Silver Surfer (1987) #4

"Mantis" – (continued from last issue) – The Silver Surfer is brought back from the brink of death by Mantis, following his run in with the Runner. Revived, the Surfer learns of the Mantis' origins and her connection over plants, and how she played a part in alerting the Surfer of her former comrades, the Avengers, peril at the hands of the Grandmaster, the Collector, and Death. She tells the Surfer that she is aware of the Elders of the Universe's plan and that it has grave repercussions on the rest of the universe, the two then speed off into space in search of the Elders current location.

While on the Kree home world of Kree-Lar, the Supreme Intelligence has correctly deduced that the Skrulls have lost their shape changing abilities, and that they can use this to turn their age old war to their advantage. While on the Skrull world in the Andromida galaxy, rivaling ruler of the Skrulls Kylor is informed of their Zenn-Lavian ambassadors mass suicide to prevent this truth from leaking out. He and his agent are shocked by the sudden arrival of the Celestial known as Jemiah the Analyzer. The arrival of a Celestial, marks a significant change coming soon to the Skrull empire, only what could it be?

Elsewhere in the universe, the Surfer and Mantis have tracked down the Elders of the Universe who have all gathered on a single planet to meet. There, the two unlikely companions find the Grandmaster, Collector, Possessor, Astronomer, Trader, Obliterator, Contemplator, Gardner, Runner and the Champion all having a meeting. The Grandmaster tells all gathered that their plan to gain immortality by tricking Death has been a success and that they can initiate the next part of their plan, destroying the oldest being in the universe: Galactus.

However, before the Grandmaster can explain his plot further, Ego (who is also an Elder, and the "host planet" for their meeting) becomes aware of Mantis and the Silver Surfer's presence on himself. The Surfer and Mantis fight off Ego and the Elder's attacks and make for a quick get away. After sharing a kiss with Mantis, they both resolve to try and stop the Elders plot, whatever it is they hope to achieve.