The issue opens in Vanity City, where Piper, a small-time super-villain, engages in a clandestine meeting. Worried about his daughter, Piper is forced to meet with her kidnappers and Synth, a former member of a super-hero team known as the Vat-Men. Synth''s mind is in constant flux, and it is Synth that is “guarding” Piper'' daughter.