The JLA arrives in an unnamed village in Eastern Europe to find the Justice League Europe besieged by hordes of vampire-like creatures, held back by Metamorpho in the shape of a giant wall. Power Girl flings Flash to the Justice League Cruiser to warn the JLA of the danger of contamination. The JLA don protective suits and join the fray.

The Spectre continues to talk with the Gray Man, who claims to be faithfully performing his task of collecting the dream essence of the dead for the Lords of Order.

Captain Atom reveals to J'onn the origins of this crisis. Meanwhile, Batman and Elongated Man discover the creatures they are battle burn in sunlight -- seeming further proof that they are akin to the legendary vampires.

Finally, the Gray Man confronts Irwin Teasdale -- a scientist with a grudge against Simon Stagg. While Doctor Fate and the Spectre go to talk with the Lords of Order, the Gray Man prematurely gloats over his triumph.