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Chapter Text

EXCOMM sat and talked nervously in the president’s meeting room. They had received a letter containing a favorable sounding deal from Krushchev— the Soviets would remove their nuclear missiles in Cuba in exchange for an American pledge to never invade Cuba. They had been ready to accept the offer when another, more demanding offer came in.

The Soviets would remove the nuclear missiles in Cuba in exchange for the Americans removing their own nuclear missiles in Turkey.

“As between the two I think it clear that practically everyone here would favor the private proposal.” Ted Sorensen said. People in the room nodded their agreement.

“We're not being offered the choice— we may not be offered the choice.” Elhokar Kholin replied, voicing the fears of the others.

President John F. Kennedy cut in after an uncomfortable pause. “But seriously, there are disadvantages also in the private one, which is a guarantee of Cuba. But in any case this is now his official…” he sighed, looking troubled. “We can release his other one, and it's different, but this is the one that the Soviet government obviously is going on.”

Paul Nitze looked like he was about to say something, when a White House attendant knocked, then pushed open the door.

“Mr. President!” the attendant said. “A Soviet emassairy is here to see you.”

“Dobrynin?” Kennedy asked with surprise. “Send him in, maybe he has some news that can help us sort out this whole mess.” or news of a war that’s already started while our backs have been turned , remained unsaid.

The attendant disappeared through the doorway, and after a moment, instead of Anatoly Dobrynin walking in, a tall Alethi woman made her entrance.

“Who are you?” Bobby Kennedy asked.

"Brother," Jasnah called. "Still king, I see." 

Even from across the meeting room, she could see Elhokar's confused expression.

"It is my obligation by blood," he said, as though he were reciting.

“Elhokar?” Bobby Kennedy asked. “Your sister is a Soviet emassairy? Why haven’t you brought this up before?”

"A fact of which I am all too aware." Jasnah sighed and turned around to walk out of the door with no further acknowledgement to any of the confused EXCOMM members.

"Then why—" Elhokar shook his head. "Never mind." He would never fully understand these odd sentiments his sister shared from time to time.

“Hey, wait!” shouted The President towards Jasnah. “Do you have any news to bring?” 

Jasnah ignored him, turning a corner and vanishing from sight. A moment later, Dobrynin poked his head around the corner, looking confused.

“Do you know who that tall woman who just walked out is?” Dobrynin asked.

“You mean she wasn’t with you?” President Kennedy asked.

“Listen, fellas,” Elhokar spoke up, “I think I have a solution to this whole mess.”

And despite everyone’s confusion, everyone turned to listen.

“Let’s send chasmfiends to simply eat their nuclear warheads.” Elhokar said with a proud smile.

“Elhokar, you’re fired.” The President said.

Chapter Text

October 28, 1962

Telegram from Elhokar Kholin:

SORRY I CAN’T COME INTO WORK TODAY, THE CUBAN GOVERNMENT HAS USED A TARGETED ENERGY WEAPON ON ME PRODUCING SYMPTOMS IDENTICAL TO A HANGOVER

October 28, 1962

Telegram from John F. Kennedy:

YOU WERE FIRED YESTERDAY. PLEASE DO NOT COME IN TODAY, OR ANY DAYS FOLLOWING.

October 28, 1962

Telegram from Elhokar Kholin:

I WILL BE BACK TOMORROW <3