For Whom The Bell Tolls, Death of the Revolution

[Cuba (Montaigne)]

Eighty-six had fast approached the once majestic revolutionary-turned decrepit old fart. Oh how the time had flown in the fast-paced life of Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz. From university at Havana, to fighting on the front lines in Santiago, he had seen it all. The man was a trademark for fine cigars and beards everywhere. Hell, he was practically a poster child for some of the "finer" things in life. This was what Castro woke up to every morning, a scraggly, grey beard, Nike jumpsuit, and a reputation that none other than José Martí could surpass. What a shame it was all coming to a steady end in the most wicked form of dementia, soiled trousers, and liver-spots.

The elderly man creaked his way to the grand closet, notoriously filled with various outfits the dictator was famous for. In it one could find various olive-green military uniforms, Cuban colored tracksuits, and an array of hipster glasses. For Castro these were all artifacts of nostalgia. A revolutionary uniform sported by Guevara during the Revolution sat behind cased glass, perfectly pressed for preservation of the dear friends memory. The thought of sending these items to the Museum of the Revolution had crossed his mind a few times, but Castro had never taken any serious consideration to heart.

Venturing toward his plush throne of a bed, a depressed feeling plagued Castro's mind. It had existed all day in the back of his memory, often disrupting his train of thought. Nothing, not even a few swishes of aged liquor could drain the dreary feeling from his troubled mind.

Maybe some sleep would be soothing for my soul he thought to himself just prior to shutting off the fluorescent lights in his closet of memories. Peeling back the 700-thread count sheets Castro sat comfortably in his silk pajamas when a strange thought crossed his concious. Without hesitation the revolutionary opened up the teak bedside table, revealing a single Cohiba and set of matches. Lighting the thick cigar Castro puckered his lips a few times, exhuming smoke from the dry orphas of his upper body. It had been too many years since he had induldged in the delight of a good cigar, tonight must have been a special, yet ominous occasion for the most famous tobacco-quitter of all time.

Little was he aware this would be his last inhilation of the firestick that made him so legendary.

As the minutes progressed past midnight, and the cigar had run out on its last fumes, Castro breathed a sigh of relief. Although he couldn't pinpoint just why, Fidel felt undying relief in the waining seconds of conciousness. Drifting into a state of sleep the last thing that crossed his thought process were memories of the country setting of his upbringing, deep friendships with fellow revolutionaries, the trademark giggle of his long lost love Mirta, and all the years he ruled with an iron fist. The beautiful characters illuminated his imagination as they turned first into dreams, following with a shroud of darkness, and then nothing.

With that, the longest-serving modern day head of state had passed on, his soul drifting off into the cosmos of our Universe, never to return as Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz. By daybreak the eighty-six year old body had turned pale, the irrefutable shade of death. What was to progress would be forever life-changing in the history of Cuba, as a new chapter would soon begin in the Republic, just as this one had closed.

[Cuba (Montaigne)]

The clamor of rubber flew through the air without hesitation, sending a small quadrant of protestors into a state of retreat. The line that had been previously drawn was rapidly receeding, with new members filling the void. Rocks began to fly forward, clanking with the sleek armor of the Black Wasp servicemen, tasked with disrupting protests such as these.

It had been the third straight day that Havana was in chaos. Originally only a select few dared to venture into the streets, however with time word had spread, and balls had been grown. What started with a few hundred now ventured into the number of 150,000+. Numerous underground organizations had ventured out to make their voices heard, the common cry for democracy was what echoed throughout the streets that day. Black batons, rubber bullets, and rioting had been the response, courtesy of the good 'ol Boys in Black.

"Get back, or we will fire upon you" was what one could hear throughout the acoustically-friendly low rise buildings of Havana. If only they had listened, Cuba wouldn't be down 300+ citizens, now laying bloodied and deceased, littered on the streets like common roadkill.

Nobody had heard from Raul Castro, not even top military and interior officials, save for the infamous seventy-five year old National Assembly President, Ricardo Alarcón de Quesada. Alarcón had been serving as the decision maker for the government over the course of the last three weeks. What was already a trembling regime was now on the brink of collapse, just a swift moves away from total destruction. Despite the pessimism/optimism (depending on who you asked) of not only citizens, but central authority as well, dear old Ricardo was determined to retain the power he had for so long desired.

