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[i][b]February 25th, 1950[/b][/i]

It had been six days of fighting, six entire days of non stop combat between Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Batista Loyalists. The mountain range south of Santa Clara provided excellent cover for covert ops, ironically concealing the Cuban revolutionaries in their early days. Now entire forts have been erected against the Revolutionary Army, using the same raiding techniques to stockpile weapons and armaments. The tip had came in early February, a large loyalist fort had been established in the mountain ranges. With the assumption that these rebels were being supported by American operatives, a large force of 1,200 men was sent to liberate the stronghold. What started out as a painful trek through guerrilla infested territory ended up in a final, desperate stand by the supporters of the old regime. 

It was Commandante Fernández' order to start shelling the fort indiscriminately, the array of guns trailing six days behind the army's main force through the mountain ranges. As the Cuban's heavy howitzers began to open up on the encampment, civilians and soldiers alike began to flood from the main gate. Some of the CRA soldiers were mortified as they saw civilian barracks blown up, their night time inhabitants burnt to a crisp in the resulting inferno. Under Fernandez' orders, each and every resident, barring the women and children were to be processed as enemies of the State. The children were released into orphanage custody. 

As correspondence came back from Fidel, he held mixed emotions. Although this would send a clear message, it also categorized Cuban forces as brutal and uncaring. He did not want the good citizens to fear the army, rather to trust it in the fact that it will keep it safe. Two more letters sat open on his desk, both of which brought him promising news. In the current events, including American pressure, good news was rather common. His newly found trading partners of Canada, East Germany, and other like-minded nations would be enough to sustain them, though their trade was still sliding to a painful recessive state. 

The first letter, an unnofficial letter from Brazilian revolutionaries made him grin. In the bowels of a nation that was progressively sucking the Imperialist's tit was a simmering revolution, not much different from the fight that the Cuban people had fought not long ago. The messenger, Jose, that the letter had came with seemed haggard from the long journey, finding the evasion of American vessels to be much more dangerous. Castro had put him up in one of the guest rooms of his own home, showing him the luxuries of a foreign diplomat. 

Beginning a new letter on his stationary, Fidel Castro began drafting an official document to one "Luis Prestes".

[quote]Luis Prestes,

It heartens me to see the simmering of revolution in your home country, much in the same way that the Cuban people had freed themselves from the American puppeteers. As with every revolution, it requires roots and a dedicated people, both of which I am confident that you are. Although officially supporting your cause is not possible at this time, I will be sending two dozen of my revolutionaries to Brazil to meet with your people. Lead by Teniente Carlos Barretto, these men will work to assist your cause in both training and recruitment techniques. They have been with me since day one, and will meet with you with assistance from your courier. Additionally, firearms and rations will be supplied to help you in the short term. I look forward to hearing news of your glorious revolution in the coming years, and wish you the best of luck in your endeavors. As our situation becomes less stressful, I will seek to send you more support. 

Respectfully,
Fidel Castro [/quote]

After this, he was delighted to read the correspondence from East Berlin, the speed of their interactions impressing him. After folding up his previous letter, he began on the second one.

[quote]
To Wilhelm Pieck,

Your offer is not only generous, but it brings joy to myself and the people of Cuba. With the American embargo on our goods, our primary industries are being tested and are failing with our lack of trade. With this letter, I will be sending dignitaries to your nation to solidify contracts and promptly begin trade. I would be pleased to see you send dignitaries in return, allowing us to have increased correspondence abilities and a visible presence in each other's nations. As to the shipments of arms, we accept them with open arms. I fear that an attempt by the American government to overthrow the Republic is imminent, and the shipments of arms will assist us in preparing for it. We are actively training soldiers, and our lack of firearms has our newest recruits put into service without weaponry. 

Additionally, our nation's small repertoire of armored vehicles, primarily tanks, is in a state of disrepair following our battles. We would be willing to organize a purchase of any armored units that can be provided by yourself or the Soviet Union. If we are to defend ourselves from capitalist aggression, we must modernize our primarily ground based forces.

Respectfully,
Fidel Castro[/quote]