at the request of lilandra, gladiator returns to earth on a mission to capture the uni-power and bring it back for evaluation. after an encounter with the invisible woman of the fantastic four, gladiator invites the uni-power to return to the shi'ar empire as their guest. although the uni-power agrees, it is captured en route by krosakis, an energy leeching warlord who forces the uni-power into his body to become captain universe. gladiator attempts to stop krosakis but fails, with the warlord finally beaten by the silver surfer.