The supervillain outbreak caught Earth unprepared. Now the people of the United States want a hero.... But their Assembly of Superheroes is a farce. Superheroes don't exist. They never have. And it's only by the efforts of the Supervillain Handling, Research and Intervention Department that the rising tide of villainy is held in check. When former Army Ranger Paul Cantref, one of the Department's best operatives, is saddled with command of a newly-formed team, he's hesitant to accept leadership again. But S.H.R.A.I.D.'s long-term plans leave no room for Cantref to continue working alone. Then the team's first mission together goes awry, placing them in greater danger. As events spiral out of their control, Cantref is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for his team-- but that decision may not be his to make anymore....