As a result of this thirst, the aging elder had sent numerous elements of the decrepit Revolutionary Armed Forces to quell what were now called "uprisings". The Cuban-American community had been all too enthusiastic with what they called the "day of reckoning" for the Communist regime, as had the majority of the world for that matter. Cuba was a shell of its former self, and Socialism had failed the people. This was a fact realized by the more insightful of the Castro regime, and as such many were preparing their plane tickets, or automatic rifles for what was to come.

No matter what anybody said, the final blow would come only if Raul Castro could no longer govern, and had in fact passed on to the next world after this. Being the final symbol of the long-ago revolution, Raul's face could be just the moral necessary to carry out the orders of the government, or to dismantle it all together. For now, citizens and central officials alike awaited in eager anticipation...

[Cuba (Montaigne)]

His stiff body rattled back and forth in the teak coffin as the 4x4 struggled its way through the grimey roads of the Granma Province. It had been a rainy, humid day, which now proceeded to run deep into the night. Only the highest of the high in the vast network of Cuban bureaucracy knew of the demise of Raul Castro; and it was in their best interest to keep it that way.

Should the thousands of protestors discover the death of their once revered revolutionary leader, all justification of socialist-rule would cease to exist. The final chapter in the 26th of July Movement had just concluded, and what was to come remained a cold mystery to all within Cuba. The bureaucrats had been steadily preparing their sudden departures from the republic, much like those of their Batista predecessors so long ago. It was a death wish to remain in Cuba after your regime had been deposed, just ask any capitalistic lackey of the 1950s...

As they arrived in the makeshift cooling facility, the corporal in charge halted the tiny convoy just ahead of their destination. Something did not appear right, the vibes just weren't what they should have been. Each of the fourteen soldiers in the convoy could feel a similar eerie feeling, that of the unknown. It was as if a goliath black hole had taken form just ahead, and they were unsure as to its intentions, friendly, or nay?

Marcello, Yonic, take point, clear the facility before we proceed, something feels off the Corporal ordered the two Mulatto soldiers armed to the teeth with aging Soviet arms.

The duo slowly approached the building in front of them, clearing the surrounding territory before readying themselves to breach the front. Even though it was a standard procedure for the Revolutionary Armed Forces, the men felt it necessary to put all the more effort into their clearing, a serious effort was a rare sight in the armed forces in this day and age indeed.

Proceeding to enter the small facility, the drop of a pin alerted the unfortunate mulatto's, but it was too late. Out of the blue, an incendiary explosion shot out, engulfing the duo in a sea of flames. Despite their best efforts to extinguish their bodies, all was in vain, and within seconds they were burn't to a crisp. Just as suddenly, shots began to clang from all directions, piercing the bodies of the poorly armored convoy, splattering a new red paintjob on the sides of the convoy.

Just as soon as it had began, the one-sided firefight had ended. Seconds prior, fourteen poor souls possessed the beauty of life, only to have it stripped from them over a now limp, decrepit body. The masked gunmen exited their covers, AKMs in hand, and ensured their aim had in fact been true. When it was determined that they had succeeded in the successive murders, leader Jose Carillo exposed himself from the brush, ordering a small group to open the back of the bullet-riddled truck. A swift crowbar cracked the top off the coffin to expose the whitened body of the deceased Castro brother.

Ah yes, the revolution has taken its dying breath indeed. Ignacio, ready the camera; we have our work cut out for us...

[Cuba (Montaigne)]

Images had sprung up all over the nation, showing the lifeless, grey corpse of Raul Castro. The nameless organization that had conducted the strike against Castro's convoy achieved a victory beyond the measurement of tremendous. The propaganda the rebellious ogranization's already possessed against the elderly regime was enough to cripple it into submission. All they needed were a few stealthy blows to the still-kicking Ricardo Alarcón de Quesada and 31-member Council of Ministers. Opposition groups already bought off eleven of the Ministers, and was determined to coerce the remaining twenty one way or another.

As protests raged on, leadership of the most populace dissent organization, the Martí Freedom Union (named after the Cuban hero of independence) had taken hold. The "democratically" elected chairman of the MFU was Fernando de Asanto, who had slowly become a figurehead of the entire movement to dismantle the revolution. A professor of political theory at Havana University, de Asanto had been inspired by enlightenment thinkers to lead a clandestine organization for years now. With the death of the Castro brothers, lack of cohesiveness in the armed forces, and a crippled economy, the MFU took the reigns and kicked off the first national protests. Now numbering over 110,000 members, including a 2,400 man militant wing, they were poised to organize and legitimize a democratic Cuba in due time.

