Sword of the Atom#3(1983)

Jean Loring, having believed herself a widow, had been moving on with her life when a burned body was discovered with Ray Palmer's wedding ring. Suspecting he might still be alive, Jean books a flight to Brazil. Meanwhile, a blind Taren suspects a spy in his military. Voss, second in command, also believes a spy is present but thinks the spy is Atom. The two fight and, as a result, develop a tentative trust. In the city of Morlaidh, advisor Deraegis tries to convince King Caellich that the star drive (the ship that brought the aliens to Earth decades ago) is working and should be used to power the city. King Caellich says it was unstable which is why it was shut off. Deraegis' men have been studying and repairing it which angers Caellich as it is forbidden to do so. He chastises Deraegis and tells him to forget the star drive. Deraegis then meets with one of his men and tells him to continue working on the machine. Voss and Atom discuss the upcoming attack on Morlaidh. Atom is hesitant to attck while Taren is still alive but Voss and the men are getting restless. Suddenly animals begin racing through the jungles and the men deduce that a swarm of ants is racing through the jungles. Most men escape. Taren refuses to leave preferring to die but Atom knocks him out and carries him. Atom, Taren, Voss and Laethwen climb up some branches but the ants swarm closer. Taren sacrifices himself to the ants. Soon the spy sends a message to Deraegis informing him of Taren's death. Deraegis reflects that, thanks to his manipulations, the city's inhabitants are moving towards a revolt and he hopes to take power in that event. After being attacked by (and defeating) a caiman (crocodile), Atom prepares the army to attack Morlaidh.