The year is 2015. The place is New York City - Manhattan, to be precise - and Central Park is ground zero for a world-shaking phenomenon.

Despite SHIELD having recovered Loki's scepter, they are still clearing up after HYDRA's experiments. Whilst trying to focus the power of the staff the rogue scientists lost control of their project. Perhaps the item was attempting to return to Asgard or it simply let off a burst of energy that punched a hole in the universe. The details are sketchy - none of the scientists survived to tell the tale - the results are what matters now.

All attempts to close the rift have so far proved unsuccessful, though SHIELD continues to try. Meanwhile people from far-away worlds have been transported to a corner of Central Park against their will. The Agents of SHIELD have been tasked with keeping vigil over the rift and helping newcomers settle into their new lives in New York.