In the 1960s, both countries have a grip on nuclear weapons, but the imbalance between US and Soviet missiles is staggering. A fledgling communist government in Cuba provides the perfect opportunity for Premier Nikita Khrushchev to position missiles just off the shores of Florida. Through the help of former GRU officer turned CIA asset Oleg Penkovksy, the US learns of the Soviets' plans and must decide how to respond. Tensions rise as the risk of mutually assured destruction becomes all too real