined to fight the war to unite humanity and would continue until victory arrived.

Salomon and Victor von Doom negotiated international cooperation to strengthen Latveria’s allies and prepare humanity for the Alien Fleet, while Salomon planned a state visit and a televised address. At home, he and Bayonetta cared for Milia, whose unusual talent left her vulnerable to the Outer Dimensions.

• Victor von Doom told Salomon that countries wanted the Alien Fleet’s arrival kept secret, and Salomon agreed to the temporary condition while negotiating technology and industrial cooperation.
• Salomon and Victor von Doom prepared phased technological assistance for friendly countries, including Hungary, as the United States and NATO countries pursued sanctions against Latveria.
• Salomon explained to Bayonetta that he was leaving for a state visit and would give a televised address about Latveria’s resolve and plans.
• Milia came into the bedroom half-asleep, and Salomon carried her while explaining that he was building a mental barrier to protect her from the Outer Dimensions.
• Bayonetta tucked Milia into bed, and Salomon teased her about how warmly she cared for the child.

Natasha Romanoff warned Salomon that Steve Rogers and Tony Stark were heading to Vienna, but Salomon refused to intervene in the Avengers’ conflict and focused on plans involving the Winter Soldier and Wakanda. He ordered preparations for a war against NATO and Wakanda while delaying Erik Killmonger’s coup until after the Wakandan king’s funeral.

• Natasha Romanoff told Salomon that Steve Rogers intended to capture the Winter Soldier and that Tony Stark was heading to Vienna, but Salomon offered only standard weapons support and dismissed the danger of an Avengers conflict.
• Salomon ordered Victoria Hand to give Helmut Zemo one last chance to talk, while intelligence analysts determined that the CIA had concealed the Winter Soldier’s location to protect its secrets and agents.
• Victoria Hand and Stephanie Malik discussed monitoring Bucharest, where Prince T’Challa was expected to find the Winter Soldier, and considered the risks of the CIA or T’Challa killing him.
• Salomon rejected launching Erik Killmonger’s coup during the Wakandan king’s funeral, ordered Killmonger to submit a planning report, and directed his staff to continue the plan to take Wakanda.
• Salomon ordered preparations for war against NATO and Wakanda, including missile and air-defense systems and Gene-modded Warriors.

After the UN Security Council approved a resolution calling for NATO intervention in Latveria, Salomon and Victor von Doom launched a full-scale assault on NATO forces in Europe. The City of Immortals crippled communications and military defenses across the continent as Latvian troops advanced, leaving the war’s objectives rapidly achieved.

• Salomon ordered Victoria Hand to muster Latveria’s army for war with NATO, while Victor von Doom took control of Latveria’s defenses and recalled the diplomats.
• The UN Security Council passed a resolution demanding that Latveria abandon its military space program, and NATO forces mobilized in Europe.
• As the resolution passed, Latveria launched spaceborne missiles against military targets in Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Croatia, and other Balkan nations.
• The City of Immortals attacked European satellites and communications systems, while Gene-modded Warriors raided government, military, and laboratory targets in the south and advanced toward Poland in the north.
• Electronic warfare and military strikes paralyzed communications, transportation, power, and finance across Europe as NATO forces struggled to resist the Latvian advance.

Salomon’s forces devastated NATO positions across Europe, while the Monarch arrived at the UN Security Council after the attacks and demanded obedience in the name of eternal unity. The chapter ended with Salomon confronting the assembled representatives and declaring that accepting his rule was their only choice.

• Constantine’s Gene-modded Warriors destroyed NATO headquarters and units across Poland and the Baltic region, captured senior officers and military intelligence, and erased evidence of their assaults.
• Malcolm led a thousand Gene-modded Warriors in an assault on Camp Bondsteel, capturing Commander Volker Hauball and rescuing detainees opposed to Kosovo’s independence.
• Latveria repelled scattered attacks, while NATO’s disrupted communications and air support left its forces unable to withstand the Gene-modded Warriors.
• As the Security Council resumed its response to the European emergency, Salomon and his armed forces teleported into the UN chamber and secured the entrances.
• Salomon rode Pegasus to the council table, cut Per Krogh’s mural in half with the Sacred Sword, and told the representatives to accept his version of peace and unity.

Tony Stark flew to United Nations Headquarters as Latveria launched a massive attack on NATO military targets and surrounded Manhattan with aircraft and war machines. He considered stopping the crisis but faced an overwhelming blockade, unclear loyalties, and the risk of devastating casualties.

• A blinding flash and train-like whistles announced the arrival of Latverian aircraft and giant war machines over Manhattan and United Nations Headquarters.
• Tony Stark put on his armor and learned from Friday that attacks had struck military bases across the Balkans and Eastern Europe, while satellites and GPS had gone offline.
• Tony Stark approached United Nations Headquarters but received warnings and was targeted by the war machines, so he asked Friday whether he could break through the blockade.
• Friday estimated that breaking through could take hours and cause immense damage, while Colonel Rhodes warned Tony Stark not to reveal any ties to Latveria or get involved in the war.

Tony Stark rescued Peter Parker from an attack by suicide drones but found him badly wounded, then surrendered to prevent War Machine from escalating the confrontation. He left the standoff unresolved as he demanded permission to take Peter to the hospital.

