A group among Cuban military forces is conspiring to overthrow Cuba's communist government. They have prepared a rebellion, but the unexpected arrival of Russian troops in the island prompts the conspirators to seek military backing from the United States to avoid a civil war. The leaders of the conspiracy call on the Vatican to be the liaison for the secret contacts between them and the U.S. Government.<br><br>The agreed participation of American military forces complicates when the U.S. intelligence agencies discover a plan, designed by Fidel Castro, to blow up a nuclear reactor operating in the island. Castro's intent is to cause a huge radioactive fallout over the United States territory if an invasion by American troops ever occurs.<br><br>The novel is a tribute to friendship, love, and patriotism, and a reflection on "the man and his circumstances."