Reed was emaciated. He was getting no food or water, but was worked to the stretchy bone for weeks. He had to get word out to his team. But how. He could not control his own actions. Time was running out. The ship was almost ready to jump into the real world through the portal. If the ship didn't render the portal in two and destroy both universes, then Annihilus would enter Earth. Not that it appeared Annihilus minded either way. He would just as soon destroy the two worlds as conquer. He was mad.

Annihilus waited on the commander's seat. He had recently received word that several entities had boarded the ship. He knew it was the scientist's team, save for one. He wondered at why they would willingly challenge him so brazenly. They stood no chance.

The Fantastic Four were well aware they were outnumbered. The insectoid army overtook them as they neared the ship. The fight was over in seconds. The four were escorted towards the command center of the ship. "Are you sure this is going to work," Pym asked.

Ben shrugged, "I don't know egghead. It would be easier with Sue, but I don't think Annihilus really understands your powers."

The four were brought right before the villain Annihilus. "Welcome aboard my ship mammals. You will never leave!"

"Where is Reed," Ben asked immediately.

Annihilus hissed, "He is here," he rubbed his hands together, "though a different fate has befallen your other female member."

Johnny sighed, "Don't remind us!"

Annihilus was getting annoyed, "Take them to the brig. They can witness the destruction and conquering of Earth from their cells." A large boom came from Annihilus's cosmic rod and a beam of light hit the group. "This will drain your powers."

The Fantastic Four were lead to the cells. "Now what", Crystal asked holding the bars. "We just wait?"

Pym pulled out a vial of particles he had with him. "My powers are a little different, and can't be so simply shut off." Pym had developed his "Pym Particles" through years of research and science. He was hoping that Annihilus's control rod worked on properties similar to the cosmic storm which imbued the Fantastic Four with their unique powers. The wild card was Crystal. Her powers were seemingly gone, and they worked because of the DNA changes brought about by Tergen Myst. He was hoping that his unique abilities, which were not superpowers per-se, but in fact technology, were not affected by the control rod. His prayers were answered as Crystal watched Hank shrink down to the size of a bug (earth bug). "I'm going to find Reed!"

Pym easily exited the cell in his smaller form. A pair of small metal wings came from his suit. He had brought them in case such instances arose. Pym doubled back to the hull of the ship. He heard Annihilus talking of his plans to one of his generals. "We will take the Earth the minute we get the chance!"

The general, a smaller bug was concerned. He was not ready to leave the Negative Zone forever. "Are we ever going to return to the Zone sire?"

"Fool, I will never leave my precious wasteland forever. In time I will merge the two universes." Annihilus tapped his mighty control rod.

The general was confused, "What of Blastaar and his wench?"

Annihilus's smile cut across his face, "They will be destroyed as soon as we take Earth!"

That was all Pym needed to hear. If things didn't go well here, he was already forming a plan B. Pym flew to a hangar deck and was elated to see Reed. The brilliant scientist was apparently willingly working with the insectoid army. Pym flew to Reed's shoulder. "REED! IT'S ME!" Reed did nothing in response. It seemed as if he didn't even hear. "REED!"

Reed could hear. He wanted to scream out to Pym, but his lips did not move. Instead, his hands checked the metal belts that were to be placed around the ship.

The Avenger flew away; understating that Reed must be hypnotized as well. He found his way back to the cell holding his comrades. Pym explained he had a plan. The team was weary of this plan but it was there only hope. Pym returned to the ship's docking bay and exited the ship. He headed towards the homeworld of Blastaar...Baluur.