I officially elect myself to lead the Revolution against reactionary forces that so wish to destroy our way of life. began Ricardo Alarcon, Anybody who wishes to deny me this right, please make your case known. he stated with authority, in front of the Council of Ministers.

Almost like wildfire nine ministers rose in objection, the other two who were in cahoots with the dissenters chose to stay seated. Roberto T. Díaz Sotolongo, minister of Justice was the first to speak, I do not believe it is in the best interest of the Revolution to decide with such haste as to who we shall select to lead us through these troubled times.

President of the Radio and Television Institute, Ernesto Domínguez nodded in agreement. Shouldn't the Council elect who shall take Raul's place? We must understand that the situation in Cuba is alarmingly delicate, and a false selection could trigger the downfall of the Revolution.

Voices of dissent arose among a number of Ministers, prompting Alarcon to slam the gavel onto his podium, silencing the bickering, elderly men. Need I remind you who played a crucial part in selecting you as ministers to serve Cuba? I believe I am the most qualified to lead and crush this uprising, and as a result, I shall appoint myself to the position.

Uproar circulated throughout the meeting hall, causing an uneasy feeling among the guards surrounding the council. Though they were loyal to Alarcon in some respect, the detatchment was officially commanded by Executive Secretary Guerra. Should a disagreement grow out of hand, jurisdiction over the soldiers would surely cause a permanent tear in the leadership of the Council. This was a fact known by every man in the room, causing Alarcon to promptly dismiss the meeting, setting aside the succession issue for the succeeding day.

If Alarcon could not enforce a unanimous decision to appoint him as President, his leadership would be discredited completely, and the Council might swing in the direction of the now popular dissent. He had to act fast, and he knew it, however what was to come would shock not only the Cuba civilly, but politically as well...

[Cuba (Montaigne)]

The streets were alive with the blaze of red and orange flames. The excruciating heat engulfed entire buildings throughout southern-Havana. For three days now riots had been escalating between the influential MFU and the 28th Infantry Division. Armed components of the MFU had bombed several government-run facilities, crippling the already jumbled government.

Ricardo Alarcon had been on the phone all throughout the morning of December 15th, in a desperate attempt to grab ahold of the situation. There were confirmed reports of defections among the 2nd Army Corps, Central and Eastern Armies as well. With his grip on power slowly slipping, Alarcon knew he couldn't hesitate to use lethal force any longer. The Council of Ministers weren't cooperating, so they had to be shut down.

I formally declare the Council of Ministers of Cuba to be temporarily dissolved until further notice. As per Constitutional Authority, Section 23, I, Ricardo Alarcon place the power of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces in my hands until a state of peace can be declared. This was the message that played throughout Cuba on television, radio, and printed press. For now, Alarcon could consolidate enough loyalists to dismantle the MFU and other dissenting organizations.

Havana, Cuba
December 17th, 2012
09:25 PM

Armored units were in the process of rounding up dissent leaders throughout the capital city. Those that wouldn't come peacefully were shot dead, only to be burried in a mass grave set outside the Library of the Revolution. Lt. Colonel Rafael Rivera commanded the 33rd Armored Regiment within Havana. Known and respected for his fierce tactics, Rivera had crushed opposition groups for ten years under the Castro brothers. Facing militant organizations was a first however for the middle-aged Colonel, finally a worthy opponent to present itself.

Rivera's components did not expect the violent opposition they encountered, and as heavily armed as they were it was quickly discovered they possessed the lower hand. The neighborhoods of Havana, comprising mostly of middle and working class civilians all pledged allegiance toward the MFU militants. As such, the militants were housed, clothed, and fed properly by the locals. Attempts to infiltrate the neighbor hood organizations had failed for the most part, as the militants were taking pages out of the 26th of July's own tactics of sixty years prior.

Urban-guerilla techniques were the favorite of the MFU, as they constantly terrorized government and military officials, robbed garrisons of their arms, and paid the respect to workers that the state no longer gave. The skillful oratory abilities by Professor de Asanto, paired with the lack or orators in the regime also paid the MFU an upper hand, much to the shegrin of the Socialist regime.

