The debate lasted two hours. Russell Jackson, ever the pragmatist, paced the room. "And if they refuse? We look like we're haggling while they're holding our communications hostage."
The following is a story draft set during the events of , focusing on Elizabeth McCord’s signature blend of high-stakes diplomacy and family chaos. Title: The Arctic Protocol Madam Secretary - Season 4
"Bess, if that’s the end of the world, tell them we’re busy," he mumbled. The debate lasted two hours
"You don't, sir," Elizabeth said, taking her seat. "The Russians didn't cut that cable to start a war. They did it because they want us to acknowledge their new claim on the Lomonosov Ridge. It’s a land grab, not a declaration of hostilities. If we go in guns blazing, we play right into their 'Western aggression' narrative." "So what's the play?" Dalton asked. We look like we're haggling while they're holding
"They won't refuse," Elizabeth said firmly. "Because if they do, I tell the Swedish and Norwegian ministers exactly what’s on that cable they cut—information that makes the Kremlin look very, very bad to their own allies."