S. H. I. E. L. D. : The Strategic Hazard Intervention Espionage and Logistics Directorate. An organization dedicated to the preservation of life and liberty, and the eradication of terrorism aound the globe. Based in a flying mobile headquarters called the Helicarrier, the members of this international law enforcement agency are always prepared to avenge the innocent and punish the guilty. Leading the charge is S. H. I. E. L. D. Director Nick Fury--a man who has seen more than his fair share of war from the darkest days of World War II to the present, and who has fought time and again to foil the sinister plans of the world's most sinister madmen. A series of unexplained plane crashes--including one that nearly claims Fury's life--leads the toughened director to what the thinks is a new plot being hatched by S. H. I. E. L. D. 's longtime enemy Hydra.