Aquaman approaches the Atlantean arsenal, intent on taking Serum X, a formula for turning air breathers into water breathers. To his astonishment, his own guards attack him, declaring that Aquaman is no longer the KIng of Atlantis. Aquaman, along with his octopus ally, Topo, disarm the guards. Undeterred, the guards physically assault Aquaman, forcing the former monarch to beat them into unconsciousness. When Aquaman places his fingerprint on the scanner for identification, he receives an electric shock. In his unconscious state, Aquaman recollects the events that brought him to this point. He had turned over his old enemy, the Fisherman, to French authorities and was en route back to Atlantis. While still in the coastal waters of France, Aquaman chanced to overhear a radio broadcast, detailing news of an Atlantean attack on Monaco. Upon investigation, Aquaman discovered that the Atlantean vessels were under the command of his evil half-brother, the Ocean Master. Protected by an electrical field, Ocean Master was impervious to attack by Aquaman's fish allies. Ocean Master offered to call off his fleet if Aquaman turned over a supply of Serum X. It is the Ocean Master's fondest desire to become a water breather, like his hated half-brother, so that he may carve out his own kingdom beneath the waves.Aquaman awakes to find himself on the floor of his own throne room, with Mera and Vulko hovering over him. Upon the throne sits the new monarch of Atlantis, Karshon, a man unknown to Aquaman. An Atlantean council unanimously voted Aquaman off the throne, due to his absentee status as King. Too many times the former monarch placed his super heroic life before his responsibilities to the Atlantean people. Now, the Atlanteans have elected a new monarch, Karshon, to lead Atlantis to it's rightful place in the world. Aquaman's former chief of security, Jarsen, informs him that Karshon has pardoned Aquaman for his earlier assault on the arsenal, however, he will not be allowed access...