Citizens of the Fatherland! We have been lied to by this regime, they do not have interest in your well being. No, instead they exploit the very people they claim to fight for, the worker of Cuba. Why must the wealthy party elites control the fate of our shattering nation? We were once great, and we can gain the prestige Cuba once possessed. However, Socialism is not the answer. Socialism was a powerful and crucial gateway toward development of our nation, however it has come time for a free-market to take hold. Unite, people of Cuba! Industrial workers, nurses, soldiers, farmers, politicians, all are welcome to join the ranks of the Martí Freedom Union. The MFU does not exclude anybody from our ranks, as we shall pursue true representation of the people of Cuba, and form a true democratic republic! Viva Cuba!

The speech had been replayed over and over by liberated radio stations within Havana, and pamplets of de Asanto sayings were popping up throughout urban centers. The death of the revolution was fast growing, and despite the intimidation campaigns by the Communists, their forces were unorganized and poorly armed. Conversely, the MFU and allied opposition organizations were increasing in organization, manpower, and armorments, growing to the point that it could overpower the most centralized establishment in Cuba, the executive branch of the Revolutionary Armed Forces.

When New Years was to come, the MFU had major plans in store for the Republic of Cuba. Much like the revolutionary victory of 1959, the very essence of Cuba would be rocked to its core, as fifty years of Communist rule would soon come to an end; and a new era of the Republic would begin...

[Cuba (Montaigne)]

Thirteen military garrisons had been liberated by the MFU as New Years Eve descended upon Cuba. Over the course of the final month of 2012, 4,600 estimated Revolutionary Armed Forces members had fled the sinking ship that was the socialist regime, and joined in the fight for freedom of Cuba. General Manuel Yamillo, a former officer of the Cuban campaign in Angola and Ethiopia led the Cuban Liberation Army (the militant branch of the MFU) toward a series of victorious campaigns.

In the Sierra Maestra, once the home of the July 26th Movement's rebeldes, the CLA had declared the "Free Zone", and established a provisional capital in Niquero. Air defense systems had been transported from the Cape Cruz Air-Defense Academy to ensure the continued safety of the administrative zone. The zone was administered by the Southern Council, led by Fernando de Asanto. De Asanto had been busy travelling the frontlines of the battlefield that was Cuba, delivering speeches and inspiration to the dissenting militants.

In six months we shall hold democratic elections, this I am sure of, the popular revolutionary leader told his comrades in arms, And I will be placing my ticket in the race as well, which will be overseen by a Transitional Junta, and any outside force that so wishes. Such confident oratory had drastically raised the morale for the MFU, while Alarcon was rapidly loosing grip of his central regime.

Havana, Cuba
January 3rd, 2013
10:25 AM

I assure the loyal citizens of Cuba that we are encountering what is merely a speedbump of the revolution. Alarcon began, raising his arm as per applause of ten-thousand loyalists below Revolutionary Square. I know this is to be true, and we cannot stop now. The revolution has yet to triumph over the outside forces of repression and Neo-Imperialism. We still see our third world brothers and sisters trapped between the barbed walls of Western capital. Cuba must not fall to the reactionary forces that terrorize our legal regime. There have been countless bombings of government and civilian facilities, causing the death of over 2,000 innocent Cubans. Is this a force that we wish to concede this great nation over to? No! While regions may fall, Havana will stand strong in the face of aggression! We will fight to the last man, woman and child! Fellow citizens of Havana, rise in arms with me as we preserve the Revolution over 5,000 died to install. Viva Libre! Viva Cuba!

The crowd below could not contain its excitement, despite the comparitively small numbers of support, the Socialist central authority maintained strictly patriotic influences over Havana. As the rest of the nation proceeded to fall to MFU forces, Havana existed in a state of enthusiastic support for Alarcon, an issue de Asanto would need to address in due time.

With the third hour of Alarcon's speech drawing to a close, thirty men and women proceeded to venture their way toward the front of the enthusiastic crowd. Submachine guns were compactly stored in their clothing as they awaited Ricardo Alarcon to make his way down the podium to soak up his ego in the undying support of the masses. The plan was simple, the contingent of thirty, hand selected for this operation, would rely on fellow agents to detonate small explosive projectiles into the air, while in the commotion they snatched Alarcon from his easily corruptable security service. It had to be conducted in a matter of ten seconds, and not a moment longer. As the aging Marxist exited his podium for the ground of the masses, the MFU agents readied themselves for the operation, as it would have to be done with military precision. It was all or nothing for them, as this could be the final nail in the coffin for the already bloody revolution of dissent. Standing ready, palms sweaty, suddenly three explosions shot into the air in a triangle of chaos, now was their time to act, Boom, Boom, Boom! The shots rang out...

