Vernon Masters is a veteran of the War Department with a keen understanding of how to work the system. He was also a member of the Council of Nine, helping them to secretly shape the politics and the economy of the United States. In 1947 he came in conflict with the SSR's operative Peggy Carter, while at same time trying to recruit Jack Thompson for the Council's cause. He temporarily took control of the SSR's LA branch when Whitney Frost became the leader of the Council of Nine, only to turn against her when he made a deal with Thompson, Carter, and Daniel Sousa.