A method and system for performing a quantum key distribution process in a quantum cryptographic system (200, 400) is provided. A first endpoint (405a) contributes a first set of random values to a quantum key distribution process. A second endpoint (405b) contributes a second set of random values to the quantum key distribution process. The first and the second endpoints (405a, 405b) derive a key based on at least some of the first set of random values and at least some of the second set of random values. In some implementations, the first endpoint (405a) may send each of the first set of random values using a basis (act 702, act 902) and the second endpoint (405b) may send an indication of received pulses and a basis for each of the received pulses (act 704, act 904).