[Cuba (Montaigne)]

In the deafening chaos that ensued, the group of "liberators", as they liked to call themselves snatched Alarcon with precision. Loading him into a sturdy 50s-era van, they sped away with haste, dealing a few cheap shots with the butts of their guns against the despised man. The ride was bumpy for the old man, and his counterparts were anxious to arrive to their safe house, where they would be fed further orders by the MFUs "governing" council.

An emergency tribunal was called by de Asanto and Gen. Yamillo. The two held the highest positions within the ever-expanding organization, and as such they would oversee the "trial" or Alarcon. Audio from the trial was to be played over liberated radio and television stations in two-thirds of the nation, as chants of execution sprung like wildfire from living rooms across the nation.

Niquero, Cuba
February 25th, 2013
09:42 AM

At the Provincial Administration Center, the seat of the MFU transitional government, the trial had begun. Over the course of a month and a half a series of air-strikes had been attempted to loosen the MFU's grip on the Maestra region. Niquero had been struck several times, in preparation to liberate Alarcon from his captors, to no avail.

Thanks to a progressively expanding propaganda campaign, rapid funds from Cuban exiles, and numerous 'shady' outside sources, the MFU had grown into the dominant power in Cuba. The Communist government held little sway over the citizens of Cuba. In final fits of desperation, loyal units of the army and air-force had participated in terror raids against villages and townships throughout the countryside. Hundreds had been massacred, with all their property seized and ransacked. Mass rapes were being reported, and many hospitals functioning under the MFU were treating all sorts of sexual assault cases.

After Alarcon offered his pleading case to the Judicial and Executive councils of the provincial administration, they met quickly and decided the de facto Socialist leader was guilty of war crimes against the Cuban people. There were two-hundred thirteen cases of first-degree murder confirmed against Alarcon, giving him the death penalty upon complete liberation of the nation. For the time being Alarcon was to be placed in the Revolutionary Executive Holding Center, which contained numerous government and military officials that had been tried and convicted for war crimes.

With the majority of high-level officials imprisoned or killed, what remained now was for the MFU to liberate Havana, hunt down the rogue death squads in the countryside, and finally to establish a transitional constitution. Re-organization of the armed forces and government, followed by the establishment of legal political parties, and an election slated for mid 2014 were all in order to succeed initial plans. In due time, Cuba would be liberated, and true political and social freedom could be implemented for one and all.

[Cuba (Montaigne)]

¡Viva la Libertad!, ¡Viva la Libertad!, ¡Viva la Libertad!, everywhere the cries were heard. The municipality of Havana was the last area in all of Cuba to be liberated by the Marti Freedom Union. The majority of the death squads had been pacified, namely in Oriente, and for weeks MFU leadership had been preparing for the final "putsch" in their sudden and short lived war.

Intelligence had found that there were two companys in southern Havana, one protecting the west corridor, with the other in the east. An estimated 450 loyalists were enforcing the corridors, with an additional hundred or so scattered throughout the city. To avoid civilian casualties, the CLA would order air strikes against the outskirts, weakening the defensive lines, followed by a series of armored strikes. With the recent seizure of Aeropuerto José Martí, the MFU had been coordinating air-strikes, as well as humanitarian transports where necessary with ease. In addition to militant maneuvers, the MFU/CLA had been assisting in the evacuation of foreigners and asylum seekers throughout Cuba. In what was the most successful propaganda campaign to date, Fernando de Asanto had managed to shed himself in a positive light among many foreigners. Certainly this was the key to winning the revolution, considering he had support from peasants, workers, and defectors alike, all that was left previously had been foreign support.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________

"Citizens of this great nation, in the words of our unofficial saint and revolutionary in Cuba, Jose Marti, 'Happiness exists on earth, and it is won through prudent exercise of reason, knowledge of the harmony of the universe, and constant practice of generosity.'

I believe that we have exercised the fundamental powers of reason and generosity by way of the Second Great Revolution. We have fulfilled Marti's promises of true liberation from greed, economic repression, and achieved a state of basic freedom to every Cuban. The old regime had freed us from the clutches of Batista, however they overstayed their welcome. In the years following the initially successful Revolution of 1959 came terrorism against the very people the July 26th Movement were supposed to protect. Citizens were executed and kicked out en masse for holding oppositional beliefs. Practicing the 'art' of repression, the Castro regime held every citizen in Cuba with an iron grip, refusing to let up despite popular demand.

