Superman flies to Qurac to interrogate President Marlo as to the recent armored attacks that have taken place in Metropolis in past weeks. He bursts directly into the presidential palace and pins Marlo to the wall. Soldiers try to stop him, but he melts their weapons with his heat-vision.

Miles underground, two strange mutants named Pranna and Zahara (of the Circle) pay close attention to events transpiring above them. Prana believes that Superman may be part of their chosen Circle and he establishes a mental connection with him. Superman begins suffering seizures as dozens of disturbing images from his past flicker through his mind. Prana perceives everything that is happening – in truth, he is causing it.

Superman revives and realizes that he must fly away to recuperate. He goes to his hotel room where he finds himself assailed by the same nightmarish visions. Pranna meanwhile, continues to witness Superman's memories. The process is extremely painful, and he begins to doubt whether Superman may be a lost member of the Circle. The mental link becomes too much for Pranna and he falls over dead. Zahara, his wife, is grief-stricken and swears vengeance against Superman.