Welcome Comrade, no need to recite information about yourself and your task. I prefer to get man known trough the conversation. Now, where were we left already? - Fidel Castro looked at newly appointed head of Soviet agricultural adviser team to Cuba, another one in endless row of appointed and decommissioned chiefs. Of course Soviets didn't look nicely on constant Cuban complaints considering high-ranking Soviet economic advisers, but Cuba was country of special importance for Moscow and some allied wishes just had to be granted. Yes, Cuban agricultural production was booming and export of farmed goods to Soviet sphere and socialist-friendly Non-Alligned bloc was more than impressive, but things could still be better. After all, Soviet friends in Havana also wanted to contribute to economic race with capitalist West. We can't be blamed if we want most professional approach to that, right? This way, Soviets should one day stop sending their second-grade ''specialists'' in form of retired sovkhoz directors and even all kinds of disposed military, political and security officials, exported for political and various personal reasons. Unfortunately, there were not many high quality cadres among them. There were no problems with teams on terrain who were well integrated with local workforce, but without good high-ranking officials for coordination with Cuban authorities, more ambitious strategies couldn't be enforced.
Soviet adviser tried to give away a combination of modest image and impression of professionalism not to receive Castro's distrust at the very start already. His superiors were impressed by his work in Stavropol Agricultural Kraikom and altough many of them predicted bright future in politics for him, the Party elders, enraged by constant Cuban rejection of their cadres, grabbed the first ambitious and capable official in their sight and hurled it overseas all the way to Red island fortress of Cuba. His mission had higher expectations than ones of his predecessors, so he had to do everything not to fail. Moreover, traps were waiting not only in Moscow, but also here in Cuba. His thoughts were soon interrupted by voice of Presidente. Soviet official listened carefully. He had to go trough rapid course of Spanish language before his departure, but that was not a guarantee for total understanding. Trough the ever-increasing smoke from President's cigar, more words came. However, their tone has changed to something diffrent: Slightly more humorous maybe? - Comrade, first thing you should know, be careful with your steps. You probably know that the last man in your new office stepped on a banana and broke his leg, right?
Was this a threat? Or very bad sense of humour? How should he respond to that? He took a leap of faith and repelled the thrown banana peel with his shield of humour. - No need to worry, I will watch my step, President. After all, you have created real people's paradise here and it's no wonder that tropical fruits lie just everywhere, so man needs to be very careful not to step on some rolling pineapple or papaya. Castro's eyes narrowed, one of guards in background put his hand on gun holster and brand new (and maybe already former) Soviet adviser waited for reaction. Castro leant back, put his cigar to ancient iron ashtray and suddenly a big grin appearead on his bearded face. - Comrade Mikhail Sergeyevich, I like you already! Welcome to Cuba!
Soviet adviser tried to give away a combination of modest image and impression of professionalism not to receive Castro's distrust at the very start already. His superiors were impressed by his work in Stavropol Agricultural Kraikom and altough many of them predicted bright future in politics for him, the Party elders, enraged by constant Cuban rejection of their cadres, grabbed the first ambitious and capable official in their sight and hurled it overseas all the way to Red island fortress of Cuba. His mission had higher expectations than ones of his predecessors, so he had to do everything not to fail. Moreover, traps were waiting not only in Moscow, but also here in Cuba. His thoughts were soon interrupted by voice of Presidente. Soviet official listened carefully. He had to go trough rapid course of Spanish language before his departure, but that was not a guarantee for total understanding. Trough the ever-increasing smoke from President's cigar, more words came. However, their tone has changed to something diffrent: Slightly more humorous maybe? - Comrade, first thing you should know, be careful with your steps. You probably know that the last man in your new office stepped on a banana and broke his leg, right?
Was this a threat? Or very bad sense of humour? How should he respond to that? He took a leap of faith and repelled the thrown banana peel with his shield of humour. - No need to worry, I will watch my step, President. After all, you have created real people's paradise here and it's no wonder that tropical fruits lie just everywhere, so man needs to be very careful not to step on some rolling pineapple or papaya. Castro's eyes narrowed, one of guards in background put his hand on gun holster and brand new (and maybe already former) Soviet adviser waited for reaction. Castro leant back, put his cigar to ancient iron ashtray and suddenly a big grin appearead on his bearded face. - Comrade Mikhail Sergeyevich, I like you already! Welcome to Cuba!
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