This issue follows the events of Avengers Annual #16... The Collector has returned to his home following the Grandmasters plot to make all the Elders of the Universe immortal. There he finds his wife Matani has been resurrected, however her apathy and lack of desire to live allows her to die once more. Just then Silver Surfer bursts in to question the Collector over the Elder's plot involving the current Kree/Skrull war and his role in the Grandmasters final part of the Contest of Champions.
When he becomes aware that Espirita is still aboard the Collectors ship, he agrees to take her back to Earth. Before departing he promises the Collector that he will get to the bottom of their plot. After the Surfer's departure, the Collector reports in to the Champion to report about his encounter with the Silver Surfer, unaware that a sentient plant listens to his message quietly.
