Chapters 20-23 Summary

In Chapter 20, "The Conference Line," the President speaks to the American Ambassador in Moscow and to Lentov, the Soviet U.N. delegate, who is in New York. He tells both of them to stay where they are. Lentov begins to talk about American baseball, which stuns Buck, but the President joins in, as does the American Ambassador, despite his knowledge that he will soon die. They discuss the power and grace under pressure of fine athletes. Premier Khrushchev comes on the line, and asks the President why the other two men are on the call. The President asks how the other Vindicators are faring, and Khrushchev confirms that two of them will probably reach Moscow. The President says the planes will drop a total of 80 megatons of bombs on Moscow, which will incinerate the American Ambassador. Khrushchev becomes outraged that the...