Человек в высоком замке

           Stripedpants:representativefromForeignOffice.

           Bitofconfusion.Otherpersonages,discussinginlowtones;headsbowedtogether.

           "Sirs,"theForeignOfficepersonsaidinloud,commandingvoice.Alleyesfixedthenonhim."Asyouknow,theReichskanzlerisnowconfirmedasdead.OfficialstatementfromBerlin.Thismeeting,whichwillnotlastlong–youwillsoonbeabletogobacktoyouroffices—isforpurposesofinformingyouofourevaluationofseveralcontendingfactionsinGermanpoliticallifewhocannowbeexpectedtostepforthandengageinno-holds-barreddisputationforspotevacuatedbyHerrBormann.

           "Briefly,thenotables.Theforemost,HermannGöring.Bearwithfamiliardetails,please.

           "TheFatOne,so-called,duetobody,originallycourageousairaceinFirstWorldWar,foundedGestapoandheldpostinPrussianGovernmentofvastpower.OneofthemostruthlessearlyNazis,yetlatersybariticexcessesgaverisetomisguidingpictureofamiablewine-tipplingdispositionwhichourgovernmenturgesyoutoreject.Thismanalthoughsaidtobeunhealthy,possiblyevenmorbidlysointermsofappetites,resemblesmoretheself-gratifyingancientRomanCaesarswhosepowergrewratherthanabatedasageprogressed.Luridpictureofthispersonintogawithpetlions,owningimmensecastlefilledwithtrophiesandartobjects,isnodoubtaccurate.Freighttrainsofstolenvaluablesmadewaytohisprivateestatesovermilitaryneedsinwartime.Ourevaluation:thismancravesenormouspower,andiscapableofobtainingit.