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Chapter 45 - Cuban Crisis

Cuba has long since been a nation ruled by a Dictator. The U.S. has mostly left it alone not wanting to get involved in the Politics of the small nation. But now Cuba was on the verge of collapse. 

The Government is extremely corrupt and the people are going through a time of depression. The Military was being used against the people forcing many Cubans to flee to closest US State of Florida and parts of Mexico.

The Cuban Government didn't like this and had sent their naval vessels which mainly consisted of Patrol craft to stop these people from fleeing.

The result was the killing of hundreds of Cuban civilians and the number was about to increase to thousands.

This was something that the US could not stand for.

It was the year 2028, May 5th the year of election. President Johnson was on his last term and would soon be out of office before the start of the new year. Elections was to take place in November for a new president.

But now the Senate had gathered together to to discuss the crimes against humanity that the Cuban Government was doing to the people trying to flee.

The US Navy has already been deployed to be a deterrent against the Cuban naval forces. This has resulted in a recent incident where the US navy had to save two cargo vessels which were accused of transporting Cuban Civilians by the Cuban Government.

They opened fire on the ships causing the US Navy to respond by sinking 5 Cuban Patrol Craft before they retreated back to the Cuban mainland.

As a result the US Senate had gotten together to decided what to do with Cuba going forward in the future. President Johnson was in attendance and had voiced the idea of making Cuba a US territory and rebuilding it up as form of humanitarian aid.

Of course this would require the use of the US military which would be beneficial to the Senate who has poured Billions into the Weapons development program to match the Arcadian Empire Military.

They could finally see a return on their investment and test these weapons against the Cuban military. From the start the Senate was never going with the idea of liberating them willingly since it will cost a ton of money just to do it.

But the world was changing and while other countries were constantly expanding their territories the US has not done much to contend with the Major powers.

The First to speak in the Senate was president Johnson, his voice resonating with a sense of urgency and determination. His words echoed through the chamber, reaching every corner and stirring a mix of anticipation and skepticism among the senators.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we find ourselves at a crucial turning point in history," President Johnson began. "The Cuban people are suffering, their lives torn apart by a tyrannical regime. It is our duty as defenders of freedom to act."

A murmur of agreement rumbled through the Senate floor. The senators leaned forward, eager to hear President Johnson's plan.

"Our military has already taken measures to protect innocent lives from the Cuban naval forces," President Johnson continued. "But we cannot stop there. We must show the world that we stand for justice and liberty."

He paused, his eyes scanning the room, locking gazes with each senator present.

"I propose that we not only liberate Cuba but also offer them an opportunity to join our great nation as a territory," President Johnson declared. "By rebuilding Cuba with our

assistance, we can not only bring an end to the suffering of the Cuban people but also strengthen our own position in the world."

The room fell into a silence as the weight of President Johnson's words settled upon the senators. The idea of annexing Cuba was no small matter, and it would undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences.

Senator Rodriguez, a staunch advocate for intervention, rose from his seat. His voice carried a mix of passion and concern.

"President Johnson, while I agree that we must take action to protect the Cuban people, we must consider the implications of annexation," Senator Rodriguez argued. "We have seen the challenges faced when integrating territories into our union, and Cuba's unique history and culture cannot be ignored."

President Johnson nodded, acknowledging Senator Rodriguez's valid point. "You raise a valid concern, Senator," he replied. "However, we cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering in Cuba. We have an opportunity to provide them with stability and freedom, something they have been

deprived of for far too long. Annexation would not only allow us to rebuild Cuba but also give its people a chance at a better future, under the protection and guidance of the United States."

Senator Rodriguez remained unconvinced. "But what about the cost? The resources required to rebuild an entire nation, the potential backlash from other countries... Are we truly prepared for such an endeavor?"

President Johnson stood tall, his voice unwavering. "I understand your concerns, Senator Rodriguez. Rebuilding Cuba will undoubtedly require significant resources and effort. However, the benefits far outweigh the costs. We have a duty to protect innocent lives and spread democracy wherever we can."

The room erupted in a flurry of whispered conversations and heated debates. Senators from both sides of the aisle exchanged arguments, each presenting their own views on the matter.

Amidst the chaos, Senator Campbell rose from his seat, his expression thoughtful yet resolute. As a seasoned diplomat with years of experience, his words held significant

weight among his colleagues.

"President Johnson, I understand the urgency and the moral imperative to help the Cuban people," Senator Campbell began. "But we must also consider the geopolitical consequences of annexation. This move could strain our relationships with other nations, potentially leading to an escalation of tensions and conflicts."

The room fell silent once again, the senators contemplating Senator Campbell's words. President Johnson's gaze shifted towards him, a mix of understanding and determination in his eyes.

"Senator Campbell, your concerns are valid," President Johnson replied. "We must tread carefully and engage in diplomacy to mitigate any potential backlash. Annexation should not be seen as an act of aggression, but rather an opportunity for collaboration and mutual growth."

Senator Rodriguez rose once more, this time with a sense of compromise in his voice. "Perhaps a phased approach would be more prudent," he suggested. "We can begin by providing humanitarian aid to alleviate immediate suffering, while simultaneously engaging in diplomatic efforts to gain international support and establish partnerships for

the long-term reconstruction of Cuba."

President Johnson nodded, appreciating the spirit of compromise. "I believe that is a wise suggestion, Senator Rodriguez," he replied. "We will prioritize humanitarian aid to address the urgent needs of the Cuban people while simultaneously working to garner international support for our efforts."

The room filled with a renewed sense of purpose as senators began discussing strategies and potential alliances to support their phased approach. It became clear that while there were differing opinions on the precise course of action, there was a shared commitment to help and uplift the Cuban people.

Days turned into weeks as President Johnson's administration worked tirelessly to coordinate relief efforts and build diplomatic bridges. Humanitarian aid started pouring into Cuba, bringing hope to the desperate population and signaling the United States' unwavering support.

On the international stage, President Johnson's administration engaged in intensive negotiations with various nations, emphasizing that the annexation of Cuba was not an aggressive move but rather an opportunity for collaboration and stability in the region. Slowly but surely, support began to grow for the United States' efforts, as other countries recognized the dire situation in Cuba and the genuine intentions behind the proposed annexation.

But time was up for President Johnson as the time for Election came. He was a part of the Democratic party and had average approval rating of 65%.

The runner up for the Democratic party was not someone as ambitious as President Johnson nor someone who had grand ideas.

As such the Republic Candidate had won the Election winning most of the Electoral votes. The Republicans were now in office led be by the new ambitious President Henry Oswald.

He wanted the same thing as President Johnson and would use even more risky moves to things done.

It wasn't until March of the 2029 did the US officially send troops into Cuba with approval from the Senate. Now the Cuban Government without any allies was about to fall.