It is an interesting fact that one of the first television transmissions from Earth any extra-terrestrial being who happens to be listening will receive will be that of Adolph Hitler presiding over the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin.

1936, Berlin. Trumpets sound. Banners unfurl. A small man with a moustache steps into view. He salutes the crowd. A tremendous cheer rocks the stadium. Clearly this is a great man, loved by the people. A weak signal escapes the atmosphere of the Earth.

1998, a deep space tracking station. Huge disks eternally point to the stars. They patiently await a signal, any signal, that will prove the existence of intelligent life on another world. A weak signal is received. Amplified, it reveals an alien sporting event.

1998, a hilltop near Berlin. An unmarked grave. The wind blows. The sky is dark. A strange malevolence haunts this place.

1998, the deep space tracking station. A call goes forth. The VIPs arrive for an exclusive screening. It is greeted with ecstatic verification. Gifts of friendship will be sent to these people. Surprise gifts. But what should be sent?

1998, the hilltop. The unmarked grave. Lightning. Thunder. Lightning. A fierce storm lashes the countryside. Thunder.

1998, the deep space tracking station. The television signal is carefully reviewed. A gift is chosen. Relations between the worlds will begin well. This favoured leader will be resurrected. He seems such a popular guy. Yes, they will resurrect this Adolph Hitler.

1998, the hilltop near Berlin. A young man turns his face towards the city. Lightning. In the flash his face is revealed. Moustache. Hair slicked carefully across the forehead. Eyes. Deep eyes. He gives a mirthless laugh and turns to the city.

Copyright © 1998, Tom Massey
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