• Colonel Rhodes told Tony Stark that the hostages included influential political and financial figures, while Tony kept Salomon’s role in the conflict to himself.
• Peter Parker arrived in his Spider-suit to help, and suicide drones targeted him as Tony tried to stop him.
• Tony intercepted the drones, but the explosions’ fragments wounded Peter Parker across his limbs.
• Tony treated Peter’s wounds and reassured him as Friday warned that the opposing AI was preparing to attack.
• Tony saw War Machine aim its cannon at the rooftop, stepped out of his armor, and surrendered so he could take Peter to the hospital.

Salomon forced the UN Security Council and Gideon Malick to accept Latveria’s terms, using a missile threat and battlefield victories to secure the agreement. He then addressed humanity, calling on people to embrace Unified Truth and join Latveria’s expansion into space.

• Hammurabi presented Latveria’s military gains and threatened to strike Norfolk Naval Base unless the Council on Foreign Relations signed the revised agreement.
• Gideon Malick and the Council on Foreign Relations delayed until a Latverian warhead destroyed Norfolk Naval Base, then agreed to the terms.
• Victor von Doom helped Hammurabi settle the agreement with other nations, and Salomon joined the representatives in signing it at the UN.
• Salomon praised Hammurabi’s political and strategic abilities and planned to assign Supiluliumas to independent operations before the Intelligence Department.
• Latveria’s Gene-modded Warriors captured Sarajevo, Podgorica, and Tirana, while Constantine’s army seized air bases in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
• Salomon broadcast a speech promoting Unified Truth, inviting supporters to help build Latveria’s spaceport and Mars colony.

Salomon’s warning against interference accompanied Latveria’s advance, while a protest outside the United Nations Headquarters escalated into a battle between Tony Stark and the Hellfire Knights. The fighting intensified when Iron Man reinforcements and drones arrived and the War Robots activated their weapons.

• Salomon warned that Latveria would retaliate against attempts to undermine Unified Truth, even threatening nuclear war.
• New York protesters stormed the United Nations Headquarters, and Tony Stark tried to calm them after George Stacy summoned him.
• The Hellfire Knights opened fire on the crowd, and Tony Stark attacked them, but their coordinated tactics badly damaged his armor and knocked him down.
• A Hellfire Knights breacher stomped Tony Stark and battered his armor with a Warhammer before alloy plates trapped him.
• More Iron Man Armors arrived and fought drones as aircraft fired missiles and the War Robots activated their weapons, sending the crowd fleeing.

Tony Stark escaped his damaged Iron Man Armor and donned the Hulkbuster to fight the Gene-modded Warriors, despite suffering severe injuries. After Friday’s controlled armor struck down their squad leader, Praetorian Guard Supiluliumas entered the battle and attacked Stark.

• Tony Stark used the Iron Legion as cover to escape his damaged armor and ordered Friday to deploy the Veronica System.
• The Gene-modded Warriors switched to high-temperature ammunition to breach the Vibranium containment system, while Friday assembled the Hulkbuster around Stark.
• Friday took control of the Hulkbuster, destroyed five incoming missiles, and charged the Gene-modded Warriors under suppressive fire.
• The Hulkbuster punched the tactical squad leader through the United Nations Headquarters building, prompting the Gene-modded Warriors to regroup.
• Supiluliumas identified himself, charged Stark with a crackling halberd, and exploited Stark’s instinctive retreat.

Supiluliumas crippled the Hulkbuster Armor and forced Friday to flee with Tony Stark, who was seriously injured and taken to the hospital. As Pepper Potts waited outside the intensive care unit, Happy Hogan warned her that the giant robot was approaching.

• Supiluliumas exploited the Hulkbuster Armor’s weaknesses, destroyed its weapons and thrusters, and shattered its helmet while Tony Stark was inside.
• Friday flung Supiluliumas away, then carried the concussed Tony Stark toward a hospital as the Iron Legion retreated.
• Reporters followed Stark’s flight and spread news of his hospitalization while Pepper Potts and Happy Hogan rushed to the hospital.
• Pepper waited outside the intensive care unit as Happy explained that Stark had fought the military.
• Happy told Pepper that the giant robot was coming toward them.

As the War Machines advanced toward Wall Street, New York descended into panic while Pepper Potts and Colonel Rhodes tried to protect Tony Stark. The chapter explained that Salomon was using Latveria’s overwhelming military power to undermine America’s sense of security, leaving the United States and the world facing a threat they could not openly challenge.

• The War Machines moved through Manhattan, triggering panic and traffic jams as residents tried to flee and George Stacy prepared police to maintain order.
• George Stacy told Superintendent Carter that New York needed the Avengers to restore public confidence.
• Colonel Rhodes called Pepper Potts, said he was heading to New York, and urged her to protect Tony Stark while Doctor Strange did everything possible to save him.
• The chapter described how governments relied on the Avengers to reassure the public and attract capital, while Salomon rejected the romanticized view of war.
• Salomon used the War Machines’ march toward Wall Street and Latveria’s advanced weapons to warn the United States that it could not protect itself or safely retaliate.