Having been bribed by Henchy, Gabrielle Daou opened a door at the Palace, allowing a speedster in. Henchy then knocked out Daou and dragged her out. The Quraci assassin killed King Viktor and Queen Ilona in their bedroom, and was shot dead by Baron DeLamb shortly after.[1]
A pre-coronation reception was held for Gregor Markov at the Palace. Nightwing and Tigress infiltrated the reception, investigating the Bedlam Syndicate. Prince Brion Markov sought to activate his Meta-Gene to help defend the country, as he feared his uncle would refuse to release power. Helga Jace directed him to Simon Ecks, and the pair left the reception, followed by Nightwing.[2]
After the Bedlam Syndicate's base was infiltrated and destroyed, DeLamb fled to the reception and attempted to use video of Brion's meta-activation as proof Brion had been behind his parents' murder. Brion appeared and fought DeLamb, who was revealed to be a meta as well. Gregor saw through DeLamb's lies and had him arrested, but also reluctantly banished Brion due to public sentiment against metas, as well as the influence of Zviad Baazovi.[3]
With King Gregor Markov out of the country on a secret visit to his siblings, Baron Bedlam launched a coup with backing from the Light, and arrived at the Palace. He publicly announced he had taken the throne minutes later.[6]
Squads of the Team and the Outsiders went into Markovia to take down Bedlam. In the ensuing battle at the Palace, Terra was revealed to be working for Deathstroke, but turned against him. Enraged that he hadn't been told by those that knew, Brion executed Bedlam after he tried to flee. Egged on by Zviad Baazovi and a cheering crowd, Brion went on to claim the throne. When Tara refused to support his rule, and Halo declined to become his queen, Brion expelled his former collegaues from the country.[7]
After rescuing him from anti-meta thugs, Brion brought Lizard Johnny back to the Palace. Minister Josef Mueller approached Brion with concerns over the new visa policy. Though Brion initially shared his concerns, Zviad Baazovi influenced both men to change their minds.
Later, Halo visited Brion at the Palace. They talked about reconciliation, but the tender moment was ruined by Baazovi, and Halo left in anger. When Brion went to the Palace gardens, he was approached by Fury, who was concerned after observing Baazovi's influence over Brion and others.[9]
Geo-Force and the Infinitors prepared to act on Fury's intel on Count Vertigo's whereabouts, hoping to capture the escaped Count and rescue the kidnapped Perdita Vladek.[10]
.png){kind=link}