"It's Always Darkest...!" Guest-starring the X-Men. Script by Steve Englehart. Pencils by Sal Buscema. Inks by Vince Colletta. Cover by Gil Kane (pencils), John Romita Sr. (layouts), and Frank Giacoia. Somewhere in the Desert Southwest lies the hidden headquarters of the Secret Empire. And at this moment Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson are inside it -- posing as the empire's newest henchmen. Meanwhile on the outside, Professor X uses his telepathic powers to guide their movements and keep them safe. However eventually Steve and Sam are exposed! And the mayhem begins! The Secret Empire sends two dozen of its agents to kill Cap and the Falcon! But then Cyclops and Marvel Girl enter the fray! In time all combatants reach the empire's top secret laboratory...where they make an incredible discovery! The empire is indeed evil. Cameo appearances by Moonstone, Quentin Harderman, Linda Donaldson, the Blob, Mastermind, Mesmero, Unus, Havok, Lorna Dane, Angel, Iceman, and the Beast. (Notes: The leader of the Secret Empire mentions the actual Watergate Scandal taking place in the United States in 1974. The letters page includes an essay from Stan Lee and Roy Thomas concerning the recent price increase. The letters page also contains Marvel Value Stamp series A #48 Kraven by Steve Ditko.) 32 pages.