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It's late September 1962 in Langley, Virginia.

John McCone, the director of the CIA, steps into a meeting with a group of agency analysts.

McCone's man are dressed conservatively in black suits and ties.

And as he takes a seat, McCone can tell everyone seems to be in a calm and easy mood.

But from McCone, that's a problem.

The situation in Cuba appears to be spiraling into chaos.

McCone was just on his honeymoon, but he spent the entire time reading top secret cables,

painting a picture of a rapid military build-up on Cuban soil.

The news wasn't entirely a surprise.

Ever since President Kennedy took office,

the relationship between the U.S. and Cuba has gone downhill.

Kennedy authorized a mission to remove Fidel Castro from power.

But after the invasion at the Bay of Pigs fell apart,

Castro pivoted and sought an alliance with the Soviet Union.

Ever since then, Cuba has become a proxy battle between the U.S. and the Soviets.

The hostilities have steadily ratcheted up.

And just recently, the CIA discovered the Soviets were sneaking anti-aircraft missiles onto the island.

Kennedy then upped the anti, calling up 150,000 reserve troops.

But apparently, the show of force hasn't had the intended effect.

The cable's McCone read on his honeymoon describe a swarm of new activity in Cuba,

soldiers blocking off roads and highways, convoys of military trucks moving equipment deep into the jungle.

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