Following the events in Harlem, S.H.I.E.L.D. agents Phil Coulson and Jasper Sitwell learn that the World Security Council wants Emil Blonsky released from prison and added to the Avengers Initiative. Unable to oppose the Council directly, they devise a plan to ensure that General Thaddeus Ross rejects the proposal. Their strategy involves sending an intentionally unsuitable consultant to negotiate with him: Tony Stark.