It was up to us to liberate Cuba, to free it from the reins of a failed political ideology. Cuba has become a shell of itself. A once great nation full of opportunity, it has evolved, or rather devolved from a corrupt coercing dictatorship of Fuglencio Batista, to a Communist wasteland of the Castro dynasty. Now I tell you, all eleven-million of you, that you are on the cusp of true freedom. What lies between the dream of political and social liberty and now is one simple point. Havana. The last bastion of the Castro-era dictatorship, where a select thousand loyalists believe they can hold out indefinately against the power of eleven million! We must prove to them otherwise! Show them that their arrogance cripples them and noone else! Forward march, for Marti, for Freedom, for Cuba!"

Thunderous applause was followed by a courteous and humble bow on part of de Asanto. It was but one of his first true speeches to the people, outlining the direction they were headed. Programs unlike the Cuban people had ever seen were being promised. Elections, with true free political choice for the first time in nearly sixty-five years. A return to capitalist belief, minus the bullying by foreign powers. It was almost too good to be true, and the idea of a free press, open politics and economic opportunity caused hundreds of thousands, if not millions to rise up and call for the surrender of Havana. As July closed in, and the loyalist garrisons' resources were critically dry, victory for the Marti Freedom Union and its allies looked definite. One last push, and the dream so many had longed for would become a reality in Cuba.

[Cuba (Montaigne)]

Commandante Garcia Hernandez was the de facto commander of the loyalist garrisons remaining in Havana. Morale was at the point that mass desertions were just the snap of a finger away. In order to boost the morale, Com. Hernandez had attempted to conduct a series of rallies among troops, however for the most part it was in vain. There were talks among younger officers of surrendering to the MFU and CLA forces, reaching a cease-fire before any more blood was to be shed. As the days past, and the food began to wane, this opposition grew increasingly common.

At approximately 01:14 AM on June 16th, 2013 the airstrikes began. Bombardments struck with relative accuracy, pounding garrisons with the finest Soviet firepower one could hope for. For three hours straight, the roar of jets swooped over Havana like banshees, reining hell among the remaining loyalist forces. Despite their best efforts, anti-aircraft batteries were unable to quell the airstrikes, which over the latter hour had grown increasingly accurate and deadly.

By 07:30 AM Commandante Hernandez was alerted that an estimated 88 of his men were killed by the air-strikes of early morning. Even more alarming, there were reports of fourty deserters in south-western Havana, with an unknown number in the eastern corridor. At this point everybody knew who had won the battle, and ultimately the war. However, Hernandez had a steel resolve, which forbade him from admitting defeat. It was a most unhonorable thing to go out without a fight, and he had mustered the bravest, most reckless of his men to lead a futile offensive-minded charge against the outlying Liberation Army forces. In a last ditch suicidal attempt, the Communists charged out of Havana city limits, toward the surrounding countryside.

Viva la Revolucion! the desperate Marxists cried out, charging with their SKS carbines and symbolic Red/Black July 26th banners on the olive green BDUs. The large contingent of CLA men were let on to the putsch, and awaited their much anticipated rivals. The first few shots from the CLA hit their mark, spot on. Shot after shot penetrated the ballsy loyalists, and soon the road was quickly being immersed by the bloodied bodies of the enemy. It was an almost romantic sight; dirty Communists fighting in a last ditch attempt for a cause they so ardently adhered to. As soon as they had begun, the shots became wholly uncommon as the last loyalists laid down their arms and finally surrendered their lost cause, including the formerly enthusiastic Commandante. Despite the remainder of a small number of loyalist splinter cells throughout Havana and Cuba as a whole, the MFU and CLA could now officially declare victory. The reign of totalitarian Communism had come to an end, and the new Revolutionary transitional government were readying themselves for transportation to Havana. The CLA would retain their headquarters in Santiago, while de Asanto and his ministers would set up shop in Havana, escorted by their personal militia. At last the old chapter could finally be put to a close, and a new one begin. For Cuba this was the beginning of an age of hopeful prosperity, innovation, and renovation. It wouldn't be easy, but they could surely push through..

(this isn't the end of this thread of course. I still have the quelling of roving 'gangs', the civilizing of Havana/Santiago, organization of the govt/CLA, dealings with the CIA, and establishment of an election. Stick around!)